Page 88 of Twisted Beauty

“I heard some rumblings about a hike to a waterfall, but honey, did you see that gorgeous pool out there? That’s where I’m spending my day. I look delicious with a tropical tan. Ask anyone.”

“You’re both up so early,” Pedro said. “I’m sure your chef has breakfast planned, but can I get you anything before then?”

“Thanks.” Liv raised her coffee mug. “This is all I need for now.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Sebastian raised his mug and reached out to clink hers.

“Okay, then Toro and I will go for a little walk. He keeps me on a strict schedule.” Toro yelped and jumped off the chair with such force the chair rocked backward and almost tipped over. He rushed out of the kitchen and disappeared. Pedro followed after him.

“Now there’s a happy man,” Sebastian said. “And where’s yours?”

“Still sound asleep, but I’m not sure how. Did you hear all the birds this morning? It was like a Hitchcock movie.”

“Nope. I slept in my superheterodyne earplugs. So tell me, baby doll, how long have you and sexpot been an item?”

“We’re not.” Liv stared down into her coffee. “It’s just a little fling, while I’m here visiting.”

“Oh, honey, that’s a man in love if I’ve ever seen one.”

Love?

No. Matt couldn’t be in love, could he? He didn’t even like American women. He’d made no secret of that. Liv, on the other hand, was doing exactly what Katie warned her about—getting in too deep with another man who couldn’t give her what she wanted. Although what she wanted was a quick fling with a gorgeous man in Mexico, wasn’t it? She ran a hand through her hair. Shit, she was a mess of emotions today.

The only person she really needed to speak to about this was Katie, but she was a little embarrassed to bring it up. Katie had warned her to keep it physical. And Liv had plowed straight into this with her eyes open, insisting she had it under control. At the moment, control was the last word she’d use to describe how she was feeling about Matt.

“I think you’re misreading the situation. He’s in it for the hot sex.”

Sebastian chuckled. “Well of course he is, baby girl. Who isn’t? But it’s more than that. For goodness’ sake, all you have to do is look at the man to see he’s head over heels.” He waved his hand like she was being ridiculous. “You two lovebirds will figure it out eventually. I can sense these things. Sometimes I think I should start a love column, you know? Ask Sebastian.”

Liv laughed at the idea, and then thought, What the hell? If she couldn’t bring herself to talk to Katie about this yet, maybe Ask Sebastian was her lifeline. “Okay then. Here’s your very first question. Dear Sebastian, there’s this guy.”

“Hold up a sec. Is he naked?”

“Last I checked.”

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully, pulling at an imaginary beard on his smooth chin.

“So the thing is, we agreed it would be a temporary thing, and that’s what I wanted too, but I’m afraid I’m actually starting to like him. What should I do? Should I keep seeing him until our expiration date, or should I cut my losses now before I get hurt? Signed, Confused and Possibly Insane.”

Liv took another sip of coffee, and waited while he tapped a finger against his cheek, looking pensive for a moment.

“Dear Insane, it appears from your signature that you already know the answer.” Sebastian leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “There’s a hunk of a man lying naked in your bed and you’re sitting here talking to me. Now, does that sound the slightest bit rational to you?”

And the thought of Matt lying naked in bed made her want to run back in there and throw herself on top of him, and maybe not even for sex. She just wanted to be close to him. That wasn’t the sign of a woman who was fine with leaving in little more than a week. At least, not one who didn’t want to get her heart broken. Again. God, she really was insane.

“I told you, he’s asleep. We had a pretty busy night. He might even be sick of me by now.”

Sebastian broke out laughing, “Oh honey, you’re just precious.”

Liv rolled her eyes. “Maybe you should keep your day job.” But she was smiling despite his dearth of advice, because Sebastian was such a character and his laughter was contagious. Maybe he was her consolation prize. She couldn’t keep Matt, but she’d made a new friend.

“What’s so funny?” Katie wandered in looking completely refreshed, like she’d slept for a full eight hours. Zach was right behind her, and Matt strolled in a second later.

“I thought I might find you here,” Matt said, and leaned down to kiss Liv’s cheek before heading to the counter.

Shit. Liv could only hope their voices hadn’t carried far. She’d die of embarrassment if Matt or Zach had overheard their conversation.

She shot Sebastian a look that she hoped to god said keep your mouth shut. But she suddenly had her doubts, and realized just what a risk she’d taken confiding in him. From what little she knew of Sebastian, it was clear he was wildly uninhibited. She braced herself for the conversation to come.