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My chest flutters against the pounding of my heart. Libby drags herself closer as I deepen the kiss, tasting the faint traces of citrus and alcohol on her breath.
Her fingertips caress the back of my neck, and her teeth scrape playfully against my lower lip as I pull back for air. She clutches at my shirt, tipping her head back, which I take as an open invitation to explore her skin, from her jawline down to her collarbone.
With every breath, the heat builds between us.
Then, a series of shrill rings causes my chest to tighten. “That’s gonna be Kenzie.”
I lick my lips, slowly pulling away.
Libby lets out a quiet giggle and draws her fingers over my beard. “I’ll get going then.”
As she stands, I grab her wrist, and she looks back with a coy grin. “Don’t worry, you’ll see me tomorrow.”
With that, she grabs her drink and saunters toward the door.
Chapter Seven
Libby
I gave up on my morning run when I had to keep dodging puddles and mud, while my thoughts are centered on Riker. Instead, it turned into a causal walk as I breathed in the crisp air and took in the sights. Yesterday’s rain probably would have left a haze of humidity in the summer, but with the cool air, it left a pleasant smell that lingers through the trees.
I wonder if Riker’s really so different from Trent. We have the same banter. The easy innate connection. And there’s something about him I can’t get out of my head.
I’d forgotten what it was like to open up and spill. I chase emotionally unavailable men because there are no expectations for me to be emotionally available. I excel at logic, sequences, plans. Gut instinct is great, but I don’t place stakes on emotion. But now, I’m seeing that whole side of my life I’d cut out.
All it took was a practical stranger on an island to hold up a mirror.
Logic and plans don’t explain why I’m drawn to him.
After turning down a lush path on my way back toward the shops, I notice a man in a ball cap lingering near the edge of the path. He lifts his head and smiles as I approach, so I give him a friendly nod, and pick up the pace a little.
“Beautiful day, isn’t it?” he says.
“Yeah, I’m enjoying the quiet.” It’s definitely something I don’t get often, back in the city, but mainly I hope he gets my passive aggressive point and leaves me alone.
I continue walking past him, but when I glance back, he’s following close behind. I hadn’t seen what direction he came from, so I try not to think about it too much, but something about him raises the hairs on the back of my neck.
I stop against the next railing to tighten the laces on my shoes, but as soon as I do, he pauses as well, taking an interest in something on the other side of the path. There’s nothing particularly alarming about him, but the location and lack of other foot traffic leaves my senses on alert.
Then, he turns back to me. “You know there’s this great little spot off the trail on the north side near the eagle’s nest. I sometimes do private tours for visitors.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Probably not the best place to go alone if you’re not familiar with the trails.”
The trails around here are fairly simple, and most loop right back to where they start, so I’m not buying it. “Well, my boyfriend’s from the area, so I’m sure he’ll know his way around. In fact, I should get back to meet him for lunch.”
I hope my exaggeration will be enough to put him off, but he grins and says, “Well, I’m heading that way, too.”
I glare at him.Really? It’s only a short jaunt back up to the shops, but this is starting to seem a lot less coincidental and innocent. As I plan my way out of it, my right leg vibrates.Perfect timing.
My phone rings and I tense at the sudden shift. Trent, thank goodness, although I’m about to confuse the hell out of him.
“Hey babe.” I stare down the man, listening to Trent sputter over the phone. He’s going to kill me later. I won’t even have to worry about Brooke.
“Libby? What are you...? This isTrent, you know.”
“Sorry, I lost track of time. Where did you want me to meet you?”
