Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 82514 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82514 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“I’m a little tipsy,” she giggled, pressing closer against me. “Maybe we can nap here for just a bit before dinner.”
My lungs compressed, exhaling the tension. “Sure. That sounds perfect.”
I didn’t sleep. And when she rolled to her side, I slid my arm around her shoulders. I held her close, relishing each puff of air brushing against my chest. Unintentionally memorizing the way her curves pressed to my hard edges, doing my damnedest to convince myself that the warmth expanding in my chest was friendship. Just friendship.
“We don’t have to go out. They can set up a whole dinner here on the patio if you want.”
Hanna popped her head around the corner from the bathroom. “This resort is too nice to not explore.”
“I know. I just didn’t know if you’d feel more comfortable not roaming.”
“It’s okay,” she said, not concerned at all. “I have you by my side. I’m good.”
The warmth from earlier grew until she stepped out from behind the door, and then it all flooded south. “You look…stunning.”
“This old thing? I’ve had it for years.”
Pastel flowers decorated the light blue material that stretched all the way to her feet. The slits on each side played peekaboo with her slender legs. The thin spaghetti straps looked tested to their limits containing her breasts.
“You look good, too. I like the buttons undone. Very sexy.” She pursed her lips in an exaggerated sexy pout. She was playing with me, and here I was about to come with a strong breeze because of some cleavage.
I was a dick.
Taking a deep breath, I shoved it down and offered my arm, leading her out to where the boat would take us back to the main island.
We chose to immerse ourselves in the location and taste the Caribbean flavors at an upscale restaurant. The breeze from the ocean blew strands of her dark hair across her smiling face the whole meal and she would laugh each time.
This Hanna, the one who’d bounced her way from one thing to the next, hyped up on excitement and pure joy, this was the real Hanna. This was the Hanna who let go of any trauma that clung to her. The one who didn’t wear the weight of survivor’s guilt.
This was the Hanna I wanted to crack open permanently and not only away on vacation. I didn’t want her to bury herself back into work and pull back from every touch when we left here. I wanted this joy for her all the time.
And when she smiled across the candlelit table, I knew I’d do anything to make it happen.
I also knew I needed to remember it wasn’t my place to make it happen. She didn’t want a relationship just as much as I hadn’t—didn’t. Still didn’t. Nothing had changed in this, and I needed a strong reminder of it.
“How’s flirting going?” I asked abruptly.
She blinked, thrown by the subject change. I kicked myself when her smile dimmed, and she dropped her gaze to her glass.
“It’s okay,” she said, shrugging. “I haven’t really tried much.”
I shut down the gloating arrogance trying to break free. “What about Sean?”
She bit her lip and smiled. This time it pierced painfully because it wasn’t for me. “I think he’s tried to ask me out a few times, but I manage to run before I’m forced to answer.”
“Do you want to sleep with him?”
Say yes.
Say no.
Say yes.
Please, say no.
God, the thought of her saying yes shouldn’t squeeze my lungs like a half-ton of bricks.
“I don’t know.” Another shrug. “What if I can’t?” she whispered.
I swallowed the lump threatening to choke me. “You will. It will come. With comfort and time.”
Her wide eyes jumped to mine and held like she was probing for an answer. Her gaze poked and prodded, and I did my best to hold her stare. When I was sure I’d lunge across the table and drag her to a dark corner, she finally looked away.
“Are you seeing anyone?” she asked before downing the last of her wine.
“No. And I don’t usually see anyone for longer than a night,” I added to reaffirm for the both of us that I don’t date. “Even so, I’ve been busy.”
No one had grabbed my interest since her, but I figured that was better left unmentioned.
“Oh.” She licked her lips and opened her mouth, only to be cut off by the waiter.
“Any dessert?”
I looked to her and she shook her head. “No. I think we’re good.”
“Very well. Thank you for dining with us this evening.”
When he walked away, I dropped some cash on the table for the tip. “Are you ready to go?”
“Sure.”
On the boat, Hanna closed her eyes for the short trip and let the wind blow her hair back. Stunning. It was the only word I could use to describe her. Full lips, sharp cheekbones, bravery embedded in every inch of her. She was just stunning.