Page 32 of One Week in Paradise
‘Lacey, it’s fine,’ I start to say, but she’s already hopping out of the pool and grabbing her phone from Leroy.
‘Come on,’ Cash says quietly. He’s not looking at me anymore. ‘We still have to play the part, even if you’re mad at me.’
‘I’m notmadat you,’ I hiss through a fake smile because Lacey is pointing her phone at us now. And I’m not. But I’m not sure what it is exactly that I am feeling. Disappointment maybe?
‘Lean in a little closer,’ Lacey continues to bark out orders. ‘That’s it. Lean in some more. Give us a kiss!’
I stiffen slightly as Cash tilts his head upwards. There’s a spark in his eye, but he quickly blinks it away.
‘Cash—’ I begin.
‘Don’t worry,’ he murmurs. He’s stopped only an inch or two away from my lips, and his cool breath fans my cheeks as he speaks. ‘I’m not going to kiss you. It just looks like I am. For the photo.’
I swallow and resist the sudden urge to close the gap between us and steal the kiss I’ve been craving. ‘Got it.’
‘Bailey,’ he says, eyes serious. ‘I need you to know something.’
The minuscule space between us is thick with tension. It feels like we’re on the brink of something cataclysmic.
I lick my lips. His eyes follow my tongue as it darts out, and he inhales deeply.
‘And what’s that?’ I ask.
His lip twitches, and I swear he’s about to lean in and close the gap between us. But then, a strangled groan erupts from his mouth as Lacey’s next shriek makes us jump apart.
‘Woohoo!Our turn now! Bailey, come here and get some pics of me and Danny. I want the lighting to lookjustlike yours. I’ll send you your photos later. Cash, give me your Instagram, and I’ll send them to you too.’
The distraction she’s provided is a welcome one, and I leap away from Cash like I’ve been electrocuted.
I’m not sure I want to hear whatever it is he has to say. Because I know what it’s going to be. He’s even said it himself already today. I’m Dane’s sister, and that’s just not a line he’s willing to cross.
Chapter Ten
Things aredifferentbetween Cash and me now – which is fair, I suppose. The dynamics of our relationship with one another have been flipped over the last few days, and I’m not sure either of us knows how to proceed.
He keeps up the loving boyfriend act when we’re in front of the others, but as soon as we’re alone, it’s like he can’t get away from me quick enough. In a weird way, we’re kind of right back to where we started. Which wouldn’t be a problem if my feelings forhimcould go back to right where they started.
I’m sunbathing on the terrace of our suite after our hike and our day at the waterfall. Cash is nowhere to be seen. He came back to the suite with me but only stayed long enough to change his clothes. That was about an hour ago, and he’s still not returned.
My phone vibrates on the small table next to me, and I jump. I hadn’t realised it had reconnected to the WiFi.
INSTAGRAM
597 notifications
I sit upright, my brows shooting up. Anxiety hits me like a wave as I tap on the app. It’s been months since I’ve had a response like this on Instagram, and almost every single notification is for the post I’d shared earlier.
Most of the comments are positive.
@helena_yung21where is that dress from!! it’s gorgeous!!
@ashley.doe___ omg Jamaica??? so jealous
@queengracieeeeso happy to see you back on my feed again
@curlsgirlscurlshair looks stunning girl! drop the routine
My heart swells as I scroll through them. For a moment, I wonder why I ever was so nervous about posting again. My audience is lovely and supportive and—
