“That says more about you than me. And don’t forget, you're the one who said I handle my stick well."
"I was in character!"
"Sure you were." He sets me on the bed, and I catch his hand before he can pull away.
"West?"
"Yeah?"
"Be careful. With Blake."
He goes still, his eyes searching mine. For a moment, it feels like something important might be said.
Instead, he leans down, kissing me soft and slow. “You too, Cooper.”
Then he’s dressing, the moment slipping away with practiced ease.
I watch him, memorizing the way confidence lives in his body. He catches me staring.
“See something you like?”
"Maybe."
"Save that thought." He shrugs into his polo, then leans down one more time. “I’ll text you after golf.”
He’sgone before I can answer.
I curl into the bed that still smells like him, skin buzzing.
No feelings, I remind myself.
But that ship sailed somewhere around the moment he caught me by the pool on Day One.
I’m in trouble.
Big trouble.
And the worst part?
I think I like it.
Very much.
Chapter 8
Bearded Dragon
January 27 | Day 4 Anguilla PM | T–4
West
Late afternoon heat. I miss the ice rink. My polo sticks to my back, and the memory of Jane’s hands on me in the shower earlier doesn’t help the heat situation. Focus, Prescott. Shower. Change. Survive cocktail hour.
I start texting Jane.
Me:Golf’s done. Scarlett's seething. Success.
Me:I'm making my way back for a quick shower, then cocktail hour at 6. My mother's latest candidate will be there. Apparently "very excited to meet me.”
