Page 31 of The Plus-One Deal
“Do people actually do that?”
He assured me they did, and that they’d be watching, and it wouldn’t look great if I ducked out by boat. Especially while ordinary travelers stayed stranded for days. If I wanted to save face, I’d stay stranded too. Maybe fly some folks out with me once the airport was back. Then I’d be a hero instead of a spendthrift. Instead of some jackass polluting for fun.
“All right,” I sighed. “I guess I can stay here. An extra day or two in paradise, I can think of worse fates.”
I knew Claire would be pissed when she heard what was happening, so I called down for coffee before she could wake. I got pastries as well, and a platter of fruit, and the sight of it on waking piqued Claire’s suspicion.
“What’s with the feast? Don’t tell me we’re still stuck.”
“Drink this,” I said, and thrust the coffee at her. I waited till she’d tried it before I launched in. “So, remember last night, before work interrupted? How we were talking about our time here?”
Claire’s eyes went narrow, but she sipped more and nodded.
“Well, I was thinking, since we’ve got this time, why don’t we make the most of it? Do some exploring? The resort’s got some guides in to take us on nature hikes, and I thought we could join one. Like we’re on vacation.”
“On vacation…” Claire’s tone hadn’t mellowed, but I thought I picked up the hint of a smile. The tiniest tug at her tight-pressed lips.
“Come on.” I clasped my hands over hers, over her coffee. “Stolen time, remember? We can be just us for once, just Conrad and Claire. Not Constel, not Timeless, just us on vacation. We’ll have a picnic. Go swimming. When did you last do that?”
I knew I had her. Her eyes had gone hazy. She sipped more coffee, then smiled. “I’ll need half an hour to deal with some work stuff. But after that, yeah. They’ll last one day without me.”
An hour after that, we were in wide-brimmed sun hats, trekking up a wide, well-walked nature trail. I’d expected a big group, but it was us and two families. I was pleased to see Jake, the lost kidfrom the storm, had found friends to play with, a brother and sister. The kids ran ahead of us, then they ran back, calling out every marvel they found on the path.
“There’s a butterfly! No, two! There’s three!”
“I found a bird’s nest!”
“I see the bird!”
I glanced over at Claire and saw she was smiling, watching the kids explore up ahead. The trail was easy walking, carved out for beginners, and that was fine with me. Just on my own, I’d have wanted a challenge, a rock wall to climb, a steep ridge or two. But out here with Claire and the kids and their families, I was content to enjoy the scenery and the sun on my back. The forest was beautiful, green and sun-dappled, glimpses of azure ocean between the trees. I took a few pictures, and Claire did as well, and she texted one to somebody who sent her back hearts. My own heart did a stutter-step, and I felt my throat tighten.
“Who’s that?” I asked, harsher than I’d intended.
Claire tucked her phone away. “Hm?”
“Who were you texting?”
“Sunny. I’ve mentioned her. What, are you jealous?”
I opened my mouth to deny it, then stopped myself. The truth was, Ihadbeen, thinking she had a man. And I hadn’t only felt jealous, but angry, betrayed — where did she get off kissing me with some beau waiting at home? I checked on the kids and their parents to make sure none were in earshot, then I lowered my voice.
“What if I was?”
Claire shot me a side-eye. “Well,officially, I’d be offended. Jealousy’s for children squabbling over some toy. I’m not a toy. I’m not yours to play with.”
“And unofficially?”
Her lips turned up in a slow, wicked smile. “Unofficially, I’d be flattered. And kind of impressed. Who knew Conrad Farley was such a caveman?”
I thumped on my chest. “Grog claim little woman!”
She swatted me off her, but she was laughing. “All right, Grog. I’m yours for today.”
Those words,I’m yours, sent a bolt shooting through me. If we hadn’t been surrounded by families and children, I’d have grabbed her and kissed her and had her right there. I contented myself with leaning close as I dared, growlingminein her ear and watching her shiver.
Soon, we emerged on a long, sheltered beach. This place had been spared the worst of the storm, and the kids charged ahead across pristine white sand.
“Don’t go too far,” called one of the moms.