Seasons of Change Box Set

By Mia Hoddell

You can now get all four Amazon bestselling novellas in the Seasons of Change series, plus two exclusive short stories, in one box set.

These feel-good contemporary romances follow the seasons as characters change for the better, find themselves, and overcome fears.

All of the novellas are standalone reads, but can be enjoyed as a series because characters overlap.

This box set includes:
Summer Demons
Winter Angel
Autumn Ghosts
Spring Knight
Summer Revenge
Season of Love

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Hoddell
• Release date: Sep 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310716713

Mia Hoddell

International bestselling author Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me.Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers and banners on her website M Designs.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

She saw red. Seeping into the crystal clear water it spread, bleeding and merging as the ripples around her pushed it closer towards her feet. The deep crimson only grew darker as it surrounded her.

She could feel her breathing quicken, coming in short, sharp rasps as she started to panic. Her chest constricted, an unbearable pressure tightening like a boa constrictor refusing to release her from its clutches. Her throat felt dry, her increased breathing doing nothing to help the situation as she forced herself to swallow in the hope of dislodging the lump that had formed there.

This isn’t happening. This isn’t real. I came here to escape this, she told herself repeatedly as she laid there, her turquoise bikini embellished with golden sequins shining in the sun as her back tanned slowly. Bringing up an arm to adjust her chestnut-brown hair that was dangling in the water, she tried to pull away before the colour reached her and tainted the beautiful locks. The damage done would be irreparable if it touched her.

Moving it just in time, she threw it over her shoulder so it rested between her shoulder blades, the damp tips feeling nice as they cooled her back by trailing droplets of water down either side. She tried not to flinch as her gaze returned to the bloodied water that lapped at the li-lo beneath her chin. With every wave it seemed to grow closer, making its way further up the yellow plastic to try and touch her. The tapping that was normally so soothing tormented her now, like a crowd clapping and cheering her sanity on as it fled for safety.

Rather than listen to the logical side of her brain, her body had other ideas. Shuffling back, she put a bigger distance between her face and the abnormal pool beneath her. As her toes dipped into the cool water behind her though, she flinched, automatically drawing herself up so that no part of her body was near the edge. No matter how disgusted she was, she couldn’t stop staring; her eyes were hypnotised by the gentle movements that swirled the colour into the water even more. The red had become so thick that not one tile beneath the surface was visible.

The more she stared, the more she remembered.

The more she remembered, the more she was pulled into her memory.

It might not have been real at that moment in time, but it had been, and Jenna was once again pulled into the unbearable memory.

~~

The silence was icy. A collective scream had passed over the crowd and then nothing. The cheering and chanting had ceased the moment he had taken one step forward and everyone held their breath.

As soon as Zac had left the rock face, everyone could see he had judged it wrong. He hadn’t pushed off far enough and he was heading straight for the lower ledge that jutted out.

People were already screaming. They were hugging each other in fear, some burying their heads in their friend’s necks so they didn’t have to watch. Jenna couldn’t take her eyes off the scene, though.

Staring in horror, she watched as Zac’s feet clipped the corner of the ledge made from dried mud and rock. Her mouth fell open as he spun. Kicking up dirt, his body flipped so his head collided hard with the next ledge. He tumbled faster; out of control as gravity pulled him closer to the pool of water below, but not before he had hit every obstacle in his path during the decent. Each thud came louder than the first as Jenna watched Zac’s body break, powerless to do anything about it.

It was all over in seconds. Spiralling, Zac collided with the choppy surface of the dark water, just in front of the waterfall, a mass of limp limbs. Throwing a wall of white spray into the air, the crash overpowered the screams of fear that rang out in the tense atmosphere. When the water settled into its normal rhythm once again, Zac had not surfaced.

The screaming intensified as three people, including Jenna, dove in to get to Zac, but it was shut out the moment her head was submerged in the water. The cold was forgotten as she resurfaced from her dive, shaking the droplets from her eyes with a gasp. Swimming frantically, all she knew was that she had to get to Zac.

