Page 83 of Blue Hawaiian
Jess recounted the way Connor had come to her aid after the Blue Lagoon and invited her to explore the Road to Hana the next morning. “I didn’t lie about that. When we spent the day together, we were just friends. After he offered me arealapology for the way he left me, I decided to give him a second chance. I’m the one who pursued him.”
Gabi gave her a sly smile. “And was he worth it?”
“He totally was.” She sighed. “But it’s over. He was furious I didn’t tell him I was moving back home. I shouldn’t be upset, since I told myself this was a vacation fling and we’d end it when we left Maui, but I guess I never got over him.”
A couple strolled by, arms around each other, no doubt seeking a place to be alone. Watching them, Jess ached with regret. If dinner hadn’t turned into a complete debacle, she’d be with Connor right now, enjoying their second-to-last night together.
“Have you told him how you feel?” Gabi said.
“Nope. And it’s too late now.”
Jess’s phone buzzed. Marc had sent a text.Any sign of Gabi?
“Marc’s checking up on you,” she said. “Can I let him know you’re okay?”
Gabi smiled. “You can tell him. Thanks.”
“Got it. Are we good now? I promise to behave myself tomorrow. No secret announcements. No scandals. Just support.”
“We’re good. Sorry I was such a bitch.” Gabi moved in closer and gave her a hug. Jess hugged her back tightly. At least she’d mended one fence tonight.
She returned Marc’s text.Found her. On our way back.
When they returned to the hotel, Marc was waiting in the lobby, talking to Connor. Although Connor wouldn’t meet her eyes, Jess was relieved he hadn’t retreated to his room for the night. If she apologized again, he might be willing to listen.
Yeah, right. He looks like he’d rather be anywhere else right now.
“Thanks for finding my wayward bride,” Marc said.
“No problem,” Jess replied. “Sorry I caused so much drama.”
“It’s fine.” Marc put his arm around Gabi and squeezed her shoulder. “What’s a wedding without a little drama?”
Her heart swelled at the sight of them together. Gabi had nothing to worry about.
“I’m heading up for the night. Big day tomorrow.” She kept her voice even, despite the churning sensation in her stomach. Would Connor follow her?
“Same. I’m ready to crash. See you in the morning.” Connor turned and headed toward the bank of elevators.
When they reached the elevators, they stood in silence. Anyone observing them from a distance would assume they were strangers rather than two people who’d engaged in wild, passionate sex the previous night. As the seconds passed, Jess sensed her chances slipping away.
Say something, damn it.
She wiped her palms on the sides of her dress. “Umm…Connor? I know you’re mad, and you have every right to be, but I’m really sorry.”
“I know.”
The elevator doors opened, and they got on.
She waited for him to say more. To accept her apology. But he stayed maddeningly silent as the elevator made its ascent. She wiped her hands on her dress again, trying to remove stubborn grains of sand from between her fingers. “If you want to talk, you can come by my room.”
He kept his focus above the elevator doors, watching as the numbers rose. “There’s nothing to talk about. I don’t trust you, and it’s obvious you feel the same way about me.”
She fought back another round of tears. Connor was done with her, and she had to accept it.
They walked down the hall toward their rooms without speaking. Although Connor was giving off a dangerous don’t-fuck-with-me vibe, she was tempted to hurl herself in front of him and confess her true feelings.
I don’t want our fling to end. I love you as much as I did when I was eighteen.
