Page 38 of Vacation Friends

She observed the group going with her as she waited for her new friends to show up.

She didn’t recognize anyone else.

Her gaze stopped on a leggy brunette standing in the middle of a circle of people, entertaining them with a story.

The woman had long, shapely legs that were highlighted by tiny jeans shorts. The black halter top she wore emphasized her ample bosom. Her hair was wild, falling all the way to her waist. Actress: Rachel Bilson.

She was definitely the type of woman who garnered attention.

As Maddie glanced at Josh to see what he was doing now, she noticed his gaze was also on the bombshell.

Familiar questions began to pummel her again.

Was Josh cheating on her? Should she even have to ask herself that question?

Maddie wasn’t sure. She wasn’t even sure if her suspicions were fair. After all, she was still planning on breaking up with him when this retreat was over. And being upset over that was like the pot calling the kettle black since just last night she’d been marveling over how handsome Brody was.

“Maddie . . . we were hoping to run into you before the excursion began,” a feminine voice said.

She looked over and saw Adrienne and Brody had arrived, backpacks slung over their shoulders and hiking boots on their feet.

Relief filled her.

“I’m here and ready for some adventure.” Maddie put as much enthusiasm into her voice as she could muster. However, she’d already had all the excitement she needed for the day.

“Glad to hear it.” Adrienne’s gaze trailed toward the buxom brunette. “That’s Logan.”

She must have seen Maddie gawking at the jaw-dropping beauty.

“We work together,” Adrienne explained. “She’s the kind of woman you basically want to hate because she’s so beautiful, bubbly, and everyone loves her.”

Maddie could see where that would be true. She wasn’t usually the jealous or envious type, however.

“It looks like Logan is a part of our group today,” Maddie said.

“She is.” Adrienne clucked her tongue. “Everything is always fun when she’s around.”

Funny that Adrienne had said that because Maddie and Josh had gotten into a fight only a couple of weeks ago, and Josh had told her she took things too seriously and needed to loosen up.

That was fresh coming from a Type A workaholic. What he really meant was that socially she was too introverted for him. That her new boundaries were irritating. That she was too much her own person.

Maybe Josh needed a woman like Logan. The thought was honest, not born out of bitterness or jealousy.

Just then, Logan clapped to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, it’s time to load up. I hope everybody’s ready to have some fun!”

The crowd cheered.

But not Maddie.

This would be an interesting excursion for sure.

That earlier conversation she’d overheard about Josh still lingered in her mind.

People didn’t think Josh was likable. He might not be named CEO. If not, he would be devastated.

Then there was Jared’s death. And Kalani’s suspicion of Maddie as the killer. And the note someone had left her.

This dream trip hadn’t gone at all like she’d imagined. In fact, it felt more like a nightmare.

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