Their Festive Island Escape

CHAPTER FOUR

CELESTE AWOKE TO the sound of a piece of paper being shuffled under her door.

What the...?

It couldn’t be the bill. She wasn’t due to check out for several days still. Honestly, if they had confused her with another guest, Reid was going to get an earful about the way his resort was run. A glance at the clock told her it was past nine thirty. That was surprising. She never usually slept this late. But she’d had a restless night. Every time she’d closed her eyes, she’d been met with a set of bright golden ones. Visions of Reid’s smile as they walked along the beach. The way he’d glowered at the flirty bartender when he’d approached her after her dinner.

When was the last time she’d taken a walk with a man? She couldn’t recall. Had she and Jack visited any beaches? She didn’t think so. Probably the reason she preferred to be on a tropical island this time of year.

For that matter, when was the last time she’d simply been with a man? Out on a date? Or in a capacity that wasn’t strictly professional? Too long. With groggily heavy limbs, she climbed out of bed, suppressing a groan of frustration. Such thoughts were only going to make her miserable, thinking about all she didn’t have in her life.

There’s a side of you a man like Jack can’t handle.

Celeste shook her head to push thoughts of yesterday’s conversation aside.

The item slid under her door turned out to be an envelope with a card inside. Curiouser and curiouser. Her heart thumped in her chest as she removed the card and read its contents.

Please join me for breakfast if you haven’t eaten already. I have a few matters I’d like to discuss. It will be worth your time. I’ll be in my office until you’re ready.

Reid

What in the world could he have in mind? A cry of warning screamed in her head. His cell number was printed on the top half of the card. She should just call him and tell him she had indeed eaten already. Or that she wasn’t available. Or just outright tell him she wasn’t interested in seeing him or in anything he may have to say. Though that would be a lie. She was more than intrigued. And more than a little excited at the prospect of seeing him again today. She could hardly get him out of her mind last night. And all the things he’d told her.

As if that wasn’t reason enough right there to turn him down.

The man was her ex-fiancé’s good friend for heaven’s sake. Two short days ago, he practically cornered her on the beach and accused her of being a scrooge. No doubt he still harbored suspicions that she’d ruined her ex’s life. After all, what else could he have meant when he’d said she was too much for someone like Jack to handle? Most likely that he thought her too uncultured, too unpolished to sully someone like Jack. Or Reid Evanson, for that matter. Somehow, Reid must have seen straight through her three years ago.

No. There was no reason to go see him.

So why had she walked over to the closet and taken out her prettiest sundress? The red one she knew brought out the hue of her olive skin. With thread-thin straps and a flowy skirt that accented her curves.

The warning cry sounded again, telling her to put the dress back and crawl back into bed if she knew what was good for her.

She lay the dress out on the bureau instead and walked to the shower stall.

* * *

It wouldn’t hurt to just ask her, Reid thought as he waited impatiently in his office for Celeste’s response to his written invite. He’d long ago given up any pretense of trying to get work done and now just stood staring at the tropical scene before him. A line had formed at the main dining hut for breakfast. He made a mental note to address the wait time in the mornings for food. But his thoughts immediately returned to the woman he’d spent the evening with. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d simply walked with a lady along a sandy beach, just talking and enjoying the sunset. He had to admit he’d enjoyed it.

Celeste was already sporting the beginnings of a golden tan, her hair had lightened since the first day she’d arrived. She’d looked like a tempting goddess standing next to him as they stood on the marina pier.

He’d been thinking about her all night.