Page 45 of The One That Got Away

‘No. I mean I thought you’d like the posed one on the scary hanging bridge. That actually shows that we went there and did the walk.’

‘I like that too. I like all of them. But the one on the coach is more symbolic. Maybe it’s just me, but…’ He paused.

‘What?’ I said, desperate to hear what he was about to say.

‘I feel like, maybe we’ve… turned a corner? And before you think I’m being insensitive, I don’t mean you’ve forgiven me and I don’t expect you to. When I say we’ve turned a corner I mean because we can be in the same room without ripping each other’s heads off. Before we were at war and now we’re on the road to maybe making peace?’

‘Maybe,’ I said, not wanting to commit to anything. It sounded petty, but I didn’t want to make it too easy for him. This was only our fifth day here. It seemed too early to declare that all was forgiven.

At the same time though, because we’d been forced to spend time together for hours every day, it felt like it had speeded up the process. Every task they’d given us was clearly designed to help deepen our bond and get to know each other better. And I hated to say it, but it was working.

I was also tired of being angry at him. It was exhausting.

Maybe the answer wasn’t to either hate him or fall in love with him again, but just to find a middle ground. Some form of temporary friendship. Right now, that was the most I could commit to.

‘So which photo are you choosing?’ Max asked.

‘I have to choose the one on the bridge.’ The picture of us holding hands was the cutest option, but instead I went for the triumphant choice. It showed I’d pushed myself out of my comfort zone and done the walk.

‘Cool.’ Max slid the photos back in the envelope. ‘I’m hot. I need to cool down.’You and me both, I thought to myself.

Max sat up then peeled off his vest.

Bloody hell.

The man really was a god.

I tried to look away, but it was like his chest was made of steel and my eyes were magnets that couldn’t help but be drawn to him.

‘Your shoulders look a bit red,’ I said.

‘I forgot to put sun lotion on this morning.’

‘That’s not good. Hold on.’ I reached into my beach bag and handed him my bottle. ‘Use this.’

‘Lifesaver!’ He took it, flipped the cap then squeezed lotion on his palm before rubbing his hands together and slathering it over his shoulders.

And his chest.

I bit my lip as tingles raced through me. What I wouldn’t give to run my hands all over those pecs.

Max reached his hand behind him and attempted to apply lotion on his back.

‘Want me to do it?’ I offered before realising that was a bad idea.

‘Please. That’d be great.’

Stay calm.

Don’t get turned on.

Keep it together.

After squeezing a generous amount of lotion on my hands, I knelt on the bed, placed my palms on Max’s back then started rubbing.

Oh. My. God.

His back felt so good.

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