Page 27 of Knot Your Sunshine
I watch them celebrate, a smile tugging at my lips though a splinter of worry remains.
"Alright, alright." I move to the desk, pulling out the resort's heavy cream stationary. "Phase two."
My hand shakes slightly as I write, choosing each word carefully. When I'm done, I fold it precisely and hold it out to Josh.
"Could you make sure this gets under her door by early morning? I'd do it myself, but..." I run a hand over my face. "I need sleep. Tonight was... a lot."
Josh takes the note with the reverence of someone handling plutonium. "Absolutely."
The moment he secures the paper in his pocket, he and Keanu immediately launch into another celebration dance, Keanu lifting Josh and spinning him around while they both whoop with renewed enthusiasm.
God I really hope I'm wrong about what's holding her back…
Because if she rejects us, I don't know if my pack will ever recover from it.
Chapter ten
Mia
Sunlight warms my face, pulling me from dreams of beaches and strong hands.
I stretch, and the silk sheets slide against my skin. My body melts deeper into the mattress as memories from yesterday flood back unbidden. Josh's sweet brown eyes. Keanu walking out of the water. Noa's mouth...
Heat pools low in my belly. I press my thighs together and force myself to sit up, shaking my head hard enough to make my curls bounce.
Focus, Mia. Business trip. Not a romantic getaway.
I reach for my phone on the nightstand, squinting at the too-bright screen. 11:03 AM. When was the last time I slept in?
Three texts from Elena wait:
The ocean was glowing last night?? Like actual bioluminescence? I can't believe I missed it
Sorry I crashed so early... jet lag hit me like a truck
Brunch at the resort terrace in 30? The guys are already drooling over the menu.
The last text was sent twenty minutes ago.
I type back quickly:Yes! Might be a tad late, so feel free to start without me.
I pad into the marble bathroom and head straight for the impressive rainfall shower. I step inside and twist the handle, testing the temperature before going under the generous spray. Steam immediately fogs the glass walls, creating a private cocoon.
The resort's shampoo comes in a heavy glass bottle, the label reading "locally sourced kukui nut oil and Hawaiian white ginger." I work it through my hair, the scent reminding me of tropical gardens. Rinse. The matching conditioner is just as luxurious, making my curls slip through my fingers like silk. Rinse again.
By the time I shut off the water, I feel fully relaxed and ready to start the day.
I towel dry quickly, slip into a white sundress, and twist my damp hair up into a loose knot, securing it with a clip that should hold until it dries.
I'm about to leave the room when I spot a cream envelope on the floor, partially slipped under the door, my name flowing across the front in elegant script.
I snatch it up, my fingers trembling slightly as I open it.
Mia,
Thank you for accepting my invitation to Hawaii.
I'm back now and would very much like to meet you to talk business.
