Midnight came slow.

I slipped out—bare feet on cool grass, moonlight silver on the lake. The dock stretched dark and empty. Waves lapped soft against the pilings. Crickets hummed. I told myself I just needed air.

Ryan was waiting.

He leaned against the boat railing—shirt off, jeans low, moonlight carving shadows over his abs. “Couldn’t sleep either, huh?” he said, voice quiet but carrying over the water.

I should’ve turned back.

Instead I walked out—boards creaking under me—heart slamming.

He stepped closer. Smelled like bonfire smoke and salt. “Come see the new fishing gear,” he said—lame excuse, we both knew it. But I followed him onto the boat. It rocked...