Chapter 1: Sparks at the Reunion
The old beach house hadn’t changed a bit in ten years—still that same weathered wood, the salty tang of the ocean clinging to every surface, and the creaky porch swing where secrets were once whispered under the cover of night. Tonight, though, the air buzzed with something more than nostalgia. Five old friends, reunited for a weekend escape, sat around a flickering bonfire, the amber glow casting shadows on their faces. Among them, Mia—sharp-tongued, confident, and never one to back down—locked eyes with Jace, the brooding artist who’d always had a way of getting under her skin.
‘So, Jace,’ Mia drawled, her voice dripping with playful challenge as she leaned back in her chair, a glass of red wine dangling from her fingers. ‘Still painting naked muses, or have you finally grown out of that phase?’
Jace smirked, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. ‘Only if they’re worth the canvas, Mia. You volunteering? I’d hate to waste good paint on just anyone.’
The group erupted in laughter, but Mia didn’t flinch. She crossed her legs, the hem of her sundress riding up just enough to catch his gaze. ‘Oh, honey, you couldn’t handle the masterpiece you’d get with me. I’d ruin you for every other subject.’
‘Big talk,’ Jace shot back, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, his voice lowering to a dangerous purr. ‘Care to prove it? I’ve got a sketchbook upstairs and plenty of time to test that theory.’
The tension crackled hotter than the fire between them. The others—Lila, Sam, and Tara—exchanged knowing glances, but Mia wasn’t about to let Jace have the last word. She stood, her curves silhouetted against the flames, and tossed her hair over her shoulder. ‘Lead the way, Picasso. Let’s see if your hands are as clever as your mouth.’
They climbed the rickety stairs to the attic room, the distant crash of waves mingling with the thrum of anticipation. The space was cluttered with old easels and half-finished canvases, the air thick with the scent of turpentine and something primal. Mia turned to face him, her smirk unwavering. ‘Well? Don’t tell me you’re all talk now.’
Jace stepped closer, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, ‘I’m about to show you just how hard I can work for inspiration.’ His hand brushed her hip, igniting a fire that had been smoldering for years. Mia didn’t pull away—instead, she grabbed his shirt, pulling him in, her lips hovering just an inch from his. ‘Better not disappoint, Jace. I’m not here for half-measures.’
Their mouths crashed together, hungry and fierce, a decade of unspoken desire exploding in that single kiss. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his hands roamed her body, gripping her ass with a possessiveness that made her gasp. She could feel him, already hard against her thigh, and a wicked grin curled her lips. ‘Looks like someone’s been thinking about this for a while,’ she teased, her voice husky.
‘Shut up and keep kissing me,’ he growled, backing her against the wall, his fingers slipping under her dress to find her already wet, dripping with need. Mia’s breath hitched, but she wasn’t about to let him take control. She pushed back, her own hands working at his belt, eager to feel every inch of him. The night was just beginning, and they were both ready to burn.
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