It hits me just how surreal this is. The two of them here, at Erin’s place.
“Did you guys break into the house?”
A soft scoff escapes Tom’s lips. “Seriously, love? If anyone’s got a talent for creative entry, it’s you.”
That makes me smile. Those words mean more than he probably realizes.
It’s the love that gets me first, but it’s also the way he says it, like I’m still me. Not someone broken or fragile. Just me. And God, I needed that.
I feel Tiffy’s hand on my shoulder.
“We met Laurent on the way. He passed us a spare key.”
Right. I hadn’t even thought of that.
“I’m sorry we didn’t respect your space. We needed to know if you were okay.”
I glance between them. My two favorite people came looking for me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this loved.
“It’s okay. I’m glad you’re here.”
Tom smiles. “We could go back to your place. I can stay with you, if you want me there.”
I bite my lip, looking down for a second before meeting his eyes again.
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I’d really like that.”
Tiffy claps her hands. “Good. The couch is all I could offer. Tom’s basically homeless right now.”
“You’re what?”
Tom shoots her a look, then turns back to me.
“I, uh, ran into a little complication in Palm Oasis.”
I narrow my eyes. “Please tell me Cal’s nose is still intact.”
“Cal’s fine. He saved my skinny ass today. Jay showed up to drag me back to Europe. Cal made sure that didn’t happen.”
My jaw drops. “Wow. Jay’s actually here? On the island?”
Tom nods.
“So, let me get this straight, you came looking for me because you’ve got nowhere else to go?”
He shoves my shoulder. “You know that’s bullshit. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Heat rushes to my face and I look down at where our fingers are laced together.
Tiffy watches us, eyes glinting.
“Oh, stop it. The two of you are so adorable.”
She makes a dramatic show of wiping away tears.
Tom snorts. “Adorable? That’s a first.”
It doesn’t stop him from pulling me into his arms again.
