“You know, the ones where you said if we’re both single when we’re forty, we should get married.”
“Oh, I forgot about them.”Liar!
“I was thinking that if we are single at forty and we have to get married, at least we know we won’t absolutely hate kissing each other.”
“I suppose that’s true, but I really hope I’m not single at forty.”
“Oh?” He gives me an odd look, and I feel my heart racing.
“Why? Do you think I will be?”
“Not at all,” he says softly. “A good woman like you … any man would be happy to snatch you up.” He nods slowly. “And I’m sure one will. Stay here. I’ll be right back,” he says, and he does an about-face and heads back into the hotel lobby.
I stand there next to the tall planters and vases and admire the bright pink bougainvillea that is directly next to the white wall. It’s tall and beautiful, and it provides a welcome burst of color next to the row of tall palm trees that stand proudly on each side of the expansive driveway. The wind has picked up today, and I watch as the leaves sway back and forth, like they’re bowing to the cars entering the grounds. I take a deep breath of the ocean air and let the fresh air free my mind from focusing on the last twenty-four hours of interactions with Luke. I can almost hear the wind calling out to me, asking if I’ve lost my mind.
Don’t think about it, Mia. Don’t question anything. Just go with it.
I don’t want to think about the kiss in the elevator. I don’t want to think about why we’re really doing this.
Are we really doing this because of Rex and his rude notes? Deep inside, I don’t know. But I also know I don’t want to fixate on the change in our dynamic. I just want to enjoy the next two weeks of summer with my best friend. I just want to enjoy being with Luke one-on-one, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that really matters—having fun and making everyone believe that we’re in love. I don’t question that we’ve already done things that purely platonic friends would never do, but then we have a special friendship. We both know our experimenting means nothing.
It’s not like we actually want each other or anything like that.
Not at all.
chapter thirteen
Luke
“Ithink everyone’s already here,” Mia says as we make our way down the beach toward Cocktails & Chaos.
She’s still slightly miffed that I spent the entire day working and not hanging out with her and Juniper at their store.
The bustling tiki bar greets us with open arms as we head past the stools toward the bar. It’s always been one of my favorite spots on the beach, with its wide-open seating and casual vibe. I can hear the ocean waves lapping against the rocks in the distance as we make our way to grab some drinks and meet up with her friends.
“Ready to put on a show?” Mia beams at me, her eyes sparkling from the silver eye shadow she applied abundantly to her upper eyelids.
I’m glad she’s not going to give me the silent treatment.
“I am ready,” I say, following behind her as she looks around for her friends.
She’s wearing a short red dress that amplifies her slender calves and her shapely ass. I try not to stare at her body too much, even though I’m pleased to note that if someone does catch me checking her out, they’ll think it’s because we’re dating.
“Oh, look, there are Wendy and Juniper.” She rushes across the bar toward her friends. “Hey, guys, we’re finally here.”
“Hey, Mia.” Juniper gives her a quick hug and then looks over at me. “Looking mighty handsome there tonight, Luke.”
“Now, now. Anyone would think you’re hitting on me, Juniper.”
I give her a quick hug, and she giggles before turning back to Mia.
“You look gorgeous. That dress is stunning.”
“Thank you. I had to step it up now that I have a boyfriend.” Sarcasm drips from her tone, and I reach over and poke her. Her eyes flash at me as she grabs my hand to stop me.
She looks over at Wendy. “How are you doing, Wendy? How’s the bed-and-breakfast?”
“We’re surviving one day at a time.” Wendy looks hopeful as she leans forward. “Right now, our top guest is proving to be quite challenging.”
