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Well, I wasn’t going to sit around the room and wait for them.
I had a couple of hours before I needed to meet Malachi so I decided to explore the resort.
After showering, I let my curls air dry and pulled on a comfortable maxi dress, in a deep plum color. Malachi had guessed right. My favorite color was green, but I favored any jewel tone, really. I liked my plum dress because it made me feel good in my skin. It fell to just below my ankles, swished when I walked, and had a shelf bra so I could wear it without an underwire. In this heat, it was a saving grace to not need support made of commercial construction materials just to keep the bounce at bay.
Outside, in the courtyard, shops lined the sidewalks. Some were small kiosks with local vendors selling anything from hand made drums and baskets to souvenir bumper stickers. Others took up storefronts and sold clothing and jewelry.
I took my time exploring them and talking to the owners. Meeting new people gave me life. I loved hearing their stories and unique little colloquialisms. It was one reason why I chose to be a travelling nurse.
Eventually, I found myself drawn to a bracelet hanging on a wooden display in one of the shop windows. It wasn’t anything fancy, but the simple strand of sterling silver and opal cabochons flashed neon blue in the sunlight, exactly like bioluminescent water from last night.
Star-soaked water.
Before I knew it, I’d happily shelled out too much money and walked out of the jewelry store with it already on my wrist. No matter what happened, even if I never saw Malachi again after this trip, I could always look at my wrist and remember one of the most beautiful nights of my life.
I tried not to dwell on the way my heart twisted painfully in my chest at the thought of leaving Malachi. The vacation had barely started, and I was going to see so much more of him. There was no reason for such negativity. At some point, I would have to deal with those feelings, but for the moment I could shove them behind me.
My phone beeped from the pocket of my crossbody purse and I snatched it out quickly. I should have been embarrassed at how excited I was to hear from him, but I wasn’t. I’d spent all morning biding my time until I could see him again.
I’m finally able to break for lunch. You hungry?
Not in the slightest. I was too excited to see him.I could eat, I replied.
Meet me at the Dick House in fifteen? Sorry we need to meet on property, but if I don’t travel too far away from the office I have more time to spend with you before I have to go back to work.
I stopped dead in my tracks.
The what now?
Laughter bubbled from my throat so hard and fast it hurt a little, and tears threatened to spill from the corners of my eyes. I probably looked insane, standing alone on the sidewalk, in a busy part of the resort, cackling at my phone… but how could I not?
Reel it in Maisy, you look crazy.
I saw three dots come to life on the screen next to Malachi’s name, so I waited before responding.
DOCK HOUSE. I MEANT DOCK HOUSE, kill me now.
I snorted, imagining his tanned cheeks turning crimson with embarrassment. I wished I could see him right now.
I’ll be there in a few.
The place wasn’t important, as long as we were together. If Malachi wanted to spend his precious work break with me, I’d go anywhere on the island. Even the Dick house.
I couldn’t suppress the smile on my face, so I didn’t even try.
The Dock House was the resort's five-star steak and seafood restaurant and I hadn’t eaten there yet. It was the type of place I thought you had to have a reservation for, but Malachi made it sound like it was no big deal to pop in for a quick lunch.
The restaurant was right next door to the cabana area, and I didn’t want to get there too early, so I took a quick trip around the pool to give him some time. Otherwise, he’d find me sitting at a table eagerly waiting for him.
Not a good look.
I mean, I was definitely that eager, but I didn’t need to lay all my cards on the table like that. A lady still had to havesomemystery.
Around the pool. That was the plan.
But I didn’t make it that far.
I was through the entryway and past the first sitting area, near the changing rooms, when I heard the voices. Specifically,hisvoice.
