She gasps. “Who the fuck would do that?”
I wince. “Barrett.”
She hums. “That makes so much more sense now. Sometimes the things he would say didn’t make sense. Sounds like his hatred of you is by his own hand.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. He’s always been jealous of my relationship with Grant more than anything. Honestly, he probably only did that to get back at me anyway. It was my fault for trusting him.”
Katie turns in my arms, feeling my face before pressing her lips to mine. “You’re a good man, Dominic Price.”
I smile against her lips. “Only for you, baby doll.”
Before I can kiss her deep like I want, the elevator jerks and the lights come back on. Then the doors ding open.
I feel the tension seep from my body, seeing the escape.
“You guys okay?” an employee asks, holding his hand out for Katie.
Once she’s up, I pull myself up.
“We’re good. Thanks, man.”
Before they can ask me anything else, I pull Katie into my side as we head away from the elevator and back to our room.
* * *
This afternoon was going sogreat. I loved riding around with Dominic. That is until my asshole ex decided to be a douche and try to sabotage us. He really doesn’t think. He could have hurt not only us, but himself had we actually hit him.
Thank God Dominic was paying attention. Sure, I was flung off the back and disoriented for a minute, but for the most part, I was unharmed.
Dominic didn’t waste any time getting me back to the ship. Once we got out of the elevator, he got me back into the room in no time before ushering me into the shower. After I was out, he tucked me into bed, demanding I take a nap. He insisted I may have injured my head being slammed against the water. Then he left.
When he finally came back, he had a taco bowl, a fresh soda, a bottle of water, a piece of orange cream cake, and some ibuprofen. After he fed me, he sat next to me in bed while we watched television.
While I was grateful for his care, I was also confused.
What does it mean? Is he feeling guilty? Or does he like taking care of me?
I won’t lie. I’m surprised he was even able to think about me that much after his near panic attack in the elevator. He will never admit it, but I felt the way his body was shaking against mine. He was frightened.
I think that only endeared me more to him. Same as him sitting here with me, caressing my hair as we watch television.
Still, when Nessa showed up demanding to see me, I was relieved. I needed some time away from him.
So that’s how we ended up with a drink sitting on her balcony.
“Are you sure you’re okay? You looked freaked out.”
I shrug. “It was a shock to be thrown into the water like that. You should’ve seen Dominic, though. He dove right in after me.”
“It took us a second to realize you had stopped. Barrett actually called out to get our attention. By the time we got there, Dominic was already swimming you back to the jet ski.”
“You would have swooned. It was a total hero move. He didn’t hesitate. He just dove. Then he pulled me into his arms and whispered reassuring words to me.”
She smiles. “Sounds like you have a little crush.”
I groan. “I mean, we were intimate, Nessa. Of course I like him. You know one-night stands were never my thing. Feelings are always involved.”
“So are you hoping for this to turn into more?”