Butterflies erupt in my stomach, accompanying a tingle between my legs, doing me no favors.
“I’ll be outside when you're ready.”
Once I’m alone, my heart rate returns to normal. I take my time getting dressed and gathering my belongings since no one is waiting to use the restroom. Pretending to be a happy couple reminds me of what I don’t have, what I won’t let myself have. Over the years, I’ve refused to fall for someone, because letting yourself fall in love means giving away a piece of your puzzle-shaped heart, and how can I when there are so few pieces left?
Why am I entertaining the idea of being with anyone, let alone Basil? She was just left at the altar. I’m probably nothing more than a rebound. Then there’s the case.
Maybe Basil and I were doomed from the start, but I can’t deny my feelings for her. Being on this island is beyond messy, and yet I don’t want it to end.
I retrieve my phone from my bag and check the screen. Three missed calls in the last thirty minutes—the case.
When the device lights up again, I think about ignoring it. After a deep exhale, I press the answer button. “King speaking.” My insides constrict hearing the words on the other end. I take a final glance at the closed door before responding to the woman. “Yes, Ms. Jones, I have an update on your daughter.”
CHAPTER 16
BASIL
“The stars are nice,”I say, on my side of the pillow wall, peering through the ceiling’s skylight window. I hate small talk, but the tension—and not the sexy kind—between Caroline and me is painfully apparent. I can’t tell what time it is, but I know it’s past midnight, and falling asleep seems like an impossible task. My mind has been consumed with thoughts of her, and if it’s somehow possible, I’ve been thinking about hermoresince our massage and beach date today. One minute, she’s reaching for me, showering me with passionate kisses, and the next she seems distant. Why the change? What did I do? My brain is going through gymnastics attempting to figure this out. Innately, I’m a problem solver, and I can’t help but wonder if something needs to be fixed.
“Today was fun. Thank you.” She ends the growing awkward silence. “I mean that.”
My heart warms, happy to hear it given the unfolding of today’s events. ”How’s your leg?”
“Better.”
Maybe if I say the words out loud, I’ll be able to stop craving her touch. I lift the pillow next to our heads and take in her silhouette from the light illuminating from above. “Is something bothering you?”
“Yes.” She doesn’t look at me. “But I’ll be fine. It’s nothing you did wrong.”
At least she appears to be honest. “Okay…good night. Don’t let the jellyfish bite.”
I catch a glimpse of her slight smile as she pulls the pillow from my grip and returns the figurative brick back in place. She feels miles away. I return staring at the stars. Based on her breathing, I can tell she’s not privy to sleep either.
More silence.
How could anyone stand this? It’s unproductive and excruciating. I shift my approach. Maybe meditation will help both of us. “Do you want to do the breathing exercise?”
She lifts the same pillow from before and faces me. “Now? At 2 a.m.?”
I wrestle out from underneath the sheets and walk around the bed, then stop on the rug. With my back facing her, I plop down and cross one leg underneath the other. “Yes.”
“Want a pillow to sleep down there? Someone needs to be able to function at the tournament and gala tomorrow.”
Sleep on the floor? “Seriously?” We’re taking steps backward now? I yank around to discover a smirk and relax when I realize she isn’t serious. “I’m the one who made sure we weren’t late to any of the events.” Even 1 a.m. game night, Battle of the Sapphics. Caroline wasn’t fond of being up that late. “We’re not missing that gala. You will survive being awake for seven more minutes.”
I turn back around and stare at the door. Sounds of ocean waves distract my mind while I wait. A couple of minutes later, she’s out of bed, and then I hear footsteps. When her back touches mine, I smile, appreciating the sense of calm, and remember how good her warmth felt inside Lady Shiba’s office.
We don’t set a timer. A few minutes later, a part of me is glad I forgot. Turns out I needed this too. As our breathing synchronizes, the tension between us melts away.
Eventually, I speak up. “It’s not like we’re going to see each other ever again, if you want to talk about anything.” Saying that last part stings more than I expected.
Silence.
I guess I’ll lead by example. Deep breath. “I was left at the altar, and I think it was my fault…and the worst part is…” I pause. “I went on my honeymoon in hopes of saving my chances at a promotion. Pretty awful, aren't I?”
“No.”
“Then there’s the fact that being here with you is some of the most fun I’ve had with anyone, and that’s scary and also frustrating. Since meeting you, it feels like everything I believe in is being challenged.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat. Her steady breathing is the only thing preventing me from falling apart. “We’ve known each other less than three weeks, and I feel like you’re one of the few trustworthy people I know.”
