Never Getting Her Back novel Chapter 5

After making noise all morning, Giselle offered to treat everyone to a meal.

Damon shot her down in an instant. "No, it's fine. You've caused enough trouble. Time to go."

Giselle acted like she didn't hear him and grabbed his hand, dragging him straight out the door. A few of his friends, who were worried he wouldn't come along, pulled Clara with them.

They all piled into cars and headed to a hot spring resort.

Clara didn't usually hang out with this group and had no interest in trying to fit in. Sitting off to the side, she watched them toast and lose themselves in the lively atmosphere.

Damon saw her sitting by herself, so he walked over, ready to hand her a glass of juice. But just as she reached for it, he suddenly got up and disappeared back into the crowd.

Giselle was about to take a sip of whiskey when Damon snatched it right out of her hand.

His sharp reprimand cut through the noise. "You're allergic to alcohol, and you're still drinking? What? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Giselle blinked and put on an innocent act. "I thought it was juice. I must've grabbed the wrong glass. Why are you so worked up?"

Then, without a care, she plucked the juice from Damon's right hand and flashed him a sweet smile. "Thanks."

His grip tightened for a split second, but he didn't say anything and went back to his seat while absentmindedly holding out the glass to Clara.

Noticing the amber liquid and the distracted look on his face, Clara didn't take it.

Instead, she got up, grabbed her bag, and said softly, "I don't drink. I'm going to the hot springs."

That was when it hit Damon. He'd handed her the wrong glass. Still caught up in his thoughts about Giselle, he hadn't realized he'd mixed up the liquor and the juice.

He wanted to explain, but Clara was already gone before he could get a word out.

Sinking into the warm, soothing water, Clara felt her exhaustion melt away. Leaning back against the wall, she watched the steam swirl and rise, and before she knew it, sleep crept up on her.

The knocking at the door went unnoticed, probably because she'd gotten so used to the noise outside. Damon called her name a few times, but she didn't respond.

His chest tightened, and without thinking, he shoved the door open. The sight of her dozing off in the hot spring made his heart skip a beat. Without hesitation, he jumped in and pulled her into his arms.