Faith wore a broad smile on her face as she nodded. “I can’t wait to finally marry this guy.”
“Seriously, it’s been a long time coming. I can’t wait to make you my wife.” He kissed Faith on the nose.
A warm hand rested on my thigh, and I glanced at Luca who was focused on his menu.
I placed my hand upon his and smiled as the waiter came to take our orders. I ordered red wine with steak, and Luca ordered the same. We always had the same tastes which further supported that we were perfect for each other. I just had to get him to see that.
Day Four
8 AM - 9 AM - Breakfast
Mags had teased me all night long. During dinner, she inched my hand up her thigh. I was inches—no, centimeters—away from between her legs, so close I could feel the heat. She tousled her hair from side to side, wafting her mouth-watering perfume my way. She’d found every excuse to touch me. It lit me on fire. After dinner, she walked with me to our rooms and kissed my cheek before retreating into her room for the night, with Eve behind her.
Had Eve not been with her, I wouldn’t have let her go to sleep alone. And that would’ve been the biggest mistake yet. She let me know her true intentions after scuba diving and the real reason Declan had gone home. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want her, but I had to keep myself in check. Fuck. She had me rock hard last night, and I had relieved myself to the thought of her before I could even think of falling asleep.
I strode into the dining room and plopped down beside Asher. He was the first one there. “Dude, help.”
His brows shot up before a smartass smirk came across his face. “Mags?”
I huffed. “Yeah, Mags. She’s a fucking sex vixen or something. She basically told me she’s not going to stop pursuing me until I give her a real reason to.”
He chuckled. “Luca, you’re my best friend. But you’re also oblivious. Just tell her why you won’t give it a shot.”
My jaw went slack. “I can’t do that. You and Faith are the only ones that know about my dad. I just can’t go through that shit again.”
He shook his head. “You can have a great relationship with Mags. You just have to be honest with her.”
Mt stomach churned at the thought of having that conversation with her.
Jamie and John showed up hand-in-hand. “What’s for breakfast?”
Asher shrugged. “Buffet is open. Pretty much anything. I ate already.”
They went to help themselves to the food, and I joined in. I brought my plate back to the table as the girls showed up.
Asher kissed Faith as Evelyn went to get her food.
“Good morning, Luca.” Magnolia had dressed to cause some serious sexual tension, again. She wore a short sundress with sunflowers on it that accentuated her long, tanned legs. Her blonde hair was in a fluffy bun and she had on minimal makeup. The golf club wound was fading, and she was able to smile fully again. Which was dangerous, because her fucking smile was breathtaking.
“Morning,” I grunted, stuffing my mouth with eggs.
She winked before sauntering off to the buffet. My eyes followed her, the dress swinging back and forth as she walked.
“Oh my gosh, Luca.” Faith giggled. “Just go for it already. Mags told me she was officially pursuing you.”
I swallowed the food and sighed. “I can’t.”
She sobered up from her laugh and narrowed her eyes. “If you’re going to make yourself miserable, fine. But don’t you dare lead her on. Be upfront with her if you’re going to let what your dad did hold you back.”
I hesitated at the death glare she gave me before I nodded. “Okay. I’ll be honest with her.”
Faith shook her head with a frown.
Mags and Eve came back and sat down with their plates. Mags sat right next to me with a sweet smile on her glossy lips, and my mind went blank. I had to tell her the truth. I wasn’t ever going to be ready for a real relationship, and she deserved more than I could ever give her.
Day Four
10 AM - 12 PM - Seashell Scavenger Hunt
With my sand-dusted, sun-kissed legs curled under, I sat close to the lapping waves. The heat of the sun lingered on my skin, and my eyelids fluttered closed as I breathed in the salty spray of the sea. I scrunched my toes and basked in the softness of the sand. My fingers wiggled in the gentle waves as Faith and Asher made their way over to me.
“You’re too pretty, Mags.” Faith shook her head and tsked me.
I smiled. “You’re too sweet. And you are radiating.”
Faith had her brown hair in beach waves that tumbled down her back. She wore her bikini top with some high-waisted shorts. She belonged on an island in the sun.
“Thanks.” She blushed. “Anyway, before everyone gets here I was hoping we could talk?”
My brow arched. “Sure, what’s up?”
She shot Asher a go away look, and he trotted off to wait for the rest of the group to show. She sat down next to me and took a deep breath. “Alright, don’t hate me.”
I dug my fingers into the damp sand. “Why on earth would I hate you?”
Her blue eyes gazed into the tumbling waves. “It’s about Luca. You’re not going to like it.”
I froze. “What about him?”
“I just don’t want him to hurt you again. Luca’s my cousin, and I love him. But you’re my best friend.” She dusted the sand off her foot. “He’s closed himself off to the idea of having an actual relationship. It’s almost like he enjoys depriving himself of happiness.”
I glanced back out to the sea, my mouth pursed but slightly open and loose. My eyes are fixed on the tumbling waves that rolled in and wet our feet. “I know that, but I have
