“What do you want to do after college?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure yet. I plan to work here for a while after graduating in May. It’s giving me the experience I need. My dream is to own a resort like this one day.”
Eddie sighs. “I don’t know how you do it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Put up with people like me all the time.”
I crack a smile. “Thankfully, I don’t have to deal with people like youallthe time.”
“Hey, c’mon…” He nudges me with his elbow.
“You set yourself up with that one,” I laugh. “You, Eddie Evans, have actually been one of my favorite guests of all time.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Really?”
“Really.” I smile over at him.
To my surprise, his face falls. With a deep exhale he says, “I haven’t made this week easy on you.”
I think back to our first rocky meeting, which includes of course, seeing Eddie in his boxers. Then, later that night when he slammed the door in my face. There's also the panic I felt when he kept disappearing at events. But then I also think of seeing Eddie smile for the first time, and a million times since then. I grin thinking about him teaching pre-school tennis lessons, laughing together at the spa, and watching him give the boys tickets to the US Open.
Finally, I say, “That’s true, but it was worth it.” I’m not sure if I should bring up his brother, but I don’t want to ignore the accident and the feelings he’s having. I take a deep breath andgarner the courage. “I can’t relate to losing a sibling because I’m an only child, but I know what it's like to have a piece of your family ripped away. My dad left when I was four…Since then, it’s been hard to ever feel whole again.”
Eddie’s eyes flick up to mine. “Maya, I’m so sorry. I’m such a jerk.” He covers my hand with his.
That was not the response I was expecting. “Why? What do you mean?”
He exhales. “The whole week I’ve been so focused on myself, I never even stopped to think about what you, or anyone else, has been through.”
I turn my body so I’m on my side, fully facing him.
“I didn’t tell you about my dad leaving to make you feel bad. I wanted you to know that you don’t have to carry the pain of losing someone you love by yourself. My mom is an amazing listener. Whenever I’m feeling sad about my dad, or anything really, she lets me talk as long as I need to. And when I’m done, I feel better. It doesn’t change the circumstances, but it changes me. I’m lighter in the end. Even after you leave tomorrow, you can always call me if you want to talk.”
That’s when Eddie interlaces his fingers through mine.
He shifts his hips, mirroring me. “Maya, you’ve already helped me so much. I really can’t think of a time when I’ve smiled or laughed like this.”
He brushes away a hair that’s fallen on my cheek, his eyes searching my face. We’re inches apart, and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me. I know I shouldn’t want him to. I could get fired for kissing a guest, but Eddie’s leaving in the morning, and I might never see him again.
Chapter 17
Eddie
Iseethedesirein Maya’s eyes matching mine, so I lean forward to kiss her. Suddenly, the lights turn off and the dome goes dark, except for the lanterns. The late-afternoon glow of the sun has disappeared, and the darkness of night has set in.
“What just happened?” I whisper, centimeters from her mouth.
Maya doesn’t pull away as she says softly, “I think the lights are on a timer, for people who want to stargaze.”
I stare into her eyes. “We should do that, after…” Then, I lean in, and she meets me, her lips melting into mine. Kissing Maya is like experiencing her personality physically—sweet and exciting and full of life.
After a few moments, she pulls away and touches her forehead to mine. “I wish I didn’t like that so much,” she breathes.
I see a grin on her face, and my pulse soars.
“I’m not supposed to kiss guests.” She groans and leans back, looking up at the night sky.
