1997
Gray couldn't believe he was here on an island in the Caribbean.He thought back to the first time he'd met Riley and Cam at the conference.It had been almost a year ago.Now, he struggled with his suitcase, lugging it into the small space that would be his new home for the next month.
The place was small, but that didn't bother him.He was used to a small space.His first-year researcher's salary back in California had meant a tight budget, and opting for a studio apartment over a shared place had seemed like the better choice.As he glanced around, he thought that this bachelor suite might be bigger than his studio back home.
The main room had everything he needed: a modest kitchen, a tiny dining area, a living room corner, and the bed pushed against the wall.Through the patio doors, he glimpsed a small deck area.Not that he expected to spend much time here, just like back in California.Maybe he'd find a local spot to hang out, and his new coworkers would think he was cool enough to invite him out at night.
He wandered into the bathroom—the only space in the suite with a door—and found a generously sized shower and a double sink, surprising him."A double sink in a bachelor suite?"he wondered aloud.Not that he was complaining.More space to spread out.He wasn't messy, exactly — just someone who enjoyed having everything out where he could see it.
Unpacking slowly, Gray's thoughts wandered to his book collection back in California.He smiled as he pictured shelves and shelves crammed with titles.Friends would always gawk at the sheer number of books when they visited."Have you read all these?"they'd ask.He'd laugh, "Buying books and reading books are different hobbies."Hauling that weight across an ocean?He'd have to be crazy.
Today had been long and uneventful.He'd left California at six that morning and arrived on the island by eight at night.Cam had picked him up at the airport, which was a relief.Then dropped him off at the suite with a quick apology for not staying to help him unpack.Gray had assured him it was fine—it would have been awkward to have someone hovering while he got settled.Cam had borrowed someone named Marta's vehicle to pick him up, as his own car was in the shop, and he needed to get the borrowed car back to her.
With his clothes now hanging in the closet, he wondered if he should call it a day.The thought of exploring crossed his mind, but as he looked out the patio window, he noticed the only streetlight was down the road.The dark didn't exactly make the place feel inviting.An early bedtime seemed the best option.
As he brushed his teeth, he remembered the moment three months ago when his project funding got approved.
"Gray!"Katie, a statistics researcher, had come bursting into the staff room, with Shelley and Dr.Terry following behind."You got it!"she panted, flinging a piece of paper toward him, breathless from the run.
"Got what?"Gray had asked, looking from his coworkers to the paper.At the top, his eyes found the big green stamp: "APPROVED FOR FUNDING."Dr.T had pulled him into a hug, not caring about decorum.
"You did it!The committee loved your proposal," she beamed, her pride clear."They've granted full funding, even covering your living expenses and travel for a month."
The entire department had been buzzing, excitedly clapping him on the back, thrilled about what this meant for their research lab's recognition.It had all felt surreal.The months after meeting Riley and Cam at the conference had flown by as they brainstormed ideas, went back and forth over details, and finally got their project set.Then came the agonizing wait for the island officials to approve his permit.
Gray's thoughts soured as he remembered Dr.Mark Cameron's snide remark one day."Too bad about your island project, Gray," Mark had said with a smug grin in the lunchroom."Exciting while it lasted, but don't worry, I've submitted a proposal of my own.If the clock runs out on your funding, I'm sure the committee will see they should've picked me from the start."
Mark had then exchanged a knowing glance with Shelley.Gray had always felt uneasy around Shelley—she wasn't great with boundaries, though she was good at her job handling statistics.But that shared look with Mark...Gray wondered if there was more going on between her and their married coworker.
Looking around the cozy suite now, Gray realized how close he'd come to losing the project.The grant had a four-month limit; if he hadn't secured his permit in time, the funds would've been reallocated.He'd called Cam, panicking: "Without the permit this week, the project's done."
Somehow, Cam had come through, pulling strings Gray hadn't even known were there.He didn't know how Cam had got it done, but he was grateful.Yesterday, as Gray was making his last rounds at the lab, he had spotted Mark sulking in the lunchroom, complaining about "fairness" and "someone getting something."Gray had ignored him, choosing instead to say his goodbyes to his actual friends.As he walked out, he'd had the strangest feeling of being watched.He'd glanced back and glimpsed Shelley's blond hair as she disappeared around a corner.
Gray wouldn't miss Mark or Shelley.He felt a twinge of disbelief as he climbed into bed now, pulling the covers up to his bare chin like he used to as a kid.In the soft, enclosed space, the darkness of the island melted away, and the rhythm of his own breathing soothed him.Tomorrow was the start of something amazing.
Chapter 12
Mistaken identity
Rileywasnothavinga good day, not at all.
She'd woken up in the worst way possible, bolting out of bed and yelling, "Nooo!"as Bear started puking up some godforsaken thing he'd found on the beach.She made it just in time to shove him out the patio door before he ruined the floor.Of course, he came bouncing back in, apparently feeling much better, and promptly planted a kiss right on her lips.Gross!She loved him, but on some days he was so disgusting.
Then, her Jeep decided not to start.She was grateful it was her morning to bring supplies to the Lagoon by boat, but the rats she worked with hadn't delivered everything yesterday.Now she was hauling more than she should onto the skiff."Hope it all fits," she muttered, eyeing the dive tanks that needed to go in along with the groceries.
"Hey there!"a deep voice called out.
Riley glanced up, squinting against the sunlight.All she could see was a hulking figure framed in a blinding halo.She shielded her eyes to get a better look and saw a tall, attractive man standing on the dock.Great.A tourist.Not today, Satan.
"The registration booth is over the hill.You can't miss it," she said curtly, turning back to the boat to balance the dive tanks and make room for the rest of the supplies.
But the shadow looming over her didn't move.She sighed, climbed up onto the dock, and stepped out of the sun to get a clearer view."Sorry, do you speak English?I mean, you said 'hey there,' and you seem like you understand, but you're still standing here."At this, Riley huffed and motioned with her hands all around the area that apparently she didn't want occupied anymore by Gray.
The man grinned, flashing the whitest teeth she'd ever seen.Geez-us, how were his teeth so white?
"Yes, I understand English perfectly.I'm Gray, and you're Riley?"He held out his hand.
Riley stared at him, then at his outstretched hand."You're Gray?The researcher?"Oh god.How had she not recognized him?Her cheeks flamed as she realized her mistake, but she was still too grumpy to muster an apology.
