Page 57 of Mark
I arch a brow. “For free?”
He chuckles. “She’s made an impression. Before I left the party last night, they were all still on deck listening to her stories.”
All of the Carters have expressed their love for my nan. But it’s not one way. She feels like she’s met her tribe, the family she was meant to be born with, in them. And when I went into her cabin this morning, she was hinting she wouldn’t settle for anything other than me marrying one of them. I don’t even think she cares which one as long as they become family.
“Sounds like my nan,” I muse.
The rest of the drive is quiet, and I take in the beautiful scenery that we pass. I’m gutted I’ll only get to spend time on the beach during the ceremony. Since we depart this evening,setting off to the next island, I won’t get a chance to explore. The water is crystal blue and looks inviting.
When we reach our destination, Mark jumps down before the cart fully comes to a stop. His gaze is on my thigh poking out from my dress as he reaches for me. He doesn’t take my hand. Instead, he grabs me around the hips, lifting me off the seat before placing me on the ground. My hands on his shoulders clench. I hadn’t expected him to manhandle me.
“You didn’t have to manhandle me,” I grumble, meeting his gaze.
His hands still around my waist, he replies, “No. I didn’t.”
What does that mean?
I’ve come to learn something during this getaway. I don’t want him to be nice. I don’t want to keep reading into his touches or comments. It comes across flirty. And it’s knocking me off my axis. It’s easier to be around him if he’s the cat-stealing, grumpy neighbour who likes to steal my food.
I don’t want to get to know him more. Because I’m starting to like him. And that can’t happen.
“You really need to stop being so nice.”
The corners of his lips tug up in a smirk. “Why? Is it making you uncomfortable?”
I nod. “Extremely.”
“Will it help if I tell you I still think you’re annoying?”
I tilt my head to the side. “You thoughtIwas annoying?”
“You did keep accusing me of shit I didn’t do, and you did keep trying to get into my home.”
My eyes narrow. Forget what I said earlier, I’m not starting to like him. It’s the heat. It must be the heat. “But you did steal my catandmy doormat. As for breaking into your home, you wish that’s what happened.”
He leans down, his pupils dilating. “Babe, if I knew how good you looked in a bikini, and in this dress, I would have let you into my home. There’d be no need for sneaking.”
“You are such a jerk,” I snap, lightly pressing my fists against his hard abs.
“Why are you dawdling?” my mother snaps, ushering Mark away. “Go find a seat if you insist on accompanying my daughter.”
He grins as he steps back, his gaze still on me. “See you soon, pookie.”
“Go get your seat, peanut,” I fire back.
“Go,” Mother orders, shooing him away before spinning around to face me. “Today is going to be a good day. I am grateful to you for doing this. I know it’s not easy for you. But your strength has always amazed me.”
“Why is everyone being so damn nice to me today?” I argue. “Whatever you are drinking, give some to Esther.”
“I’m always nice to you,” Mum remarks, taken aback.
I can see by the way her brows pinch together that she’s truly confused by my remark. “No, Mum, you really aren’t. But you don’t need to worry. I’m happy for Esther. I’m so excited to be here.”
“Could you repeat that but with a little emotion in your expression?” she pleads, arching a brow.
I huff out a breath. “I’ve got this,” I assure her, and paste on the biggest smile until my cheeks hurt.
“Yeah, maybe not that much,” she mutters. “Now go. You are leading the bridesmaids. Stand next to where Esther will be, and the rest of the bridesmaids will stand behind you.”