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He’s quiet for a long time. Finally, he peers at me with a dead-straight stare. “Are you sure about that?”
What is he saying? “Echo and I are friends.”
“For a long time. But shit changes.”
Shock trips my heart. “Did she tell you something?”
He shrugs. “You and I both know women. We’ve slept with a fuck ton of them. You ever known one who’s as loyal and sweet, who’s always there when you need them, who’s your cheerleader, confidante, and best friend, if she doesn’t have serious feelings for you?”
If we were talking about anyone else, I would agree. But this is big-hearted Echo. “Dude, she’s always there for you, too. She’s there for everyone in her life.”
“Not in the same way.”
“Only because she and I have been friends longer,” I protest.
But deep down, I wonder if that’s really true. Is there any chance he’s right? Echo gave up the idea of Xavian taking her virginity the minute I volunteered. She didn’t even talk to him first.
What does that say about her feelings?
Shit. I’ll have to be careful. I can’t cross the line with Echo’s body or her heart.
Xavian and I pass the next thirty minutes on the lanai with a tropical boozy concoction and a plate of meringue cookies Eleanor brought us with a smile. I watch Echo, trying to figure out where her head is…and if her friendship is actually deeper.
Finally, the yoga session ends, and she runs over, looking relaxed. She glows with a hint of perspiration and pink color from the sun. I try to ignore the way her top clings to her breasts and the hint of her nipples poking through. It doesn’t matter, though. I know they’re there, and it’s a good thing my shirt is long enough to hide my reaction.
But you’ll be alone with her again tonight…
Fuck.
“That was awesome!” Echo doesn’t merely smile; she looks really centered and happy.
While I wasn’t thrilled to just sit here and watch Xavian stew, I’m satisfied that Echo is content. “You did great, shortcake.”
“Thanks.” She looks at our glum friend. “You okay, X? I’m sorry about staying if you wanted to go…”
“Nah. I’m just chilling with this view. You’re good.”
Keeley sways in Echo’s direction and helps her to a dressing room where she can freshen up with some cool cloths after the session. They return a few minutes later, and we stand. It’s after three. We should probably start heading back to the hotel before the cocktail welcome with our CEO gets underway.
Keeley hugs Echo. “It was so great to meet you. I wish you could have stayed to meet my husband, Maxon. He and West got along fantastically.”
“I’m sorry I missed him, too. Eryn had nothing but lovely things to say about how special you two made their honeymoon.”
“It was our pleasure. When do you fly back to the mainland?”
“Saturday evening.”
“If you’re free one night before then, let me know. I’d love to have you and Hayes and your friend—I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name—for dinner.” Keeley looks inquiringly at X.
He extends his hand. “Xavian Costa.”
Instantly, the color leaves Keeley’s face. Her mouth gapes open.
“Is something wrong?” Echo asks.
Keeley recovers quickly, but her smile looks stilted. “Nothing. Um… Can you just wait here two minutes? I need to do something before you go.”
No idea why the redhead is acting weird, but Echo is dialed in to whatever is bothering the woman. Xavian has already tuned out.
Echo elbows me, so I nod dutifully. In truth, I want to find out why hearing my buddy’s name freaked Keeley out. “Sure.”
“Two minutes.” She holds up her hands, making sure we stay put. “Promise?”
I nod.
Beside me, Echo smiles reassuringly. “Of course.”
Keeley turns and runs, sprinting toward the house. Obviously, the yoga has helped get her post-pregnancy body back in running shape because she’s quick.
“Any idea what that’s about?” I ask Echo.
She shakes her head. “I hope everything is okay.”
It’s more like five minutes before Keeley returns, still looking rattled. “Thanks for your patience. Can you spare another ten minutes? I want to tell you a story. It’s…important.”
The inn owner says the words to all of us, but keeps sending Xavian sideways glances.
Now I’m really curious, and we still have a little time before the cocktail gathering. It’s not mandatory, anyway. I could use the face-time to schmooze with the CEO, but… “Sure.”
“Thank you.” She leads us back to the lanai, and we all find a seat, Echo between Xavian and me. Then Eleanor brings Keeley a big cup of hibiscus iced tea and offers us the same. We decline, and when the older woman disappears inside again, Keeley drags in a steadying breath. “When I met my husband, he and his brother, Griff, hadn’t spoken a word to each other in three years. It was awful. Their fight was all pride and anger and assumptions, especially on Griff’s part. I still rib him about that. Their younger sister, Harlow, tried to be the neutral go-between, but she was going to school on the mainland and had a life of her own. None of them were close to each other or their parents, who were both horrible human beings. I still marvel that those two monsters produced three wonderful, loving people.”
