Page 68 of For the Promise

“Blossom’s not boring,” Eli says.

I narrow my eyes on him. “You’re supposed to be the voice of reason when these three hooligans get out of control.”

“I am being the voice of reason. Blossom isn’t boring, and you like her. Why don’t you give this relationship a chance?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Are you saying all my previous girlfriends were boring?”

“We’re not discussing Melanie. We’re discussing Blossom.”

“I’m not discussing Blossom. I’m going for a swim.”

I try to walk around Eli but he shackles my wrist to stop me. I slam my hand down on his inner elbow and he immediately releases me with a grunt.

“Fuck. I forgot what a dirty fighter you are.”

Naturally, I’m a dirty fighter. I have five brothers – three of whom think fighting is fun.

“I’m done discussing this. Unless anyone else wants to fight me.”

I glare at my brothers until they drop their gazes.

“Good,” I mutter as I make my way to the water’s edge.

I kick off my shoes and dive into the ocean.

As I swim, thoughts invade. What if they’re right? Maybe I should give Blossom a chance. Maybe our differences don’t matter. Maybe she’ll stay on the island.

I snort and nearly inhale a bucketful of salt water.

Enough of this contemplation. I know the truth. Blossom isn’t the woman I’m searching for.

I speed up my strokes and kick my feet faster until I can’t think anymore. Until the only thing I can concentrate on is the water and the next stroke.

Chapter 22

“Apparently, a wedding doesn’t have to be romantic.” ~ Blossom

Blossom

I’m laying on the bed in the chalet, dozing, when Jaxon returns. I sit up. “Where have you been?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I went to the bridal spa day.” I was also escaping from the awkward morning after talk but I avoid mentioning how much of a coward I was. I promise I’m not usually a scaredy-cat, afraid to discuss my emotions. I also don’t usually marry a man who ghosted me for months either. “Or, at least, I tried to.”

He frowns. “What happened?”

“In a word. Stacey is a bitch and she deserves Alan.”

“You sound surprised.”

“Nope. I’m not.” I notice he’s wearing wet swimming trunks. “Did you go swimming?”

“I usually row every morning for an hour, but I had to settle for swimming this morning.”

“Rowing every morning sounds awesome. Witnessing the sun rise over the ocean.” I sigh. “Smuggler’s Hideaway is such a magical place.”

His brow wrinkles. “You really think the island is magical?”

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