I didn’t expect her to answer me but when several minutes go by without a reply, I feel my temper spike.
Me: I’m serious, Mills. Quit being a spoiled brat and answer me.
That one is probably going to cost me a night on the couch but I don’t care. Instead of letting it go when she still doesn’t answer me, I double down.
Me: In case you forgot, we’re on an island, so unless you went home, I’m going to find you, eventually.
Still nothing.
Me: You might as well tell me where you are because if I have to find you, you’re not going to like what happens next.
Standing up, I toss my phone on the bed before making my way to the dresser where Mateo stashed all the clothes Millie had altered for me. Selecting a pair of dark blue board shorts, I pull them on and and tie their drawstring before making my way back to the bed. Picking up the watch Millie gave me, I’m strapping it to my wrist when my phone lets out a chime. Reaching for it, I swipe the screen.
Mills: Happy hunting, asshole.
I laugh.
Can’t help it.
Me: Alright, Milk Carton—remember you said that.
Swiping Millie’s discarded anklet off the nightstand, I drop it into my pocket before heading out the door.
THIRTY-THREE
For the last few days, I’ve woken up to findDean awake and dressed, sitting by the pool, already halfway through breakfast, so I was a little surprised when I opened my eyes to find him still in bed.
And not justin bed.
I wake up to find myself wrapped up in his arms, my face buried in his chest. One leg thrown over his hip, his thigh pressed into the juncture of mine. His warm, callused hand pushed under the hem of my T-shirt and splayed across my bare back.
Looking up at him, heart pounding in my chest, I had the overwhelming urge to kiss him, so I did the only rational thing I coulddo—I ran away.
Easing myself out of bed, I got dressed—a dark green bikini because aside from a few cocktail dresses and some undergarments, that’s all I packed, and a flowy, black cover-up—before scribbling a quick note, letting Dean know that I cancelled today’s excursions and that I would be gone for the day. On impulse, I added the p.s. about the anklet, left it next to his watch and bolted before I lost my nerve. Outside the bungalow, I called Mateo and asked him to come pick me up. Like he was camped out in the bushes, waiting for my phone call, Mateo shows up in his trusty golf cart within minutes and whisks me away.
“No Mr. Mercer?” He asks while he drives like a maniac down narrow, cobblestone streets.
“Not today,” I tell him. “I need some downtime.”
“Say no more,” Mateo says. If he’s guessed that we fought last night and fell asleep angry, he doesn’t say. “I know exactly what you need.
Less than an hour later, I’d been installed in a posh, three-sided cabana on the resort’s main beach, drinking Bellinis, and enjoying a full body massage while watching the waves roll across powdery white sand. Now it’s mid-afternoon and I’m lounging on the cabana’s wide, upholstered bed while reading one of the books Mateo brought me.
Or at least I’m trying to.
“Hey… you look familiar. Do I know you?”
Looking up from my book, I find a man who vaguely reminds me of Allister, hovering just inside the open entrance to my cabana. Mid-to-late thirties. Douchey, mirrored aviators. Dirty blond hair and a slight cleft in his chin. Practiced smile and soft hands.
When Mateo came by to check on me a few minutes ago, he noted that the beach was getting crowded and offered to close the mesh drapes for me. A subtle admission that over thelast week, he’s become aware of the trouble I caused in New York before coming here.
The mesh is one way. You’ll still be able to enjoy the view, Ms. Blackwell but no one will be able to see in.
Regrettably, I told him no.
Of course you told him no. If you let him close the curtains, how would Dean find you?
He texted about forty minutes ago, demanding to know where I was. When I didn’t answer him, he got all growly and told me that if he had to find me, I’d be sorry. Something must really be wrong with me because instead of worried or incensed over Dean’s threat, I felt something else entirely.
