I was in charge of serving customers by completing account transactions. I also received deposits and loan payments, cashed checks, issued savings withdrawals, and recorded night and mail deposits. I sold cashier's checks, traveler's checks, and series e-bonds. I’d even been promoted to help home buyers obtain mortgage loans. Which, I had to admit was pretty fun. The problem was the bank relied on me far too much, and everyone was in shambles as they prepared for my week-long vacation.
She huffed, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Mags. I need my maid of honor in her tip-top form!”
“Okay, Bridezilla, chill. I’ll be ready at the hotel Monday morning. I promise.” I sunk deeper into the tub and blew at the bubbles.
“You have the resort’s address, right?” she asked.
“Yes. You gave me everything. Your wedding is on the beach at the back of the resort. The reception is inside the resort, and we are all staying in rooms at the resort. You told me all about it!”
“But did you take notes?”
I snorted. “Of course, future Mrs. Wells. Have you talked to Eve?”
“Yeah, but she’s been distant. She promised she’d make it, though. Also, Jamie will be there!”
“Your teacher friend?” I asked.
“Yep! She’s great. You’ll love her. I promise.”
“As long as she’s nothing like that one teacher you worked with, we won’t have issues.”
She made a gagging sound. “Linda is gone. She got fired at the end of last year. Thank goodness.”
“Didn’t her and that ex of yours end up getting engaged?”
She groaned. “Oh, yeah. But who cares about those monsters? What’s happening with that guy you’ve been seeing? Derek?”
“Declan,” I corrected. “He’s fine, I guess. He’s a little too… perfect?” My hand sloshed the water around.
“Have you slept with him yet?”
I hesitated. “Well, no.”
“Maybe he’ll surprise you. Have a kink or something?”
“Who has a kink?” Asher asked in the background. Faith giggled and shushed him.
I rolled my eyes. “I doubt he has a kink.”
“Won’t know until you try!” she said.
“Are you bringing him to the wedding?” Asher asked. “I think Luca mentioned bringing someone too.”
My blood ran cold. “He’s seeing someone?”
What did she have that I didn’t? Green smoke clogged my throat. There was a time where I’d have given anything to make it work with Luca, but that ship had sailed. He made it clear that I wasn’t the one he wanted.
“Not really. He’s screwing around with a bartender, but it’s nothing serious.” Faith whacked Asher and it sounded through the phone.
He yelped. “Ow. Sorry!”
I swallowed back the feelings that bubbled up. “Actually, Declan is coming. I can’t wait for you two to meet him.”
Why the fuck did I say that?
“Really?” She paused. “Well, that’s great, Mags! Can’t wait!” She sounded like she didn’t believe me. The woman had a sixth sense when something was up, but it didn’t matter. I couldn’t go alone to the wedding.
“I’m stealing my fiancée back now. Bye Mags!” The phone clicked as the call ended.
I unplugged the tub and snatched the white towel hanging on the hook. I wrapped it around me as I stepped out of the tub and grabbed my phone. I dialed Declan.
“Hello?” he answered.
I released a shaky breath. Fuck it all.
“Hey, I think we may have ended the date too soon. Come back over to mine?” I bit my lip as I stared at myself in the mirror.
My long blonde hair was wet on the ends, and my tanned face was fresh without the heavy makeup from earlier. My green eyes stared back at me, filled with apprehension.
“I knew I wasn’t reading you wrong, flower. Be there in five.” He hung up.
True to his word, five minutes passed before an eager knock sounded at my door. I opened it in nothing but my towel and let him in. His eyes bulged as I shut the door and dropped my towel.
“I forgot to mention, I have to leave all next week. I’m the maid of honor at my best friend’s wedding. It’s a seven-day stay at a tropical paradise. Would you be my date?”
“Hell yes. You can count on me,” he replied, his eyes not once straying from my naked body.
What followed was a night of mediocre sex and a clingy blond man that woke up the next morning and insisted on making breakfast. At least he got one thing right.
Day One
8 AM - 10 AM - Arrive and Check-In at Resort
I didn’t know the resort was located on a small remote island, but I had to admit, I was impressed. A boat had to take us to it from the mainland. Palm trees surrounded the tan-colored resort. It sat on the most gentle hue of gold sand that reached out to form the beach. Crystal clear water tumbled in waves as it fizzed and bubbled like brine as it hit the sand. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, yet it was hot on my back and harsh on my eyes.
Faith and Asher met us as we unloaded our luggage from the boat, and Declan thanked the Captain for the umpteenth time.
I engulfed Faith in a hug. “Can’t believe you’re finally getting married!”
Asher smirked beside her and crossed his arms. “I can.”
I rolled my eyes as Declan came over. “You must be Faith and Asher. I’m Declan. Congratulations, and thank you for letting me come.” He reached out and shook their hands.
“A friend of Mags’ is a friend of ours,” Asher said, giving a side-glance at Faith who smiled brightly.
He placed an arm around me, and I stiffened. I resisted the urge to recoil from his touch. Ever since we slept together, the repulsion worsened. “I like to think I’m more than a friend.”
“Have you labeled it?” Faith’s eyes shifted to me.
“No!” I gulped. “We’re seeing what happens.”
Declan grinned. “Exactly.”
“So, my dad may have gone overboard.” Faith giggled, her hand waving around us.
“You think?”