His friends had made it to the spot he had entered the water just before her, their strong arms pulling them through the waves quicker. As she pulled to a stop and began treading water, she waited. One of them had dived under, searching desperately while Jenna hoped they would only find him unconscious. However, as he resurfaced he brought Zac’s lifeless and broken body with him.

Jenna watched. Everything slowed down as the others moved in to help keep his head above the water and Tim pressed his fingers to Zac’s neck, checking for a pulse. Jenna didn’t see the shake of his head or the sad sigh as his eyes dropped in despair. Her eyes were fixated on the pool of blood that was rapidly flowing from his head and other wounds on his body, spreading out around them as they kicked to stay afloat, dispersing it quicker. She could tell without needing confirmation from Tim that her beloved boyfriend was gone and there was nothing any of them could do to bring him back.

Guilt rose in her stomach. She wanted to cry, scream, shout, or do something to release the feeling that swelled in the pit of her stomach and the back of her throat, but nothing would come.

She blamed herself.

To her, she was responsible for Zac’s death.

~~

Jenna couldn’t shift the image of Zac’s body floating lifelessly in a pool of his own blood as she emerged from her thoughts. Everywhere she looked she was surrounded by a mass of red, just like that day. The only difference was that rather than swimming in it, she was now floating on top of it—watching it surround her.

She knew she had to leave the pool instantly but her li-lo had floated into the centre and Jenna couldn’t bring herself to get off it. Even though she knew her mind was just playing tricks on her, it looked too real to not be inside her head. She was having trouble separating reality from her memory no matter how logic tried to reason with her.

Pulling her head up, she was about to shout for her best friend, Amy, to come and get her when she noticed something lurking beneath the surface of the water. The dark shadow was distorted beneath the blurry ripples but it looked distinctly human.

Jenna let out a high-pitched scream, almost toppling her li-lo as she fought to get away from it. Her movements distorted the surface even more as she panicked, not caring that the crowds of people around her were staring.

It’s not Zac. That’s impossible; it can’t be, Jenna’s mind screamed, trying to reason with her as the figure drew nearer.

Taking her eyes off it for a second, Jenna’s eyes found Amy’s, pleading and desperate. She had thought she was ready to face the water again but she couldn’t have been more wrong. She’d pushed herself too far and she was paying the price.

The last thing she saw was Amy’s face morphing into concern and worry. Deep frown lines appeared on her forehead as she threw her towel onto the sun lounger she had been lying on and prepared to jump in.

Amy had just hit the water when Jenna was thrown from her li-lo. Spinning so that all she could see was the empty blue sky above her head, she felt her body crash with the water. The cold liquid surrounded her, clinging to her like a mould as it made its way up over her head.

It blocked out all traces of people laughing and joking as it filled her ears. Her scream was cut off, replaced with gurgling as she tasted the chlorine-filled water enter her mouth.

No matter how much she flailed around, Jenna couldn’t get herself to surface. All sense of direction was lost as she screwed her eyes shut tightly, immersing herself in blackness as she held her breath. Her arms and legs refused to coordinate and it felt like she had been submerged in the dark for minutes when she felt two hands encircle her arms to pull her up, the warm air hitting her face hard as she gasped. Blinking back the water from her eyes as she tried to control her pounding heartbeat, Jenna looked around, disorientated, not even aware of all the strange looks directed at her.

CHAPTER TWO

Jenna, are you OK? Amy’s voice was filled with alarm as it tried to break through Jenna’s bubble of panic. It couldn’t have failed really, with the volume at which she was shouting.

Watching her friend open her eyes, she pushed her own long, blonde hair that was soaked and stuck to her, back over her shoulder. Her eyes were full of worry as she held Jenna in place by the arms, studying her reaction. If her grip had been any stronger she could have sworn it would have drawn blood.

