Luke hasn’t said much to me in the past few days, but it’s Thursday, and we’re supposed to fly out early tomorrow morning to Tahiti. I set up the time with the pilot and crew, but the fact that I’ve only emailed the final details to my boss feels awkward. Now that I know he was a Navy SEAL and possibly involved in some kind of top-secret, classified mission where his friend died, I’m even more nervous to be around him.
My phone buzzes with an incoming text.
Mel
I packed you another bikini that I saw on sale today. Also, a little surprise for you to wear for Mr. B when he gets his head out of his ass. ;) Nik is here. Can we borrow your laptop? My charger cord has traveled to another dimension.
I groan, texting back quickly.
Kate
Sure. I don’t need anything to wear for him. It’s not like I’ll ever be brave enough to put myself out there again. I’m thinking about getting the stomach bug tomorrow.
Mel
Well, Nik thinks you should try again. I say if you don’t wanna go for him, shoot for the best man.
Luke appears in the hall, and I slowly lower my phone as I watch him walk by. He’s wearing a navy suit with a cream shirt underneath, no tie. The distinct scent of his woodsy bergamot cologne wafts toward me as he passes by, and I’m a total freak for inhaling it.
He’s just a guy, just a normal guy,I repeat the mantra in my head.
He’s talking on the phone in another language, one I might not have ever heard. Using short, choppy words, he sounds pissed. He stalks into his office, leaving the door open.
The sound of his voice when he’s angry brings me to another level. I let out a little whimper into my elbow.
Life is not fair.
I have one more night to mentally prepare myself for a weekend away on a private jet in the French Polynesian islands with this man. I plan on meditating and downloading some stock images of sexy celebrities to encourage myself that he’s just one fish in a sea of hot guys completely out of my reach. Crying about it is pointless.
My phone buzzes again. It’s a notification from the dating app I downloaded on a whim last night.
I matched with a guy named Fred, who happens to work in an aquarium and also loves turtles. Fred is an unfortunate name because he’s actually pretty cute. He’s been sending me little messages throughout the day, and I’ve been responding when I have time. The dolphin meme he just texted me makes me smile, and I start to reply before my thoughts are interrupted.
“Miss Dawson.”
I jerk at the sound, hitting my elbow on my desk and wincing as my funny bone starts to throb.
“Yes?” I say, my face turned down as I focus on breathing through the pain.
“What’s wrong?” He’s suddenly by my side, fingers tilting my chin up to face him.
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
I lean back, unprepared for his proximity. His eyes search my face, and I realize in this lighting that his irises are rimmed with gold.
His gaze roams over my face before landing on my parted lips. I count the seconds as he looks at me. I get to five before he retreats, taking in a deep breath and running his veiny hand through his dark hair.
“We’re leaving tonight. We can go by your apartment to get your luggage.”
He pulls out his phone, tapping on the screen. My eyes widen as I slowly stand.
“We . . . we’re going tonight?” My pulse begins to quicken.
He looks back up, pocketing the phone. “I prefer night flights. There’s also a threat of a thunderstorm in the morning, so we could be delayed if we wait.”
It’s already four p.m., so I don’t know what he means by “tonight.”
“I’m not completely packed yet.”
