Lynn and Mae stay for a moment longer, seeming relaxed and content with the evening. Basil and I share a smile, glancing at Lynn rocking her wife in her arms.
"Let’s snap a couple of pictures for the emerging champs before we go." Lynn pecks Mae’s neck before pulling away. "Memories and all that."
"Of course," Mae says. "I’ll use one of your phones, if you prefer, or I can use mine."
Basil’s turns to me. “It’s okay, no need—”
Lynn interjects. “No big deal. She can text them to you.”
A wave of panic sets in. The last thing I need are pictures of Basil and me, cozy, out in the universe. Mytarget. Knowing Lynn, next week they’ll be added to Goddess Lagoon’s webpage.
“Here,” I speak up, and I dig through my bag and hand my phone over.
Mae proceeds to take a number of photos. Lynn insists on a silly one.
“All right, last one,” Mae announces. “Basil. Caroline. How about a kissing photo for the album?”
“Ooh, a victory kiss,” Lynn adds. “Brilliant. You’re in great hands. Mae is an excellent photographer. ”
My wide-eyed expression meets Basil’s. The PDA excuse comes to mind. “I don’t do—”
My words cut off at Basil’s stern headshake. She faces the Blakemans. “Thank you so much for the kind offer—”
“We understand how hard it can be to capture the mushy moments, especially outside of the island. People come to Sapphire Isle from all over the world because it’s a safe space. If that’s of concern.” When we don’t object, Mae motions us to move closer. “Quickly now. Not much light left.”
Swift to act, I face Basil and bring one of her hands inches from my lips. We lock eyes, and I plant a gentle kiss across her knuckles. An engagement-photo pose I saw on an internet ad. Not one I thought I’d ever perform. After what feels like forever, I retract my mouth and slowly let go of her hand. Basil’s expression is unreadable.
Lynn exaggerates a heartfelt, “Aww.” She and Mae share a moment.
“That was adorable, but don’t stop acting like newlyweds just because we’re around,” Lynn says. “Enjoy yourselves. Give her a win-worthy smooch, Caroline.”
My body tenses. It’s not that I don’t want to or wouldn’t if she were my wife. I shouldn’t because she’s my target. “I’m all sweaty and—”
“Go ahead. Only if you want.” Basil’s voice is soft, a faint blush in her cheeks.
“Okay, yeah.” Nervous, I play with my fingers, almost despising Lynn for acting like a nosy family member during the holidays. Basil offers a reassuring smile and, using two fingers, pulls my shirt and me closer.
Mae holds up the phone again. A proud parent taking prom photos.
Butterflies are swarming through my belly as I step forward. It’s as if I’m a teenager having my first kiss again. But this isn’t Basil and my first by a long shot. There wasnothingshy between us before. This feels bigger than the case. Maybe I’m afraid of what will happen after we kiss again. Grace made promises only to go back on them. Am I avoiding the pain of wanting someone I can’t have?
Giving into the magnetism between us forces me to acknowledge the flame lingering in my chest for Basil, regardless of if I want it there or not. Feelings just are. I remind myself we’re doing this for show. At first, I wonder why she hasn’t objected, then it hits me. This moment has been inevitable since the first day I stepped inside the villa.
“Okay,” I whisper again and lick my lips, then let myself get lost in her azure-irises. I tip her chin up and pause briefly, searching her eyes for self-restraint, but neither of us can find it. Our lips brush, and the softness and her familiar taste overwhelm me. I’m zapped back to the last time we kissed—how badly I wanted her then and how royally screwed I am now.
Just as I'm pulling away, her lips press firmly against mine, taking me by surprise. We part, our eyes hold, and my pulse jolts against my skin.
Shit. I've crossed a professional line here—and knowing it does nothing to stop my increasing desire to kiss her again.
CHAPTER 14
BASIL
It’s the next day,and kissing Caroline hasn't left my mind. After finishing breakfast at the resort’s restaurant, Caroline and I stop and study the directory to locate the spa. Given today's wide-open schedule, outside of our couples’ massage, we have time to rejuvenate from the packed itinerary we’ve endured. No Olympics today, unless sunbathing counts as a sport. While Caroline was showering last night, I called the front desk to arrange a romantic lunch-date package. Sunny took my order, and we had a surprisingly nice conversation. I can’t deny the fact that she provided excellent suggestions. I can respect a person who has great taste in decor and wine choices. Maybe she’s not too bad.
Coming back to the present, I chuckle, struggling to keep up as Caroline leads the way, her long legs pacing toward our destination. This is the most excitement I’ve witnessed from her. While I'm usually the one reminding her of the time, this morning, she was waiting for me by the door. A smile as bright as her sunflower-colored tank top was plastered across her lips. Understandably so. I’ve been looking forward to this massage since I booked it over a year ago.
I overhear voices from the hallway we’re traveling down. There’s giggling like that from a couple of giddy teenagers. Seconds later, two women dressed in matching white linen robes turn the corner. I roll my eyes. Victoria Miller again. Can’t I have one day of peace and not be constantly reminded of the past?
