Page 48 of Vacation Friends

Nothing made sense.

The warning left her feeling even more unsettled than before.

Maybe she could feign sickness and lock herself in the room for the rest of this trip. Or maybe she could switch her plane ticket and head back to New York.

But Detective Kalani had warned her not to leave.

That only left her with one other choice.

She had to buckle down and find answers herself. So far, she’d been casual.

But maybe she needed to take more aggressive measures.

Josh had said he was trying to pinpoint a possible corporate spy. She would ask him if he’d found out anything.

She would also keep an eye on everyone in attendance and see if anyone was acting suspicious.

Someone here was up to no good and was determined to either pull Maddie into things or to get her out of the way.

She couldn’t let that happen. She’d worked hard to develop the life she had for herself.

No one was going to ruin it.

Though it was seventy-eight degrees outside, goosebumps popped over her arms. She rubbed her hands over her skin before pulling her arms tight across her chest and staring out at the ocean in the distance.

One thing was certain. Maddie had never felt so alone in all her life.

Maddie decided to take a walk. She didn’t want to sit in her room until the luau. Plus, she’d never find answers that way.

Nearly as soon as she stepped out of her room, she ran into Brody. He looked—and smelled—freshly showered.

“Fancy seeing you here.” She flashed a smile. “Where’s Adrienne?”

“She wanted to rest a little.” He fell into step beside her as she headed toward the lobby. “How are you doing?”

“I’ve been better,” she admitted.

“That was a close call back there at the base camp.”

“You can say that again. My life flashed before my eyes for a second time since I’ve been on this island. Thank you again for everything you did.” Her throat burned as she said the words. Brody had been a real hero. Again.

“It was no problem.” He nodded toward the hallway. “You headed anywhere in particular?”

“Just stretching my legs and trying to clear my thoughts. I heard they’re serving fresh fruit in the lobby and that it’s delicious.”

“Mind if I join you? I’m walking that way also. I need to pick up a few toiletries from the market.”

“Not at all.” She meant the words. She enjoyed Brody’s company—probably more than she should. In fact, she found herself looking forward to seeing him and chatting with him.

That wasn’t a good thing. But she could keep her feelings platonic.

“You know what I’m looking most forward to when I get home?” Brody casually tucked his hands into his black shorts, giving their walk the feel of a leisurely stroll.

“What’s that?” They stepped outside to cut through the pool area. A fresh breeze tugged at her hair and linen pants, temporarily loosening her lungs.

“Eating Lucky Charms and watching cartoons.”

Maddie slowed a step and chuckled. “Are you serious?”

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