“Identical. And the other guy who looks like the twins is Tate. He's got the red shorts on. You can tell the three apart because his hair is shorter and his nose a little bigger.”
“No, it wasn't him, either.”
“Max.” Something in her voice makes me tear my eyes away from him and turn to her.
“Yeah. That's him. The guy with the dirty blonde hair and the tan.” I beam. “He's intriguing. Very intriguing.”
She groans. “Lauren. No. You don't want to go there.”
“What? Why? He seems perfectly nice. He even brought me a beer after I barged into his room.”
Kate rolls her eyes.
“He's a sweet guy. He's the oldest, and he loves his family a lot. A hard worker. Trying to get the resort in shape to sell it so their parents can retire with some cash.” Kate scowls.
“None of those things seem like black marks on his personality.”
“He's a workaholic. Extremely Type-A.”
“Kate. I'm interested in a fun wedding weekend. Not a lifetime of marital bliss.”
“Damien says Max always seems to fall for women who are unavailable because that way, the women won't interfere with his job.” Kate shoots me a pointed look.
“What's that supposed to mean?” I widen my eyes.
“You're the nomad and not exactly available for a long-term relationship. Don't lead him on.”
“You make me seem so flaky. Or like some femme fatale predator.” I groan. Am I flaky? “Truth is, I would love a relationship with the right guy, if he adored me and accommodated my bouts of wanderlust. Is that asking too much?”
Kate shrugs. “I'm no expert. Obviously.”
As if on cue, Max turns and catches my eye. He grins, and it's like I'm blinded by goofy joy. I waggle my fingers at him and then stop, realizing it's exactly what that woman by the pool bar did earlier.
He inspires finger waggles in women. I laugh, and the muscles in my body relax. It's a huge relief to know the truth about Kate and her wedding. I'm actually thrilled Damien cares for her enough to want to give her health insurance.
I'll get her to Costa Rica one way or the other. Right now, I'm going to enjoy this crazy wedding, and from the way Max grinned at me, I'm going to enjoy it very much.
Kate shoves my shoulder with hers and giggles. “The Hastings men are charming. It's difficult not to get sucked into their charm, so watch out.”
