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He had nothing to offer her. His world was hotels and resorts and meetings and investments. And somehow consoling his betrayed mother. Not to mention preparing for the fight he was certain was coming from his father. Dale Evanson wanted to regain control of the company he’d almost run into the ground. And he had enough cronies on the board who were ready to help him get what he was after.
A woman like Celeste had no room in her life for so many complications. Especially when she had enough of her own to contend with. Oh, and there was that whole former-fiancée-of-a-good-friend thing hanging above their heads, as well. He couldn’t let himself forget that.
Yeah, reality could land a real kick to the gut sometimes.
Reid swore softly under his breath and made an effort to gently remove himself from bed without rousing her. She stirred but didn’t open her eyes. It took a few more tries before he was able to disengage out of their embrace. He reached for his shirt and pants lying over the back of the leather chair. He had to go start his day. He would have to leave her a note or try calling her later.
But there would be no need to do either of those things. Celeste slowly opened her eyes and sat halfway up. She looked so alluring with her hair in complete disarray and her lips still swollen from his kisses. He could see the minor redness on her shoulders and around her chest where he’d rubbed his beard over her skin. He had to close his eyes to keep from crawling back into bed and joining her once more.
“You’re up.”
He nodded. “I have to get going. There’s a lot happening today.” On and off the resort, he added under his breath.
“Does that mean breakfast together is out of the question?” The look of longing in her eyes nearly undid him. He had to hold firm.
“I’m afraid so. I have one meeting after another.” Starting with the business partner who was probably wondering where the devil he was at this very moment.
“I see.”
He leaned over the bed, brushed a soft kiss across her temple. “You go back to sleep. No need for both of us to leave the warmth and comfort of the bed.”
“It’s not quite as warm anymore,” she countered.
Reid ignored that, just turned to throw his pants on. Then he pulled his shirt over his shoulders. He had to turn away, if he continued looking at the enticing picture she made—with the sheet pulled up over the roundness of her breasts—he wasn’t sure how much resolve he could muster. He wasn’t made of stone, after all.
“I have to get you my written recommendations,” Celeste said behind him as he sat in the chair to tie his shoes. “I’ve already got most of it written up on my tablet. I can use the business office to get it all printed once I finish.”
“No need to do that,” Reid threw over his shoulder. “Would you mind sending it via text? As an attachment. I’ll look at it when I get a chance.”
She sat studying him as he finished the last knot and stood. “Sure. I can do that,” she answered.
“Thanks. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you have to say.”
“Reid...”
“Yes?”
She opened her mouth but shut it again without speaking. Instead, she dropped back onto the pillow behind her and flung her arm over her face. “Never mind. It’s not important.”
Reid fought the urge to go to her side and indulge in another kiss, this time to her lips. But it would be dangerous to risk tasting her again. The sooner he walked out of this room, the better for both of them.
“Bye, sweetheart,” he said and pulled the door open.
She didn’t answer before he walked out.
* * *
She had no one but herself to blame.
Celeste turned the nozzle of the shower to the very end of the hot setting, allowing the punishing heat of the water to wash over her until she could stand it no longer. It did nothing to scorch away her internal anguish. What had she been expecting? To spend the day with Reid holding hands and walking along the beach? She’d understood last night exactly what she was getting into. The fact that she was hurt and disappointed by the way he’d left this morning was no one’s fault but her own.
She’d been naive, fooling no one except herself. She knew how ill-equipped she was for meaningless flings. She’d gone ahead and spent the night with Reid anyway. Worse yet, she’d fooled herself into thinking she could somehow conveniently forget that she’d fallen for him. It had only been a few days since she’d arrived on the island and run into him again. But it was like the newlywed on the dinner cruise had said last night—when you’re with the right person, you just know.