Jenna? Amy’s voice went up a level, the concern deepening as she got no response. What she really wanted to do was shake her friend to wake her up, but she knew Jenna’s reaction stemmed from something bigger than just the shock of being tipped into the water. As she’d watched from the side lines, Amy had witnessed the panic on Jenna’s face growing quickly. She had been about to fetch her when Jenna had been dumped into the pool. If only I had been a few seconds quicker, she thought.

Standing there, Jenna just stared blankly into space, her voice refusing to work. Amy could see the tears burning the back of her eyes, demanding to be released as they welled up against her eyelids. No matter how much Jenna blinked, though, she couldn’t fight them back. She opened her mouth to speak but when only a strangled sound came out, she shook her head in defeat and crumpled against Amy’s shoulder. Hugging her tight, Amy felt the first tear break free against her already damp skin.

Come on, let’s get you out of here, Amy soothed. Wrapping her arm tightly around Jenna’s shoulder, she guided her towards the edge of the pool, ignoring the open mouthed stares, sniggers and curious gazes that were all focused on them. She wasn’t worried about other people; she doubted Jenna had even noticed them while trapped inside her mental prison.

Hey, is she all right? It was only meant to be a joke.

They were half way towards the steps, moving into the shallow end, when a tall, tanned, blond guy stepped in front of them to block their path. Most of his body was above the water in the shallow end, giving a perfect view of his defined, washboard chest, the small line of blond hair disappearing into his deep blue shorts, and his strong arms that were stretched out, pushing around the water in front of him like he was going to reach for Jenna.

Pausing for a second, Amy looked up, her breath almost taken away as she stared into his startling green eyes. The emerald colour shone with mischief and a small hint of guilt as he awaited their response. A remorseful smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he studied them both, but it didn’t look sincere. As he drew nearer to Jenna, his arm once again outstretched, Amy snapped out of her trance. Jerking them to a stop, Amy pulled her friend closer to her side, making it clear that he was not to touch her.

It worked, his steps faltered and he went back to caressing the surface of the water in a distracted gesture. It was like he needed something to do with his hands.

She’s fine, no thanks to you, Amy spat, coming to the defence of her friend who still looked too unnerved to speak.

I’m sorry, it was just meant to be a bit of fun. His face lost its entire smile as he saw Jenna was everything but okay. His voice was smooth and apologetic. It was the type Amy knew guys like him used when they needed to get out of situations. It was meant to make women weak at the knees and swoon over them, but Amy could see right through it and no matter how good looking he was, she couldn’t find anyone who had just done what he had to Jenna attractive.

Well next time think before you do something. Not everyone is going to take kindly to your jokes.

He must have assumed he wasn’t going to get a good response from Amy so he turned to focus his attention on Jenna, who was now starting to shake against Amy’s shoulder in shock.

Dipping his head, he tried to catch her eye, but Jenna refused to look at him. It only served to cause him a slight perplexity as Amy assumed he wasn’t used to his usual trick failing.

I’m sorry. Please let me make it up to you. He went to touch her arm again but pulled back when she flinched, recoiling further into Amy.

She’s not interested in assholes, Amy spat but he was blocking their exit so she couldn’t leave. She knew she had to get Jenna back on dry land.

As Amy threw insults back at the mysterious blond, Jenna could feel the tight constriction of panic coiling around her chest. The snake moved up around her body and towards her neck, refusing to relinquish its hold as she stayed in the water too long. It may not have been red anymore, but the image was still fresh in her mind. Her hand flew up to her chest, massaging it to try and ease the pressure, but nothing helped as her breathing started to pick up again.

She needed to get out of the water.

Amy I—I—have to go, Jenna stuttered around her rapid breathing, her hands starting to shake uncontrollably as she broke away from her friend’s grip. She refused to meet Amy’s gaze, not wanting to see the look of worried pity that she knew would be there. She’d had enough of people’s pity.

