Page 17 of Bound to You

She laughs. “Unfortunately not. Take a rest soon, okay?”

“Okay.Ciao,Vanessa.”

I sigh as I place my phone back on my desk and open up the next CV in the list. Maybe a break would be good. I go to grab the edge of my laptop to shut it closed but stop short when I see the face in the corner of the CV. There on my screen are the brown eyes I’ve been itching to see since last night.

I let out an abrupt laugh. Isla applied for the job.

I can’t help myself as I push my laptop open again and settle into my seat, resting one arm on the table as I lean forward to read her CV.

Isla Beckett.

Fine arts graduate. Interesting. I think back to her genuine interest in Nora and her work, and it all makes sense now.

Her CV is professional and has a little spark of her in the words.

Her work history consists of a three-month stint at Beckett Accountants and at what seems to be a dive bar in central New York.

I scroll back to the top of the page and shake my head imagining her applying for this. She should’ve known I would never accept it, and that just makes it even better that she applied in the first place.

chapter seven

ISLA

My sneakers squeakas I walk along the marble floor of the lobby. I dressed more appropriately today—a floral blue sundress and my white sneakers. This is one of my favorite dresses. It has those frilly, off-the-shoulder sleeves that make me feel all girly and pretty. It feels perfect for my first day exploring Ruby Cove.

I make my way over to the concierge, picking up my feet as I walk so they don’t squeak again. With my luck, I’d trip and fall flat on my face. Not the best start to the day.

“Ciao,” I greet the handsome concierge. He smiles in response. “How long does it take to walk into town from here?” I ask.

“About twenty-three minutes from here, ma’am.”

Oddly specific, but okay.

It’s Sunday so I’m not sure if anything will be open.

“Is there much going on today? Are the shops open?” I check before making the twenty-three-minute walk just to find out that nothing’s open. With the chaos of yesterday, we never got any food for our room. I woke up this morning with a grumbling tummy after only eating so much as the lemon slice from theedge of my glass last night. We didn’t go back to the food table for the rest of the night. Rafael was hovering and May didn’t want to deal with his “bratty teenage girl attitude” again.

“It’s your lucky day.” Caio’s voice cuts through the air as he approaches me. He makes sure to greet the concierge before turning back to me. “The town is hosting its annual fair today.”

“Will there be food?” It’s all I can think about.

“There will be.”

“Sold,” I say. “Can you please point me in the right direction?”

“I could…or I could accompany you?” he says. “If you wanted company that is? I was going to make my way there at some point today anyway. This way you won’t be alone on your walk.” He smiles, but I catch the flicker of doubt on his face—the complete opposite to his confident demeanor from last night. I guess I had little choice in his company last night. But today, I could easily say no, and his eyes hold a hint of anticipation that I will do just that. “Speaking of, where’s your other half?”

“May? She’s in hangover recovery mode.” Which looks a lot like her yelling at anyone who’s in her vicinity until her headache eases and she’s eaten an entire loaf of bread. I took the safer option of leaving the suite with a plan to return with baked goods. “Shouldn’t you be working?” I ask.

“Part of my job means being involved with the community. Plus, I spent the morning going through CVs. I need a break.” I nod mindlessly and try not to blush at the mention of job applications.

“So?” He puts his arm out for me in question, a mirror of his actions last night. I follow his lead, slipping my arm through his and nodding in agreement. There’s something about the look in his eyes that makes it impossible for me to say no to him.

He opens the door for me as we slip out into the summer air. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how clean it feels as it fills my lungs.

We walk in a comfortable silence for a while. I can’t help but admire the peace that seems to have settled over this place. It makes me never want to leave.

Cars only seldom drive by, allowing the symphony of leaves shuffling when the breeze floats through the trees and birds singing as they fly overhead to take center stage.

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