“She’s lying in the sun with a book and a drink.” He turns the view around so I can see what he sees.
Lucky bastard. He has a view of my woman in a bikini, lying on her stomach in the sun. She’s on a lounge chair. Her book and drink rest on a table next to her.
“Bella, can you hear me?” I say.
She doesn’t look up. Instead, she flips me off.
Then, like a total brat, she unties the strings of her bikini top.
“What are you doing?” My voice is low, almost a growl, but I’m certain she can hear me.
Landon turns the camera back to himself. He shakes his head, his expression humorous. “Looks to me like she’s being a brat, Romano.”
I swear in Italian.
“Trust me, man, I’m not going to touch her.” Landon holds up his hand, like he’s swearing in court.
“I’m not worried,” I say. “I know you are trustworthy, and so is she. But that little girl is trying to get to me. It’s working.”
I narrow my eyes as he turns the camera back to Madison. As if she knows I’m watching, she wiggles her ass like she’s trying to get comfortable.
How dare she show off like this, letting Landon see her, flaunting herself when there’s nothing I can do about it.
“Damn, she’s really trying to punish you.” Landon turns the camera back to himself again, smirking. “What are you going to do?”
“Seth and I will remind her who’s in charge.”
12
MADISON
Icing out Damiano and Seth is probably hurting me more than it hurts them. And that’s the worst part. I miss them, and there’s no way they can possibly be missing me this much.
The next day passes the same as the one prior. I lie out on the beach and read, sipping a fruity drink that tastes like summer. Landon always sits nearby—close enough that he looks like a companion for my trip, but far enough that I don’t feel like I have to talk to him.
We’ve talked some, though. It’s impossible not to, without things getting super awkward. I’ve learned he runs a private investigation company with his college friend, Cody. I’ve learned that he grew up in the Midwest, and always dreamed of California sun, so he chose San Esteban University for college and never looked back.
Because he’s wearing swim trunks and no shirt to fit in with the other tourists, I’ve also learned that he is extremely fit. And I don’t feel bad for looking, because Seth and Damiano sent me down here to begin with. If they didn’t want me to have eye candy, they shouldn’t have sent Landon with me.
But heck, I miss my guys. I keep looking around at how beautiful it is here and thinking about what a great vacation this would be for the three of us. Lounging on the beach, exploring the winding hiking trails in the hills, swimming in the ocean, eating the best Mexican food I’ve ever had in my life. And then, at the end of the day, collapsing into bed together to enjoy each other’s bodies.
None of that is happening, though.
Seth texts me while I’m getting ready for dinner in the bedroom attached to the suite Landon and I share. What are you up to?
Getting ready for dinner.
I don’t give him any more information. He didn’t ask for it, and I’m not offering.
What are you wearing?
A dress.
I have on a cute, yellow sundress with multicolored flowers embroidered along the neckline and hem. I wish the guys were here to enjoy it with me. That emptiness in my chest aches more than ever.
Landon is bringing you a gift from us. You’ll wear it to dinner.
I like my dress, but a part of me is intrigued at what they might want me to wear.
