AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She directs the remark at Tucker, but I know it’s really meant for me.
We watch her go, and once her figure is engulfed in darkness, the rest of the group follows the narrow alleyway that leads to the bungalows. At the first fork, Somchai and Dr. Boonjan go right while the Americans proceed left. A few more yards bring us to the next divide, where Archie and Tucker have to follow the right path. Until it’s just me walking toward my villa alone.
When I reach it, I stop in the grassy space between my hut and Winter’s, undecided if I should wait up until she’s made it back safely from the beach. I decide against it. If she wants to be treated like a big girl, then that’s exactly what she’ll get.
Inside my room, I change, pack the last few things for tomorrow’s journey, and jump between the sheets, ready to enjoy my last night in a proper bed.
Between the bourbon, the wine, and the long day, I expect to fall asleep at once… but I don’t.
This is stupid. I’m bone-tired, the mattress is comfortable, the temperature perfect… I should’ve dozed off right away. Also, over the years, I’ve trained myself to sleep in almost every condition. A necessity with the frequent traveling and less-than-ideal sleeping quarters we usually have on expeditions. In a car, a plane, on the ground with rocks poking my back… I’ve slept through it all. Once I even slept through the renovation works of the apartment above mine in Berkeley—every morning while I was still jet-lagged for a whole week.
So, really, the moment my head touches the pillow I should be a goner.
But not tonight.
I toss and turn, unable to drift off.
Why? What’s bothering me?
Big blue eyes keep popping into my mind, along with the most incredible pair of legs.
Oh, no.
No. No. No.
The photographer has nothing to do with my sleeplessness.
Right.
This trip could make or break my entire career. That’s why I’m nervous.
Or the jet lag. I landed in Thailand less than twenty-four hours ago; I’m still on Berkeley time, where it’s the middle of the day. That must be it.
No other reason.
Really.
A while later, I hear the rustling of steps outside, followed by the distinct sound of a door sliding open and shut again in quick succession.
So she made it home in one piece.
I let out an exasperated breath and, finally, my lids start to droop…
5
LOGAN
The next morning, I wake up to my alarm with a splitting headache, not nearly as rested as I should be.
Just perfect.
This trip is already proving much more challenging than I anticipated. Let’s hope everything will go smoothly today.
In the bathroom, I splash cold water on my face to help my brain catch up with the day’s schedule. Then I brush my teeth, shave—who knows when I’ll be able to properly do it next—and when I’m done, I drop the last of my toiletries into my backpack, shoulder it, and move outside.
The sky is still midnight blue and the only illumination comes from the path lights lining the walkways. I turn my gaze to the neighboring bungalow.
Everything’s dark.
