Page 70 of Summer on Sunshine Bay

Luke choked on his omelet, and Lila patted his back. “Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt too.”

“Thanks, I’m good.” He cleared his throat. “I take it you’re not happy your parents were, uh, together.”

“No, no way,” she said, and told him why. “Now I just have to find a way to ensure this doesn’t go any further.”

“You’re not thinking of breaking them up, are you?”

“If this lasts more than a day, of course I am. My dad’s vulnerable.”

“Maybe Eva is too, Lila. Have you ever thought that the reason she’s only interested in short-term relationships is because she’s protecting herself? It makes sense that she would, given your family’s romantic history. Maybe she’s afraid of getting her heart broken.”

“My mom? No way. She doesn’t believe in commitment or long-term relationships. And if my dad falls in love with her again—and trust me, I understand why he would; my mother is not only gorgeous, she’s funny, and kind, and cooks and sings like a dream—she’ll break his heart.”

“I don’t know. Your father seems like a guy who knows his own mind. Just my opinion,” he said, getting up to take their plates, “but I’d think twice about trying to break them up. It might end up being your relationship with your parents that gets damaged.”

“No offense, but you spent an afternoon with my dad, Luke. You weren’t there when he lost Grace. It was horrible. He’s only just beginning to act like himself.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No. I’m sorry. You were sweet enough to listen to me and make me something to eat, and I bit your head off.”

“You didn’t bite my head off, Lila. You simply told me why you disagreed with me.”

“I know, but I want you to tell me what you think. I like hearing your opinion on things.”

“Yeah, well, I can almost guarantee you won’t like my opinion of you getting married because you’re having the guy’s baby.”

She sucked in a shocked gasp and got up from the barstool. “I should probably leave now.”

Luke came around the island and put his hands on her shoulders, ducking his head to hold her gaze. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. But come on, Lila, you have to know that marrying David because of the baby isn’t fair to any of you. You’ll end up resenting him, and he’ll end up resenting you, and the baby will feel that.”

She blinked back tears and wrapped her arms around her waist. “I love David. He’s my best friend.”

“I’m glad to hear it. It’s just that, when you were telling me what you said to your cousins, you left that part out. And the thing is, I know you, Lila. I know that you’re sweet, and kind, and so damn loyal that you’d stick with someone even when you should kick them to the curb.”

“What do you mean?”

He raised an eyebrow. “My brother?”

“Okay, but I was sixteen. I’d like to think I’m smarter than that now.”

“Wouldn’t we all,” he said, then glanced at his watch. “I have to go, but you’re welcome to stay if you want to put off talking to your parents. Admiral would enjoy the company.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” She wasn’t ready to talk to her parents just yet.

“Not at all.” He glanced at Admiral. “He’ll probably be out until I come back.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a key. “If you want something else to drink or eat, help yourself. Just lock up when you leave.”

After she’d put up the windows and roof on the Ferrari, she stood at the door watching Luke jog down the road, everything he’d said running through her head. She shut the door, glancing at her phone on the coffee table. David hadn’t responded to her text. She stretched out on the couch, and her eyes drifted closed. She was so tired and confused.

She opened her eyes to misty morning sunlight filling the living room and jerked upright, reaching for her phone. It was five thirty in the morning, and she had twenty-two missed calls and just as many missed texts.

Chapter Twenty

Eva woke up to the early-morning sunshine bathing the room and the man beside her in a golden light. The white sheers framing the open window fluttered on a warm ocean breeze, the sound of waves lapping against the shore peaceful and familiar. The panic rising inside her was familiar too, and she breathed through the growing tightness in her chest.

She shouldn’t have stayed the night with James. She didn’t let men spend the night with her. James was the only man she’d ever woken up with in the morning. The only man she’d ever wanted to spend her days and nights with.

It had been a mistake then. It was a mistake now.

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