Page 62 of Simmer Down
“You know how it goes,” Finn says, the grin obvious in the flustered way he speaks.
“I don’t actually.”
There’s a few seconds of silence.
“Well, that’s no one’s fault but your own,” Finn finally says.
“Don’t start, Finn.” Callum’s tone turns curt once more.
“It’s so bloody obvious how you feel about her,” Finn says. “You’ve got history together. Why don’t you just tell her already. No use in putting it off like you’ve been—”
“I don’t need my little brother to lecture me on my love life.”
My ears perk in the silence that follows Callum’s comment, delivered in his trademark hard tone. Who the hell is Finn talking about? Is Callum seeing someone else besides me? Maybe he’s rekindling something with an ex? Finn did mention the word “history,” and that’s a for-sure code word for exes. Maybe that’s why he rejected sexy Tinkerbell yesterday, because he’s still carrying a torch for someone in his past. But last night Callum made it sound like there wasn’t anyone else, though maybe he was just trying to spare my feelings because he could see how upset I was...
I force myself back to the present. No. None of that is my business. Callum and I are just hooking up, that’s all. He’s moving backto Chicago soon anyway. And since we’re not even close to being a couple, he has every right to see exes, other women, whoever he wants—which it sounds like he’s doing from what Finn says.
I silently thank Finn for his abrupt entrance. That wave of emotions I’ve been battling the past twelve hours ends right now. I need to just enjoy our no-strings-attached arrangement for the uncomplicated and enjoyable setup that it is and stop longing for more.
There’s a throat clear, then Finn speaks. “Do you want to do the dinner service tonight? Or am I calling Ted back to break his heart?”
“I’ll do it,” Callum says.
Finn says something about forgetting a bag he packed for the camping trip. Soft footsteps lead out of the room. A minute later there’s an exchange of muffled voices, then the front door closes.
Callum opens the closet door. “You all right?” he asks.
I nod my head. “So you’re cooking at Travaasa Hana tonight? Congrats.”
I gather my rumpled clothing from the floor.
“Look.” He catches my wrist, turning me to face him. “About what Finn said earlier—”
I hold up a hand and plaster what I hope is a convincing smile on my face. “It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about it.”
And for my sanity, I really, really don’t want to. The fact that I almost spilled the beans last night in my jealous state when he very likely has someone else on his mind is proof that I need to keep myself in check. No more emotional slipups. From now on, no matter how mushy-gushy I feel, Callum and I are to remain in the friends-with-benefits zone.
He releases my hand, and I go back to dressing myself. When I turn around, I’m greeted with the sight of Callum sitting on the edge of the bed, legs hooked over the side. His honey-blond hair is ruffled,his five-o’clock shadow is extra scruffy, his eyes are puffy, and he looks more delicious than any breakfast-in-bed option I could ever ask for.
There’s something expectant in his eyes. The corner of his mouth hooks upward. “Are you busy tonight? I’m going to need your help.”
Chapter 14
When Callum and I walk into the lobby of the Travaasa Hana resort, I gawk. There’s an open courtyard with a perfectly square fountain in the middle. Plush benches and chairs are positioned throughout, along with lush greenery that sets a decidedly tropical vibe. The color palette is warm all the way, with shades of orange, yellow, and brown filling the open-concept space.
A muttered “whoa” slips from my lips.
Callum grins down at me. “I can’t believe you’ve never made it to Hana in all the time you’ve lived here.”
I twist my head around the opulent space for the millionth time. My eyes catch on the four identical spouts at each corner of the fountain. Each one spits perfectly arched streams of water into the air.
“If I had known just how spectacular this place is, I would have come here sooner.”
We walk up to the front desk, and Callum asks for Ted.
“You sure you want me here?” I ask.
“Positive.” Callum winks at me.
