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Rowan laughed, and I couldn’t help but stare at his smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning then, Drew.”
I got up and opened the door, but a thought occurred to me. “Feel free to take the tender after me if you don’t want to be seen leaving at the same time.”
“Only the captain and Charlie will remain on board, and they won’t think anything of it. If I only get three days with Drew, I get three full days. That means I’ll ride with you.”
“I certainly hope so,” I replied with a wink and closed the door behind me.
* * *
ROWAN
I was crazy. Andrew was crazy. I didn’t care. He offered me three days, and I took it. Why continue to deny myself something I wanted more than my next breath? Once our passion burned itself out – and it always burned out - we would be back to business. It was the perfect solution. As long as we didn’t get caught.
I informed George that I no longer intended to head to the Virgin Islands as originally planned but would leave on the tender to Saint Martin instead. Then I headed to my bedroom and searched my walk-in closet. I located a small travel bag and started to pack - swim trunks, briefs, T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and running shoes. What else? My inhaler, meds, shaving kit, sunscreen, and most important of all, condoms and lube.
Picking up my phone, I texted Rafe.
Rowan:going to Saint Martin tomorrow and staying for three days. Feel free to use my place at BVI if you want. Let me know, and I can contact the house manager.
Rafe:I’m staying put in Miami for a few weeks, but thanks.why the change in plans?
Rowan:I got a better offer
Rafe:?
Rowan:Drew and Ro will be spending a private long weekend together.
Rafe:Ahh. And then it’s back to work?
Rowan:exactly.
Rafe:hmmm.
Rowan:what?
Rafe:I’m not sure you’re prepared for this.
Rowan:He made the offer. Three days only. That’s it.
Rafe:okay then, have fun. DON’T fall in love.
Love?Why the fuck did Rafe have to mention that? He was acting as ridiculous as Dylan. I was crazy in lust, but that was all. Not love. Never again. After my ex had revealed that he was in love with someone else, he had told me that I wasn’t worth the hassle, that I was consumed with my work and emotionally unavailable. I didn’t think that was true at the time, but it gave me pause. After we broke up, he blamed me for the breakup and sold the intimate details of our relationship to a tabloid. I’d been devastated and vowed never to give my heart to anyone ever again. Doubtful anyone wanted it anyway unless it came with a large check they could cash.
The warm, fuzzy feelings I had for Andrew, bubbling up inside like the finest champagne, had everything to do with anticipation. For sex. I wasn’t falling in love with him, was I? Beautiful, funny, caring Andrew who responded tartly to my sarcasm and made everything brighter. Who saw me, the person, not the brand, and didn’t expect anything in return. Who made my stomach flip when he laughed and made everything inside me light up like fireworks. Fucking Rafe, trying to ruin my sexy weekend with talk of love.
Rowan:maybe you could start a new career writing romance novels like Cara
Rafe: ??
Putting down my phone and any thoughts of the “L” word, I grabbed my laptop and checked my work email. Ravi informed me that he would need another month’s leave.Not a problem, I wrote back,Andrew can deal with your workload. Take care of your family.
Why didn’t I feel guilty about slipping away? Was this a pre-midlife crisis I was experiencing? If this thing with Andrew went sideways, I guess I’d have more tales to work out in my therapy sessions. I finished the last email and hit send, just as my phone buzzed.
Rafe:including Dylan
Dylan:WTF Ro?
Rowan:Three days only. That’s it.