I have to—to get out of here, I’m sorry. Stuttering again, Jenna had already brushed off Amy’s attempt to go with her and was pushing past the man stood in her way to get to the steps. Moving as fast as the water allowed her, she could feel the wave that had been pushing against her stomach flow on as she stopped and grasped the railings to pull herself out.

Jenna, wait! Hold up a second, Amy shouted after her but Jenna didn’t even look over her shoulder. She was too focused on getting out of the water.

Climbing the steps, she could feel the panic leaving her little by little as she left the water behind. When her feet hit the cool tiles, she walked as quickly as she could over to her towel, throwing it over her shoulder and jogging back to her hotel room.

Amy watched her go, fighting the urge to run after her, knowing Jenna needed a few minutes by herself before she barged in. She didn’t like leaving her on her own when she was in that state, but she knew when it was time to back off. Nineteen years of friendship had given her a few pointers on how to deal with Jenna.

Look, I really didn’t mean anything by it. I was just trying to make an impression and hoped to break the ice. I didn’t think she would react like that, the blond stated again, breaking Amy free from her thoughts so she could focus her steely gaze on him.

No, you didn’t think did you? Did it even cross your mind that she might not have liked being in the water? That she may not have been able to swim? That she has a fear bigger than anything you could imagine? Amy snapped her mouth shut, realising she was shouting and revealing too much information to the handsome stranger she had taken an instant dislike to. She imagined that Jenna wouldn’t appreciate her secrets being shared either.

She can’t swim? Why is she in a pool then? He didn’t seem deterred by Amy’s anger.

She can swim, I was just making a point that you didn’t know anything about her, Amy sighed, frustrated by his questions.

All right, point taken. I assumed she’d just laugh it off though, not react the way she did. Why is she scared of the water? He crossed his arms over his chest as he waited for her answer, an interested but impatient look in his eyes.

It’s not my place to say.

I won’t tell her you told me, I swear. How can I make up for something, when I have no idea what I did?

You don’t. You stay away. You leave her alone and forget all about her. She’s been through enough without you adding to her pain. Amy was quickly getting fed up of his prying. All she wanted to do was go and check on Jenna, but every time she made to head for the steps he blocked her path.

What’s she been through?

None of your business, Amy said, irritated that he would not move out of her way.

Is she single?

She’s not interested in looking for guys right now. Leave. Her. Alone.

He just rolled his eyes at Amy’s melodramatics as she tried to sound threatening. Whatever you say, he replied, though he had a smug grin on his face that made Amy believe he meant anything but what he had said.

More interested in finding her friend, Amy shoved him out of the way, making sure her fingers didn’t linger on the taut muscle beneath her. Thankfully, he moved instantly, breaking the contact and stepping to the side so he could watch her fight the water angrily as she moved over to the steps.

He watched as she pulled herself up, her hips swaying with the movement. There was no doubt she was pretty but he couldn’t take his eyes off Jenna when he first saw them. Lying face-down on her li-lo, her chestnut hair had shone in the sunlight, making a few auburn streaks appear. She had looked up a few times and her brown eyes, that almost appeared amber in the sun, and her cute heart-shaped face had caught his attention.

He hated that he had messed everything up. The fear expressed on her face when her body started to tremble made him want nothing more than to hold her close. That wasn’t his place though and it wasn’t his usual thought. He couldn’t understand what she was going through—what had happened to make her react the way she had—but one thing was obvious to him; there was something a lot bigger going on than reacting badly to a joke. No one had ever responded to him like that and although a part of him thought it would be wise to forget her, like her friend ordered, a bigger part of him was intrigue by her. He wanted to get to the bottom of her mystery and he swore that, somehow, he was going to make it up to her.

