“Yes, babes,” I say, smoothing my hand up his chest. “It’s always been yes.”
Epilogue
TRISTAN
Lexi and I are in Miami. After spending a couple of days with Anita, we headed back. For now, we’re staying with Evan, but as soon as we’ve figured life out, we’ll get our own place. Evan had to travel for work this week, so we are blissfully by ourselves.
And it is bliss. I watch as Lexi putters around the kitchen, making breakfast. She stifles a yawn, and when she catches me staring at her, she blushes. Babes might not be getting enough sleep, but she doesn’t seem to mind.
“You know, if you keep on looking at me like that, nothing else is going to happen today,” she says, offering me a mug of coffee.
“And what’s the problem with that?” We’re both still a bit jet-lagged, and having an outrageous amount of sex is probably not helping in that department. My gaze dips to her cleavage as she leans on the counter with her elbows. Her blue silk cami strap slides from her shoulder, and I bet she made that happen on purpose.
Lexi straightens and gathers the strap back to her shoulder with a smirk. “Nothing’s wrong with that.” She turns to the fridge, giving me the perfect view of her sweet ass in those little shorts.
I grin into my mug as I pull my new laptop closer. One thing I can’t put off anymore is the email to my agent. I don’t know how he’s going to get us out of the contract with the streaming service, but that’s his problem. I’ve got a scholarship program to set up, and I need to get back in contact with Roger. Plus, I want to dig into Miami University’s programs to see if Roger can sign up for online courses.
I open my inbox and look through the list of new emails. My gaze stops on one from Nathan Beaumont. The subject line reads:It was fun, but Ne’emba needs you back.
My hand hovers, my fingers suddenly quivering as I hesitate. Finally I double click, my heart in my throat.
Tristan,
I hope you managed to resolve your family issues during your personal leave. As much as I’ve enjoyed managing the dive center, I have a corporate job I need to get back to. You haven’t officially resigned, so my expectation is that you will be back, and soon.
We also never discussed your project. Roger showed me a completed episode he found on your laptop. I’m open to hearing how you’d like to continue your filming at Ne’emba. Beaumont can sponsor part of this project, provided we get the right exposure in the final product. Let’s discuss.
Roger needs to complete his training, and we’ve been talking about bringing in some other recruits. I’d like your advice on an exchange program with students from Rosenstiel to see how we can enhance the guest experience here at Ne’emba, with ongoing research on the reefs etc.
Jem and Mike will be leaving for training in France and the UK as soon as we have you back on board. We’ll be doing a staff restructure here going forward in June when the lodge reopens after the rainy season. I’ll be emailing Lexi separately, as she’ll be needed here as well.
Let’s set up a call to discuss.
Nathan Beaumont
I’m going to fall off my chair. “Babes.”
“What?” Lexi turns back to me, egg carton in hand.
“You’re not going to believe this.”
“Lately I’m ready to believe anything. I mean, look at us, setting up a drug smug?—”
“They want us back,” I interrupt, not able to keep this news to myself for a second longer. “Nathan Beaumont’s emailed me. He wants us to go back to Ne’emba?—”
“You can’t be serious.” Lexi puts the eggs down as she circles the kitchen island to come to my side.
As soon as she’s within arm’s reach, I pull her close. “It’s here, in black and white.” I point with my free hand to my laptop screen as I brush her warm, soft skin with my thumb. “Pinch me, because this isn’t real.”
Lexi sags against me as she leans in to read the email again…and again. “This must be a scam,” she says. “Surely nobody—surely…”
“Check your email,” I say, squeezing her hip. Her skin has sprouted a carpet of goosebumps. My heart is beating all over the place.
Lexi steps away from my embrace and heads to our room. I stand and pace, rubbing my face with my hands, adrenaline spiking my blood. I can’t believe this either. She comes back seconds later with her phone. She’s not been on it much lately, what with us spending so much quality time together. The timeat Ne’emba weaned her too. Hell, I’d go back to someplace similar just to be so disconnected again.
She sinks down on the sofa and swipes at her phone. I walk over and slump down next to her, watching her face.
“Oh my God. Nathan emailed me too.” She glances up at me. “Lexi,” she reads, “‘I hope you managed to resolve your family issues during your personal leave.’”
