Page 78 of The All-Inclusive

“But—” I’m missing something here. “We didn’t invite him.”

“Exactly.”

And the wedding’s not happening.

I start to say so but stop. He’s already stressed about his father. Maybe now’s not the best time for discussing the relationship. I can wait another day or two to learn how he envisions our future.

Ifhe envisions our future.

But we’ve got bigger worries now. “How can I help?”

Trent looks in my eyes and I see something soften inside him. Letting go of the bag, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close “Just be with me, Sar.” He kisses the side of my head, warm breath rustling my hair. “Be patient for just a while longer?”

“Okay.” I’m not sure if he’s speaking in general terms about our plans for the day, or if that’s the new plan for our future.

Either way, there’s one thing I’ve learned in ten years of dating a man who’s more comfortable in the sea than on land. “Let’s hit the water.”

A smile lights his face like he swallowed a lantern. “Thanks.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He squeezes me tightly, kissing the shell of my ear. “So goddamn much it hurts sometimes.”

“Would anything besides snorkeling make it better?”

“Mmm….maybe the Eiffel Tower position you showed me last night?”

“Yes, please.” It’s another three-person enchantment, and I love that he’s thinking of Logan.

For now, that’s enough. A plan for all three of us, even if it’s only a few hours in the future.

Later that day,I’m sitting at Halcyon Bistro having drinks with Camille. She shuffled some appointments to return a week early since she couldn’t stand being away from Ash for so long.

“What time did you get in?” I taste my iced tea, letting the flavors roll over my tongue. It’s juicy with passionfruit and some kind of spice. Not flavors I ever imagined combining, but it’s the best damn tea I’ve ever had.

“I landed pretty late.” Adjusting her wide-brimmed hat, Camille sips her glass of white wine. “Ash sent the jet, so at least I could sleep in the air. I’m surprisingly refreshed.”

“I’m so glad.” And the healthy flush in her cheeks tells me Ash gave her a warm welcome home. “You look great. So much happier than you ever were with Hayden.”

She snorts. “Oh, Hayden.” Her fond little laugh says there’s no bad blood between them. “Someday, that man will wake up and discover there’s more to life than work. Until then, I’ll bid a grateful adieu to the ten years we spent together while thanking my lucky stars every damn night I’m in love with a man who would never choose spreadsheets over spreading my?—”

“Cheers to that.” I lift up my glass and clink it to hers. Even though I’ve come a long way toward embracing my sexual side, Camille’s open chatter still makes me blush sometimes. “I can see why you’d want to rush back here. It’s beautiful.”

“Right?” She looks out at the sea, her red hair rippling on a breeze. “So bring me up to speed.” She wiggles her brows as hergaze shifts to mine. “I didn’t want to pounce right away and start pounding you with questions about Trent, but I’m dying to hear how it’s going.”

Nibbling my lip, I glance at the tables around us. It’s between lunchtime and dinner, so most resort guests are off at the pool or enjoying enchantments in their rooms.

But Trent’s private nature and the secrecy of his job makes me more cautious with sharing. I keep my voice low as I answer. “What happens at Crystal Bliss stays at Crystal Bliss, right? If I swear you to secrecy, you won’t tell your brother or Ash or even Eve.” Not that I don’t trust our other best friend.

But Camille’s a sex therapist, so I trust her to grasp the need for discretion on Trent’s behalf.

“Of course.” She sits up straighter in her chair. “I can’t legally treat you as a patient, but if you want to consider us bound by the same rules of privacy I extend to the clients I counsel, I can absolutely do that.”

“Okay.” I take a deep breath and dive in. “Trent’s bi. I mean, we’ve been seeing a guy together, so maybe there’s some other term for that?”

To her absolute credit, my friend doesn’t look shocked. She’s calm and serene as she nudges her wineglass aside and reaches for water. “Bring me up to speed on what’s happened.”

So I do.

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