Page 28 of Resorting to Romance

“I know. Neither did I. But honestly, I don’t mind Brad thinking I’m taken. He says he only wants time with Noah, but he doesn’t even know Noah. And … Well, anyway, I just feel better knowing he thinks I’m not an option right now.”

The way she paused makes me think there was something else she was going to say before she thought better of it. Did Brad give her the impression he’s here to reconnect with her too?

“I don’t mind filling that spot for you. It’s harmless. It’s not like we’re telling a bunch of people we’re dating. Just your ex. Consider me tribute.”

Mila laughs. It’s a sweet sound, especially after how tense she obviously was from having to meet with Brad.

“Well, I’d better get back to the inn. I have a couple checking out midday and another couple checking in for the weekend this afternoon.”

“Yeah. I have to get to the watersports shack too. How’s the water running in the kitchen?”

“Perfect. You saved the day, as always.”

“Glad to help.”

Mila smiles at me, and then we start walking together toward the main entrance of the lobby.

When we’re outside, Mila turns to me. “Oh! I nearly forgot. Were you serious about surfing lessons forNoah this weekend?”

“Of course. If we’ve got your stamp of approval.”

“It’s all he’s talking about. If I bring him by once I finish cleaning up from breakfast tomorrow, would that work?”

“Around ten?”

“Yes. If that’s okay.”

“I can’t wait.”

Mila smiles again, and this time it’s the smile I’m used to seeing on her beautiful face—not one tainted by the intrusion of her ex-husband.

We part ways at the street, me crossing to step onto the beach leading toward the watersports dock, and Mila walking to the golf cart corral to retrieve her own cart so she can drive back to the inn.

I’m not even halfway to the dock when my phone vibrates with a text.

Shaw: You and Mila, huh? Can’t say I’m surprised.

I stop dead in my tracks. It’s one thing to have to pull off a farce for Brad. He won’t even be on the island after today, as far as I know. If I tell Shaw the truth, and somehow it leaks to Brad that Mila and I are not actually dating … that would be a disaster. Does Shaw know Brad? They both grew up on Marbella. It’s a small enough community. The odds are good that they attended high school together at the very least.

Mila and I are going to need to talk.

I pocket my phone and head to work, my mind preoccupied with who else may have seen us. I was careless. All strategic thinking left my mind as soon as I saw Mila and Brad together outside Horizons. I should have kept my distance. But it’s too late now. We’ll just have to troubleshoot and hope Shaw was the only one paying attention to our little display.

Instead of walking straight to the shack, I turn, strolling toward the water’s edge. I’m in a pair of dress slacks and a button down shirt. These meeting days are the one time each week Idress in anything but board shorts and a surf T-shirt. I shuck my loafers and stuff my socks inside them, letting the shoes dangle from my hand as the sand slips between my toes, grounding me. Staring out at the horizon, I try to consider the best course forward. I don’t want to burden Mila. I’d rather come to her with some idea of what we ought to do and what we need to tell Shaw.

I stand there, letting the foam drift over my toes and back out to sea repeatedly for probably fifteen or twenty minutes. Before I walk over to the shack, I pull my phone out and send Mila a text.

Kai: Are you free around lunchtime?

Mila: Yes. Is everything okay?

I wish I had the answer to that question.

Kai: Everything’s fine. I just need to run something by you.

Mila: Come on over. I’ll make you a sandwich. I just whipped up chicken salad and I have fresh fruit.

Kai: You don’t have to feed me.

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