Page 39 of Scandalous Lover

“The internet is awful,” Reina says, tears brimming in her eyes now. Dom pulls her close and places a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

I have to look away from the adorable show of affection.

I could’ve used this side of him growing up in the battlefield that was our home.

“We’re happy to harbor you for as long as you need,” Sam offers.

I look back at him, and I think we share a meaningful look. It might just be the drinks, though. “Thanks, Sam.”

He holds my gaze for another moment, and I definitely see something there.

Maybe this thing between us isn’t quite over?

I double down on my decision to get him alone at somepoint this evening so we can talk…and maybe do some other stuff.

I don’t have to wait long for my chance.

He pushes up off the bench. “I’m going to hit the gents.”

Perfect. I wait just long enough to not be suspicious and then excuse myself to the ladies room.

I’m not even out of my seat, however, before Reina is up, looping her arm through mine.

“I’ll show you the way.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’m sure I can find it,” I protest uselessly as she leads me away from the table. “There are signs.”

“Girls gotta stick together, am I right?”

I want to like this woman so much. I do like her. She is the closest thing I have to a girlfriend right now, and I should be embracing every bit of attention she wants to give me, not trying to lose her around every corner.

By the time we make it back to the table, Sam’s already in his seat.

I’m just scheming how to hotwire a golf cart and follow him home when the party starts breaking up. We crowd into the small bar area while the guys settle the tab.

“You did the right thing coming here, Naomi,” Fran says, leaning tipsily against the bar. “This island is the ultimate refuge. And if you want to put those content creation skills to good use, we’ve got a wedding next week that would be perfect for promos for our company, Paradise Events.”

My eyebrows raise slightly at the kind-of job offer. Not that I’m looking for one, but it would be great to have something to do. “Sure. I’d love to help out.”

“Let’s talk soon, yeah?”

I nod with a smile.

“We’re going to go pull around the carts,” Avery says,kissing the top of Fran’s head. “You and Reina head up to the lobby. We’ll see you in a few.”

He and Dom disappear down the beach and around the corner of the resort.

“I’ll walk you ladies up,” Sam says, wrapping an arm around Reina’s shoulders as the group turns to head to the steps leading up between the two buildings to the streetside lobby.

They’re two steps away when I jump into action. “I’ll walk up too.”

Sam glances back at me, eyebrows raised, and I know my voice was too loud. I’m going to have to get this buzz under control if he’s going to take me seriously when I finally spill my secrets.

Even more so if I convince the guy to come up to my room.

I flash back to the field sobriety test he watched me perform for him in my living room in Austin and feel my face growing hotter.

Get it together, girl.

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