“Larissa left, man. Just vanished into thin fucking air. I have every private detective out there searching for her, but it’s like she’s a damn ghost,” he grumbles.
“Don’t give up on her, especially if she’s the one,” I tell him as I see a lone figure sitting out on a lounge chair the resort provides us. Wouldn’t luck have it that I’m at the same resort Kendall is at. That woman, she’s my future and after tomorrow, I’m not letting her leave my side.
“I’m not sure if she is. I just know I can’t give up on my best friend since childhood.” I can hear the desperation in his voice, and I know what I’m about to say will likely make my fucking gut ache.
“If you need to postpone tomorrow man, we can do it. I know Larissa means a lot to you.” I keep my eyes on Kendall the whole time.
“Not much I can do if she can’t be found. I’ll see you tomorrow. What time?” he questions.
“Meeting’s at eleven. Hopefully we have something to celebrate by then and if you need help with Larissa, you have my support,” I tell him honestly.
“Thanks, it means a lot. See you tomorrow Declan,” he says into the phone.
“Later, Jake,” I reply and click the end button.
As much as I want to go down there and spend time with Kendall. It’s not the time… yet. Just one more fucking day and she’ll be mine.
Chapter Six
Kendall
Yesterday was full of sun and relaxation, today I’m ready to start my day. My first order of business is getting ready. Last night, I came in, took a shower and crashed hard. So now I’m having to deal with my unruly hair. While I’m at work I straighten my hair, so it’ll stay secure in a tight bun, but when I’m off work, I let my waves loose.
I hop in the shower and let the water run over my body, knowing I will have to work the knots out of my hair when I get out.
Max said we’d go out and maybe snorkel today or go shopping. Though, it’s still early and he is not an early riser when he’s not working.
I step out of the shower and work my fingers through my hair while it’s still wet before sliding on a pair of khaki knit shorts and an olive-green tank top. I slide my feet into my worn pair of brown Birkenstock’s and head for the restaurant to get a much-needed cup of coffee and some food.
I grab my purse and throw my sunscreen, cell phone, wallet, and room key in it and then zip it up, slide it across my body, and head out the door.
I walk down to the restaurant and grab a seat while waiting for a waiter when I see Declan. He’s walking towards the double doors that leave the hotel. He’s in another one of his amazing suits. His hair is tousled, like he’s already run his hands through it many times even though it’s barely nine o’clock in the morning. He has his phone up to his ear and his other hand is holding a travel cup of coffee. I sigh aloud just as the waitress comes to take my order.
“Hi, I’m Ali. I’ll be your waitress for today. Can I start you off with a drink?” She asks.
“Yes, can I have a cup of coffee and a waffle with eggs?” She looks like she’s right out of high school and around my age. I think to myself if she’s going to college and if this is her summer job. I often wonder what would have happened if I went to college after graduating from high school, but I do know what would happen. I was undecided when I left school and instead pursued a trade, one that I love tremendously. If I went to college, I probably would have failed and been miserable.
“You sure can. I’ll be right back with your coffee,” she says as she writes my order down on her pad of paper.
“Thank you,” I say, pulling out my phone and go to the Kindle app. I may as well find something good to read while waiting for Max to grace me with his presence. I pull up an old book I’ve probably read a dozen times and immerse myself in it as I doctor up my coffee with lots of cream and one sugar.
I thank my waitress again as she brings out my food and then eat while reading. If Max is going to sleep the day away, I’m going to eat my breakfast and then head out toward the beach again.
Chapter Seven
Declan
I look into the boardroom that is a wall of glass and see Jake is already at the conference table with the board of directors. I grab my papers Cindy prepared for me on my way into the room and the chatter that was going on comes to a standstill. I smile inside. When I started this company, I never thought it would get this big, yet here it is. A multimillion-dollar company and I should have had a partner all along.