Page 61 of One Week in Paradise
‘Has Danealwaysknown?’ I ask. ‘Like, since we were teenagers?’
Cash nods. ‘It’s actually his fault I never asked you out.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘I told him that I liked you when we were about fifteen, I think, and he wasn’t happy.’ He pulls a face as he pulls the memory to the forefront of his mind. ‘Said you were offlimits and I’d be a bad friend if I pursued anything with you.’
‘I don’t know why, but I feel offended,’ I laugh. Dane has never really slipped into the ‘overprotective big brother’ role for me, so it’s weird to hear this. It’s not something I’d expect from him.
Cash shrugs. ‘He was really serious about it as well, so I never said anything. I thought that maybe the feelings would go away, but they didn’t. Every time I saw you or even heard anything about you, it was like I was being handed another fifty reasons to love you. I tried moving on. Dated other people.’ He grimaces again, like he’s remembering something particularly painful. ‘But you’ve always been there in the back of my mind. Quietly driving me crazy.’
‘So what changed?’ I asked. ‘Why did Dane suddenly change his mind and give you his blessing?’
‘We were just talking one night, reminiscing about the past, and he remembered that I “used” to have a crush on you.’ A soft smile tugs at the corners of his lips. I wish I could see the memory that’s currently playing out in his mind. ‘And I guess he could tell from my reaction that I still had feelings. Can you believe he actually asked me why I’ve never tried anything with you?’
‘He’s the one who told you not to!’
‘Exactly,’ Cash laughs, shaking his head slightly. ‘But he says he doesn’t remember ever saying that. Said it was justhim being a stupid teenager and that, if I ever got the chance, I should take it.’
I lay back down, resting my head against his chest. ‘I’m glad you did.’
‘Me too.’
Chapter Nineteen
It’s our last full day in Jamaica, and we’re spending it together as a group. Penelope has organised a bamboo rafting experience along a nearby river.
We’ll spend the afternoon navigating our rafts down a three-mile stretch of river before heading to a nearby village for lunch. I’m excited to get off the resort one last time, but I’m mostly excited to spend the day with Cash as arealcouple. For the first time since we arrived in Jamaica, our relationship isn’t a façade.
I’m so excited to finally spend one day on this trip the way it was intended. I don’t even mind when I arrive in the lobby to find that Lacey and Danny are the only people waiting there.
I’ve come down early, leaving Cash back in the suite to finish up in the shower, hoping to spot Penelope to ask if there’s any chance Cash and I can get a last-minute reservationat The Blue Mahoe this evening. Last night, as revelatory as it was, wasn’t exactly the height of romance, and I’d like a redo. I want Cash and me to have a happy memory in Jamaica that doesn’t end with me in tears or us awkwardly avoiding each other for days.
But Penelope’s not there.
Lacey looks up at me as I approach. Her lips curl into a sneer when I drop into the empty seat next to her. I can’t bring myself to care.
Cash knows the truth now, and I have nothing to hide. Lacey has no power over me anymore.
‘I’m impressed, Bailey.’
I glance over at her. We’ve been sitting in silence for the last few minutes, and I hadn’t expected her to break it. ‘What’s that?’
‘I said, I’mimpressed.’
‘Impressed with what?’ I ask, deciding to take the bait if only to end whatever the hell this is. My gaze slides to Danny, and he gives me an imperceptible shrug as if to say he has no idea what’s going on either.
Lacey looks ridiculously pleased with herself as she brandishes her phone in front of me. ‘You certainly have a type, don’t you?’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’
The sound of sandals slapping against the cold tile flooring snatches my attention away from Lacey.
‘Bailey!’ Sara sings my name as she steps, arm in arm with Meera, into the lobby. They’re followed by Bea and Marcus, who both give me a wave when they spot me.
‘Hey, girl.’ Bea leans down and pulls me into a one-armed hug. ‘You look great.’
I beam up at her. After this trip, I’m determined to make sure I stay in contact with Bea, Meera and Sara. ‘Thanks. You do too.’
