Page 48 of Resorting to Romance

“So, I’m the only one who knows?”

“Yep. You, me, and Kai.”

The day rolls on with dinner preparation and service for my guests, then they take off to places I’ve recommended where they can enjoy island life. And finally, after the inn is quiet and empty for the evening, Noah settles in for his bedtime routine. I convinced Chloe to bring a book over and read in the main room while I run to Kai’s. I need to talk to him about my choice to tell Chloe about our fake dating situation, and that’s not a conversation that feels right to have over text or even a call.

The night air whips my hair around as I cycle through our neighborhood, then up and down a few hilly streets with the ocean’s inky glow off to my left, sometimes barely visible in glimpses between houses and then suddenly in full view when I pass a cove, the moonlight reflecting in luminous lines along the peaks and valleys of the water’s surface.

I pedal toward the resort side of Marbella. Something about riding my bike brings back childhood memories, and not one memory in particular, but all of them, in one blurry haze of bliss. It’s the feel of freedom, the rush of air past me as I glide forward. Nothing can touch me when I’m coasting down a hill. I can outrun responsibility, decisions, and deadlines with each depression of my pedals. I’m lighter and nearly giddy by the time I make my way along the street that runs between the beach and the resort.

I reach Kai’s neighborhood in fifteen or twenty minutes, park my bike outside his house, and walk up the walkway toward his porch toting the dessert I packed in my bike bag.

Kalaine’s dog barks repeatedly, alerting Kai to my presence, and the front door opens before I even have a chance to knock.

Kai stands on the other side of the screen door, shirtless, framed in light. There’s a sheen of sweat across his brow and maybe his pecs. I’m trying not to count his one … two … three … Yep. Six pack of abs. Whew. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been this close to a shirtless man who wasn’t on a beach at a decent distance from me. That’s what this is. A case of overexposure, plain and simple.

I clear my throat.

“Mila? What are you doing here? Are you okay?”

I was, until you answered the door likethat.

I’m not dead. Chloe’s words echo through my head. Well, apparently I’m not dead either.

Shaka’s tail is wagging and he’s pressing his wet, pink nose to the screen door separating me from Kai. That door feels like a buffer—one I apparently need right now. It’s late. Chloe filled my head with all thisKai’s attractivepropaganda. That’s all this is.

“Mila?”

“Oh. Yeah. Hey. I’m here. On your porch. As you can see. From looking at me, you could tell it’s me. Out here. At your house. I’m … sorry.”

“You’re sorry?”

Kai’s mouth turns up in a half-grin, crooked smile that does nothing to still the thoughts I’m having about how he looks right now. Muscles, muscles, muscles, and that golden skin. I look up at the porch light and back at Kai who is still sporting an amused smirk.

I feel like I need to get on my bike and fly down a few more hills. I could use the ocean breeze on my overheated skin right about now.

“Sorry. I should have called.”

“No. No. It’s fine. I was just exercising.” He looks down at Shaka, who is rubbing against Kai’s calves on one side and then the other, wagging his tail effusively like he’s the luckiest dog in the world.

Can’t argue that. Gah.Get a grip, Mila.

Kai sidesteps the dog.

Shaka follows along, not willing to put one centimeter between himself and Kai.

Kai makes a grimacing face down toward Shaka.

The dog gives him the most adoring look in return.

“After surfing today? You still have energy to exercise?”

“I couldn’t settle my brain tonight. Exercising relaxes me.That or playing guitar,” Kai says, as he pushes the door open. “Want to come in?”

“Um. Yes. I brought you dessert. Apple cobbler.”

Suddenly, I feel beyond awkward about bringing Kai dessert. I’ve never been awkward about sharing my baking with him before.

“Awesome. Thanks. I love your cobbler.”

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