Turning this way and that in the mirror, I could see I was starting to glow a little; there was already some tanning on my light skin. By the end of next week, I would be a healthy brown, which was what I was going for. Giving my hair one last brush, I opened the bathroom door and stepped out into the bedroom, grinning as I viewed the most beautiful sunset happening just outside the room.
The colors were breathtaking, a myriad of pinks and oranges bathing the room, and for a moment, I just stood there, lost in the beauty that was this world. This was what made it all worthwhile. With a happy sigh, I walked out of the bedroom and then stopped as Connor came into my sight, dressed casually in a pair of khakis and a dark green polo shirt that matched the sultriness in his eyes. He was just as stunning as the sunset and I licked my lips, unsure of how I was going to ignore him for two weeks. Today he had stayed largely out of my way after our brief encounter, allowing me time to enjoy the water and some light reading on the deck while I worked on my tan. For that, I had to admit I was grateful, though it had been difficult to concentrate on the heated storyline of my book when I knew he was somewhere close by, out of sight, but definitely not out of mind.
“Hey,” he said, his hands in his pockets. “Whoa, you look smoking hot.”
“I, um, thanks,” I muttered, his compliment meaning more than it should. The red flowery patterned sun-dress was simple and fell to my mid-thigh, a wrap around that I liked to think hid my lumps and bumps. I’d paired the outfit with some cute beige sandals that boasted a small heel and a few silver bangles around my wrist. It was one of those dresses that I thought upon arrival that I wouldn’t wear, but now Connor was here, I felt like I needed to, I wanted to look my best. “But you can stop pretending to give me compliments to get on my good side.”
Crease lines upon his forehead appeared and he looked taken aback. “I wasn’t pretending. You look good enough to eat… I would’ve thought someone like you would be used to receiving compliments.”
“Someone like me?” I asked, raising my eyebrows and wondering where on earth he was going with this.
He shook his head. “Clearly not, then,” he mumbled, but I heard the words all the same as he moved closer. “Someone like you: gorgeous, curvy, and oh so very fuckable,” he said in a whisper, breathing out the last word near my ear.
I pushed him away and walked around him, making sure he couldn’t see the smile I was trying to hide as I digested his words. Connor Haden thought I was fuckable? He was having me on. He’d probably gone out this afternoon, scoped out the rest of the guests on the island and found that I was the only single woman available. He knew I would be an easy target, and lord did I enjoy being in his sights. But I couldn’t let this—whatever this burning feeling of desire I was experiencing whenever I was around him—cloud my judgment. This was just a holiday, no more. And he was still the ex-client that had ruined my career.
“So, I’m going to dinner now,” I announced as if the last few moments hadn’t even happened.
“I’m starving. Mind if I walk with you?” he asked, changing his tune and almost making me think that I had dreamt his last words to me.
I hesitated, the word ‘no’ on the tip of my tongue, but then his green eyes flashed; an honest kind of vulnerability. Then it was gone, his cheesy grin casting aside any sincerity that had been there. I wasn’t going to be this guy’s friend, but we were two people stuck in an awkward situation. I could be an adult about this and let him walk with me, right?
“Fine,” I finally said. He grinned again and I walked quickly to the door, leaving him to follow me.
I was fully intending on marching down the wooden walkways, away from him, but I wasn’t used to the new sandals and had to slow down. I could hear his footfalls behind me. It didn’t sound like he was making any effort to catch up, and then the thought of him staring at my ass made me stop as my sandals landed upon the soft sand. When I felt his presence next to me—not wanting to look at him—I started to walk again, but this time with Connor by my side. All around us the tiki torches were lit, giving the entire island a soft, romantic feel.
“Did you enjoy your afternoon?” he asked with slight hesitation, as we made our way to the restaurant together.
“I did,” I replied softly. “The water was so good, this place really is paradise.”
“That’s great,” he said, his nonchalance surprising me. I expected some larger than life character like at the hotel, but as of now, Connor was being very laid back. “April, I really am happy that you decided to stay, you know. I know you think the worst of me, but I hope I can change your mind.”
Who was this guy? And what had he done with all-star super egotistical quarterback Connor Haden?
“Did you get sun-stroke earlier?”
“No, why?”
“Nothing…”
After a few moments of silence we reached the restaurant doors, but before I could enter, Connor stopped and partially blocked the way. I could see the maître d’ looking at us through the glass window, waiting eagerly and smiling.
“If it’s all right with you, we should dine together.”
“But—”
“That was my one condition, remember?”
I scowled at him. I guessed I could spend one night in his company, it wouldn’t kill me. And to be honest I didn’t really relish the idea of eating alone, surrounded by mooning couples and newlyweds. Plus he was right, it was what I’d agreed to upon deciding to stay. I nodded and Connor got the door. “After you, my lady.”
The maître d’ sprang into action and immediately led us into the place without even asking us if we had a reservation or not. Though, on this intimate little island you probably didn’t need one. Connor’s hand connected with my lower back and I sucked in a breath, feeling the heat of his hand through the thin material of my dress.
“Go with it,” he said right above my ear, his aftershave filling my senses. Oh god, breathe April. Just keep breathing. He was too close, turning my legs to jelly.
We were shown to a table outdoors, the soft wind ruffling loose strands of my hair as chairs were pulled out and we were seated under the rapidly darkening but magical sky. It was an enchanting place to dine, the beach merely feet from our table. This was truly a lover’s paradise and yet I was experiencing it all with a man I barely knew.
“Drink, yes?” I looked up to see a waiter standing by my side, holding a sweating bottle of champagne in his hand. “Yes, please,” Connor answered, looking at me. “I’m sure my wife would love some.”
My eyes went wide. I’d forgotten I was supposed to be pretending to be his little missus, and I sent daggers his way. “Um, okay, why not,” I responded. Hell, I might as well live it up, it was a vacation after all. Why shouldn’t I splurge? The waiter filled our glasses and then disappeared as quickly as he’d come, leaving us alone once more. Around us there were a few other couples dining too, many of them staring into one another’s eyes like I’d predicted, as hushed conversations mingled with the sounds of the tinkling of cutlery upon plates.
Connor lifted his glass and encouraged me to do the same, his eyes shining from the candles on the table. “To a relaxing vacation for the both of us. And may there also be good times ahead.” He winked at me as I lifted my glass, thinking that the toast was harmless.
“Ditto.” Our glasses clinked and then I pulled mine back for a sip, the bubbly liquid tickling my throat. “Connor?”
“Yes, my bride?” he added with a chuckle as a passing waiter skirted by our table.
I sighed but let it slide. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Shoot,” he said, looking at me over his menu. I swallowed another sip and then put my glass down, knowing that I might just be stepping over the line with this question, but I was too curious not to ask. Hell, I deserved to know, and he had butted into my vacation, essentially tricking me.
“Why did you break it off with Crystal?”