Page 24 of Lexi, Property of Rhyder

“Oh, him,” I say, then laugh nervously. “He’s nobody, just a friend.”

Paige smiles. “Come on, it can’t be nobody if he’s hanging around. I’m assuming Mom doesn’t know?”

Feeling my face heat, I quickly take a sip of my Coke, trying to avoid eye contact with Paige.

“Lex? Come on. We’ve always told each other everything.”

I take a quick look behind me and see my parents are in deep conversation, then I turn to Paige and whisper, “Okay, he’s just someone I met. He helped me with something.”

Her face lights up. “Tell me more… like is he dreamy?”

I roll my eyes. “Of course, he is, but there’s nothing going on. He’s just someone I would call if I ever needed anything.”

Paige adjusts herself in her seat to face me. “Like what?”

I shrug and look out the window, remembering how he was the one who found me. How he gently held me in his arms and whispered in my ear that everything was going to be all right, and he promised he would never let anything happen to me again. At the time, I thought I was dreaming that someone had come to my rescue. The men had thrown me so callously on the grass, it caused my vision to blur with the fall. I feel my eyes burn with unshed tears, and I blink them away.

Paige must notice the change and lays her hand on my shoulder. “Hey, are you okay?”

I turn to her and force a smile. “Yeah, I’m good. Just glad he’s around.”

She frowns. “Okay… I’m not quite sure what that means, but I won’t push you for now. Just know you can tell me anything.”

“Thanks, Paige. Are you sure you’re younger than me? Sometimes I feel like you’re the older sister.”

“That’s because I’m the mature one.”

I laugh at that comment, then bring my Kindle up to read.

LEXI

We both walk up the staircase that leads to the two-story pristine white villa with its typical whitewashed walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t get over the luxurious feel it exudes.

“Signora, your villa,” our bellboy says in a thick Spanish accent as he holds our door open for us.

Once we step inside, I’m overwhelmed by the clean walls, marble floors, and high ceilings. Fans hang down over white leather sofas. The whole space is open-plan living, and I think the bedrooms are off to each side.

Paige and I walk through our villa, which is next door to our parents. I’m happy they’ve given Paige and me our own private solitude knowing we can spend some sister time alone. Our villas are only a few steps apart, so they aren’t too far away if we need them.

“Your bedrooms are to the left and right, and your kitchen and entertainment area is downstairs. I’ll leave you two ladies to enjoy. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call reception.”

“Thank you,” I reply as the bellboy leaves.

We walk over to the doors that lead out to the balcony which overlooks the Los Cabos beach. Pushing open the large glass sliding doors, we step out onto the balcony and have a look around. There are two lounges and a huge white umbrella over them. In the middle of the balcony is an ornate table and chair setting, especially set for eating outside. Scattered around are white pots with green foliage giving the whole area a tropical-style look.

The seawater is crystal blue with stunning white sand that looks like a cloud of powder. People are enjoying themselves, surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming. I can’t wait to get me some sun.

I turn to my sister, who has walked out and is standing beside me, and smile widely.

“It’s so beautiful. We’re going to have so much fun here.”

“Yes, we are,” I agree, feeling happy. The feeling being somewhat foreign and not something I’ve felt for a long time.

“So, what’s first?” Paige asks, smiling at me.

“Well, I think we’re both looking a little too pale. How about we go spend some time at the beach?”

“I say, yes.”

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