“I’m thinking Costa Rica,” Gavin says as I frantically text Holly.
“Oh, good choice. Really fantastic,” Patrick says as his fingers click on the keyboard. “Let’s talk resorts, activities, excursions. Are we looking to lounge, shop, eat, or hike? All of the above? None of the above?”
“All of the above,” I say robotically. “Probably zip lining and hang gliding too.”
“Oh, so you’re an adventurous couple!” Patrick exclaims. “I love it!”
Your wallet loves it.
“Is that what Holly said?” Gavin asks.
“Oh, she hasn’t texted me back,” I answer. “But Ben likes all of those things,” I say. Then I stop.
“He does,” Gavin says, studying me.
Patrick lets out a feminine chuckle. “Talking about yourselves in third person. I love it.”
I roll my eyes. This loon really thinks we are Holly and Ben. I wonder if he’s partaken in any island libations today.
“Listen,” Gavin says. “Just fill the week. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Isla Tortuga. All the best. Shops, restaurants, and activities. The more adventurous, the better.”
“I love it, I love it!” Patrick says. “I’m going to need a ballpark on the budget, as much as I hate to say it.”
“None,” Gavin says, and the clicking stops as Patrick looks up at us.
“I’m sorry, I must have heard you wrong. For a moment there, it sounded like you said the honeymoon has no budget.”
“No, your ears are working perfectly,” Gavin grins, grabs a couple of almonds out of a bowl on the desk and pops them in his mouth.
“None at all?” Patrick asks.
“Nope.”
“Well! This is indeed my priority vacation on the docket. I’ll throw together an itinerary and have it to you in three days. Actually, make that two days! Oh! And before I forget, every couple who books with me gets entered into a contest to win a two-night stay at a lovely mountain Air B&B. So I’ll make sure to put your names in the hat.”
“Perfect,” Gavin says, pushing himself up from his chair. Then he holds out a hand to me. “Honey? I’m famished. Let’s go have lunch.”
I gather my things and stand up too,withouttaking his hand.
Chapter 18
Charlotte
As we walk out,Gavin holds the door open for me. “Thank you,” I say, “but I’m going to have to pass on lunch,honey.”
Gavin laughs. “What? Ol’ Pattycakes in there thought we were the bride and groom. It was too perfect not to have fun with it.”
“Is that what that was in there?” I ask. “Fun?”
“Sure,” he shrugs.
“Your kind of fun, maybe,” I say as I march to my car to throw my things into the passenger seat.
“Tell me something,” Gavin says, suddenly standing right behind me, trapping me between my car and his solid frame. “What exactly is your idea of fun?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” I say.
“Well, I think it’s completely my business,” he argues.
