Page 69 of Knot Just for Show

Chapter Tenty-Five

Ursula

“Alright, I’ll be dropping you off at the villa with the rest of the boys, then all of you will have some time to unpack and settle in before Anna and some of the other guys from Pack Milton make the rounds to introduce each prospective pack and introduce your first ‘activity’ before you have your individualdates,” Kimmy explains carefully, looking like a summer-holiday version of her normal self—her typical uniform of all black, omnipresent composite clipboard, and large black headset swapped for a large straw sunhat, sunglasses, and pink and white seersucker romper—a clear neon pink plastic clipboard rounding out Island Kimmy’s wardrobe.

“Thanks Kimmy, I’ll see you at the socials—right?” I straighten a little in my seat, the rainforest passing outside our windows like an impenetrable emerald corridor around the winding road.

“Yeah, of course! And possibly on one or more of your dates, depending on what production has in store.” Kimmy smiles, not just that flat, perfunctory work smile—a real one that lights up all her girlish features. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve got some of that ‘island glow’ about me—or if I’m obviously all nerves.

Then I process what she’s just said. Individual dates. My nerves turn to giddy anticipation.

Maybe seeing Kimmy, usually so professional, so…uptight—begin to shed her inhibitions and let some of her sparkle shine through, gives me just the tiniest bit more confidence as we pull through a stand of lush vegetation on our approach of the massive villa, just barely visible through the dense greenery.

As soon as we’ve pulled through the entry roundabout, I can see the boys in their vacation finery clustered around the massive door made of honey colored wood—a cluster of palms nearly two stories tall lining the entryway; an expansive awning cantilevered over the impressive entrance.

When the van draws to a stop, Lysander and Teddy are at the sliding door, offering me a hand down.

Bless Julian, he knew that the villa would be only the second time the guys had seen me since my absolutely bonkers reveal gown. He also knew that I would be guaranteed to do quite a bit of swimming on this vacation—and prepared me accordingly. I’m arriving in the mildest of my ensembles, a custom-cut-and-tailored red one-piece. High cut leg openings, deep scoop neck—classic hot-lifeguard chic. A beautifully draped sheer mesh sarong in shades of red and orange tied over one hip—a pair of cork wedgeson my feet.

“I—I—I—you-,” Lysander stammers before just trailing off—his eyes unabashedly glued to my chest.

Teddy, obviously more practiced at pretending he’s not looking at someone’s tits, is able to keep better eye contact, but he still has to clear his throat to tease Lysander,“I think what bro is trying to say is, you look red hot, Princess.” Teddy takes my hand presses a kiss to the back of my wrist.

Lysander blushes furiously, turning away from our clasped hands with embarrassment. I lean in and place a kiss on his burning cheek as I tug us onward.

“Thank you, boys.” I bat my lashes at them, still in disbelief that I’m being escorted by these gorgeous men to our home for the next several days.

Before we pass through the huge door and into the villa, I make my way down the rest of our pack receiving line, hugging and pecking kisses through Ash, Mavren, and Ronan before we all make our way.

“We’ve only got an hour or so before they come back around,” Ronan announces, rubbing his palms together.

My stomach does a little flip and I’m not entirely sure what he’s implying.

Ronan seems to understand how all of us have interpreted his little proclamation, rushing in to clarify, “I mean—let’s go take a look around the place and see what’s up, figure out the sleeping situations etc.” He gestures to the huge door as if to illustrate his point.

“Unless…” He grins, and Teddy cuffs him on the shoulder—a single, dry “ha!” escaping him.

Even though I don’t hate Ronan’s suggestion, I can see how it’s probably more prudent to go with his first plan.

“I want more than an hour to fool around.” I wink coyly, breezing past the boys to the door—using all of my strength to swing the huge wooden slab wide open.

I’m perplexed by the fact that I’m still outdoors once I’ve passed through the huge wooden portal I assumed to be the entrance. I wander through the huge open atrium— its pristine poured concrete floors inlaid with tiny bits of sparkling stone, perfectly manicured plants seeming to sprout from nowhere; hang from the railings of the open mezzanine terrace just above us—a mirror-like pool appearing to extend from the patio straight into a vista of jungle, white sand, and crashing waves.

“Holy shit, I think this is officially the nicest place I’ve ever been in my entire life,” Ronan marvels—his eyes as big as moons.

“I might be right there with you,” I breathe, turning slowly to take in all of the outdoor furniture—the huge sliding glass panels that separate the luxurious living room, kitchen, and nesting room from the outdoor space.

Without any of us noticing—Teddy has already run up the steps to the mezzanine, hanging over one of the plant laden railings to call down to us, “There’s an absolutely insane bar up here—and a hot tub on the opposite side of the balcony.

I watch Mavren start his way up one of the staircases to the mezzanine—his long legs taking two steps at a time.

“Holy shit—this infinity pool wraps around almost the entire building.” Ash calls from the corner of the patio—peering around the corner.

I allow myself to drift closer to the glass door to the nesting room so I can get a better look inside. There’s a massive bed that looks as if it could fit upwards of ten, sunken into the floor—the edges of the nest padded with thick built incushions—mountains of additional pillows in satin, silk velvet, and decorative tassled brocade furnishing the inviting space—surrounded on all sides by glass and access to the wrap-around infinity pool; its dark green stone making the water look almost black.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about having a bath here!” Mavren shouts from above and I can’t help but grin. He knows me well enough to know my priorities already.

The view from the patio and pool, hell the whole south facing side of the villa, looks out over the tops of the trees that blanket the downward slope from the villa down to the white sands of the seashore; pristine blue waves crashing on the beach below.

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