“Oh, I know,” I say, leaning in a little. “I just didn’t know you readthat.”
Her lips twitch, like she’s trying not to smile. She makes sure to add a dramatic eye roll before responding.
“It’s called romance, Owen.”
“Right,”I drawl out. Meadow tucks a dark strand of hair behind her ear and sets the Kindle in her lap.
“You wouldn’t get it,” she sighs.
“Maybe not,” I murmur, a half-smile tugging at my mouth. “But I’m starting to think I should.”
Shit.
Did I seriously say that out loud?
Her head snaps toward me, eyes wide. A flush creeps up her neck, blotches of red roses blooming beneath her collarbone that I’d die to taste.
“What did you just say?” Her voice is a half whisper, full of shock.
I clear my throat, deciding to play along instead of backpedaling and making things more awkward.
“What?” I shrug. “I figured I could learn a thing or two. I’m always down for... educational extracurriculars.”
Even though I’m just teasing her, heat pools low in my stomach, blood rushing south before I can stop it. And judging by the look on her face, I’m not the only one feeling it.
Her mouth parts, but no sound comes out. She holds my stare through knitted brows, her brain buffering.
God, she’s so damn beautiful.
Staring back at me through those dark lashes and half-lidded eyes.
I’m about to say something—anything to ease the tension—when the flight attendant leans over our row and saves the day.
Thank fuck, because I almost dug myself into a hole I couldn't crawl out of.
“Can I get you two something to drink?”
If there was ever a time for in-flight whiskey, it’s right now.
FIVE
Meadow
The salty island air caresses my skin as the shuttle door hisses open. My eyes are instantly flooded with various shades of blue, bright notes of coral and green, and other colors too vivid to name.
I have to remind myself to step out of the van, or I'll sit here in awe all day. The moment my feet hit pale stone, I inhale the summery scent of sunscreen, coconut, and sweet hibiscus blown in by the breeze.
“Welcome to beautiful Costa Cay,” our driver beams, sweeping an arm toward the grand entrance.
The stone path is lined with lush greenery, leading to the lobby, which is framed in glass. Beyond the massive windows lies the ocean, a long stretch of white sand and turquoise water that sparkles beneath the sun. Seagulls glide through the sky as palm trees gently rock back and forth, dancing in tune with the soft waves.
A group of steel drum players sits outside the lobby, where the melody ofIs This Loveby Bob Marley drifts in, a song that always feels like summer.
This is the definition of paradise, I think to myself.
I feel like I’ve just stepped into a movie set. It doesn't even feel real.
“Holy…” Owen trails off beside me, running his fingers through his hair. “Look at this place.”
