Her expression shifted. "So, tomorrow?"
He shoved a hand through his hair and filled her in about Ruben hiring Tanner Wilkes, assuring her Wilkes wouldn't be a threat anymore. He also explained that she needed to hang out at The Mandeville the next day until time for the party.
"Jason, Knox, and Allie will be close by tomorrow night in case we need anything."
Lena crossed her arms. "I know you all were hired to find the jewels, so I really hope that works out. But if nothing else—"
"Cassidy's safety is our first priority, Lena. Don't worry about that. But yes, as long as you and Cassidy are safe, we're hoping to locate the jewels. After the party tomorrow night, we may blow the whole cover idea, get you and Cassidy off the island, and then Jason, Knox, Allie, and Iwill come at Emil with a different plan. We don't need to discuss any of that right now though. Let's just get through the next twenty-four hours."
Her arms uncrossed. "Sounds good to me."
And now for the conversation he'd been dreading.
"The other thing I needed to say . . . about that kiss this afternoon . . ."
She stilled. Her expression unreadable.
He rubbed the back of his neck. Why did he feel so nervous? This shouldn't be complicated. The facts were simple. "Obviously, I have feelings for you. But I don't want to mislead you." He cleared his throat. "What I mean is, like I explained on the beach, there's a reason I'm single right now. My work has ruined a few relationships, or chances at relationships. I change employers a lot. My income fluctuates. My work takes me all over the world. I'm gone on long-term assignments a lot. That's not fair to any kind of relationship. I know that. I want to be fair to you. So I shouldn't—"
"Hey, I get it." She grabbed his arm, then released it, looking like she didn't know what to do with her hands. "But . . ."
She glanced at Nutmeg as if he could help finish her sentence. The furball raised his teddy-bear head and plopped it down again on the stack of pillows. Without rendering any aid to their awkward conversation.
Her gaze returned to his—and the spark of determination in her eyes caught him off-guard. "Nash, I have to tell you . . . you have more integrity and stronger faith than any man I've ever met. I think subconsciously I assumed I would compromise—for a relationship with a man whose faith in God wasn't as strong. Just because . . . I've never known anyone like you. I know we only met three days ago and I don't know if I'm what's best for you. But any woman would be incredibly lucky to be in a relationship with you—even if you weren't around all the time—rather than settle for someone of lesser character who came home every night at five o'clock." She took a breath. "Sorry, that was a lot."
Her words slammed into his chest. And knocked the door to his heart off its hinges. He'd never met anyone like Lena Ashworth. Every woman he'd ever dated, or considered dating, had made it clear that a relationship couldn't survive all his work travel. A relationship with him hadn't been worth the sacrifice.
But Lena . . . She saw things differently. She sawhimdifferently. His throat tightened. "Thanks," he managed.
"Um, anyway . . ." She stepped back and bumped into the edge of the bed.
She wasn't the only one who felt unsteady.
Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "We should probably just focus on tomorrow night and Cassidy for now. Then, if you want to talk about this again later, we can."
His rigid stance and slow nod contradicted his racing heartbeat.Keep cool. She only said she was willing to talk later. That's it.
Weird tension ballooned between them. He didn't know what she was thinking. He wanted to kiss her again.
Which is why he turned and walked to the door. "If you need to take Nutmeg out, text me first. I'll go with you. Otherwise, I'll see you in the morning."
The admiration in her eyes made stepping into the hallway the most difficult exit he'd made in his life.
"Good night, Lena."
"Good night, Nash."
Chapter 18
The day of the party flew by. Lena took Nutmeg on three walks on the beach, escorted by Nash. Their conversation settled safely in a comfortable, appropriate friend zone—despite her stomach turning somersaults every time he looked at her. And executing a gold-medal gymnastics floor routine every time he smiled at her.
Relief and nervous anticipation flowed through her when she realized it was time to get ready for Emil's party—time to get dressed up and snatch her wayward cousin off that slimy guy's boat.
All four dresses Delphine ordered were stunning, but three of them revealed more than she was comfortable with. The light-blue one, however, was beautifully elegant. It fit well. And didn't make her feel inappropriate.
She took her time getting ready, putting a little more effort into her hair and makeup than usual. Since it was a party on a superyacht and all.
She wondered if she looked okay.
