Page 65 of Not Safe For Work

I endup spending the rest of the day with Andie and Daanesh. I enjoy a mimosa while they talk work stuff, and we stay in our trio when we start the snorkeling part of the tour.

It’s nice getting to spend time with one of Gavin’s closest friends. Deep down, I know last night doesn’t mean we’re together. This is all still pretend.

But I can’t deny this sparkling effervescence I’ve been feeling every time I’m in Gavin’s orbit. It makes me hope that something real could be on the horizon.

Without giving away the whole story, I let Andie and Daanesh know about our surprise upgrade to a beach villa, so once the boat docks, Andie insists she come back with me to check it out.

Gavin opted for the surfing lesson this afternoon in lieu of the boat, so I knew he’d still be gone when we showed up. And I was grateful for it, because once we were alone, I finally got to tell her about the kiss.

She reacted about as calmly as I expected, so not at all. And soon we were jumping up and down on the couch together having a full-on dance party.

I’m not sure when Gavin walks in but it’s to both of us belting out a song I barely remember from high school.

“I thought you only listened to French music,” he says, announcing himself. I hope he’s not mad I brought Andie here. It is technically his room.

“Hey,” I reply with a smile. It’s hard not to grin when I look at him. Especially now, when he’s wearing nothing but swim trunks and flip flops. For all the time I’ve spent today thinking about our night together, this is the first time I really get to look at him.

The man has abs. How the hell didn’t I notice that before? His skin is perfectly tanned, not pasty like mine. Just one day he’s spent in the sun and every bit of him shines like a golden god. His hair looks lighter, like he’s been freshly balayaged. And those eyes. Kill me now. They’re glowing like two pale blue beacons, beckoning me to get naked and climb him.

I swallow and tell myself this is not the time to be having these thoughts. I’m about to apologize about Andie being here but she cuts me off.

“Not with me,” she says, hopping off the couch. “I make her listen to stuff we can actually dance to. Sorry for crashing your suite.”

“Oh, it’s no problem.”

“When Liv told me about the upgrade you got, I had to see it for myself.

That private pool is amazing.”

“It was,” I murmur, not loud enough for anyone to hear.

Or maybe it was louder than I thought. Because Gavinwinksat me. “I’m gonna jump in the shower,” he says. “Don’t hurt yourselves.”

It doesn’t feel like he’s avoiding me, but Gavin and I are like ships in the night as we get ready. Andie left when he was showering, and then as soon as he was done it was my turn. I cracked the door to the bathroom once I was decent so that he could move about while I did my hair and makeup. But he hasn’t come in here once.

After everything that conspired last night, I feel like I have a little spring in my step, my confidence blooming like an eager peony in March.

I decide to celebrate the feeling by curling my hair into voluminous Hollywood waves and staining my lips a bold shade of red calleddangerous woman.

I like what I see when I look in the mirror.

Gavin’s on the couch watching TV when I grab my dress. I should be happy he’s given me so much privacy, but I’m still wondering how things are going to be between us now that we’ve made out.Don’t overthink it.

I slide on the sequin dress he encouraged me to bring and grab my heels that he begged me not to. They’re incredibly uncomfortable, but they have huge bows on the back of the ankles, and I freaking adore them.

I carry the shoes over to the living room, anxious to finally share some space with Gavin again.

“Hey,” I announce, walking into his line of sight.

His jaw works but he doesn’t say anything. And I quickly realize that I’d be fine if it stayed like that. This dress makes me happy. I don’t need his approval.

For so long, I’ve been concerned with what my outfit said about me, with what Ian or anyone else who shared an opinion on my wardrobe thought. I would stress over if it made me look like I was trying too hard or if it wasn’t perfectly appropriate for the occasion.

But as I wait for Gavin’s response, sliding on my ridiculous six-inch heels and seeing my bright copper hair shine back at me in the window’s reflection, I feel like a siren. And if I do lure anyone to their death tonight, it’s their fault for staring, not mine.

“Jesus, Sparkles. Are you trying to kill me?”

I bite my lip, trying and failing to suppress a massive grin.

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