Page 35 of Paradise in Progress
He’s right. That oversized couch has been calling my name since we got here. “Fine.”
The beaming smile that breaks free across his chiseled face is the first time since college I’ve seen him this excited.
And it’s in this moment, as I’m entranced by his blinding smile, that I feel a tiny crack in my armored walls.
Chapter fourteen
Tristan
I counted every singleslat in the shuttered balcony doors last night. Four hundred and eighty, to be exact. But sleep never came for me. No matter how hard I tried to roll over and fall asleep, the image of Kennedy in her goddamn bra and thong flashed through my mind.
She’s tantalizing.
She’s infuriating.
She’sfuckingflawless.
Bronzed, glowing skin and those luscious curves leaned over the edge of the pool as she stared down below us. When I stepped onto the balcony, my tongue practically fell out of my mouth. My first thought was picking up where we left off the other night, with her body pressed up against mine. It’s why I woke up hard as a rock at two in the morning. My mind kept flashing to all the scenarios I could have had her in that damn pool.
Last night felt so natural. The two of us enjoyed dinner on the couch and watched a movie. It reminded me of the night that she nearly passed out during our cycle class. How I took her home, we had dinner together, and she played a rom-com from the early 2000s. I swear she chose that movie just to torture me. The joke was on her,though. I didn’t mind theBring It Onmovies. My sister went through a cheerleading phase and would watch the entire franchise on repeat.
A restless night turned into an even more exhausting day as I was pulled into meeting after meeting. Even though my top priority is this resort remodel, I still have to oversee the projects other architects are completing. Not to mention, a weekly operations meeting, which ends up dragging.
The clock finally struck five, calling the end of my workday. If I were in the city, I’d still be working until most people’s bedtimes, but I refused tonight. I hadn’t seen Kennedy since she left early this morning. She was wearing a fiery red dress that flowed with every step she took. It was tantalizing to watch her move across the resort. No matter where she went, heads turned. I can’t explain the jealousy that flared deep inside as the crew gazed at her, with their tongues practically hanging out and drool falling from their lips. And I know if I would’ve looked in a mirror, my face would’ve matched theirs.
Making my way across the sidewalk, I’m hit in the face with the salty ocean breeze. As I watch the turquoise water hit the white sand, I realize I still haven’t had a chance to dip my toes in the ocean. I should have Sunday. I should have ignored the emails and not taken any calls from my father, but I did, as is expected of me. If I’d been in the city, I would have been attending our weekly family meal, and instead of phone calls, I’d be hearing the lectures from my father in person.
My phone ringing in my pocket pulls my attention from the sea. Again.
Speak of the devil.
“Hello, Dad.”
“You’ve been a hard man to track down,” he says by way of greeting.
Sighing, I run my hand through my hair. “I’ve been a little busy.”
“Glad to hear you aren’t just enjoying yourself.”
“No, sir.” Pausing, I sit down at one of the many tables sprinkled around the resort. The oversized umbrella is open, allowing a small reprieve from the bright sun.
“I heard through your brother that there are delays on the over-the-water villas. I want to know why this information didn’t come from you, and why the hell this wasn’t handled sooner?”
Fucking Xander.
“We filed everything when we should have. Unfortunately, there’s an issue on their end. It’s all bureaucratic bullshit. They don’t want to approve the plans.”
“You should have anticipated this, Tristan. What are you doing to get this expedited? We cannot have any more delays.”
“Kennedy’s on it. She’s been there for the past two days working with them.”
“See to it she gets it done, or we’ll find someone else who can handle the job. The villas are going to be a major selling point to get guests to enjoy a secluded vacation with an exclusive atmosphere.”
“I understand the urgency, Dad,” I grit through my teeth. “We are on top of it and working to get the permits and plans approved.”
“You better, Tristan. Don’t make me regret giving you this position.”
Scanning the flowerbeds lined with botanical plants, I’m about to reply but realize he’s already hung up. With a frustrated sigh, I stand from the table and make my way to the penthouse.
