“This is more like it,” she sighed. “I think I’ll have you paddle me around from now on.”
My face cracked into a dopey smile. “I’d happily do it, gorgeous.”
Our fake relationship was feeling realer by the day. About three days into our group vacation—after all the shared meals, the late-night bonfires, the sports activities—I knew for sure that I wanted this. A real relationship with Ava. The back and forth between us was driving me crazy. One minute, we were easy with each other like a real couple, the next, I wasn’t sure where I stood with her. I had to remind myself to be patient. She still needed time to trust me.
When we reached shore, we joined the others.
“Guys, I’m starving,” Spencer announced. “After all that activity, I need to refuel. What are we doing for dinner this evening?”
“We are having fattening junk food at the bar because we’re getting drunk tonight,” Mia said.
Alex pointed a finger of approval at her. “Brilliant,” he said.
The two high-fived.
“He’s found the female version of himself,” Michael muttered. However, there was humor in his eyes—he adored them both.
The others shared in the amusement as we gathered our towels and bags and headed toward the villas.
Ava and I reached our room—our adjoined rooms, rather.
I turned to face her. “So, are you coming to my room or are we going to yours?”
She raised an eyebrow. “That sounds suspiciously like you want me in yours.”
“I absolutely do,” I said without hesitation. “There are some interesting things I’d like to do to you in the shower.”
“Lincoln,”she gasped. However, she blushed profusely, which satisfied me. She cleared her throat. “I suppose I’m curious about thoseinteresting things.”
My smirk was downright devilish. “My room it is.”
“Actually, I’ll join you in a few minutes. I have to make a call.”
“No problem. Don’t be long.”
“I won’t,” she said, going inside.
Before she closed the door, she smiled at me, and it was like the rest of my week was made. I wanted her to look at me like that forever.
26
AVA
As soon as the door closed, I fanned my face. Lincoln was just too much, in the best way. I enjoyed myself way too much with him. Sighing, I fished in my bag for my phone. I’d been reluctant to call my boss with news of a potential story, but it was time. After a few chats with Alex, who took time out of his vacation to work his magic, I had concrete proof about something shady going on in the music industry.
I took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the bed. My finger hovered over Allan’s name for a moment before I pressed it.
He answered on the third ring. “Ava, how’s it going? I trust the feature is wrapping up nicely.”
“It is.” I couldn't tell him where I was working on the feature from, but it really was wrapping up perfectly.
“Good. Good. Do you need something?”
“Erm…” God, I was about to chicken out. What if he laughed and told me to get my ass home?
Be brave. Be bold.
“Yes, I do need something.”
