Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
It’s so simple to see that our positions have reversed. Vivienne broke things off with me because she had the courage to try for something more, and in the process, she got hurt. Now suddenly, our old relationship—as comfortable, easy, and bland as it was—seems compelling because it’s familiar and safe. But now I’ve found Casey, and I know what real passion feels like, and I’m not willing to settle anymore. Safe is no longer enough.
“Just because this guy didn’t work out, don’t give up on finding someone, Vivienne.”
My solution didn’t please her. She frowned. “Why would I go out searching when the man I want is sitting right in front of me.”
I tilted my head, holding her gaze as I spoke the truth out loud to her for the first time. “Come on. You know we weren’t good together. Not in the long run.”
She reared back, her eyes widening in surprise.
“There were happy times,” she insisted.
“Of course there were. I care for you; I do, Viv, but . . .”
My voice trailed off, and she nodded. I watched her swallow and look away, composing herself as best as possible. “It’s not enough, is it?”
“We were so perfectly perfect together, but no, that’s not enough.”
She chuckled and turned back to me. I could see the emotion swimming in her eyes then, the tears about to fall. She understood that I was doing the hard thing here, forcing us both out of our comfort zones.
“It’s scary, isn’t it? Trying for something else? Going out on a limb . . .” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
I puffed out a breath. “It’s terrifying.”
She walked toward me then, taking my free hand and squeezing it, rubbing her thumb along my knuckles. Then she leaned down, preparing to say one last thing. “Promise me we’ll stay in touch. I’ll always be rooting for you—”
“Oh! Sorry.” The accented words came from the hallway.
I turned to see Casey’s friend, Sienna, standing in the library’s doorway alongside Javier, one of the photographers we brought on for the cruise. They stood hand in hand, pressed close together, which wasn’t all that surprising. Though they were technically here for work purposes, there had been plenty of time to mix and mingle; just ask Casey and me . . .
“We thought no one would be here,” Sienna added just before she took in the full tableau she’d stumbled upon: Vivienne damn near sandwiched between my legs. My hand in hers. Her head bent toward me.
Sienna’s eyes darkened, and her lips flattened into a thin angry line. When she spoke again, her voice was biting. “We didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Then she turned and started to pull Javier behind her. She only made it a few steps before shaking her head and spinning back around, a mock-friendly smile pinned in place. “Oh, actually, Phillip. I’m glad I bumped into you. I meant to ask, have you seen Casey tonight? It’s only . . . I haven’t been able to find her, and you two have just been so inseparable this cruise. I figured you would know where she’s been . . .”
She anticipated that this bomb would create real carnage. Vivienne would gasp in outrage; I’d have to console her with lies and promises. I don’t know what she’s talking about, babe! But I don’t want my hand in Vivienne’s. I’d been trying to work out how to free myself without hurting her feelings. Vivienne’s grip slackened, and I withdrew my hand before replying mildly, “I was just with her. She left a bit abruptly, though. If you see her, tell her I ordered her a milkshake.”
Slowly, Sienna’s anger shifted. Her lips parted; her brow furrowed. She looked almost disappointed by the lack of drama her comment had elicited.
“Right” was all she said before she looked at Javier and then turned to lead him back out into the hall.
Vivienne took a careful step away from me, her hands clasping together in front of her hips. She didn’t look pissed—Vivienne never would—but her eyes were more guarded now.
“Who’s Casey?”
Chapter Twenty
CASEY
“I saw him with Vivienne last night.”
I don’t look at Sienna because I’m worried what my face might reveal. She and I are standing together on the bow for sunset cocktails. I’m wearing a pale-pink dress that almost blends in with the sky over the horizon. My hair is combed back and neatly twisted at the base of my neck. I picked up even more color when I was out snorkeling today, so I didn’t need to apply any foundation before I left my suite, just some blush, bronze eye shadow, a few swipes of mascara, and my favorite berry-colored lipstick. It’s odd how good I look on the outside when inside, I feel worse now than ever. I think if Sienna hadn’t insisted I come out here with her, I would have stayed back in my suite.