“Has it really been so awful?” Kendra began fiddling with the napkin again, and once again, Lucas reached over and placed a hand on hers to stop her.
“No. That’s the thing. I think, in the end, the problems with Omegron may have been a blessing in disguise. For the first time in years, I actually stopped working and enjoyed my life a little. It’s been great, even though we’ve been forced into honeymoon activities the whole time. It’s nice to see that there’s life beyond work — sunsets and good food and beautiful scenery and all that. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you.”
“Me too.” Kendra’s hands stilled. “I think Aaron leaving me at the altar may have been a blessing in disguise, too. After all, I really didn’t want to marry him, and if I had married him, we wouldn’t be here.”
“Was he balding and short?” Lucas asked.
Kendra laughed. “No, he was handsome and everything. He had a good job, and we shared similar goals in life. But no matter how perfect something looks from the outside, it isn’t necessarily perfect on the inside. Anyway, I got to come on the honeymoon, so at least I got something out of it.” She grinned.
Lucas laughed. “I like that. One week ago, I would have laughed at the idea that anything good could come out of my CFO embezzling from my company, but there’s a silver lining to everything.”
“That’s true,” Kendra said thoughtfully. “You know, I really feel like we aren’t strangers anymore.”
“No.” Lucas shook his head. “We aren’t. Now, should we eat? The food’s getting cold.”
Kendra smiled and picked up her taco. “Let’s eat.” They both took bites of the tacos, which were delicious and only a little cold. Then another question occurred to Lucas.
“What happens when you go back to LA?”
Kendra groaned. “Please don’t ask about that. I’m trying not to think about it. I’m worried that my parents will want to try another arranged marriage.”
Lucas’s stomach hurt at the thought of Kendra in a white wedding dress, marrying some stranger, her mouth smiling but her eyes sad.
“Would you do it?”
“I don’t think so. I think I have… higher standards now.” She tilted her head. “What happens whenyougo back to LA?”
“I’m trying not to think about that, either. I’ll probably have to give lots of apologies and comb through years of financial records to try to put things right.”
“So, what you’re saying is that we need to enjoy this vacation, because when we get back to LA, things are going to suck for a while?”
“Exactly.”
“Then we need more wine.” With a smile, Kendra lifted the bottle and poured a little more into each of their glasses. “And we need to enjoy this vacation. Even if we’re doing kayaking and sensual pottery and couples’ massages the whole time.”
“I really need to know what this sensual pottery thing you keep talking about is.” Lucas smiled at her. He liked how she looked at life, as though there was always a silver lining to every situation.
“You don’t want to know.” She sipped her wine.
“I’m sure I do.”
“No, you don’t want to know, because I’m almost certain that I made it up.”
He laughed. “You know, I’m sorry to say this, because I know how terrible it must have been for you, but I’m glad that Aaron didn’t realize how special you are. If you two had gotten married, we’d never have met.” He winced internally as soon as he spoke the words. Even if she hadn’t wanted to marry Aaron, there was still a good chance that she’d rather be on her honeymoon with her husband or a friend instead of Lucas. But she nodded.
“And I’m kind of glad your CFO friend embezzled money from you.” She winced visibly. “That sounds horrible to say. I’m so sorry.”
Lucas laughed. “I was the first one to say something terrible, so I think we’re even. What should we do next to enjoy this vacation? We’ve finished the tacos.”
“How about a walk on the beach?” Kendra suggested. “Then we can see if any of the hotel restaurants are still open to give us dessert.”
“Perfect.” They got to their feet, and Kendra glanced back at the table.
“It feels weird to walk off and leave this here.”
“I know, but it’s not like we can carry the table back to the resort ourselves.” He held out his arm. “Shall we go for a walk?”
She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Yes, milord.”
