It’s a beautiful day, and I’m away from the bullshit with my woman. The island air has already lifted her spirits. I watch her fascination as she takes in the Villa. She’s not overly impressed with the luxury—she’s been around it before—it’s the good vibes surrounding her. Celeste’s face lights up with the wonders of the amenities that she’ll actually be able to enjoy. Thinking about all those years with her stuck under Weston’s thumb, not being allowed to enjoy life, fills me with equal parts of sadness and fury.
Sidling up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist. “Ready to relax, baby?”
Celeste settles into my embrace and tilts her head back to kiss me. “Yup. I’m about to lounge next to the pool and gossip with your mother.”
I squeeze her tighter because she’s not supposed to be excited by something so simple, yet I have a good idea of how Tracy treated her. It’s unacceptable and sickening.
“Let me not get in the way.” I spin her in my arms and look her in her eyes. “I’m glad you two are getting along. You get to see how good it can be. and I know that asshole’s obsession assured less time with your own mother. I can’t wait to meet your parents in person, but feel free to borrow mine.”
I steal a kiss to keep the tears glittering her eyes at bay. These are happy times. I face her toward the room and pat her butt to silently encourage her to go change. Brett appears with his t-shirt, towel, and board shorts.
He waves the sunblock in his hand at me. “Wanna do my back?” He laughs at my expression. “I’m just asking since you and your dad may pass out if I ask one of the ladies.”
“Ha. Ha. I’m not jealous enough to be pissed at an innocent exchange. I know who she loves.”
Brett shrugs. “Fair enough.” I stop him before he can walk away.
“Brett?” He turns at his name and cocks a brow in response. “We met at a bad time. I’d just found out Celeste was hiding her pregnancy from me for five months. However, I’m not blind to the fact that you’ve been there when she needed you to keep her sane while she was waiting to tell me. I also see how much she trusts you, so thank you.”
Brett nods. “I appreciate that. You and I should get along fine as long as we stay in our roles.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
The moment Brett’s feet hit the outside cement, I hear my mom offer to put sunblock on his back. Peeking out, I look to find my dad lounging in a chair on the opposite side of the pool chuckling as he reads his newspaper.
A smile is stretched across my face when Celeste surfaces. “Why are you so amused?”
“My mom is rubbing sunblock on Brett, and my dad is amused. It’s good being in a long, secure marriage.”
Celeste laughs at the show as well. “Yes. Must be nice.”
Looking at her, I survey her appearance. She’s wearing a yellow cover up with pink tropical flowers. It stops mid-thigh and her little belly pokes out.
“Bikini?”
“Yes!” She beams when she looks up at me. “Thought I’d give the baby a little sun.”
“Cute. I’m going to meet up with a friend. I’ve already told my parents. I’ll bring them back to meet you. No need to be jumpy, okay?”
Celeste waves her hand in slow motion. “I’m cool as a cucumber.”
Beau
Axel’stall ass emerges from the infinity pool of a nearby villa. He shakes some of the water out of his hair, and Heaven, his girlfriend—I turn to look at her, and I’m damn near blinded by the ring—fiancée, sighs like she’s never seen him emerge from water. They are a wonderful couple, and I have no doubts about their love for each other.
I’d already greeted Heaven with a hug. I’m just waiting for the big bastard to dry off a little. He approaches me, all smiles, then we shake hands and do the bro-hug back taps.
“I’m glad you told us you were coming. We were deciding the next island to hop to when you called.”
Axel is fulfilling Heaven’s desire to travel by literally taking her around the world. “Yeah. I needed to talk to you about a few things since you never know when you two will have phone reception, but I know Heaven can’t go long without Wi-Fi.”
Axel laughs with a glance at Heaven. “Sending smoke signals through my woman, huh?”
“Never underestimate my ability to find you.”
“Whatever. What’s the urgent thing you wanted to discuss?”
“You won’t believe me, so you two are coming with me to have dinner at our villa. My parents are excited for the company.”
