Page 138 of You Kissed Me First

Seems like she gave him exactly what he needed. Instructions on how to be the man she wanted so he could win her back.

Running my hand over my face, I look at the note again.

She asked for time. Is that because she wants to think about what she wants, or is it her way of letting me down easy?

I should have never gotten in this mess. I was so desperate for any time with her at all that I threw all caution to the wind. I let myself believe I could actually win her over.

Rubbing my aching chest, I toss the note back down. Then I sit on the bed.

“Attention, guests. As we have arrived at port early, we are starting the debarkation process. If you are planning to self-debark with your bags, you can begin to make your way to the third level now. If you set your baggage out last night to be carried off the ship for you, we will call you shortly. Please do not forget your customs form. We appreciate you traveling with us on your trip and hope to see you next time.”

The intercom cuts off, making me drop my head.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Katie has been sitting up there waiting for this. She’s probably already off the ship and in her car.

I could call her, but I also want to respect her request.

I have to hold on.

A knocking on my door has my chest pounding.

Did she come back?

Flinging the door open, I groan when I see Grant.

“What the fuck happened?” He pushes his way in, Nessa on his heels.

“I don’t fucking know, okay?” I tell him, closing the door behind them.

Nessa glares at me. “My sister has been through enough. Her life is in shambles. So whatever the fuck you did, I’m about to put my foot up your ass.”

I hold my hands out. “I woke up, and she was gone, so I went to the gym to meet Grant. When I came back, her things were gone, and she left me this note and two hundred dollars. I have no idea what happened between us cuddling last night and this morning.”

“Who is Sasha?” Nessa asks.

I think about the question a moment. Then I sigh.

“She saw the text from Sasha. That’s why she’s running?” I wipe my hand on my face.

“That’s why. Who is she?” Nessa asks.

Grant answers her, “Sasha is a girl Dom used to have an arrangement with. He broke it off before the trip though, right?”

This time, he’s glaring at me.

“I did. I told her we weren’t doing that anymore. She must have thought I was joking. She messaged me the day we left, asking if I was still coming over, but I was never planning to go. That’s what she saw. She probably thought that was for tonight,” I tell them as I sit on the edge of the bed.

Nessa moves to sit next to me, grabbing my hand. “Tell me something. Do you actually like my sister?”

Shaking my head, I laugh. “Like? I’m in love with her. I think I’ve been half in love with her since the day we met.”

Nessa’s hand comes up to cover her mouth. “Love?”

I shrug, giving her a sad smile. “Your sister has always been special to me.”

“Okay.” She stands and starts to pace. “Okay. She said she needs space, right? So we give her space, but we aren’t letting this go. At the wedding, you are going to tell her you love her. She will admit how she feels, and this will work out.”

“No, Nessa. I don’t want to ruin your wedding,” I plead with her.

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