“It’s okay.”
“Have you seen him talking to any other guests?”
I slide my gaze over to him. Guests eye him.
God, he’s handsome.
I should never have kissed him ten years ago. Everyone thinks he’s attractive. That doesn’t mean he wants someone’s lips on his. Usually people kiss after they’ve been dating, preparing themselves for the action after coffee shop chats and candle-lit restaurant discussions.
“He’s been by himself. Mostly in his villa. Blinds shut and everything.”
Rex heaves a sigh. “This story needs to be interesting, Cal.”
“I understand, sir.”
Rex yawns, then clicks off.
I glance at Jason’s table. He’s already gone. Where did he go?
I take a slice of my eggs. It’s cold in my mouth.
I try to chew, but I don’t seem to have any tastebuds anymore and the action is strangely difficult.
Fuck it.
I hurry from the restaurant, moving at a speed the romantic couples scattered around the patio overlooking the Pacific do not attempt. I dart my eyes around, then spot Jason walking on the beach.
Bingo.
I hurry toward him.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jason
“Jason.” Cal calls my name, and I freeze. I turn around slowly. “You don’t give up.”
“Aw... You complimenting my journalism skills?” He grins, then his face sobers, like he remembers joking isn’t something we do anymore.
Something in my stomach squeezes, and I remember that moment in the airport, where I’d been almost disappointed when I’d thought he’d left.
I square my shoulders, and my jaw goes Mussolini. “I can’t talk now.”
His face falls, and I hate it. When did he start looking like a puppy dog?
“I’m, uh...” I fling my gaze around the resort.
For some reason, I don’t want to tell him I want to be in my villa so I can avoid him.
I don’t want to see disappointment on his face again. I have the feeling other people have put it there, and I don’t want to add to it.
An excellent thought occurs to me, and I beam. “I’m going jet skiing.”
“Jet skiing?” He repeats the words like they’re unfamiliar in his mouth.
They probably are. Jet and ski aren’t a word combination normally used in Boston.
“Yeah.”
