Ray chuckled. “I love this job.”
Eve struck up a conversation with him as he had the captain of the boat head back to the mainland. I was happy to see her relaxing.
Mags still had a sense of wonder in her eyes as she gazed out at the ocean. “That was the coolest thing ever.”
I nodded. “It really was. Too bad Declan missed it.”
Her eyes shifted to me, and she smiled. “He left, Luca.”
My heart swelled at her words. Relief swam through me, but I pulled the reins in. I didn’t know why he’d left, but the last thing I needed was to be relieved.
I tilted my head. “Left the resort?”
She nodded. “It was best that we stopped exploring the relationship. He felt like I didn’t have room in my heart for him, and he wasn’t sure if he had room for me either.”
I ran a hand through my wet hair. “What did he mean by your heart not having room for him?”
She sighed, staring back at the ocean. “You’re not the type of guy I’d usually go for.”
I choked on my breath. “What?”
“For starters, you’ve got black hair, and I've always liked blonds. I lust after brown-eyed men with a handle on the world of business. You’re a blue-eyed player that saves lives in the ER.” She twisted her wet hair up in a bun.
I scoffed. “I’m not a player.”
She side-eyed me. “You played me.”
I huffed, grabbing the rails of the boat so tight my knuckles turned white. “I didn’t play you. I just couldn’t be what you deserved.”
Her lips pursed, and she shook her head. “That’s a bullshit excuse, and you know it.” She turned to me and stepped closer as the boat was docking. “I know you have feelings for me, and I’m going to find out why you won’t act on them.”
Day Three
5 PM - 7 PM - Dinner
Eve sat with her legs crossed on the bed as I curled my hair. She had a whole new atmosphere around her. Her red hair was twisted in glossy locks down her back, and her brown eyes were bright under her rose-gold rimmed glasses. She wore a pretty black flowy dress as she smiled at me.
“You’re literally glowing, babe!” I wrapped the last strand of my hair around the curling wand.
She fluffed her hair. “Crazy what getting rid of toxic baggage can do.”
“Thank God for that.” I dropped the curled strand and unplugged the wand. “How’re you feeling? Physically and emotionally.”
She drew out a long breath. “Physically, my eye hurts, lip stings, cheeks tender, neck kinda hurts, and it sucks that I wasted a year and a half dealing with his shit… but I’m better off, and I damn well feel it.”
I grinned. “Damn right! It’s so good to have you back. Confession time? I was the one who called the cops for the two Welfare checks a few months ago.”
Her eyes narrowed before she waved her hand back and forth. “Girl, it’s fine. I already figured that. It was good to know you cared. I just… couldn’t break away for some reason.”
I skipped over and pulled her in for a hug. “You’re away now. That’s what matters.”
She squeezed me back. “Put on that cute purple dress already. The makeup I did will compliment it perfectly!”
I went over to the closet and pulled out the lavender-colored dress I’d bought before the trip. It was strapless and tight around the bust, which gave me an ample amount of cleavage. From the waist down it flowed to the knees.
I yanked it over my head and fixed my boobs, smoothing out the bottom before I did a twirl. “What do you think?”
She giggled. “I think you look hot.”
I bit the tip of my thumb. “Do you think it’ll get Luca’s attention?”
Her eyes rolled. “Yes, actually. But you could wear a trash bag, and he’d ogle you.”
Heat rose to my cheeks. “Think so?”
“Duh, Mags. That man has some serious commitment issues though. You sure you’re ready to take that on?”
I twisted my lips from the left to the right. “I’m tired of him running from me, but I do still have feelings for him. Even Declan could see that. It’s why he left.”
She nodded, crawling off the bed. “He made the right choice. The man is seriously perfect but even so, he’s not Luca.”
I shook my head. “He’s not Luca. And even if Luca does have his own issues, he’s who I want.”
A smile broke out on her lips. “Then you go get him!”
I licked my bottom lip where the gash was healing. “I’m pulling out all the stops.”
Eve and I left the room and went to the cafeteria to meet the others.
Luca was already sitting beside Asher. I took in his muscles that peeked out underneath his blue button-up shirt with khaki shorts. His clean-shaven square jaw made me want to kiss along his jawline. I wanted him, for keeps. Not just to play, and I always got what I wanted, one way or the other.
His eyes lingered on my chest before meeting my eyes, and I smirked as I took the seat next to him. “Good evening, Luca,” I whispered in his ear before leaning back.
He coughed. “Evening, Mags.”
Asher gave him a weird stare. “You okay?”
He nodded, a hint of pink forming on his cheeks.
I couldn’t help myself. I placed my hand on his cheek and rubbed my thumb on the smooth skin. “Your cheeks are flushed. Are you feeling alright?”
He swallowed hard, making his Adam's Apple bob. “It’s a little hot in here.”
Faith laughed as I moved my hand from his cheek. “Dude, it’s cold in here. You know they keep it cold to combat the heat of the island.”
Eve tapped her chin. “I think he’s a different kind of hot.”
Asher let out a whistle. “I think Eve’s right on the mark.”
Luca rubbed his face with his hands. “Come on, guys.”
John gave Luca an encouraging smile. “Are you two excited to be getting married in just three
