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“Nah. You’re good. Just be careful. Secrets have a way of coming out.”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I’ve already contemplated this. “I know. I’ll tell her, eventually.”
I just want the chance to figure out what this hold is she has over me first.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
POPPY
“Good morning, Ms. Danforth. Are you enjoying your stay with us?”
My eyes flick up from my book to see Shayna. “Oh, yes. Immensely.”
The corner of her mouth lifts in a grin as her eyes land on the sexy image on the cover of my romance novel. I know a lot of people prefer to read on their kindle or buy books that don’t give away what they’re reading, but I love the feel and smell of a book in my hand. And if I’m being honest, a hot guy looking back at me from the cover does more to entice me to purchase a book than the book’s description.
Plus, I’m on vacation, dammit. I’ll read what I want.
“It looks good,” she says.It or him, I wonder.
“So far. I just started it this morning.” I giggle. “I tore through the last one.
“Ah. I like a good book too. I never seem to find the time.”
My smile falters a bit, realizing all I seem to have is time. I really do need to find some type of art class when I get home.
“I’ll let you get back to your book.”
Putting my novel down, I push my chair back and stand. “I’m actually headed back to my room. Now that my breakfast is over, I think I’ll change and spend some time by the pool.” Looking over the area, I’m shocked to find the majority of the chaise lounges are already spoken for.
Shayna must note my pout. “It’s all right. Here, give me your things. I’ll grab a towel and place them over there.” I follow her finger to find a lone lounge chair under an umbrella by one of the cabanas available for rent. “You go change, and it’ll be waiting for you when you get back.”
My eyes narrow, attempting to read the sign sitting on the lounge chair. “Are you sure, Shayna? It looks like it belongs to whomever has rented the cabana for the day.”
“I’m sure. That guest has rented it for the entire week, but I’ve yet to see him there. Don’t you worry. If there’s any problem, I’ll take care of it.” She winks.
“Okay.” I reach for my key card and head to my room. Why must I be such a rule follower? Shayna works here. If she says it’s okay, that should be enough for me.
As I stroll back to my room, my mind goes back to my childhood. While my mother was easygoing in her parenting, my father had been a strict disciplinarian. I didn’t get into much trouble growing up. But I admit I was likely too afraid of the consequences to do otherwise.
Reaching my room, I swipe the key and walk inside, already trying to figure out which bathing suit I’ll wear. I hadn’t been shopping for new clothes in ages. Knowing I was going away to a private beach vacation gave me courage to purchase some items I wouldn’t normally wear if I thought I might bump into someone I knew.
Pulling open the dresser drawer, my hand immediately goes to the aqua blue bikini. I quickly change and slide into the wedges I purchased to go with them. Turning from side to side, I admire how the sandals make my legs look long and lean. Grabbing the ridiculous sun hat the clerk encouraged me to buy, I place it on my head and bite my lip when I see myself in the mirror.Not bad, Poppy. Not bad.
I can practically hear Madonna’s “Vogue” playing as I walk out of my room. I lift my chin and embrace my inner diva. I’ve never been this girl, dressed to impress. I was happier to be on my husband’s arm in a pair of sweats than to consider wearing an outfit that would put the spotlight on me—especially dressed in something worthy of a runway. Dan never seemed all that interested in what I wore. Yet, I never took offense by this. Maybe we were simply comfortable enough with one another that it felt unnecessary. So, as Madonna might say, don’t just stand there, Poppy. Let’s get to it. Because today, I’m dressing for me.
The warm Jamaican breeze hits me as soon as I reach the outdoors. It feels as if the temperature has increased ten degrees in the short time I was in my room. Shrugging my shoulders at myself, I giggle. Who cares? I’m in Jamaica,man. I inwardly pronounce man as if I’m a native and laugh again.
As I come around the corner of the pool deck, I spot my things. Shayna even went so far as to grab a bottle of water for me. I feel my feet wobble beneath the tall heels as I walk. Between the slick tile at the pool’s edge and my lack of experience with these treacherous shoes, it dawns on me I should’ve worn them around the house before leaving in order to break them in.
This thought has barely left my mind, when I feel my feet fly out from beneath me. My arms thrash in all directions as I go catapulting to the ground. However, instead of striking the surface of the ceramic tile, I land in the pool with a loud shriek.
“Well, hello.”
Barely able to acknowledge the deep rumble against my cheek due to the splashing of water and the sound of my pulse racing in my ears, I blink rapidly in an attempt to figure out what just happened. Discovering I’ve landed in a muscular pair of arms, I prepare myself to push away from the overzealous man who had a hard time accepting ‘no’ last night. Then I see him.
Him!
“Am I dreaming?” I ask.
