Page 60 of Meet Me in Tahiti

He scanned the edge of the beach, then the trees. No sign of her now.

He checked his watch again. Two minutes left.

He told himself to stay put. Be smart. Let it go. She’d come straight back if he didn’t show, right? And he’d explain what was at stake here.

But he couldn’t just sit here and do nothing. He couldn’t leave her out there alone. It’d be dark beyond the beach bar, apart from the light of the moon tonight. And it’d be deserted even though there were open groves among the palms that couples frequented in order to escape the crowds at these parties, or so he’d been told. She’d probably found one by now.

But there were also snakes and who knew what else out there… And what if some other guy came along, drunk and out of control? His mind went to all the worst places. He straightened. He needed to go, now.

Just then, someone from a nearby table called Malik over, talking smack about a poker game from the rainout a week and a half ago.

Malik stood and wandered over, drawn into the friendly crowd, beer bottle in hand with a nod to Russ, who waved him off.

Russ seized the moment.

He slipped off the bench and hurried as casually as he could across the sand so he didn’t draw attention to himself.

Away from the lights, away from the music—toward the shadowy grove of palms.

Toward her.

Chapter

Seventeen

Tessa slippedthrough the fringe of leafy trees, moving quietly along the narrow sandy path. The music faded to a muffled pulse behind her, and the warm scent of sea salt and tropical flowers clung to the night air.

She found a spot in a small grove behind two leafy banana trees, close enough to see the dance floor from a distance, but far enough away not to be easily spotted. Her heart beat faster in her chest. This was risky. Probably even foolish. She was alone, after all. Not far from everyone else, but far enough.

But no, it was fine. She wouldn’t stay long if he didn’t show. That’s why she’d given him a five-minute deadline, so she’d know right away if he’d be able to show or not. Still—she really hoped he would.

She hugged her arms to her chest. A breeze rustled the palm fronds above, and in the distance, she heard laughter. Then footsteps—nearby.

She tensed, ducking quietly behind the trunk of a banana tree. No need to be seen by anyone else.

But it was just another couple. They passed by, murmuring to each other, completely unaware of her presence, heading farther past the trees toward the water’s edge.

A minute later, she heard more footsteps.

Quick. Purposeful.

Her breath caught when she saw him, and she stepped out from her hiding place.

Russ.

The moonlight hit him in slanted silver as he stepped into view. His shoulders seemed tense, his face tight with worry—until he saw her.

“Tess,” he said breathlessly, looking her over. “You’re okay!”

She nodded, heart lifting that he’d come.

“I’m fine,” she said. “I just... I wanted to talk to you. Alone.”

She stepped toward him, and he opened his arms without hesitation. She threw hers around him, burying her face in his shoulder. He held her tightly.

“I missed you, Russ.”

“I missed you too,” he said, voice low. “But you caught me off guard, doing this. I didn’t like you coming out here alone.”

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