Page 87 of Unravel You

“You already have.”

Chapter24

That Side of Perfect

Valentina

Two weeks later…

I opened my eyes to find Derek’s side of the bed empty. The home screen on my phone said it was past noon. I’d overslept again? Jeez. I threw my legs over the side of the bed and darted to the bathroom to clean up. I grabbed my toothbrush and squeezed toothpaste on it, taking in the view beyond the copper bathtub, which sat out on the side terrace facing the gardens. The warm, salty breeze carried sounds of birds singing and water waves that flowed the length of the corridor into the master bedroom.

Derek’s over-the-water bungalow in Bora Bora sat on a private islet, overlooking the turquoise water. The thatched roof, teakwood furnishings, and sculptures from local artists added to the island-feel of the home. This place was truly paradise, a work of art.

In the living room, I found Derek’s running shoes and a sweaty towel. No doubt he was up at the crack of dawn to get some exercise in before starting our day, which mostly consisted of eating and having sex. We did manage to leave the house last week to do a scooter ride around the island. I smiled and stuffed a hand in my hair. How was all of this even real?

I followed his voice to the front side of the house where the tall windows offered an incredible view of the shimmering beach. He stood by the pool terrace in his white linen pants that hung low on his slim hips—and no shirt because my life was just on that side of perfect these days.

When he sensed my presence, the muscles on his back rippled. He turned to face me, and his smile made my heart thrum. “Hey, Valentina’s up. I gotta go,” he said into his phone before he ended the call. “Good morning.”

“Who was that?”

“You were sleeping. I figured I had a few hours to get some work done.”

“I don’t know why I’m sleeping so much. The waves lapping outside our bedroom window just knock me out.”

“You’re on vacation. You’re allowed.” He sauntered over to me and wrapped his arms around me. “Are you hungry?”

“I am.” I met his gaze.

“Yeah?” He kissed me.

After the wedding reception, he’d delivered on his promise to make love to me all night. He’d started in the small bedroom on the plane and finished somewhere on the beach on our way to the house. The two weeks we’d spent together had been something out of a fairy tale. Returning to the real world, where I had to share him with work and other people, was going to be so hard for me.

“I meant for food. But definitely hold that thought for later.”

“Are you sure?” He chuckled.

“Yes.” I turn around to head for the kitchen, and the entire room did a few turns in front me. I reached out to hold on to Derek, but I was already on my way to falling flat on my face.

“Whoa.” He scooped me up and carried me to the sofa. “Are you all right?”

“I think so.” I swallowed, pressing a hand to my forehead.

“Don’t move.” He darted to the kitchen and came back with a glass of water and a plate of pancakes. “Better? Maybe you’ve been napping so much because you’re sick?”

I drank a few sips of water. “Maybe. I honestly can’t remember the last time I slept so hard.” That wasn’t entirely true. I’d practically slept through the entire first trimester when I was pregnant with Max.

“Let me call the doctor.”

“No. There’s no need for that. Can you get my phone?”

He left and returned in under a minute with my mobile. I unlocked it and tapped on my fitness app, where I kept track of my periods. With all the commotion before the wedding, I hadn’t realized I’d missed the last cycle. By like three weeks.

“Valentina, if there’s something wrong, you need to tell me. We can go home anytime.” He cradled my neck, his cheeks red as he surveyed my face.

“I don’t think it’s anything that needs immediate attention.” I bit my bottom lip. “But I do think it’s time to go home.”

His face blanched. “What’s wrong?”

---