Page 42 of Paradise in Progress
Victoria: Still the same man of few words…have you seen much of Kennedy?
Me: Every day. We are sharing the suite.
Victoria: SHUT. THE. FRONT. DOOR!!!
Victoria: OMG! Does this mean the two of you will have an island fling?
Me: None of your business.
Victoria: OMG! That wasn’t a no!
Me: *eyeroll emoji*
Victoria: In all seriousness…you deserve to have fun, Trist.
Me: I’ll keep that in mind. I’ve got to go. We have a reservation in an hour.
Victoria: Have fun creating your own romantic comedy!! *squealing*
It’s been a weeksince Kennedy and I went on the helicopter tour. The views were unmatched, and hearing Kennedy squeal will live rent-free in my head. With a rocky takeoff and landing, her grip left tiny half-moons on my arm. But the pure joy that radiated from her as we traveled over the Piton Mountains, red-roofed villages, the resort we’re remodeling, jungles, and the ocean made every second worth it.
The truce between us remains. We’ve established a sense of common ground and our living arrangements have gone smoothly. Since our more meaningful conversation, I haven’t divulged any more of my deep, dark thoughts. The truth is, there’s still a lot I don’t know about Kennedy.
I don’t understand why she works so hard. Yes, I get that she’s good at her job, but she goes above and beyond. She’s persistent and doesn’t believe in working hours. It’s why when I overheard Destiny speaking to some of the resort staff, I suggested weekly trials with Kennedy and myself.
Did I have an ulterior motive of getting her alone with me in a non-work setting? Absolutely. But above all else, I wanted to see Kennedy Reed let her hair down and have some damn fun.
In college, I never heard about her attending any frat parties. She arrived early to class, sat in the front of the room, and voluntarily raised her hand to participate. Her dedication to her academics is one of the things that drew me to her. I loved her tenacity. Hell, I still do. But life is too damn short for her to spend all her time worrying about Nelson Signature. My dad’s stupid comment about firing her was completely out of line, and I refuse to watch her shrink into work.
We’re in paradise, while New York is sitting under a foot of snow. Fuck the conventional; we are stepping out of our normal.
And today, I’m going to push her even more.
“Ready, Kenny?” I call from where I’m standing in the dining room. I hear her sandals slapping against the marble before I even see her.
“Ready.”
Fixing the collar of my shirt, I watch through the mirror as Kennedy strides past me, her nose engrossed in her phone.
Holy. Fuck.
I whirl around to take in the woman in front of me. Her hair is parted in two unique-looking braids, with a white straw fedora sits atop her head, with strands of curled hair hanging around her face. Freckles are still visible, with her light makeup, and her lashes are coated in black, making them appear longer. The coral dress with floral details she’s wearing is in two pieces. The skirt hugs around her delicate curves, exposing her tight midriff, where the cropped, off-the-shoulder top sits. And I love that she picked coral. Something about her outfit screams she’s up for an adventure.
“Stunning.” The compliment is out of my mouth in a whisper before I can think.
Her head whips in my direction, as if she didn’t realize I was standing there. Eyes wide, it’s her turn to peruse. I’m dressed in the same combination, as usual. Only this time, it’s a navy short-sleeved collared button-down and cream-and-navy striped chino shorts. I wait for her to get to the best part.
A brimming smile spreads across her lips that I want to kiss so badly. “Birks,” she says with a laugh.
Eating up the space between us, I don’t stop until we’re toe-to-toe.
“Had to wear them. I know how much you love them.” Clearing my throat, I watch her mouth curve up. Why is my voice so raspy?
“Come on, Golden Boy.” She reaches for her handbag she left on the couch, then pushes the button to call the elevator. My heart races as my palms begin to sweat as the thrill of what’s to come sinks in. With a deep inhale, I follow her footsteps. Here goes nothing—or everything.
For the past two days, Destiny and I have worked together to plan the perfect evening. Tonight is the night I make Kennedy Reed spill her truths. I need to know what I did in college to earn such an enemy status and how I can make her forgive me. She’s always been more to me than competition, and it’s about damn time I tell her that.
“Oh my gosh,” Kennedy gasps as we pull into the marina.
