I narrowed my eyes at Coral. I could tell she was doing her best to appear adorable and harmless. Too bad for her I wasn’t like Thad; a pair of sad eyes did nothing for me if they were set in any face that didn’t belong to Tally.
“Just leave us alone.” I crossed my arms. “You’ve done enough to hurt Tally already. Surely it isn’t too much to ask for you to have the decency to keep your distance.”
Splotches of red blossomed on Coral’s face and she staggered to her feet and hurried away without another word.
“You didn’t have to be that rude.” Tally pushed herself upright and dusted sand off her hands. “Yes, I’m angry, and yes, she hurt me, but at least she’s trying to mend bridges.”
I stared at her, unable to believe what I was hearing. “There’s no fixing this. She fucked up, and now she has to live with it.”
Something regretful flashed in Tally’s eyes and she sighed. “I know, but it’s nice that she cares, even if it’s too little too late.”
“Just don’t let her walk all over you.” I unfolded my arms, leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Now, do you mind telling me why you weren’t in my bed when I woke up?”
She studied her bare feet, which suddenly seemed to fascinate her. “I had to clear my mind.”
Even though I’d realized this, a hint of panic clawed at my insides.
“Are you having second thoughts?” I asked.
“What?” Her startled gaze met mine. “No. But everything happened so fast yesterday, and it was good—really good—but a little overwhelming.”
The clawing panic receded. I took her hand, raised it to my lips, and kissed the back of it.
“You still want to be with me?” I needed to hear the words.
“Yes.” She smiled and wrapped her arms around my waist. “You make me happy.”
My heart skipped. “You make me happy too, cocobug.” I kissed her forehead. “Now, do you want to finish your routine?”
I’d happily sit and watch her or jog down the beach until she was done.
She shook her head. “No. I needed a little clarity, and I got it. Would you like some breakfast?”
“That sounds great.”
Kneeling, she rolled up the yoga mat and tucked it under her arm. “Come on then. I’ll get rid of this and we can visit the buffet.”
We started along the beach together. Birds cheeped from the trees and the waves whispered over the sand. The air was warm but not hot enough to be unpleasant, and the clear sky indicated it was going to be a beautiful day.
I reclaimed her free hand and intertwined our fingers. The wind stirred her hair, carrying the familiar scent of fruit—along with a hint of sex—toward me.
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment.
If I’d ever harbored even a sliver of doubt that Tally was the woman for me, it vanished as we strolled side-by-side along the sand and onto the path to the resort.
She was meant for me.
We passed by the shed and Tally returned the yoga mat, then we continued on to the waterfront restaurant, where the breakfast buffet was being served. There were more people around than there had been the last couple of days, perhaps guests who’d arrived last minute for the wedding later this morning.
There was a small, two-person table in the corner near the restrooms. It wasn’t as pretty or romantic as the other spots, but it might be the only choice we had.
I gestured toward it. “I’ll save that table. You get food first.”
“Sure.”
I headed for the table and sat facing into the room. It wasn’t long before Tally appeared, her plate stacked with pastries, fresh fruit, and yoghurt. A cup of creamy-colored coffee was clasped in her other hand. She placed her plate and cup down and sank onto the other chair.
I went to put together a breakfast plate for myself. There were a lot of tempting options, but I was supposed to be behaving, so I served myself eggs on whole wheat toast with a side of granola and Greek yoghurt. Plenty of protein and afew complex carbohydrates. Nowhere near as delicious as Tally’s fruit Danishes, but it’d have to do.
