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Keeping her eyes locked on Drew’s, Lacey sucked in her lower lip, silently imploring him to just go with it—and expecting him to push her away. Instead, Drew’s gentle eyes spoke to her; he still looked confused, of course, but pleased. She prayed he understood what she had just done… and why. Drew’s eyes flicked to Kevin before settling back on Lacey. He entwined her fingers with his, signaling that they were in this together. Part of her felt relief, and the other part felt massive guilt.
Lacey was positive her teeth were going to break through her bottom lip. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Kevin striding toward them, but she could think only of the man before her, who after only a few short moments had made her feel more desired than she’d ever thought possible.
Rather than acknowledge her ex, she continued to stare up at the man who felt more like a friend than a stranger. “Hi” was the only word she could mutter.
With the back of his free hand, Drew skimmed her face from her cheekbone to her jawline, sending a welcome chill through her overheated skin. He smiled and whispered back, “Hi.” His voice was deep but friendly.
Thoughts tangled in her head like old Christmas tree lights… balled up until she needed to use them again. Strand by untangled strand, she began to come back down to earth.
“Lacey!” Kevin’s angry voice cut into her thoughts again. “I asked you a question. How do you know this guy?”
Finally, Lacey dragged her gaze from Drew and leveled it at Kevin. Her ex was standing before them, hands firmly planted on his hips, indignation blazing from every inch of his body, the woman he’d cheated on her with at his side.
Lacey took a deep breath and released it slowly, stealing a moment to regain what little composure she had left. Kevin’s eyes remained trained on Lacey as though she owed him something. Had he forgotten the reason for this vacation? That they were supposed to be together celebrating her birthday? But because he couldn’t keep it in his pants, they’d broken up? Why did he want an explanation and what could she possibly say that would make sense? There was no way she’d tell him her real reason for kissing Drew. No, Kevin would relish the idea that she’d just used this unsuspecting stranger to prove she was doing great without him.
But before she could fumble through an explanation, Drew stepped in. He rolled his shoulders back and tipped his chin up just enough. “I’m her boyfriend.”
Lacey fought to keep the surprise from her face. “Right. Not that it’s any of your business. I see you brought…” She let her question trail off.
The bottle blonde flipped her hair off her shoulder and snapped a piece of gum between her teeth…classy. “Candi. My name is Candi.”
Of course it is. Drew squeezed Lacey’s hand, which she had completely forgotten he’d been holding. Standing her ground, she glared at Kevin. “Why are you here? This wasmybirthday getaway… booked inmyname.”
He shrugged. “I decided not to waste the ticket, and when I went to buy Candi’s, the plane was full, so we came in yesterday. Since the other resorts were booked, we chose this one. This was my vacation too.” How had she dated this egotistical and self-centered man forover a year? “Believe me, I never thought you’d come here without me. You’re not the type,” he scoffed, and his eyes trailed down to her hand, grasped firmly in Drew’s. “Looks like I may have misjudged you. Who knew you had it in you?”
What?An alarm bell sounded in her head. There was no way Lacey could continue her vacation at the same resort as Kevin. On the other hand, she wasn’t going to let him ruin her time. “Well, have fun. I knowwewill.”
Drew, apparently taking that as his cue, pulled Lacey away and back to her lounge chair. “Grab your bag. I have a better place for you to sunbathe.”
She should have been apprehensive about going off to parts unknown, on a strange island, but an odd calm settled inside her. There was an absolute strength and resolve about Drew. She’d noticed it when he didn’t return a sarcastic remark to Kevin. Instead, he stood firm and by her side.
After she swung her bag over her shoulder, Drew ushered her farther down the beach to a young man standing at an arched, white-latticed entrance and led her through. The fenced-in area boasted lounge chairs, a small bar, and a little concierge stand. The sign stating this was a private area for Spero’s elite club members had her skidding to a halt in the sand. “I’m not a member.”
Drew didn’t falter. “You are for the rest of your stay. I’m friends with the owner, so don’t worry about it. Here you will have your own concierge, bartender, and server.”
Before she could ask any questions, a young uniformed woman appeared at Lacey’s side; she opened a plush white towel and blanketed a chaise longue, then rolled another towel up, creating a faux pillow.
Lacey swallowed the large lump that formed in her throat. Looking up at Drew, again she saw nothing but warmth and kindness. “Thank you for what you did back there. And for all of this.” She waved her arm toward the VIP area. “I’d like to explain what happened, and…”
Drew pressed his index finger to her lips, silencing her. She literally needed to tell her tongue to stay put and not poke out andlick it. “I understand. I’m just glad you picked me to make your ex-boyfriend jealous.” He cocked a brow. “He wasjustyour ex-boyfriend and not your ex-husband, right?”
Lacey glanced down; his finger still rested against her lips. Drew let out a sexy chuckle before dropping his hand. “Yes,” she said. “Just an ex-boyfriend and… a horrible one at that.”
Drew wanted to know more about the mysterious woman. Was she alone at the resort? Did she have friends with her? All he knew about her was that she was single; everything else he’d find out. “Lacey, would you like to have dinner with me?”
Her mouth opened and closed a few times, yet no sound escaped. He was overcome with the deep-rooted need to once again fuse his lips with hers. His arms begged him to reach out to her. His hands pleaded with him to touch her again. Generally, while on vacation, Drew wouldn’t want to get involved with anyone, or even have a vacation hookup. That was before he met the woman who’d rocked his world with a single kiss.
Just as he was beginning to fear she’d turn him down, the corners of her plump lips rose, creating a cute dimple on the right side of her cheek.
“Yes, I’d love to. But I’d like it to be my treat, as a thank-you.”
“Not a chance, beautiful. After all, I am yourboyfriend.” When Lacey’s eyes widened, he added, “You wouldn’t want to blow our cover, now would you? For the rest of your stay, consider me yours.”
She looked at him as though he had sprouted two heads. “Are you sure?”
Was she kidding?Before she could change her mind, he said, “I’ll meet you in the lobby at seven.”
His phone beeped, and seeing Ethan’s name, he decided to give her and himself some breathing room. “I need to run.” Not wanting to wait until later, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll seeyou tonight.”
