Page 23 of Match Made in the Maldives

“And what about you?”

Something catches in my throat, throwing a bucket of freezing cold water on the heat of my libido.Love.Of course, I love Finn as part of the family. I love Finn. Adore him. I’d love to continue last night too. But what about after that?

Finn has seen me unguarded and in my life’s low moments. But even then, he doesn’t know the amount of effort I put into family gatherings or getting made up to go out. When he realizeshow much work that version of me requires, and how behind closed doors, that’s not who I am most of the time…

“Exactly,” he says, like he can read my mind.

“We could keep things casual?”

“Not a casual kind of guy.” His eyes drop to my mouth, then look back up. “Is that what you want?”

“I don’t know. Maybe?” I gnaw on my lip. No world exists where Finn and I could be casual, and I understand why neither of us has ever made a real move before. We’ve known each other so long, and even a one-night stand would struggle underneath the weight of too much history, too much emotion, and too much of everything.

“That you guys?” Aaron calls out from the walkway. “Lou?”

Finn withdraws like the last-call lights have turned on and he doesn’t want to be caught. His obvious discomfort pricks my chest as my brother approaches.

“Oooh, fries.” Aaron grabs a handful. “Man, nice to get outta there for a little.”

“How are they?” Finn asks.

“Better,” Aaron says around his mouthful of food. “Dad and Cass are awake. A tad woozy and dehydrated, but we’re out of the woods. How was the boat ride?”

I reply with, “Um, fine,” while Finn says, “Great,” three times in a row.

Aaron chews and swallows, looking between his best friend and me. “What’s up with you two? You’re acting strange.”

“Lots of fresh air today, that’s all,” Finn says, quick and clipped.

“Did Lou spend the entire time bugging you?”

I roll my eyes and scoot off my seat, not wanting to stick around for any amount of teasing, no matter how good-natured my brother will claim it is. “I’ll have you know, I save all of my bugging for you.”

“Aw, c’mon.” He pops another fry in his mouth. “I was kidding. You don’t need to leave.”

“No, Finn’s right. Ocean air has me drained. Gonna go to bed.” I grab my bag and wave goodnight to them as Finn’s question replays in my mind.What do I want?I made that clear, didn’t I? Finn did too. I gave him an open invitation, and he doesn’t want me, plain and simple. Not only that, but I made an ass of myself in suggesting something casual.

Aaron takes my place at the bar, and as I turn down the sidewalk to the villa, Finn tells my brother a straightforward version of our evening. But I swear I sense the weight of Finn’s gaze as I go.

Chapter Nine

Finley

“They have no idea,” Lou says while typing away on her phone.

Cass and Carmen have agreed to distract Dave and Betsey before dinner—a ruse of brainstorming ideas for the nursery while the rest of us plan a last-day-of-vacation meal in secret. We decided to do something special for the two of them, especially considering they’re footing the bill for this trip. The resort manager has us crammed into her workspace so we can figure out the details.

For something on a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Mai’s office looks like a corporate room anywhere else in the world, save for a better view out the window. The sun has settled below the horizon, and an inky blue and purple are taking over the sky. Inside, though, are white walls, a desk with a walnut finish with a stack of papers on top, and a framed family photo. Mel takes one chair and Aaron gives Lou dibs on the other, but she stands instead.

As far away from me as possible.

“For eight people, we have a range of options at any of our fine dining establishments on the island.” Mai opens an accordion-style pamphlet covered with images of mouthwatering meals and untroubled couples. “Are you celebrating anything in particular?”

“Our dad’s cancerversary,” Lou says. “He’s in remission.”

“That’s why we’re all here,” Aaron adds. “The trip’s the celebration. But we wanted to surprise the parents with something extra special.”

“They deserve it.” I nod my head along with Aaron and Mel, but Lou scoffs. “What?”

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