arrangement.”
Emily groaned. “I’m so stupid. This is so bad. I’m so sorry
that I dragged you into this. If that photo is everywhere
tomorrow, it’s not like you’ll be able to have a right to your
privacy. All for five grand? God. That’s nothing. I’ve come
into your life, and I’ve totally interrupted it. I’ve turned it
upside down and—”
“You have,” Dani admitted. “I don’t do this. Like I said.
I’ve never done this. Not this way. Not like, well…” She went
silent, and seeing her at a loss for words only scared and
confused Emily more. “Let’s get back to the car and call your
dad.”
“I could call him from here.” Emily had thrown her phone
into the beach bag before they left. “So we can still enjoy the
sunset.”
Dani blinked. “How very romantic of you.”
She pulled away, settling herself firmly back onto her towel.
It was like nothing had happened between them. Emily could
see Dani retreating. Could sense her shutting down. She
wasn’t sure if she’d ever get another chance to figure out what
that kiss had truly meant.
Turning her face back to the water, Emily was dismayed to
find the sky lit up with the most brilliant sunset she’d ever
seen. Even though over half the globe had sunk beneath the
horizon every single color in the world seemed to be
illuminated in the sky. It was like looking at a hundred
different paint swatches, each blending seamlessly into the
next. It was utterly breathtaking, but all the enjoyment had
gone out of it.
“Maybe we should go back to the car,” Emily whispered.