Page 11 of The Forbidden Fling

“Can you see it?” Carla’s voice pulled her back to the hum of the boat. Faye followed the point of her finger to the curve of the island coming into view.

The towering trees, steep cliffs, and golden, sandy beaches gave her an injection of life. She was nearly there. Sunshine, mindfulness, and—the biggest sway in her agreement to come here—an ecologist’s dream of endemic species. Noctule bats, shearwaters, and parakeets—animals she hoped she’d be lucky enough to see—stirred new excitement in her veins.

The island promising answers. The island prompting change.

Relief blurred the edges of her nausea. Resetting her life was within reach.

Thank god, she was almost there.

The boat slowed as it docked, and the hot sun beat down on Faye’s back. As soon as she stepped onto land, she let out a huge breath of relief. Solid ground feels great.

The toot of a horn drew her attention to the dirt path cutting up the hillside. A small buggy with off-road tyres sped towards them, kicking up sand in every direction. A woman with cherry-red hair waved from behind the wheel. She crunched over a collection of debris that must have gathered during the storm, almost catapulting herself from her seat.

Faye recognised her from the website—the big smile, curvy body, and bright hair—and nerves surged in her belly again. She wanted to make a good first impression with the two women who ran the course, but already she was late and stinking of last night’s booze.

The buggy skidded to a stop, and the woman hopped out, wearing a yellow-and-white dress and chunky white sandals. “Hey! You must be Faye. I’m sorry about the weather delaying you, but welcome to Sandy Springs.” She held up a hand in greeting. “I’m Ella. Ooh, nice sunglasses.”

“Nice to meet you.” Faye remembered the stupid pineapples on her face but didn’t have it in her to explain. “Thanks.”

Carla linked arms with Duarte as he appeared next to them. The top three buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing thick curly chest hair. Carla nodded to Faye. “She’s a good one. Faye is the dog’s bollocks.”

Faye certainly didn’t feel like it today, but she offered her best attempt at a smile. “Thank you. I’d never have made it if it wasn’t for you.”

“We’re going to play poker now,” Duarte said, with a big grin. Carla elbowed him. “I mean… we’re going…fishing.”

“Make sure you check his sleeves, Carla.” Ella winked before turning to grab Faye’s suitcase and lift it into the back of the buggy. She climbed into the driver’s seat. “You can sit up here with me. I won’t bite.”

Faye slid in next to her, catching the scent of aloe vera, and Ella sped off, the wheels spinning and kicking up sand as they raced up the trail. Over her shoulder, Carla and Duarte grew smaller. A small ball of sadness tightened in her chest. She’d made a nice bond with Carla, but she was on her own again.

What about Diana?

Pfft. Diana would probably run for the hills when she saw Faye again. Another wave of embarrassment flooded her. Hopefully, she wouldn’t bump into her today; Faye had no idea what to say.

Ella veered off the wooden slats a few times to avoid fallen branches, making the seat vibrate and shudder. Faye’s insides surged, acid tainting her throat. She swallowed it down, gripping the railing.

“Sorry.” Ella shot her a worried glance. “We’ve not managed to clean up the after-effects of the storm yet. Romeo is supposed to be clearing the main path. I’m not sure where he’s gone.”

Not a moment too soon, Ella pulled the buggy to a stop outside a white wooden cabin with blue shutters. Fresh pollen mingled with the salty air, and Faye breathed it in. Pink bougainvillaea twisted up the walls, and purple lavender bloomed in traditional ceramic beds by the door.

“Here’s your home for the next three weeks,” Ella said. “Due to all the disruptions from the storm and the late arrivals, we’re holding the introductions at two in the reception hall. It’s a short walk down the track, by the courtyard. You have a couple of hours to acquaint yourself.”

“Thank you.” Faye tried her best smile. Whatever it took to get inside quicker. She just wanted to lie in the dark for a while with her headphones in.

Ella handed over her suitcase and placed a key in her hand. “If you need anything—and I mean anything—I’m your girl. Just let me know.”

The opening and slamming of a cabin door further up the track made them turn their heads. Feet crunched the gravel, and then the familiar fall of tight blonde curls made Faye’s stomach drop.

The woman looked just like Molly.

Her hangover was playing tricks on her.

She averted her eyes, not wanting to engage with any more strangers today—especially when her insides ached. And definitely not with anyone who mirrored her ex-girlfriend.

“Faye?” The high-pitched voice made her gaze snap upwards.

Her name, wrapped in that familiar London lilt from late-night phone calls, sent a chill racing up her spine.

Molly?