Page 41 of Paradise in Progress
My eyes flutter with a slight eye roll as I shake my head. “Oh, you’ve got me on my toes alright,” I snark. “But unlike you, I don’t need a wardrobe change to distract my competition.”
“No, you don’t. It doesn’t matter what you wear.” His voice grows husky as he erases the remaining space between us. Reaching forward, he tucks a loose tendril of hair behind my ear. “But I like this relaxed version of you. St. Lucia looks good on you, Ken.”
Heat licks across the apples of my cheeks and, luckily, it’s hot out here, so here’s to hoping my skin’s reaction to the temperature camouflages my blush.
“Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Tristan. Especially in those sandals.”
The barking laugh that erupts from deep inside him has workers pausing to watch us. At this moment, I feel so content, a grin spreads across my face. Is this what true happiness feels like?
“I’m serious,” he starts, trying to get control of his laughter. “It’s nice to see you so relaxed. Even if you’re still trying to outdo me.”
“Listen, buddy”—I poke him in the chest—“just because we are in paradise, doesn’t mean I’m going to take it easy on you.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m counting on you to keep me on my toes…even in Birkenstocks.”
It’s my turn to let out a cackle that has heads turning.
“You know, you just might realize you enjoy my company. Casual attire and everything.” He starts moving toward the new entrance of the lobby, where I fall in line beside him.
“Keep dreaming, sandal boy. I’m here to work, not admire your mid-life crisis fashion decisions.”
He pauses with a laugh as he guides me to walk through the entryway first. “Sandal boy? Mid-life crisis? You’ve got jokes today, Kenny. But don’t be surprised if I give you a run for your money.”
“Bring it on, Golden Boy.”
The two of us stand alone in the lobby, smiles stretched across our faces, a lightness in the atmosphere. While my eyes are locked on his hazel ones, I can’t help but look away to admire the renovations. Dust has been cleaned up from the cutting of the entryway. The scent of fresh paint mixes with the salty ocean air.
Everything's coming together. Slowly, very slowly. But together nonetheless.
“Ah, there you two are,” Destiny greets us out of nowhere. Seriously, the woman just appeared. Her feet falter as she stares at us, and a slow smile spreads across her features.
“Hi, Destiny.”
“Has Mr. Nelson filled you in on today’s events?” Looking from Destiny to Tristan, his notorious smirk has slid into place. “Ah, I’m going to guess no based on that look.”
“Your guess is correct.”
She pulls open her folder and removes a piece of paper before handing it to me. I scan over the dates and items lined next to each other. Next to today’s date, it says Italian, wine tasting, and helicopter tour.
“A helicopter tour?” Nerves pool in my stomach at the thought of being up in the air. The flight into St. Lucia had me ready to pass out, and now I’m going to be stuck in a tiny space hovering above a plummet to my death.
“If you want to skip the tour, I’ll go, and you can stay back at the resort.” Tristan offers a solution, but in my twisted brain, I take it as a challenge. An ‘oh, look, I’m not afraid of heights and you are’ challenge.
“No, it’s fine.”
“Great, Jayden is still parked outside and will take you to the airstrip.” Jayden needs a raise, I decide. The poor boy has been sitting around waiting for us whenever we need a ride.
Wonderful. The last time I was in the car, I was terrified of the meeting I was stepping foot into, and now I’m worried for a whole other reason.
What could possibly go wrong?
Chapter sixteen
Tristan
Victoria: Hey big brother! How’s island life?
Me: Hot and humid.
