Page 161 of Chasing Hope

Then, Caleb’s boisterous laugh cracks across the lake, the sound pulling my attention as Sarah starts shaking off water that Caleb no doubt threw on her.

I wince. “I should probably go save her. He’s a menace.”

“Menace indeed, but she’s got it handled.”

No sooner does he say that, Sarah turns from surprised to vengeful. Caleb just doesn’t notice in time. He also doesn’t notice her reach out for her Slurpee that has completely melted in the sun.

Caleb’s laughter cuts off as she pours the sugary soda over his head.

Matteo and I burst out laughing from the paddleboard that he’s begun to drive back to shore. Caleb points at her and growls, “You have three seconds to run, Martin.”

My best friend’s eyes widen before she spins on her heel and takes off for the forest.

Caleb doesn’t give her three seconds.

Like a rocket, he chases after her, both of their retreating forms vanishing from sight, but I can still hear her squeals ringing out across the lake.

Clicking my tongue, I turn to Matteo. “She’s dead.”

“Oh yeah.” He nods. “Time to find a new best friend.”

“Care to be a contender?”

Clutching his chest as if I wounded him, Matteo teases, “I thought I already was your best friend.”

Leaning over the side of the paddleboard, I splash Matteo with lake water, feeling satisfied with myself as I drench his lower half. I wait, expecting him to get me back, but once I look up at him, he’s just smiling down at me, the expression finally springing free.

The sight of it steals my breath.

Matteo Valenti is the most gorgeous man on earth but when he smiles, it’s like fireworks explode in my heart, all the stars in the galaxy gathering to shine behind him.

His eyes begin to flick back and forth between mine, a hum of energy building between us that I’ve only ever felt with him. Matteo’s body begins to lean forward, and it’s then that I realize mine is too, that both of us are gravitating toward each other.

My fingers, dangling by my sides, itch to touch him. Any part of him.

I think my pleas are coming true as his hand reaches out, looking like he’s going to cup my cheek. I stop breathing, my heart seizing…

Matteo blinks suddenly. Then, as if realizing where we are, he grabs my shoulders and takes me with him into the lake.

The water douses whatever warmth was flooding my system as I’m submerged, Matteo’s hands leaving my body the moment they can as we both surface.

Incredulous, I slap the water, aiming the splash for his face.

“You asshole!” I scream.

Groaning, I tread back to the shore, my heart still hammering. I know that was an almost kiss. I know why he did that. And if he’s not seeing Emma, does that mean…

“Dove!” he calls from behind me.

Halfway out of the water, I peer back, seeing the smug grin plastered across his face as he drags the paddleboard behind him. “You look a bit wet. You should dry off!” he teases mercilessly.

“Ugh!” I spin on my heel, cursing him in my head. I haven’t cursed out loud yet despite Sarah’s teasing.

Think of the devil and she appears.

A cross-looking Sarah emerges from the forest, eyes narrowed. A pink sticky residue coating her arms, face, and hair has me stopping in my tracks.

She points at me. “That had better be worth it because your brother is officially in my bad books.”