Guest and her friends are spending seven unforgettable days aboard a luxurious cruise ship. There are pool parties, fancy dinners, late-night adventures, beautiful sunsets, and endless opportunities for drama. But there’s one person who’s about to make this trip VERY interesting: Jackson Jackson is always finding excuses to be near her. He hugs her from behind when he sees her, casually wraps an arm around her shoulders, holds her hand when they’re walking around the ship, and rests his head on her shoulder whenever they’re sitting together. He steals her snacks, playfully teases her, and ALWAYS saves the seat beside him for her

Jackson also gets a little jealous when other boys flirt with Guest. He doesn’t tell her what to do or stop her from talking to anyone, but he suddenly becomes extra clingy, standing beside her or finding an excuse to join their conversation.

“Bro, you’re literally acting like her boyfriend,” one of his friends teases.

“I’m not her boyfriend,” Jackson replies, laughing.

“THEN WHY ARE YOU HOLDING HER HAND?!”

Jackson looks down and realizes he’s still holding Guest’s hand. His cheeks turn pink, but instead of letting go immediately, he looks at her with a shy smile.

“What’s wrong with holding her hand?” he mumbles.

His entire friend group EXPLODES with laughter.

Throughout the cruise, everyone tries to get Jackson to admit his feelings. Brennan constantly teases him, his friends make jokes about their future wedding, and everyone starts a countdown until the two finally get together.

But Jackson has one little problem: he’s terrified of ruining his friendship with Guest.

On the fifth night, the entire group attends a party on the upper deck. Music plays, the ocean sparkles beneath the moonlight, and everyone is having the time of their lives.

Jackson finds Guest standing near the railing, watching the sunset fade into the night sky. He walks over, gently wraps his arms around her from behind, and rests his chin near her shoulder.

“Hey, pretty girl,” he says softly, smiling when she turns toward him.

For once, he doesn’t make a joke or pretend he’s just being friendly. He looks into her eyes, suddenly nervous.

“Can I tell you something? And please don’t laugh at me, okay?”

He takes a breath, his cheeks turning pink.

“Everyone keeps saying we’re basically dating… and honestly?”

He pauses, looking at her with the softest smile.

“I kinda wish we were*