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Andrew chuckled and tapped Dylan’s shoulder. “Let’s put that on a dating profile and get Rowan here matched up.”
I shook my head as I tried to concentrate on the road. “Hilarious.”
“That might be difficult since Rowan’s dating track record isn’t pretty. Let’s see, there was Jojo, who strung him along and was cold as ice. Leo Dunbar, who was only after him for his money and then that guy from last night. How did that work out, Ro? You don’t seem relaxed this morning,” Dylan quipped.
“No comment,” I muttered under my breath.
“Maybe there’s a dating site specifically for billionaires,” Andrew joked. “You know, RichDaddySeeksSugarBaby.”
“They can match Ro with some guy based on how many yachts, private planes, and mansions he owns.” Dylan snorted.
“Are you two finished?” I replied with a glare, but it had no effect on either of them. They continued to joke around, and I couldn’t help but shake my head. A smile graced my lips without effort. I was secretly pleased that Dylan and Andrew got along so well. It rarely happened with the men in my life.
As they talked, I noticed that we were traveling near the highest point on the island. While the views were spectacular from up here, the road grew windier and steeper, and all my attention was now firmly fixed on my driving. Of the jeep.
Dylan pointed out a sign indicating a national park viewpoint. “Let’s stop and have a look, Ro.”
I pulled into a cul-de-sac at the top of the road and parked. The area had been cleared of vegetation to provide unobstructed views of nearby islands and the sea beyond. We rushed out of the jeep and wandered over to the railing at the edge of the cliff. A sweet and salty breeze greeted us, the ocean mist and perfumed blossoms a heady scent that could only be described as paradise found.
“Extraordinary. You can see St. Croix, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands.” I pointed out. “The air up here is so clear and fresh.”
I pulled out my mobile and took a picture of Andrew and Dylan and then we snapped a group selfie. I glanced around, but no one passed by on the road. Up here it felt like we were the only people in the world.
“I’m going to send this panorama pic to Hunter. He’ll be so envious.”
“Hunter?” I asked. Was this his boyfriend? An unfamiliar feeling of irrational jealousy gripped me. I shook it off and turned my attention back to the tropical landscape in front of me.
“He’s my best friend. We grew up together. Now he’s a lawyer, married and living in South Carolina, but we keep in touch and visit in person when we can. We’d often go hiking and camping together. He’d love this place,” He paused to take more pictures. “I hate to rush away, but we should get going. We don’t want to lose our spot at the beach club.”
The rest of the drive was completely downhill, and not just because of the terrain. Dylan attempted to sing along to his favorite country tunes, and Andrew joined in. I was traveling with the Shania Twain twins, minus the talent. Dylan’s horrific attempt at harmonizing with Andrew caused me to loudly declare that car karaoke was officially over. Forever.
Fifteen minutes later and with sore ears, I pulled into the parking lot adjacent to the beach club. We grabbed our bags and walked along the wooden boardwalk to the clubhouse, the waft of coconut-infused suntan lotion and salt air welcoming us.
The private club was already brimming with activity, and people crowded around tables with bright yellow umbrellas while many others spread out on loungers. There were also several beachfront cabanas covered on three sides that offered privacy. A group of guests played volleyball on the far end of the beach, but most were relaxing on loungers or swimming in the calm waters of the shallow bay.
“Welcome to Corazon Beach Club. Do you have a reservation?” the young hostess asked.
“Yes, under Slater,” Andrew replied smoothly.
The hostess didn’t appear to recognize me, which I was thankful for. I looked around, but no one appeared to be paying us any particular attention and I hadn’t spotted any paps. For now.
She tapped her tablet and nodded. “We have your private cabana ready. Follow me, gentlemen.”
I turned to him. “Andrew, you must let me pay for…”
“I was planning on coming here anyway, so leave it. I emailed them early this morning to add two more loungers.” His brown eyes were fiercely determined, so I let it go.
We had an excellent spot at the end of the beach, and the cabana had three padded loungers and tables set up. There was another group of four men in the cabana next to us, listening to music and laughing away. I felt my body slowly relaxing and motioned for the server to order some beverages. I was not going to allow Andrew to pay for that as well.
A hand touched my shoulder, and I turned quickly, expecting to see Dylan or Andrew.
“Hey, baby, fancy seeing you here.”
I turned to find none other than Leo Dunbar.
Fuck.
EIGHT
