Page 27 of Official

I almost ask what made them choose Maui. After all, it’s a long trip to this side of the world, but when I glance around and think about it, whowouldn’twant to come here for their honeymoon? I’d travel for a week to get here.

The vegetation covering the cliffs is greener than any kale or yard I’ve ever seen. The beaches are pristine and make me feel like I’m in another universe—a fairy tale, even. The energy is unparalleled too—warm, inviting, and exciting withalohaspirit floating in the air like fairy dust that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

It’s amazing.

And the perfect place to escape to and forget the shitstorm that my life has become.

“Heads up!” Xander calls out, and before I can blink, the ball smacks my forehead, knocking me backward with a huff.

Francesca rushes toward me. “I am so sorry,carissima.”

“I’m okay. No problem at all.” I rub the spot above my eyebrows to ease the dull ache migrating through my head.

“Are you sure?” Xander pulls my arm to face him and inspects my head, his lips parted and eyes squinting like my forehead is as small as an acorn.

“I’m fine. Really, it barely smacked me.”

“Smacked?” Francesca furrows her eyebrows and turns to Mario.

“Hit?” Mario explains, but it comes out as more of a question.

“Yes, yes. It did not hit me hard. I’m totally fine.” I smile widely. “You’re very sweet.”

She tucks her curly hair behind both ears, and her uneasy smile holds a hint of concern, even though I’m attempting to reassure her it’s no big deal.

Italians and their sympathy.

It fills me with warmth.

Smiling, I accept Xander’s arms to help me onto my feet. We’re about to get into position to continue playing, but Mario checks his watch and snaps his head up. “Principessa, our reservation for brunch.”

“Mio Dio. I forgot.” Francesca holds her hands up. “We must go.”

“Of course. Have fun.” I wave, and Xander walks the ball to them. “Thanks so much for inviting us to play.”

“We will see you around, yes?” Francesca squeezes my hands, smiling expectantly. “Belissima.”

I grip her hands back for confirmation, and when they leave, I turn to Xander. “How stinking cute and nice were they? I’m dying over their adorableness.”

“I think that’s the concussion talking.” He lifts his eyebrow.

“You and your antilove ways.” I roll my eyes.

I wouldn’t expect anything else from the romance hater, so I’m not surprised he wasn’t swept off his feet with the young couple.

But he’s not going to ruin my swooning.

That’s right—I’m swooning, and I don’t care who knows it. My love life might be worse than a rotting brown banana, but it doesn’t mean I can’t be happy for others.

And I’m happy for Francesca and Mario. They give me hope.

Since I’m loose and high on a rush of endorphins from chasing the volleyball around the beach, I head for the water instead of our laid-out towels. When my toes hit the edge of the cool tide, I call over my shoulder, “You coming?”

I make it hip deep into the water when Xander barrels in after me, wrapping his arms around my waist and tackling me into the water. Once I come up for air, I cough, fighting the sting of saltwater that seeped into my nose. “You ass!” I choke out, searching for him through my blurred vision.

He finally comes into focus again, and I lunge at him with every intention of shoving the smug grin off his face by using each ounce of force my weightlifting regimen has instilled in me.

Laughing, he falls backward with seemingly little effort.

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