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“I did.”
“He was so graceful. Amazing.” I beam.
Liam grabs my face between his hands and pulls me in to kiss me. It’s so sudden, I’m stunned, but I don’t stop him. It only lasts for a moment, and then it’s over. He smiles at me and carries on, looking out at the water. But he doesn’t drop contact. He touches me every chance he has. Nothing over the top. Gentle, soft caresses as if he can’t keep his hands from doing it – like he wants to be close.
After another half an hour, and with no more turtle encounters, we finally set about heading back to the hotel.
Liam docks the boat and helps me back onto dry land. Only he doesn’t let go of my hand. Instead, he keeps it in his as we walk back up the beach towards the steps.
He’s been making contact like this ever since… and it’s been nice, unexpected, and not fitting with the playboy persona I’ve held in my head. But I don’t pull away. Not until the steps, anyway.
“What happens now?” I ask when we reach the top, a little unsure what the next move is.
“Dinner. Say seven? Maybe we’ll be able to talk more than last night.”
“You weren’t the only one who wasn’t talkative.”
“Fair point.” He lifts my hand and kisses it. “I’ll see you later.” Our fingers finally part, and I drop my hand. It’s weird, we’ve known each other for so long, but it’s as if we are on a first date.
I head back to my room, feeling like I’m walking on air. If I could have scripted the date, I don’t think I could have come up with something as magical as today. And it’s not even over yet.
When I get to my room, I check my phone, annoyed that I left it behind and got no photos of the scenery or waters – nothing to cement the day.
How was your flight? Did you survive the hangover?
It’s from Taylor. He doesn’t know I stayed. Nobody does.
I’m fine. Recovering. Drinks at the weekend, maybe?
I fire off the message, even though I’m poised to spill on my adventures today. Taylor would die with excitement if I told him. He’s over the top with everything that involves romance.
ButI can’t tell him. I can’t tell anyone about this because it will get back to my brother. And while Eric didn’t tell me to stay clear, I don’t want to cause Liam any problems over a little fling.
A fling.
It tastes bitter on my tongue, but I know that’s all this is.
The pain of how I felt – betrayed by Liam – for all those years would be just as acute, if not worse, for my brother if he finds out. It could ruin them.
My stupid heart starts to question and second-guess, but I shut it down. I shower, wash my hair, and put the dress from the first night back on. After all, it was the thing that started all this. I remember the look on Liam’s face and how good it made me feel – how powerful. It’s insane that it was only a few days ago. So much has changed so quickly. But as I think that, I know I’ve fallen into a trap. I was the one that said nothing would change – the one that pushed this. Did I really believe that would be possible? Or is there a part of me that tempted Liam just to see if it could happen?
It has. And now I have to live up to what I said.
Nothing can change.
Chapter Eleven
The same table is set up for dinner, and once again, Liam is waiting.
He stands when he catches me walking towards him. Of course, all of this would be easier if he didn’t look like the million dollars I know is in his bank.
He kisses me, not on the cheek like a friendly greeting, but on my mouth, lasting longer than a friendly peck.
“Shall we?” I pull away and sit down.
“You look amazing in that dress.”
“Thank you.”
