Page 32 of The Location Shoot
An hour later, they were standing in front of the door to Ella’s room. He lightly ran his fingertips along the sides of her face. “I’ve never wanted to kiss someone more,” he whispered. “I can see it in your eyes. You feel it too.”
“I wish I didn’t feel anything. Finn, you’re the most incredible man, and I thought maybe you were . . .”
“I’m what?” he asked softly.
“It doesn’t matter. I can’t. You’re with someone else. I’m sorry.” She went into her room, shutting the door behind her.
CHAPTER 8
Ella trotted downstairs at noon in a white sundress and sandals, carrying a small tote bag and straw hat. The others were waiting for her.
“Hey, everyone,” she said.
“Hey,” they all replied. Finn caught her eye and remarked, “You look nice.”
She smiled at him and told everyone, “The van is loaded. The kitchen prepared a picnic lunch, and they gave us beach chairs, towels, sunscreen, and a couple of umbrellas. Best part: I asked if they had something we could use to play music. They loaned us an old boom box. It’s a relic. Wait until you see it.”
“As in CDs?” Michael asked.
She shook her head. “As in cassettes.”
Everyone laughed.
“It gets better,” she continued. “They could only find two tapes, so I hope you all like Bon Jovi and Queen.”
They all erupted into laughter.
“I think that’s perfect!” Finn said.
“Yeah, me too,” she replied.
“Let’s hit it,” Michael said, already halfway out the door.
They piled into the van, and Ella and Finn found themselves sitting next to each other. As they drove away from the inn, the van jostled over uneven ground. Ella bumped against Finn and put her hand on his thigh to steady herself. He smiled and put his hand over hers.
WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT THE PRIVATEbeach, their driver set up the chairs and umbrellas. “The water is so clear. Look at those small islands in the distance. This is sublime,” Charlotte observed. “I’m glad I didn’t miss this. Great idea, Ella!” She smiled as they all started to shimmy out of their clothes, revealing their swimsuits. Finn sported blue swim trunks, Michael a black speedo, Charlotte a conservative black one-piece bathing suit, and Willow a turquoise string bikini. Michael and Finn couldn’t stop staring when they saw Ella in a tiny white bikini, showing off her gorgeous, toned figure and flawless alabaster skin.
“God, she’s incredible,” Michael whispered to Finn.
Finn took a breath. “Come here for a minute.” They stepped away and he quietly started, “Listen, Ella and I . . .”
“You two have something going on?” Michael asked with raised eyebrows.
“Not exactly, but she’s special to me. Incredibly special. It’s not just attraction, it’s . . .”
“Say no more. I would never step on something like that for lust. She’s all yours.”
“Wow, thank you,” Finn said with surprise.
“I should warn you that I may have inadvertently screwed things up for you. I told her you have a girlfriend. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had real feelings for her.”
“Don’t worry about it. I always intended to tell her. My relationship with Savannah isn’t what I want, and now that I’ve met Ella, I’m certain. The way she makes me feelis how things are supposed to be, and I don’t want to settle for anything less.” He paused and sighed. “Honestly, I’m not sure if she even wants me.”
“There’s something between you two, the way you connect and get each other. Everyone has noticed. I didn’t realize it was more than friendship and flirtation, but it’s obvious she cares about you. I hope it happens for you guys.”
“Yeah, me too.”
Their attention was diverted when Ella screamed, “You know what they say about the last one in!” All three women sprinted toward the crystal-blue water.
