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“Two attorneys who didn’t make it to the altar.”
“Thank you so much for reminding me. I gotta run, but maybe one of the other girls talked him into doing something so scandalous.”
“Yeah. Maybe. If I were you, I’d look over my shoulder every once in a while.”
“That would make me psychotic. I’m ending the call.”
“Where are you coming back?”
“Hmmm… When I’m ready,” I mused. “Talk later.” I could still hear her admonishing me as I pressed the button. Just as I was about to come face to face with the lady behind the taxi counter, I veered away, moving toward one of the windows.
And for a few seconds, I tried to figure out what the man would have to gain by seducing me. Suzi must have acted on her own. That was it. Even as I tried to convince myself, a knot formed in my stomach but given I was several thousand miles away from New York, it really didn’t matter.
After all, fantasies were allowed.
* * *
St. Maarten, French Peninsula
La Belle Creole Hotel
The insanely gorgeous hotel had been recently refurbished, brought back to its glory after Hurricane Luis in 1995. The location was exactly where I’d wanted to go for my honeymoon, the island as well as the destination laughed at by Gregory the moment I’d mentioned it.
I’d changed my ticket from Paris to the gorgeous island, determined to rid myself of bad memories while sipping on tropical cocktails by the Peninsula waters. While the ride in the taxi had been harrowing, the sight of the gorgeous stone walls and turquoise waters had instantly calmed my nerves.
And my continued anger.
I’d considered contacting Gregory at least twice, but by the time the pilot had landed, I’d shoved the thought aside. I’d deal with the asshole upon returning to New York. For now, I had no other plans but to soak up the sun and flirt with barely dressed bartenders.
After checking in and getting settled, I made my way to one of the three hotel bars, sliding onto a barstool as I continued gazing at the soft swell of water slicing against the shoreline. There was music, a jubilant atmosphere, and laughter erupting from every direction. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of flowers and the salty ocean, already feeling the tension in my muscles abating.
“Ah, such a beautiful lady. Please do not tell me you are alone on this gorgeous island.”
All I could do was smile after the bartender addressed me. When I tipped my head, his engaging smile drew me further into the enchanting atmosphere.
“Sadly, yes.”
He leaned across the bar, lifting a single eyebrow. “I assure you, my lady, you won’t be alone for long. This is an island of love.”
Love.
That was the last thing on my mind. “There isn’t a man alive who can handle my needs.”
There was something about his twinkling eyes, the hapless grin on his face that allowed me to relax for the first time in as long as I could remember.
His laugh was deep and throaty, whatever tune he was humming a festive warm welcome to the amazing location. I’d spent a pretty penny in order to get here. I certainly had no intention of remaining inside my room, no matter how fabulous the accommodations were.
“Well, we shall see. What cocktail would indulge your passion?”
I shook my head. I was used to opening a bottle of wine at the end of my long days, savoring a glass or two while I typed up whatever notes from the day’s activities. “An electric lemonade.” It was the single drink I remembered indulging in during what few ‘wild’ days I’d had in my twenties. Somehow, it was fitting.
Especially after partaking in perhaps the most sinful act of my life.
The handsome bartender opened his eyes wide before smacking his hand down on the top of the bar. “An excellent choice.”
As the warm, light breeze tickled my skin, I adjusted my sunglasses, swiveling my barstool and gazing across the expansive pool deck. I couldn’t help but notice the large share of couples, almost all of them engaging in close body contact. The location was well known for providing a secluded atmosphere while offering the finest services available on the island. Beaches. Islands. Water. Scuba diving. All four allowed me to shift to a happy place in my mind.
Although not as much as the time spent with my mystery man.
