Climbing onto the barstool beside Preston, I order a drink when Juan comes over to greet me and turn back to Preston. “Did they call you this morning about your reservation?”
“Yeah. Day after tomorrow, right?”
“That’s what they said.” Juan places my cocktail on a coaster in front of me. “Did you find a place to stay?”
“No luck yet. You?” Preston eyes me over his beer glass.
“Nope. I searched resorts and hotels today but they seem to all be the same. My friends are looking into a few things.” The tension in my shoulders releases after another sip of my drink.
“Same. My agent is doing some research.”
Juan takes our dinner order, promising the resort is taking care of our checks. While we wait on our meal, Preston and I settle into light conversation. I’m surprised how easy everything is with him. It’s never been like this with another man, and not often with anyone else I encounter in real life. I don’t get to let my hair down and make small talk with almost strangers. Preston doesn’t feel like a stranger anymore though. Maybe there is merit to Gabby’s idea.
“What would you think of us sticking together?” Preston says, pulling my gaze back to him.Is he a mind reader?
“Like beyond the resort?” My brows pinch trying to decipher his meaning. Preston nods. “My friend actually mentioned something like that too. You don’t think it’s crazy?”
“Not really. We’re both trapped here until further notice andneither of us know the area. It would make sense to brave the unexpected with an ally.”
“You have a point. But are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Plus, there’s the little tidbit of your dad threatening me with your safety.” He brings his thumb and forefinger together while he pokes fun at me.
“Ah, there it is.” Could I really spend an indeterminate amount of time with this man? Especially when I could potentially develop feelings for him? One thing is for sure, today has left me with a lot to think about.
CHAPTER TEN
Preston
April 1
“You ready?” I call out to Ivory as the door opens to her villa. I can see her suitcase in the foyer but not her.
She was on the fence about sticking together after being told we have to leave the resort. Lucky for me, her friend found somewhere for Ivory to stay until the rescheduled flight a month from now. With a little pressure from her friends, she agreed I should tag along.
Coming around the corner while fidgeting with her bag, Ivory looks at me with a hint of nervousness behind her eyes. Quickly averting her gaze, she surveys the room. “I think so.”
“I’m glad you decided to hang with me.” I don’t want her to be nervous around me. Do I think it’s smart for us to stick together as two Americans stranded in a foreign country during a worldwide pandemic? Yes. Is that why I suggested it to her? Maybe on some level, but if I’m being honest it’s because I don’t like the idea of Ivory out there all alone. I also want to spend more time with her.
“Me too.” She smiles softly, walking out the door. Grabbing her suitcase, I pick mine up from the dock.
“Do you know anything about where we’re going?” I ask as we walk to the main dock to meet the contact picking us up.
“Just that Taylor knows someone who owns a house nearby that isn’t being used. We can stay as long as we need. It’s remote but has all the amenities apparently.”
Juan meets us at the end of the dock, rushing to grab our bags and helping load them on the boat waiting to take us to our next location.
“Thank you, Juan. You have been incredible. Stay safe out there.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Preston. I am sorry to see you leave. Hopefully you can both travel home soon.” I shake his hand and pass him some money then board the boat while Ivory says her goodbyes.
“Are you Ms. Crenshaw?” The boat captain asks when Ivory turns her full attention to the vessel.
“I am. Where are we heading?”
“A small island north of here called Long Caye. The staff has assured me the house is fully stocked for your arrival.”
“The staff?” Ivory and I share a look. Who is this person that Taylor knows? I make a mental note to ask for more details later.
