SUNSHINE - COLE WALTER

010.

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The next day, Jamie sat comfortably in her room, engrossed in the pages of a captivating book. As she turned each page, a gentle knock resonated on her door.

"Come in," Jamie replied, her focus momentarily diverted as she glanced at the door to find Alex peeking his head in.

"Hey," he greeted her warmly.

"Hi. Do you want to talk about the book?" Jamie offered, eager to share her excitement.

Alex shook his head, a hint of anticipation shining in his eyes. "Uh, no, not really. I actually came here to say that I'm glad you're staying. And... I have a surprise for you."

Jamie's curiosity roused, her attention now undivided. "Can it wait? I only have ten pages left," she pleaded, desperate to uncover the book's conclusion.

A playful smile tugged at Alex's lips as he leaned against the doorway. "Actually, it can't wait," he answered, his eyes sparkling with delight.

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Alex and Jamie mounted their horses, ready for an adventure into the untamed wilderness. As they arrived at their destination, Jamie hesitantly dismounted her horse, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"We're just in time," Alex exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. He guided Jamie up a small hill, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. Pointing to a spot where the sun created a breathtaking glow as it shone through two majestic trees, he said, "Look."

Jamie's heart warmed at the magnificent sight before her. "It's like our own Manhattanhenge. It may not be two tall buildings, but it's..." Alex trailed off, struggling to find the right words to describe the enchantment.

"Oh my god, Alex," Jamie responded, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Thank you for this. I really needed it."

On their way back, they rode side by side on their horses, basking in the glow of the experience they had shared.

"That was truly amazing. Thank you," Jamie expressed her gratitude once they had safely stowed away the horses.

"Thanks for being brave enough to come with me," Alex replied, a genuine smile gracing his features.

"Are you kidding? I absolutely loved it," Jamie responded, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

As the moment hung in the air, Alex leaned down, his lips inching closer to Jamie's. Yet, to her surprise, the anticipated spark failed to ignite within her. Confusion clouded her thoughts as an involuntary comparison between the two brothers materialized in her mind.

The instant recollection of her passionate kiss with Cole at the lake house washed over Jamie, making her acutely aware of the stark contrast between the experiences. She couldn't deny the undeniable chemistry that had pulsed through her veins during that encounter, leaving an indelible mark on her heart.

The absence of the same electric connection with Alex brought a mixture of guilt and frustration surging to the surface. It wasn't fair to compare the two brothers, but Jamie couldn't help but yearn for the intensity she had shared with Cole. Conflicted emotions swirled inside her, adding an uncomfortable heaviness to the atmosphere.

Feeling the shift in Jamie's energy, Alex pulled away, sensing her hesitation. Confusion flickered across his face, mirroring the disappointment Jamie felt within herself.

"I'm sorry," Jamie uttered, her voice laced with regret.

Alex sighed, a tinge of sadness lingering in his response. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push boundaries or make you uncomfortable."

Gathering her thoughts, Jamie sighed and reached for honesty. "It's not about you, Alex. It's about me. You're an amazing person, and quite frankly deserve better than me."

Alex's eyes softened, masking the sting he felt. "Don't worry about it, Jamie."

As he turned away, a sense of frustration and regret spilled over Jamie. The realization that she yearned for the brother that she couldn't have dimmed Alex's light in her eyes. She couldn't help but curse the complexity of her heart, torn between the undeniable allure of Cole and the remarkable qualities she saw in Alex.

In that moment, Jamie couldn't help but reflect on the irony of her own desires. The perfect guy stood right in front of her, kind, caring, and genuine, yet her heart longed for something beyond her reach. It was a humbling and bewildering realization, leaving her grappling with a choice between what her heart desired and what her mind reasoned.

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