CHAPTER THREE

When Amy reached their room she opened the door expecting to find Jenna in a crumpled heap on the floor and sobbing her eyes out. What she really found made her pause in the doorway from shock. Her beliefs couldn’t have been further from the truth so Amy needed a minute to think up a new strategy to deal with Jenna. Clearly the old one was no longer necessary.

Taking a deep breath, Amy shut the door behind her loudly, hoping Jenna would turn and face her, but it drew no reaction. She remained out on the balcony, her gaze pensive as she focused on the pool she had run from.

Drawing level with her, Amy rested her hands on the balcony rail, looking down at everyone fanned out around the pool on their plastic sun loungers. A few were hidden under the bright yellow parasols, the colour glaring at Amy, but most were working on their tan, reading, or watching friends and family in the pool. There were a few splashes coming from the water as children fought in the shallow end but the rest of it was calm, with only a few adults swimming.

Moving her gaze, Amy looked out past the hotel complex where she could just about see the sea glittering under the midday sun. They hadn’t had the chance to go down to the beach, having only been in the hotel for two days, but it was near the top on their list of things to do. The view only served to remind them frequently, the sparkling water shinning attractively like it was beckoning them. However, Amy was worried they’d never make it if Jenna didn’t break free from the emotions that had taken hold of her.

Are you feeling any better? Amy said, turning to glance at Jenna as she broke the thoughtful silence.

All she got in response was a heavy sigh. Not even when Amy’s hand covered hers did Jenna acknowledge her. She remained fixated on the clear horizon between the white walled buildings of the city outside the hotel complex instead. She wasn’t really seeing it though; her eyes had glazed over as she considered something. It took her a while to re-emerge but Amy left her, knowing she needed time to figure out whatever was going on inside her mind.

I’m sorry, Amy. I didn’t mean to ruin everything so early. This holiday was meant to stop all of this—break me out of it. I don’t know what came over me. Turning around to face her, Jenna leaned back against the balcony. Her arms folded as she flicked her flip-flop against the heel of her foot and only glanced up occasionally through her eyelashes. She kept her eyes on her foot most of the time, obviously finding the clicking a good distraction as she kept up a steady rhythm.

Don’t be stupid. You haven’t ruined anything.

It wasn’t meant to be like this though. I should be having fun, not— Jenna caught herself, and by the way she screwed her eyes tightly shut, Amy knew she was trying not to relive that awful day.

Breaking through Jenna’s concentration, Amy’s words pulled her from her mind, You know you can talk to me, right? I’m not going to judge you, no matter what you say.

She gave Amy a weak smile at the comment but her sad eyes dampened the believability. She let the silence drag on, Amy’s statement hanging in the air as she weighed up her options. She wanted to talk to Amy as she already knew about everything that had happened, but one thing was stopping her. They had flown abroad to escape everything and for Jenna to find herself again, but so far nothing had changed. She didn’t want to spoil Amy’s holiday by offloading, but she should have guessed Amy wouldn’t let it drop. She had been with her that day after all.

It’s about Zac, isn’t it?

Jenna sighed, knowing there was no way around the subject until she admitted what was bothering her.

Isn’t it always? It was the closest she could get to an admission.

You want to talk about it? Amy probed.

Jenna shook her head, sighing again. She didn’t think she could have made it clearer but Amy very rarely gave up.

Come on, Jen, you can tell me anything. I’ve been through it all with you; I’m not going to stop being there now.

It’s nothing, I was just being stupid. Jenna shook her head as if she was trying to make herself believe it.

Really? Because from where I was standing it looked like you were having a panic attack. What happened out there? I thought you were finally getting back on your feet.

To be honest, so did I … Jenna said, once again lost in her thoughts as her voice, heavy with regret, trailed off. Amy paused, as if sensing Jenna was close to spilling everything and knowing that if she pushed she’d shut down again. Jenna needed to talk in her own time.

The silence dragged on, the only sound coming from the pool below as people laughed and splashed around. Taking a deep breath, Jenna slid down the balcony wall. Stretching her legs out in front of her, she twisted her fingers together and fought her desire to let her best friend in on everything. Jenna didn’t feel it was Amy’s burden to carry.

