Chapter 24
Jonas’ text came through right before their alarm went off, and Sierra could practically hear the relief in his voice even through the phone screen:
No shoot today. Resetting for the next location. Enjoy the day off.
Sierra let out a squeal that probably woke up half the resort and could’ve launched a seagull into orbit. Lauren did this ridiculous victory spin in the middle of their room like they’d won the actual lottery.
They made coffee that was way too strong and loaded up a plate with tropical fruit and these incredible flaky croissants from the resort’s breakfast spread. Sierra popped a grape into Lauren’s mouth and got a strawberry in return. Their sweet little trade-off made them both dissolve into giggles.
Sierra twisted her hair into the messiest bun known to humanity. “Okay, real question. What the hell are we gonna do with a whole free day? We could beach-hop around the island, or get matching tattoos that we’ll definitely regret.”
Lauren’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “Oh! We could take one of those fire hula hooping classes. or, hear me out, rent mopeds and zip around until we get lost.”
“I don’t think Jonas would survive getting a call from the hospital saying we crashed into a palm tree.”
Lauren chewed thoughtfully on another strawberry. “We could build the most outrageous sandcastle this beach has ever seen. Like one that needs actual zoning permits.”
“Okay, tiny criminal mastermind.”
Lauren suddenly had that focused look they got when they had a real idea. “Or, I saw this brochure yesterday about a waterfall hike through an actual jungle forest, ending at this waterfall you can swim in.”
Sierra raised an eyebrow. “You seriously want to go hiking on our one day off? When we could lie on the beach and do absolutely nothing?”
Lauren’s eyes were sparkling. “We have to. It’s been on my bucket list forever. Plus, if I’m willing to wear a bathing suit in public, you know I’m serious.”
Sierra groaned loudly and theatrically. “God, I hate how much I love you sometimes.”
Lauren’s grin spread like victory. “So that’s a yes.”
They over-packed for what was supposed to be a simple hike—snacks, way too much water, towels, sunscreen, and an emergency chocolate bar that Lauren swore was essential. Swimsuits under their clothes, sneakers that weren’t built for this, and enough SPF for an entire army.
Lauren reached the trailhead and looked at Sierra. “It’s only three miles.”
“I’m gonna die.”
The trail was unreal. Green everywhere. Vines hanging low, trees blocking out most of the sky.
The sun kept breaking through the trees in wild bursts that made everything shimmer.
Birds wouldn’t shut up overhead. Sierra swore they were mocking her for huffing and puffing on what was supposed to be an “easy” hike.
Everything smelled amazing though, like the earth after it rains mixed with something sweet. Maybe mangoes?
The sound of the water got increasingly louder until they rounded a bend and the trees just stopped. And there it was, this insane waterfall crashing down over moss-covered rocks into a pool so crystal clear it looked fake. Like someone had Photoshopped nature.
Sierra gazed up, awestruck. “Is this for real?”
“I know.” Lauren’s voice was low, their eyes shining like the view was too much to hold.
The sunlight was flashing across the water in ripples. Lauren looked around, relieved that no one else was there. They adjusted their top and swim skirt. “I’m still not comfortable in a swimsuit.”
“You look phenomenal.” Sierra gave them a passionate look.
They stepped in together, fingers still locked. The first touch of the cool water stole their breath, then turned exhilarating. They both went under, then came up laughing and flinging water like kids.
Sierra swam over and wrapped her arms around Lauren’s neck, feeling Lauren’s hands settle around her waist beneath the water. The current was gentle but constant, holding them together.
Their laughter faded into a breathless quiet. Their foreheads touched, water droplets catching the filtered sunlight. Then came the kiss... slow and lingering and the kind you could drown in if you weren’t careful.
Sierra pulled back. “I could stay exactly like this forever.”
In response, Lauren’s kiss deepened, which was honestly the perfect answer.
They pushed in closer to the falls. Kissed again. Hands sliding down each other’s backs. Fingers caught in wet hair.
The waterfall was deafening. Sierra couldn’t think straight with all that noise, couldn’t focus on anything except Lauren’s lips and the way their heart was hammering against her chest.
Lauren broke the kiss first, practically panting. That smile, though. That smile could’ve powered the whole island. “We seriously need to stop, or I’m gonna do something that gets us arrested in paradise.”
They made their way back to their towels, laughing and holding hands.
For lunch, they made a spread of assorted cheeses and crackers. Afterward, they lay on their backs while sunlight danced through the leaves above them.
Lauren stared up at the canopy above. “Okay, hear me out. We just move to Hawaii. Permanently.”
Sierra snorted. “We’re broke as hell, babe.”
“Counterpoint: endless sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and we could probably get away with never wearing pants again.”
“Counter-counterpoint: Salem would never forgive us for abandoning him.”
Lauren sighed dramatically. “Fine. Vacation dreams only. For now.”
As they descended the trail, exhausted and content, they passed a little tiki bar glowing with string lights and the sound of laughter spilling out into the evening air.
Sierra pointed. “That looks like it could be fun.”
Lauren peeked through the doorway and grinned. “Oh my God, it’s karaoke night.”
Sierra stopped dead in her tracks. “Nope. Abort mission immediately.”
Lauren grabbed her arm and started dragging her inside. “Oh, we are absolutely doing this!”
After a round of Mai Tais that were way stronger than they looked, Sierra finally agreed to a duet.
They stumbled around on the tiny stage, belting out lyrics and cracking up every time one of them hit a wrong note.
The entire bar was cheering them on, probably more entertained by the disaster than the actual song.
Then Sierra, buzzing from those ridiculously strong Mai Tais, did something she’d never done sober.
.. grabbed the mic and told everyone this song was for Lauren.
Initially, her voice wavered, but then she found her rhythm.
The drinks may have been the reason, or she finally let herself feel all her pent-up emotions.
Lauren never moved. Just stood there getting teary-eyed, staring at Sierra like she was watching magic happen.
For Lauren’s turn, they picked a softer, more intimate song. Their voice trembled but stayed clear and true, and Sierra watched with her jaw hanging open, heart thundering like the beat’s bass line.
When the last note faded, Sierra stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Lauren, and kissed them right there on stage.
Sierra pulled back and smiled. “That’s my person.”
The entire crowd erupted. Someone yelled, “Relationship goals!” Another voice screamed, “Just get married already!”
They left the bar giddy, Sierra a little tipsy and leaning on Lauren as they made their way back through the resort’s winding paths.
Back in their room, Lauren helped Sierra out of her shoes, pulled the covers over both of them, and kissed her forehead like a promise she intended to keep forever.
Sierra yawned and curled into Lauren’s warmth. “Best day ever.”
Lauren kissed her temple. “Tomorrow, we’re gonna top it.”