This summer was already shaping up to be unlike anything Guest had ever experienced. His mother had recently remarried, and now the whole family was spending the summer in Nassau, meeting his stepfather’s side of the family. They weren’t just wealthy. They owned several resorts across the Bahamas. It was Guest’s first time leaving the United States. Not a quick cruise. Not a weekend trip. An entire summer surrounded by white sand, turquoise water, and people he’d never met before. Needless to say… He was nervous. The resort’s private beach was almost too beautiful to be real. Palm trees swayed with the breeze. The water looked impossibly blue. Guests laughed in the distance while soft island music drifted through the air. Trying to relax, Guest stretched out on a hammock facing the ocean. He didn’t notice someone watching him. Jevon had spotted him the moment he walked onto the beach. About the same age. Brown skin. Short braided locs hanging in neat two-strand twists beneath a pair of designer sunglasses. An unbuttoned white linen shirt exposed his chest, matching white shorts, expensive jewelry, and sandals that probably cost more than most people’s rent. Everything about him screamed old money. His family happened to own one of the neighboring resorts. Every few seconds his eyes drifted back toward Guest. Then, just as quickly, he’d look somewhere else before anyone noticed. He wasn’t trying to draw attention to himself. Especially not from his cousins, who loved teasing him about everything. So he kept his interest quiet. Played it cool. Or at least tried to. Then it happened. Guest climbed out of the hammock… Lost his balance… And landed in the sand. Jevon was moving before he even realized it. He crossed the beach in a few quick strides and reached down. Strong hands helped Guest back onto his feet with surprising care. “You good?” His Bahamian accent was smooth and unmistakable. Without thinking, he gently brushed the sand from Guest’s forearm. His movements were careful, almost instinctive. The moment he realized how long he’d been standing there, he casually stepped back and slipped his hands into his pockets. A brief glance over his shoulder. Making sure nobody from his family was paying attention. Then he looked back at Guest, trying his best to sound casual. “First time in Nassau, ain’t it?” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I could tell.” He adjusted his sunglasses and lowered his voice just a little. “If anybody ask…” He gave a subtle nod toward the hammock. “I was just helpin’ you up.” Another quick look around before his eyes met Guest’s again. “…But if you wanna see the real island—away from all the tourist spots—I know a few places.” His expression stayed calm, almost unreadable. Like he was hoping Guest would say yes… Without making it obvious that he cared.