Page 109 of The Au Pair Affair

Carlos launched into an explanation without a moment’s hesitation. “They are taking this time before the vow exchange to connect as a couple—”

“They’re golfing, aren’t they?” Burgess and Tallulah said, at the exact same time.

“Since sunrise,” Carlos confirmed with a sigh.

Still, intrigued, Tallulah pursed her lips. “What kind of outdoor activities are you referring to?”

“Ah, I see we have piqued your interest,” Carlos said, rubbing his hands together. “Tomorrow morning, we have sunrise zip-lining planned, followed by cliff diving. And—”

“Count me in. All of it.” Tallulah knew a lifeline when she saw one. Staying busy and active would keep her away from Burgess,too many mojitos, and access to a hotel bed. Not to mention, the activities sounded like amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that she couldn’t even fathom turning down. “Where should we meet for—”

“I’m in, too,” Burgess said. “All of it.”

“You’re going t-to go zip-lining?” Tallulah sputtered. “And jump off a cliff?”

“That’s right.”

Her heart kicked into a trot, then a gallop. Something was happening here. She’d never seen him look so determined. Not even while playing hockey.

“What about your back? You just had surgery!” Tallulah sputtered.

“I had surgery almost two months ago. I’ve been rehabbing with the best physical therapists in the country since then. Day and night. My back is stronger than it has ever been.” He cocked his head. “Guess I’ll be proving it in the morning.”

Oh. Okay. This man had a plan.

And it involved her somehow, that much was obvious.

I don’t want you here. Go.

His words from the hospital came back to her, stiffening her spine.

Bolstering her resolve.

“Is anyone else game for the excursion?” Carlos asked with a wily expression.

Sig shook his head at Chloe. “Please, Chlo. You’ll give me a heart attack.”

The harpist shrugged. “Mojitos it is.”

“Two participants so far, then. Fantastic,” Carlos said, clapping his hands together and focusing on Burgess and Tallulah. “You will meet your guide here tomorrow morning at sixa.m.sharp.”

“Great,” Tallulah said, smile tight.

“Great,” Burgess echoed, picking up his suitcase and backingaway, keeping her in his sights until he’d turned the corner onto the walkway leading to his room, apparently.

“What just happened?” Tallulah asked, still staring dazedly at the spot where he disappeared, excitement warring with foreboding in her belly.

“I think it’s pretty clear,” Chloe answered.

“Is it?”

“Yup. It appears that Sir Savage is ready for a fight.” Sig ushered Chloe back into line, a smile dancing around the edges of his mouth. “And at the risk of stating the obvious, fighting is sort of what he does best, so...”

“Uh-oh, roomie,” Chloe whispered. “You might need more than one revenge dress.”

Tallulah swallowed hard. If Burgess had decided to come to Costa Rica and show her they weren’t so different after all, and he planned to prove that by thrill seeking alongside of her... she feared there might not be enough revenge dresses in the world.

Or worse still, that each and every one of them could end up on his floor.

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