Camila sighed as she woke up to the bright sunlight, thoughts of James already drifting through her mind. After spending nearly three solid weeks with him, James Benton had become the last thing she thought about each night and the first of her thoughts every morning.
She snatched her phone off the bedside and eased into her new routine: looking through pictures she and James had captured during their adventures together.
The most recent shots had been taken after their final dance lesson with the one and only Christian Lopez. Talk about incredible. Camila had followed the child dance star since her youth, encouraged that someone with the same last name was making it big.
She never would’ve guessed she’d one day be taking dance courses by the star in a beach resort across the country.
She scrolled through the next few. James kneeled up to the sand creatures they’d made on the beach. Grains of sand clung to his skin as he put finishing touches on the seahorse. She posed beside the giant turtle in the next one, and then came Camila’s favorite—the two leaning over their smiley starfish while James kissed her cheek. What couldn’t be seen in the photo were the events leading up to that picture.
Camila had been hovered over the starfish, putting the finishing touches on its face, when James snuck an arm beneath the sand. She’d been so shocked to see the sand move on its own that she screamed. It wasn’t until he poked his fingers up through the surface that she realized it was only James.
As the days had passed, he seemed to get more comfortable, playful, and affectionate too. She didn’t have any pictures of their time in the hot tub, but nights spent soaking in the soothing warmth while the waves crashed against the nearby shore—those were something to look forward to all their own. Especially when they allowed themselves to give in to moments of passion.
The mere recollection put heat in her face and bliss in her heart. James was amazing, and even though they’d be leaving the Royal Palm in one week’s time, Camila felt confident their relationship would continue to grow back in LA too.
But today was significant. Today was the day they’d go through Winston’s journal. The timing seemed right. She and James had had their fun on the yacht, spent the two weeks that followed in a long running dating spree, trading one adventure for the next. Days relaxing and talking about life, family, and friends. Camila had grown closer to him than she thought possible, and she was ready to be a support for him too.
While getting ready for the day, Camila stayed very aware of what might be in store. Potential heartache and tears as James sifted through the entries in his brother’s journal. She hoped there’d be plenty of good moments too. Memories and kind words that brought a smile to his face. Whatever they found in those pages, Camila prayed James would be freed from the trap of misplaced guilt and regret.
“How are you this morning?” Gretta asked Camila as she neared the kitchen.
“Wonderful,” she said. “How about you?”
Gretta lifted the centerpiece from the dining table—a bowl of mixed apples—and dusted beneath it before setting it back in place. “Not as good as you, I can tell you that much.” The woman gave her a wink and then fanned at her face. “Whatever’s going on between you two has him acting like Mr. Wonderful. Ever since your yacht trip, he’s happy and smiling and not moping around like an angry mobster.”
Camila chuckled.
“You seem happier too,” the woman accused. “Sitting there with a silly grin on your face while you cook. I tell you, love has a way of showing itself, and with you two—it’s obvious.” She gave her a pointed grin before disappearing into the hallway.
Camila had been wondering when Gretta would say something. The resort had assured James that whatever happened at The Royal Palm would remain private; they prided themselves on a strict policy where privacy was concerned. But James was realistic in his approach, saying that even if tabloidsdidcatch wind of their relationship, he wouldn’t mind. It’d only make it easier to pick up where they left off once their time at the villa was through.
Things like that made her heart melt every time. He was serious about their growing relationship. Which was wonderful, because she was too.
“What’s for breakfast?” James asked as he entered the kitchen, an act that often caused Camila to picture being married to him. Preparing a nice dinner as he came home from work while the kids played out back.
He came up behind her, rested his hands on her hips, and planted a kiss to her neck. “Mmm,” he said with a moan. “This is pretty tasty. This spot right here.”
Goosebumps rippled up her arms as he pressed another kiss to her delicate skin. A giggle slipped past her lips. “Umm…I can’t remember what we’re having. My mind is going a little fuzzy.”
He chuckled under his breath. “Mine too. Hey, I’ve got to show you this great shot Marcus got of us on the beach.”
She’d nearly forgotten about their surfing day. Marcus, the instructor, had been generous enough to snap a few shots while they were out on the waves. And another while they stood beside their propped boards. That’s the one that popped up on his screen first. It was a great picture, too. James had one arm around Camila, the other propping his surfboard. She’d just been looking at pictures of them together moments ago; despite that, she could hardly believe her own eyes.
He was such a stunning man, there was no denying it. Rich and powerful too. But Camila had come to know the man he was inside. So when she looked into those deep blue eyes, took in the changing expressions on his handsome face, that’s what she saw. A man she admired. A man she could trust. He’d put himself out there with the social media post, promoting her as he had, and already the interest was pouring in. From some big names, too.
“Oh, I like this one the best,” she said as he swiped from one picture to the next. The two were seated on their surfboards side by side, and James had prompted her to lean in and give him a kiss, right there for all eyes to see. It was one thing for the resort staff to see them together; they were sworn under a contract. The guests, on the other hand, were not. But if James wasn’t worried about word getting out, then neither was she.
“I think I do too,” he said, leaning in for a kiss. Their lips had barely touched when his phone started to buzz. James pulled back with a groan. “It’s probably Duke. I’ll be right back.”
Camila watched as he strode out of the kitchen, through the dining area, and right to the french doors. He pulled one open, stepped onto the patio, then closed it behind him.
A recollection came to her. One she’d forgotten until then. It’d been two weeks since their yacht trip came to an end. But on that day, when James was showing her the review he’d posted on social media, his personal assistant had sent him a message. One that, if she’d seen correctly, had mentioned her.
She’d written it off easily enough—heck, Stephanie was the one who’d just helped him post the review—but as she watched James pace the balcony, that furrow creasing his brow, anxious heat thrummed under her skin.
Whatever he was hearing from the other end, whatever he was saying in return, she could tell that it wasn’t good.
* * *
