“Yes, my flight was also canceled. I was hoping I could extend my stay.”
“Um, yes, I think so but I don—” The attendant looks around, likely wishing someone would rescue her. Clearing her throat, she starts again. “Did you say your next flight is not for three weeks?”
“Yes,” I respond hesitantly.
“I can certainly extend your stay. Unfortunately, I do not know if we will be able accommodate a full three week extension.Would you be able to wait a moment while I find my supervisor?”
“Uh, sure.” It’s not like I have a real choice. I need to know something.
Ivory is back to panicking and mumbling to herself when the desk attendant walks off in search of her supervisor. Despite her frantic appearance and obvious anxiety, she is gorgeous. She smells like coconut. Her hair is now in a messy bun on top of her head instead of the loose waves she was wearing when I walked in. Likely a side effect of her stress and running her fingers through it. She is so far out of my league but I want her more than I care to admit to myself.
What am I even saying?This is only our second conversation. It’s not like us randomly meeting at this resort in Belize is going to turn into some epic love story between us no matter the attraction I feel for her.
CHAPTER SIX
Ivory
What seems like hours later, mainly because I’m still in an absolute panic, my reservation is extended two weeks. That was the most they could do with the uncertainty and the state of the world. We were told we could stay on property but some of the amenities would be closing. The spa and the gym are closed. We can use the pool, but the pool bar will be operating on a limited schedule. The kitchen will only be able to accommodate ordering in the main bar. The two other restaurants on property will be closed as well. Room service is available but they ask the food be left at the door and would prefer—or highly recommend—we come pick it up from the lobby. They have also asked that we wear face coverings when interacting with the staff.Where do we even get those?
My thoughts are interrupted by Preston peppering the receptionist with questions about the water activities available at the resort. I knew from his fit appearance he stays in shape. Apparently, he enjoys staying active in general, not just gym workouts. He runs through the entire list and gets confirmation he can still snorkel, kayak, and paddle board. Any group and attended activities are suspended. Preston seems to be grateful he still hasoptions. I don’t understand the appeal, but it seemed to ease his mind.How is he so freaking calm right now?
The whole spiel only sets me more on edge. I didn’t think it was possible to become more frantic than I already am, but what the hell am I going to do? Basically, the all-inclusive paradise is now self-service. Something I’m not used to. Unsure why I’m still standing at the desk, I grab my phone off the counter and begin to walk off.
“Thanks for the help.” Preston reaches out for my arm, stopping me mid-stride. His palm is warm. A tingle of something shoots up my arm from where he touches me. The same feeling I felt the first night we met in the bar.
“Want to go for a walk with me?”
Surprised by the invitation, I risk a glance at him. His brows raise to his hairline. The question and hope on his face as much as in his voice.
“Okay.”
Truthfully, I’m not ready to make any phone calls or go back to my villa alone yet. His presence also weirdly calms me and I need to latch onto as much calm as I can right now.
“After you.” He steps aside, gesturing to the glass doors of the lobby leading to the water. The warm afternoon sun hits me in the face. There isn’t a cloud in the sky. Inhaling deeply, I breathe in the sea air.
“Where do you want to walk?” I keep my eyes closed, trying to center myself.
“Have you seen much of the island while you’ve been here?”
“No, I’ve kept mostly to the villa or the pool,” I admit sheepishly.
“Let’s go this way.” Preston tilts his head to the left, moving to the pebbled footpath leading to the beach. I follow behind him.
Palm trees line the path. A soft breeze trickling through the fronds. Preston steps onto the bright white sand. Lookingaround, I note we are on the opposite side of the pier where the shuttle dropped me off.
“Hold on, let me just take my shoes off.” Walking on sand in shoes, even sandals, is difficult. The last thing I need is to let this man witness me fall after the spectacle in the lobby.
Preston waits, holding his shoes in one hand while I slide my sandals off. When I give him a nod, he leads us to the shoreline. The sun reflects off the turquoise sea. The tide is low, allowing us to walk on the hard-packed sand. Occasionally, a wave will roll in and crash over our bare feet. Preston doesn’t push for conversation. He seems content to just walk. My breath evens out with every step. The combination of the fresh air, sun, and Preston’s steady silence ease my mind. Everything is fine. It will be fine.
Slowly, I settle my nerves and shake the rest of the anxiety out of my arms.
“You doing okay?” Preston notices the move and breaks the silence.
“I think so. Sorry about that.” Preston’s eyes knit in question. “Back there, my freak out.”
“It happens to the best of us.” He shrugs in my peripheral as I stare down at my feet in the wet sand.
“Not you. How are you so calm about this?” I can’t bring myself to look at him right now from the embarrassing reminder of my behavior.
