Page 118 of My Real Love Affair

She stared at the card. “You’re giving me the company card for personal use?”

“Consider it a bonus. For putting up with me and my drama for the past few months. And for being the very best assistant on the planet. A paid vacation. You’ve earned it.”

“I suppose your dramahasbeen next-level insane.” But she was smiling now. “Fine. Maybe I will go to Miami. Get a spray tan. Drink mojitos by the pool. Live my best life while you’re off being romanced on a yacht.”

“That’s the spirit.”

We hugged, and I felt that familiar rush of gratitude for having her in my life. Cleo was more than my assistant. She was my best friend, my voice of reason, my fiercest protector.

“Be safe,” she said into my shoulder. “And if he does anything—anything—that makes you uncomfortable, you get off that yacht and call me. I don’t care if you have to swim to shore.”

“I promise.”

“And take lots of pictures. If you’re going to do something this crazy, at least get good content out of it.”

I laughed. “That’s my plan.”

Cleo left, still grumbling about being abandoned but also already googling flights to Miami, and I finished packing in a daze. This was really happening. I was leaving for Tahiti with Austin Bancroft. For a week. On a yacht.

The whole thing felt like something that happened to other people. Not me. But itwashappening to me. Because of Austin. Because of whatever this thing was between us.

It felt big. Huge. Like something that could change everything.

I couldn’t stop thinking about him. When I woke up, he was my first thought. When I went to sleep, he was there too. And during the day, when I was supposed to be working, half my brain was somewhere else entirely.

Even not seeing or talking to him for weeks didn’t cure me. I was so sprung on the guy it wasn’t even funny. The way he made me feel just so damn good. I had never felt like this before. Never been this distracted or consumed by someone. And the worst part?

Half the time when I was getting dressed, putting together outfits for content, all I could think about was how badly I wanted Austin to be the one to undress me. Which was not productive for work. At all.

I finished packing and carried my suitcase to the door. After packing my toiletries and makeup, I quickly went online to have my mail held. I checked my fridge and realized I would have a few spoiled dairy products when I returned, but I would deal with that later.

Then I started to pace.

What if he changed his mind? What if he realized we were being reckless?

My stomach twisted in knots. When he told me Tahiti, I thought he was joking. Then I realized he was serious and I got very excited. But now reality was sinking in and, along with it, came plenty of second guessing.

It was crazy. Cleo was right.

Before I could completely spiral, my phone buzzed with a text.

Austin:Car is outside. You ready?

I looked around my house one more time. Suitcase packed. Passport in my purse. Location sharing turned on for Cleo. Code word established.

I was as ready as I’d ever be.

Me:Coming down now.

I grabbed my suitcase and headed outside, my heart doing acrobatics in my chest. The car waiting outside was sleek and black with tinted windows. Very expensive looking.

And leaning against it, looking like he’d stepped out of a magazine ad, was Austin.

He wore light pants and a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up. Sunglasses hid his eyes, but I could feel his gaze on me as I approached. His smile was slow and devastating.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Hey yourself.”