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After tossing and turning, I finally resorted to letting fantasies play out in my mind while I got myself off. It helped some but apparently not enough. Because afterwards I kept wondering what it would be like if it was truly his hands between my thighs last night and not my own.
I set the cup down and grab my sandals. The storm must have broken earlier, because the sun is out, making the beach look warm and inviting. I’m not sure how long it’s going to last, but I’m guessing everyone is going to want to be outside while they can to enjoy the beach for a moment.
“You got your bikini on under that suit, Mary?” I tease.
Today I’m sticking with her advice to be comfortable. I have on jean shorts and a simple white top with my swimsuit on under my clothes.
“Always.” She winks at me, making me laugh.
“So, anyone say anything?” I’m hoping everything went well yesterday, but I know Mary will tell me the truth. Their words might sting on how I arranged the day, but I should know nonetheless.
“Not to me, but I’ll get with Cora today. She always knows everything.”
“And she tells you?” I lift a brow at her.
“Everything. It’s part of her job,” she says matter-of-factly.
“Damn, Mary, you don’t fuck around,” I laugh.
“You’re surprised?”
“Not really. It’s smart. Cora is…” I trail off. There is something about her that makes you want to talk. I’ve had to bite my tongue a few times. “She’s sweet,” I finish, and Mary’s lip twitches.
I start packing up a bag for the day and check my emails. The time slowly drags by for breakfast and I tap my foot as I send texts to the twins and check in. When it’s five minutes till nine I pop up from my seat, ready to go.
“Someone is hungry this morning.”
I shrug, trying to pretend to be casual when I’m anything but. I’m ready to see Gibson again, and I don’t like admitting that, even to myself.
“Are you okay, Lindsey? Everything went great yesterday so I thought you’d be more relaxed this morning.”
“I’m relaxed,” I say too quickly when we exit the suite and step onto the elevator.
I can feel her eyes on me as we ride down in silence to the private dining area. When I walk in, my eyes scan the room, and they stop when I see the Gibson’s broad back. There is no missing him since he’s bigger than any of the other men.
He’s standing with Cora and she’s laughing at something he says as he makes himself a cup of coffee. I give a few smiles to some of the people that are already seated as I make my way across the room.
“Morning,” I say, sliding up to the coffee machine to make my own cup. My heart flutters with excitement, and I want to tell myself to quit being a teenager with a crush.
“Morning,” I hear Gibson say, his voice rough around the edges.
I meet his gaze for a moment and try to hide my smile.
“Good morning. I’m so glad we got some sun for today,” Cora chirps, looking ready to hit the beach in her sundress with the straps of her swimsuit showing underneath.
“I think it will be good for everyone to get out,” I agree, but Gibson says nothing.
“Except for Peter.” Cora leans in close. “I brought the SPF 100 for him.”
“Do they make 100?” I laugh.
“Not here,” Peter says dryly, joining us. I see the laughter in his eyes. “Forty is as high as they had in the gift shop.” We all laugh except Gibson, and the silence starts to grow.
“I’m starving,” Cora says to break it, and we all agree.
“Let’s grab some seats,” Peter suggests. “Mark! You got a second?” He walks away from us and sits down with Mark.
I grab an empty table and pull my phone out. I pretend to play on it while watching where Gibson is going to sit. The server walks over to take my order, and my heart drops as I see him sit down with Cora.
She laughs at something he says, and his eyes meet mine from across the room. I divert them quickly, wondering if I’d read too much into our time together last night. My heart stops racing, and a different feeling settles in—one I should be used to.
Rejection.
Chapter 6
Gibson
I get caught talking with Cora for the entire length of breakfast, and I miss Lindsey leaving for the beach. Cora’s nice enough, and I appreciate her trying to make sure I’m not left out when so many people already know one another, but I want to talk to Lindsey.
“Anyway, I just think if you’re a cat person you can love dogs too, but it never goes the other way, and that’s not right.”
“Mm-hmm.” I pretend to be listening as I put away my dishes and grab my bag. “See you later, Cora.”
