Four couples and a couple singles had piled into cars for the long weekend getaway, old college friends reconnecting. Jake helped unload coolers while his eyes kept drifting to Emily. She was his buddy Mark’s girlfriend of two years, but the tension between them had been simmering for months. Stolen glances. Lingering hugs. Tonight, with everyone buzzed and the house full, it felt ready to snap.
Emily caught him looking as she carried her bag inside, her sundress clinging to her curves. She smirked behind Mark’s back.
By evening, the group had grilled steaks, downed beers, and settled into the living room for games. Jake’s wife, Lauren, sat curled against him on the couch, but his attention stayed half on Emily across the room, her legs tucked under her.
“Late night swim, anyone?” Emily
