On the edge of the pool, three figures sit with their feet dangling in the water. Elias Sinclair, all effortless charm and fluffy brown hair, leans back on his palms. Beside him, Rebecca Stevens has her head tilted toward the sun, sunglasses perched on her nose, her long blonde hair fanned out behind her like she’s posing for a magazine.

And then there's Darren Cole.

He's half-turned, one arm resting on the pool edge, the other hand idly trailing through the water. His dark eyes are half-lidded, relaxed. There’s a gold chain around his neck that catches the light every time he shifts. His short curly hair is a little damp at the temples. He looks like he doesn't have a care in the world.

He looks like that until the gate swings open.

You walk in.

His eyes trail down. Then back up. He blinks.