Page 54 of One Night in Hawaii

I didn’t think I could handle the what-ifs that would plague me if I didn’t take advantage of the time I got with him. If he married the woman, that was his choice. I couldn’t change his mind. I wouldn’t call him or bother him ever again. I would let him live his life the way he chose.

Of course, that was a lot of bravado. In truth, I knew I had fallen for him and it was going to suck like hell trying to get over him. It would be easier with him halfway around the world. I would never have to worry about running into him. I would never Google him. I didn’t think I could handle seeing pictures of him living his life with another woman. It would gut me.

It was time to face the music. I wanted to get the awkward morning-after stuff out of the way. I climbed out of his bed and pulled one of his T-shirts out of his suitcase. I put it on along with my panties and shorts, just in case Penelope was up.

I slowly walked upstairs. I wasn’t embarrassed for Penelope to see me but it was a little awkward.

As I stepped into the kitchen, I saw Ryder and Archer sitting out on the deck. They were talking and looked like they’d known each other forever. I was surprised to see Ryder so early in the morning but then I remembered he had come over with me last night. I kind of forgot about him when Archer dragged me down to his bedroom.

I walked out to the deck and offered a shy smile. Ryder took one look at me and grinned like a damn idiot. Archer looked at me and smiled. I knew my hair was a mess, and I probably had a few visible hickeys.

“Good morning,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“Morning,” Ryder replied. “Sleep well?”

“Yes. You?”

He nodded. “Yep.”

I frowned and realized he wasn’t wearing shoes or a shirt. He’d spent the night!

“I’m going to try and work that stupid machine and make Penelope her coffee,” Ryder said and got up from the chair.

It was an excuse. He was giving me and Archer time alone. Archer reached up and pulled me down to his lap. He kissed me and tugged at the shirt. “This looks a lot better on you than me.”

“I saw it in your suitcase and didn’t want to bother with a bra and all that.”

“Don’t apologize,” he said. “I like it. I like seeing you wear something of mine.”

My concern he was going to be cold the morning after a beautiful night was quickly dismissed. He was loving and sweet.

“Did Ryder stay the night?” I asked him.

“He did.”

“Wow,” I said, laughing. “I forgot about him. He was in the car on the phone when I knocked. I guess he let himself in.”

“I don’t think Penelope minded,” he said with a small laugh. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, why?”

“I didn’t want you to feel weird about last night,” he said.

I looked at him, confused. “Why would I feel weird?”

“I don’t know. Sometimes after a night like that people can feel embarrassed or regretful. I know I pushed you. I want you to know I don’t regret any of it. I’m glad you stayed. I’m glad you came over.”

I shook my head. “No way. I don’t regret a thing. I had an amazing time with you, Archer.”

Relief flooded his face and he leaned in to kiss me again. “Good. Because I definitely don’t regret it either.”

We sat there for a while longer, just enjoying each other’s company. I stared out at the water. “You have a pretty amazing view from up here,” I told him.

“I know,” he said, smiling. “And I hate to leave it.”

Just like that, reality came crashing down. “But you’re leaving.”

Archer sighed and held me tighter. “I know, but it’s only until I can work this thing out.”

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