When Amy crouched down beside her, sitting cross-legged while watching her, Jenna couldn’t fight it anymore, though.

I can’t stop seeing it. Everywhere I go there is something that reminds me of him, and then I remember that day. Jenna’s voice was barely audible, a faint whisper in the light breeze.

That’s normal, Jen. I don’t think it’s a day any of us will forget.

You don’t understand. I don’t just remember that day … but aspects creep into my life now. When I was in the pool the water started to turn a bloody shade of red. That’s when I started to panic. Just like with Zac, it made its way closer to me and I couldn’t stop it. Then when I saw that guy beneath the surface it was like Tim bringing Zac back all over again. It reminded me of his body floating towards the surface, and then the next thing I know I’m in the water. It was too much, I just broke down. All I could think of was Zac and how it was all my fault. Jenna snapped her mouth shut, realising too late she’d revealed something she had never wanted anyone to know.

She had kept the secret because she was scared of how people would treat her if they found out she had killed her boyfriend. She knew they would treat her differently but it wasn’t disgust or fear she was worried about. What she didn’t want was everyone telling her it wasn’t her fault. She didn’t want their pity because in her heart she knew the truth. She had been the one to dare Zac. She had been the one who teased him without mercy when he refused, and she was the one who wore him down after that. He never would have done it if anyone else had suggested it, but he had done it for her. In Jenna’s mind that meant she was responsible.

Jenna, look at me.

Jenna refused to obey Amy, her eyes fixated on her hands.

Jenna Shaw, I said look at me, Amy’s words came out more forcefully, causing Jenna to look up in question. As soon as their eyes made contact though, Jenna cursed herself. There, in Amy’s eyes, was the one emotion she was trying to avoid. It may have only been small, and the rest of her exuded concern, but the pity was still there and Jenna couldn’t look away.

Jenna, listen to me. Zac’s death was not your fault.

That’s where you’re wrong. If it wasn’t for me, Zac never would have jumped. It was already too late to turn back so Jenna thought she should at least lay everything on the table.

What, because of the dare? You know somebody else would have said it even if you hadn’t. Zac jumped of his own accord. Everyone was there cheering him on Jenna, not just you. We all pressured him but in the end Zac would have done it no matter what. They’d been getting higher up that cliff with every jump. It was only a matter of time before someone made it to Zac’s height.

But that’s not what happened. I dared him, I pushed all the buttons I knew would persuade him to jump and I was right there cheering with everyone else. If I hadn’t suggested it he may not have done it. It may have been someone else, who knows? Maybe no one would have died that day.

Jen you can’t think like that, you’re going to destroy yourself. You are not to blame for what happened.

Then why do I feel so guilty? If it wasn’t my fault I shouldn’t feel guilty.

A high-pitched scream came from over the balcony as a girl was thrown into the pool by her brother, but it did nothing to distract Amy. Jenna on the other hand flinched at the sound.

You loved him and something terrible happened. Your body is still trying to process the loss and cope with it. You don’t think every one of us feels slightly guilty? Because we do. The only difference is that you are focusing on it and it’s merging with your sadness and growing. You’re choosing to blame yourself as a way of coping but you’re torturing yourself in the process.

Jenna mumbled something that sounded like a small price to pay compared to what happened to Zac, and Amy sighed, pulling Jenna towards her. With her head resting on top of Jenna’s and her arms wrapped around her petite frame, she squeezed tightly, trying to comfort her. It also allowed Jenna the privacy she needed as Amy couldn’t see her face.

Do you think this is what Zac would have wanted? For you to be miserable the rest of your life? To not have fun and enjoy this fantastic holiday? Amy spoke into Jenna’s hair calmly, trying to reason with her.

I guess not, Jenna murmured in defeat.

