“I think it’s sweet. Plus, this place is beautiful,” I said.
“Yeah, but it’s nothing like Violet Ridge.” Asher pouted.
“We will still enjoy the rolling pastures and tree-covered forests. We live there, you know.” Faith laughed at him.
Asher looked around the vicinity. “Luca’s around here somewhere. He and his date got here a few minutes ago.”
I was gut-punched just hearing his name. I forced myself to interlock my fingers with Declan’s. He was a good man, good for me. I didn’t need the passion, I needed safe.
“They went to their room for now. They’ll meet us at brunch,” Faith said, eyeing me.
“We should probably do the same so we aren’t late to brunch.” I gave them a weak smile.
Faith winked. “Absolutely. I’ll text you the itinerary! Dad planned that, too.”
I shook my head with a laugh.
Declan and I gathered all of our belongings and lugged them to the front desk to retrieve our key card for the room. Room fifty-one.
We wandered down the winding hallways and found our room. As Declan scanned our card and opened our door, room fifty’s door opened, and Luca stepped out. Adrenaline shot through me, I pushed Declan in with our luggage and shut the door. Just a glimpse of the man and I was weak in the knees.
“If you were eager to get me alone, all you had to do was say so.” He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me. I kissed him back and forced myself to forget about the sexy jerk next door.
Day One
10 AM - 11 AM - Brunch
The cafeteria in the resort was stunning. Buffet tables were situated in rows with an elegant white cloth placed over them. The food ranged from breakfast to lunch, and my stomach growled once the various smells hit my nose. I made myself a plate and grabbed a glass of orange juice before making my way toward Faith, who sat alone near an open window.
I placed my breakfast on the table and snagged the seat next to her. “You’re here early. Where’s Asher?”
She smiled. “You’re here just as early. Asher is with Luca doing who knows what.”
I swallowed the bitter taste at the mention of Luca’s name. “This place is breathtaking. Your dad outdid himself, for sure. And it looks like we’re the only ones here.”
She nodded and grabbed her glass of juice. “Well, Dad actually rented the entire place, exclusively.”
My eyes almost popped out of my head. “That must’ve cost a fortune!”
She nodded. “I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t listen.”
“You’re going to be a beautiful bride.” I reached out and squeezed her hand.
“Thank you, Mags.” Her cheeks turned pink. “Declan seems really nice.”
I took a deep breath. “Yeah, he’s kind of perfect.”
She nodded. “No argument here. He seems like he is, but my question for you is what’s the problem?”
I scowled. I knew I couldn’t fool her for too long. “What gave it away?”
Her eyes softened. “I just know you. You’re not bubbly or excited around him. It’s okay if you don’t have a connection. You don’t need to force what’s not there.”
A long, low sigh escaped me. “But he’s perfect. A gentleman.” I dropped my voice to a whisper. “The sex was so awkward. Every five seconds he’d stop and ask if I was doing okay. I couldn’t even get off because every time I’d get close he’d have to stop and make sure I was okay. Like, yes. I’m moaning because I’m about to come. And before you ask, I had to take Harry into the bathroom once he fell asleep.”
Her mouth twitched up into a smile. “I can’t believe you call your dildo Harry.”
I gave her a blank stare.
“But that does sound pretty bad.” She winced. “So, what’re you going to do?”
I shrugged. I was going to try to make it work. I deserved someone nice, someone stable. “Oh, and by the way, what’s with our room being directly beside Luca’s?”
She took a sip of her drink. “I swear I didn’t do it.”
I pressed my lips into a thin line. “Mhm. Of course you didn’t.”
Her gaze flickered toward the door, and I followed it. Declan strode in, and his eyes found us. He offered a cheesy smile before grabbing his food and heading over. He sat next to me and kissed my temple. “Hey.”
“Hi, Declan. Did you like the room?” Faith asked.
He nodded. “It’s exquisite. I was very impressed. Thank you again for inviting me along.”
She waved him off. “Of course.”
A certain curly red-headed friend strolled in with my slimy cousin. Evelyn had her hair pulled up half-way in a bun, which allowed for the bottom part of her hair to remain a perfect curly mess. Brown thick-rimmed glasses framed her pretty brown eyes, and she wore leggings with a baggy t-shirt. I didn’t know how she wasn’t burning up. This island was humid, and the temperature already hit one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks, but no thanks.
Gerald had a hand placed on the small of her back, leading her toward the buffet. His black curly hair was as unruly as ever and his outfit was actually weather-appropriate with his shorts and a muscle shirt. Seeing him around Eve made my blood boil.
She’d been Faith and I’s best friend since middle school. We missed her and knew something was going on in their relationship. My cousin was a snake, and I knew Eve was suffering with him. Unfortunately, no matter how many talks Faith and I had with her, she insisted Gerald was a good guy and that she was happy. We knew that was a load of shit.
Eve and Gerald plopped down next to us. Eve shot us a big smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes as she greeted us, and Gerald gave a small grunt in our direction.
“Eve, Gerald, I’d like you to meet Declan.” I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Declan, this is Eve—my other best friend, and Gerald—my distant cousin.”
Even introducing them together made my stomach
