“Hey, you ready, Ava?” Charlotte called, stomping into the doorway. She stopped as she saw the two of u
s standing remarkably close and looking at one another. “Damn, I need to work on my timing.”
“Are you two going out?” Bastian asked, a frown crossing his handsome features. It tugged at the scar on his cheek and eyebrow, making him look more serious than necessary. I liked the smile so much better.
“Yes,” Charlotte replied, coming to my other side. “Just to Surf Shack for some girl time.”
“Charlotte,” he began, the scar darkening, “I-”
“Think it's a great idea,” Charlotte finished for him. “Thank you, Bastian, for your opinion. We'll be fine.”
Bastian's lips tightened and he glared at her. Charlotte rolled her eyes at him and sighed.
“Do you want Elijah to come with us?” she asked, pointedly raising her eyebrows at him.
“Yes.” He nodded and the frown faded slightly. “It would make me feel better.”
“You hear that, Elijah?” Charlotte yelled out toward the hall. I winced slightly at the increase in volume so close to my ear. “You get to come to girl's night!”
Elijah's head popped into the doorway. “I'm not drinking one of those frou-frou drinks again with you, Charlotte.”
What had felt like a comfy, cozy, and possibly romantic location two seconds ago suddenly felt very public. I knew Elijah followed Bastian around everywhere, but the fact that he had been just outside the doorway listening to us flirt was a little daunting.
“Aw, you're no fun, Elijah.” Charlotte grinned wickedly at the bodyguard. “I was going to get you the one with whipped cream and the flower on the glass. I know how much you loved it last time.”
Elijah didn't say anything back and the room went silent for a beat.
“I guess we should be going then,” I said finally, feeling awkward. I wanted the moment before Charlotte arrived back. I wanted it to be just me and Bastian, giggling over art and flirting. I wondered for a moment if I canceled with Charlotte, if Bastian would stay and look at the painting with me.
“I should be getting back to work,” Bastian said, as if hearing my thoughts. I tried not to look disappointed. “You two have fun. And be careful.”
“Don't be such a worrywart,” Charlotte chastised, sticking out her tongue at him. He glared at her as only a protective older brother could before walking over to Elijah. He looked back, his eyes meeting mine for a moment before he focused on Elijah. Bastian said something to the big man that only the two of them could hear but that had Charlotte rolling her eyes.
“You should have seen how protective he was on my first date,” she said, looping her arm through mine and guiding me toward the door. “I'm surprised he isn't calling in more bodyguards since it's the two of us. Perhaps an armored car.”
“I heard that,” Bastian said loudly, still talking to Elijah. I giggled and he glanced over, his brow dark above his beautiful eyes. He looked quickly away and back to Elijah.
“I thought the island was a safe place,” I said, frowning slightly. If Bastian was making this big a deal out of going out, maybe it wasn't the best idea.
“It is,” Charlotte assured me. “The island is so safe that the police boast a less than two minute response time anywhere on the island. Not that they even need to respond half the time, There's enough private security on this island to win a small war. He's just over-protective. Though, he usually doesn't insist Elijah come when it's just me...”
She pulled me past the two men and out into the hall before turning back to face her brother. “You have our itinerary all planned out? We're going to miss happy hour if you don't hurry your secret service plans. I want my girl night even if you would rather Ava stay all safe and cozy here.”
“I worry because I care,” he informed her, but didn't correct her to say he wanted her safe too. His eyes briefly flashed up to me and I suddenly felt a little warm. He cared for me too.
“I know.” She grinned up at him and pulled on my arm. “We'll see you later. Come on Elijah- we'll even let you ride in the car with us.”
“Bye, Charlotte,” Bastian called out as Elijah shook his head and followed us. Bastian looked right at me and his voice softened. “Good bye, Ava.”
I looked back, losing myself in his eyes for a second. “Good bye, Bastian.” He smiled at how I said his name and it made me blush.
Charlotte looked back and forth between the two of us, noting the sappy smiles and rolled her eyes. She pulled harder on my arm. “I'll have her back by midnight, Prince Charming!” she called.
I blushed even harder, but followed her down the stairs and out to our waiting pumpkin.
Chapter 12
Waiting outside in the giant driveway was a very expensive-looking, electric blue sports car. Charlotte jumped in the front seat and immediately stalled it.