No he wouldn’t. So you know what I think we should do?

Jenna didn’t like the sound of where Amy’s plan was going. When she said something like that it nearly always meant clubbing.

What? Jenna asked suspiciously, pulling away so she could study her face. I’m not really in the mood for any clubs or parties, she continued so Amy didn’t have free reign over their plans.

Of course not. Where would we find a club open at this time? I say we should shower, get dressed and go out for a meal.

Jenna didn’t want to admit it but she was quite hungry and Amy’s suggestion sounded more than appealing.

Okay, I guess I could use some food.

Amy’s face lit up at her agreement but Jenna only envied her for her short attention span. She wished she could just switch off her emotions for once and let herself have a good time.

I’ll have a shower first, you choose a restaurant from those leaflets, Amy ordered as she skipped to the bathroom they shared, pointing at the table that was filled with leaflets they had collected upon arrival.

Instead of moving like Amy had said, Jenna remained seated on the balcony for a while. She pulled herself up to her knees, looking back down at the pool and how happy the water made people. Jenna wished she could feel that again, she used to love swimming but she couldn’t bring herself to return to it. It felt like a part of her had been ripped out that day.

Sighing, Jenna wondered if she would ever truly be able to get over Zac and whether the memory would ever stop haunting her. She hoped so as she didn’t think she could face another repeat of earlier.

CHAPTER FOUR

Wearing a strapless, white sundress that had clusters of yellow daisies decorating the hem, and cut Jenna just above the knee, she combined it with her golden gladiator sandals that had a wedged heel and a golden necklace with a teardrop, crystal pendant. Her hair was perfectly tousled in beach day waves and the natural makeup Amy had insisted on her wearing was enhancing her eyes and lips, making her feel slightly better as she walked down the strip of shops overlooking the ocean.

There had been a ten minute walk from the hotel to get to the small street that contained everything a holiday maker would need. It also happened to be right on the beach front with a perfect view of the golden sand and clear blue sea which was like nothing back in England. Just seeing it made Jenna want to run into the sand and feel the grains between her toes. The salty breeze that swept across the pavement was refreshing and soothing as she felt it on her face, giving it a break from the sun. It also added a few more curls to her hair that were bouncing around with each step.

They had walked past all of the beach shops selling buckets, spades, inflatable objects and beach games, so were heading towards the end of the strip that housed all of the bars and restaurants. Jenna hadn’t really wanted much to eat so she had picked a small cafe that was separated at the end of the walkway, giving them a bit more peace. It also had a beautiful looking terrace that was right on the edge of the cliff so all you could see was the water below. Jenna still wasn’t sure whether or not she was pleased about that though, so choosing a table closest to the building she made sure that only a thin strip of water was visible above the glass barriers that surrounded them.

You were right, this is exactly what I needed, Jenna said as she felt a real smile form on her face when the waiter disappeared back inside the cafe with their orders.

Of course I was right. I’m always right, Amy laughed, watching Jenna sigh dramatically. It was something she had heard on many occasions and the annoying thing about it was that it was true. Amy definitely had a knack for being right a lot of the time—even when you didn’t want her to be.

The pair were sitting and laughing as they waited for their order, just sipping on their chilled drinks when the waiter came back, their plates of food on the tray in his hand. He placed the food in front of them but hesitated, an uncertain look in his eye as he paused.

I’m sorry to interrupt but that man over there said to give you this. He pointed back inside the cafe to where the bar was, before pointing at the tray. On top of it rested an elaborate looking cocktail in a tall narrow glass. Its vivid orange colour was completed with a little umbrella, fruit pieces on the rim of the glass and a brightly coloured straw.

As the waiter leaned over to place it on the table, Jenna tried to get a look at the man who had sent it but he had his back to her, talking to someone next to him. She glanced back just in time to see the waiter moving away.

