“We should get ready for tonight,” Kate finally says, and I realize my mind was lost in a fantasyland, where no one existed on this beach but us.
“Sure.”
CHAPTER 19
KATE
I’m on cloud nine.Luke is leading me up to a ship that he referred to as a yacht. It’s the size of a small cruise ship.
I’m beginning to realize that rich-people speak isn’t always an exact portrayal of reality. Luke seems to believe absurd private jets and mini cruise ships are an aspect of any old weekend getaway.
“Do I look okay?” I whisper, adjusting the strap of my emerald-green dress. It’s low-cut, and it has a high slit on the side.
I spent a stupid amount of money on it, but it made me feel pretty. Plus, he reimbursed me for it.
Judging by Luke’s green eyes grazing over my exposed skin for the millionth time, it was worth it.
“You’re stunning.”
His gaze is focused on mine now, fingers trailing over my shoulder blades. Tremors run through me, and I wish we could finish what we started on the deck.
What’s withthe sudden change in him?
His revived interest is throwing me for a loop. I’ve had a crush on him since the night we hooked up, but until today, he seemed almost completely oblivious to my presence, aside fromthe fluke in his penthouse and in the elevator. His interest in me is a seesaw, and I’m getting sick of the whiplash.
We step onto the rooftop deck of the yacht, immediately greeted by servers with trays of every seafood delicacy I could imagine. Crystal champagne glasses are placed in our hands. Yellow plumeria and white hibiscus flowers cover nearly every surface. The theme seems to be a navy-blue and yellow nautical style.
“Do you know all these people?” I lean in to ask Luke.
He smells delicious again. I need to take a sample of his cologne to sniff when I’m feeling sad and lonely.
“No. Most of them are Fallon’s modeling friends.”
He downs the glass of champagne, grabbing another one from a passing tray.
“Well, they certainly all look like models.”
I’m not generally an insecure girl. I know I’m cute, and I’m comfortable with it...when I’m in my element. Being on the arm of a handsome billionaire, surrounded by supermodels in Tahiti isn’t exactly my ideal scene. I feel about three feet too short and twenty pounds too heavy. My heels are five inches high, but I wish I were on stilts.
“I can’t stand it. Eat something, jeez. Fallon used to make herself sick, not eating enough.” He shakes his head.
I watched him style his ebony hair, and he looks every bit like he belongs here. I can’t miss all the passing glances from the attractive, tall guests.
I stare at him, dumbfounded by the observation and revelation of such an intimate fact about Fallon.
“Is she . . . is she okay now?”
“She has issues with it sometimes, but she’s better in general if she doesn’t get depressed.”
He reaches for my hand, guiding me to the bar overlooking the whitecapped ocean water.
“Double bourbon,” he tells the bartender.
I’m still working on my first glass of champagne.
Is he trying to get drunk?I know he isn’t happy about Fallon getting married, but I still have no idea why.
Then, I see Garrison, Fallon’s fiancé, in a navy suit, smiling next to her.
