Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Reluctantly, I grab it and crumple it in my fist.
“Sure,” I mutter, nearly hugging the window to keep my distance. Just as he shifts in his seat, my eyes gaze down to his hand, and that’s when I see it. That rat bastard. “How sweet of your wife to share you. Too bad she doesn’t realize what a skeez you are.” The words come out harsher than I intended, but even so, I don’t even feel bad about it.
Without saying a word, he turns his body away from me. Coward.
If this is what being out in the dating world is like, then count me out. I’d only met Andrew on a rare evening out with a friend for her birthday. She’d gotten so wasted, I had to help her walk outside and hail a cab. I nearly slipped on my heels—that I hardly wore—and both of us were about to face-plant when Andrew grabbed my waist to keep me steady on my feet. He’d just so happened to be walking out of another bar when he saw us stumbling and ran to help.
It was one of those damsel-in-distress moments, and if I’d been thinking clearly, I maybe wouldn’t have wasted the last six months on him. However, he saved us both, helped me get my friend in the cab, and before I followed behind, he asked if he could have my number. I figured he’d never call anyway, so I gave it to him. He surprised me when he called the following day and asked me out.
Completely smitten, I’d fallen for him hard and fast. I kept pushing away any signs that I was being paranoid and kept telling myself that I was lucky to even have a guy like him interested in me. I wasn’t naturally an insecure person, but after a few failed online dating attempts, I decided there was no way decent men exist anymore. Up until three weeks ago, I thought Andrew was the exception.
But it seems married men can’t seem to keep it in their damn pants no matter what state I’m in.
Relieved when we finally land, I grab my luggage after deplaning and stop for a coffee before hailing a taxi. By the time I’m in the cab, I already have Natalie on the line to let her know I’m here, and she nearly popped my eardrum with her excitement.
“Oh my God, River! It’s gorgeous here, isn’t it?” She releases a dreamy sigh into the phone. I can already picture her lying out poolside with a drink in hand. “Adam decided to go looking for some good fishing spots for tomorrow morning, so it’s just me, the sun, and my Bahama Mama.”
I chuckle, loving how relaxed she sounds. This is just what I needed right now.
“Well, I can’t wait to join you. Once I check in and settle into my room, I’ll change and meet you down there,” I tell her, looking out the window at the touristy views.
“Perfect! I’ll have a drink waiting for you!”
The warmth is the first thing I notice when I get out of the cab. The wind brings a nice breeze my way as I walk through the doors of the hotel, reminding me I’m no longer in Wisconsin. It was cold and gloomy this past week, so this weather is definitely a welcome change.
As soon as I walk in, I take in everything from the bright blue color palette to the ocean views all along the back through the windows. It’s something straight up from a magazine. People walk around with their oversized beach bags, sunglasses, and flip-flops. It instantly brightens my mood.
“Hello, welcome to the Hyatt. Can I help you?” the receptionist greets me, and I’m more than happy to say, “Yes, yes, you can!”
Once I’m all checked in, she directs me to the elevators, and soon I’m scanning my keycard into my room. I ended up with a corner room, which at first, I was hesitant about because I wanted all ocean views, but as soon as I walk in, I see I’m not the least bit disappointed.
With the wraparound balcony and two sets of sliding glass doors, it looks like the ocean is in my room. The entire half of my wall is taken over by the sliding doors and the perfect beach views.
“This is heaven,” I mutter to myself with the biggest smile I’ve had in weeks.
Once I give myself the tour, I unpack my luggage and dig around for my swimsuit. I’m never been more eager to wear the damn thing, which considering all the winter weight I put on last year, says a lot. When I’m at work, I wear scrubs and clogs, so this is a change I don’t mind.
I change, find my swimsuit wrap and pull it over my body. Grabbing a towel, my key, and bag, I head out ready to find Natalie and one of those umbrella drinks.