Excuse me, this is alcoholic, right? Jenna asked, poking at the content with the straw suspiciously. She didn’t really need the answer, she knew well enough that it was but she just wanted to make sure.

The waiter nodded and turned to leave. When Jenna looked up to push the drink away, Amy wasn’t paying attention to her.

Oh, no way! I can’t believe his nerve, she exclaimed, still staring over her shoulder and back into the cafe.

Jenna followed her gaze to where the man had turned back around. He smiled at them, his eyes twinkling even in the dimly lit building. His blond hair was spiked up neatly at the front and his face was deeply tanned, suggesting he had been in Portugal longer than them. His white T-shirt clung to his physique, hugging the muscles in his arms tightly and making them look bigger. Jenna thought he looked to be around the same age as her but she couldn’t be sure. There was no denying he was good looking but Jenna couldn’t understand why he was interested in her so randomly. Amy’s earlier comment did nothing to reassure her either.

What are you on about? Jenna asked, not sure she wanted the answer.

You mean you don’t recognise him? Seriously?

Um … Should I?

Amy rolled her eyes. He’s the guy who tipped you into the pool. After you left he was going on about how he could make it up to you. How can you not recognise him?

Jenna took an instant dislike to him as she poked at the drink with a new ferocity.

I wasn’t really paying attention. Do you want this? You know I don’t drink, Jenna sighed, letting go of the straw and pointing at the glass.

I’m not going to pretend I understand your reasons for not drinking but even I don’t want that. He doesn’t deserve to be let off the hook so easily if that’s what he’s trying to do.

Jenna considered her options. She had long since given up on trying to explain to Amy why she didn’t like to drink, so instead of wasting her breath, she returned to her food with a sigh. They had both only purchased chicken salads and Jenna had lost most of her appetite as the memories of earlier were brought to the forefront of her mind. Up until that point she had done a good job of forgetting them—or at least burying them deep.

Do you want to check out the beach after? Pick out the best spot for tomorrow? Jenna asked, before taking a last bite of her food to distract herself. She refused to let her holiday be ruined.

Sure. Amy called the waiter over for the bill and as he left to fetch it she pointed at the still full cocktail. What you going to do with that?

Just leave it there I guess. Jenna shrugged, not liking the mischievous smile forming on Amy’s lips. Things never ended well when she got that look.

I have a better idea. She glanced over her shoulder, checking the guy was still there and her smile grew when she saw he was. Take it back to him; show him you’re not interested.

Jenna groaned at the suggestion. What’s the point? Just leave it here.

No, go show him you’re not an easy target; that you won’t let him walk over you.

Amy … Jenna’s voice dropped in warning.

Don’t Amy me. Just do it. Unless there’s a different reason for not going over there? She looked at her suggestively so there was no way Jenna could misinterpret her meaning.

Oh my God, Amy! How can you even suggest that? Zac’s only been gone four months.

Amy shrugged nonchalantly. I was only asking. In my opinion, though, a summer fling might be good. I’m not saying with blondy over there, but you’re going to have to move on eventually, Jen. Zac wouldn’t be mad at you, you’re only nineteen.

I know that, but I’m not ready yet. You saw what happened earlier. Do you really think that’s the sign of someone ready to move on?

Maybe it would help?

Frustrated, Jenna stood, picking up the drink and walking back into the cafe. The waiter had just arrived, thankfully putting an end to their conversation, and although she didn’t like Amy’s idea, she needed to take her frustration out on someone—preferably someone she didn’t have to share a room with for the next few days.

Making her way to the bar the guy was still sat at, she saw his friend nod in her direction which caused him to turn. Flashing her, what could only be deemed a smile so bright it should have been made illegal, he looked even better up close. Jenna imagined he had attracted many girls with that smile but she refused to be one of them. In fact that smile annoyed her.

She reached up to place the drink he had bought her back onto the bar, meeting his gaze with an irritated expression. His smile faltered slightly as he watched on in confusion, as if he wasn’t able to