Reckless Abandon(32)

My relationship with Parker is not an off-limits conversation. That is something I’ve had no problem talking about. It’s what happened right after that sends me into a cesspool of guilt and agony.

“I was dating someone. I thought he was the one, but I was wrong.”

“How long ago was that?”

“Six months ago.” I say, watching Asher piece another portion of the puzzle together.

“You have had a crap year.”

He has no idea.

We make it back to my hotel with Asher telling me about his motorcycle. I tell him I’ve never been on one before and he offers to take me for a ride sometime. That would be nice but we both know it’s impossible, even though neither of us mentions it.

I look up at the moon, which is so large and bright, I feel like Jimmy Stewart trying to lasso it closer.

“This place is magical.” Every day since I’ve stepped off that boat I’ve become more amazed at not just the beauty of the island but its power. It’s as if the moon is casting a spell of enchantment over it so only the good can prevail and all terrible things are kept at bay. “I could spend eternity here.”

When I lower my gaze from the moon, Asher is looking at me with a mix of interest and desire. He takes a step closer and threads his fingers through my hair, grazing his thumbs along by cheeks and jawline. “Can I see you tomorrow?”

I lick my lips in anticipation for the kiss I know is coming. “I can’t. I have Leah. I can’t leave her. It’s our honeymoon.” I say with a smile.

“Bring her with us. I want to see you again.” Asher lowers his lips to mine. This time his kiss is soft and purposeful. Not like the frantic one we shared before.

“Yes.” I breathe when he releases us from the kiss. I don’t want him to go. If I had my own room I’d invite him in.

Oh, God, look at me. A few hours ago I was unsure I could handle a kiss. Now I’m ready to drop my pants.

It’s him. He’s like a drug to me. A very lethal drug.

Watching him walk away down the path toward the marina, I remind myself that is exactly what will happen. In four days, Leah and I have to leave. And then my European romance will be over.

Oh, f*ck it. I’ve already had a crap year. It can’t get worse, right?



I gently open the door, careful not to waken Leah. It shouldn’t surprise me; she’s sitting in the dark, waiting for me.

“You little harlot!” Her voice is extra high.

“Were you spying on me?” I turn and flip on the light switch. Leah is wearing her silk shorts pajamas and has Adam’s surveillance binoculars in her hand.

“They have night vision. I was just on the veranda watching you and hottie McHottness hooking up!” She leaps onto the bed and starts jumping up and down.

I’m not going to lie; it’s the exact reaction my heart had when he first kissed me. I jump on the bed with her and start bouncing up and down. It’s against my usual persona but f*ck that sad girl. I used to be happy and silly. Today was a good day. No, today was a great day and I want to enjoy it a little longer.

Leah plops down on the bed Indian style and pulls me down to sit next to her. My dress rides up but not enough that Leah would care. Part of me wants to tell Leah everything about tonight. I want to replay every touch, every smile, every word—but I can’t. Asher is as private a person as I am. To tell her anything would violate a bond we formed tonight. Even if it was just for tonight.

“I’m glad to see you happy.”

“Thanks. It feels good,” I say, surprising myself.

“Adam is all kinds of pissed at me,” she says, her mouth cocked to the side.

I laugh at the thought of Adam being upset with Leah until the look on her face lets me know she’s serious. “Wait. Why is Adam mad at you?”

“He called and I was so excited about your date I told him the whole story. I told him about the yacht the other day and your boat tour yesterday and now your date tonight. He. Was. Pissed.” Leah seems as surprised by the notion as I am.

“When you asked him to wire money you didn’t tell him the whole story?” I ask.

“No. I left out the part about us following a giant to his massive boat. Thought it was wiser for all parties. I got excited about you going out that I thought he’d appreciate the story. Instead he lectured me on how careless we were. It got ugly.” Leah shakes her body, like a shiver. “Ahh, bad karma, bad thoughts. Forget that nonsense. He’ll be fine tomorrow. Because, you’re fine. Right?” Her brows rise.

I give her a wide smile. “Yes, very fine. And I’m seeing him again tomorrow. Actually, we are both seeing him. He invited us somewhere, unless, of course, you don’t want to go.” My offer is two-sided. It’s genuine because Leah means the world to me. But deep down I will be crushed if she says no. I really want to see Asher again but tomorrow is Luke’s birthday and we girls should be together.

“You’re seeing him again?” Her voice heightens in surprise.

“You don’t think it’s a good idea? I can cancel—”

“No,” she says quickly. “That’s awesome. It’ll be awesome. I’m coming, too, so what could go wrong?” She hops off the bed, planning her outfit for tomorrow’s excursion and I thank God for her love of adventure. I’m going to need her on this one.