Page 35 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

Raine

After we drop Seb and Sophie off at their private villa, Maisie, Alex, Butch, and I head to the resort. Alex is driving with Butch riding shotgun. I can tell by their tense shoulders that they’re still feeling each other out, but at least they’re talking—something about Alex’s new contract with his team.

I turn toward Maisie as we wind through a narrow, heavily vegetated road “Did Sophie tell me her friend was reserving the entire resort for her wedding guests?”

“Yeah,” she says. “It’s kind of like a soft opening for the resort to get the staff ready for the grand opening next month. Roman and his husband, Michael, bought it a few years back. They’ve renovated it into an exclusive forty-suite resort. It’s gorgeous.”

“It’s pretty amazing that he’s giving it to her exclusively. He’s a former client, right?”

“Former client and now one of her best friends. He and Michael adore her.”

“What’s not to adore?” I say as I take her hand. “She seems really happy with Seb. Do you approve?”

“Highly approve,” Maisie says, nodding. “The highest approval rating I could give anyone. Seb’s wild about her and he treats her like the goddess she is. They’re great together.”

“Yeah, that’s the feeling I get. They seem perfect—like you and Ryan.”

Maisie squeezes my hand. “They are perfect, but how about you? Are you interested in anyone?”

Alex looks at me in the rearview mirror. When my eyes meet his, he looks back at the road.

“Uh, not really,” I say, lowering my voice. “You know I work a lot. I don’t meet that many guys.”

“Well you’re on vacation now, maybe you’ll meet someone here,” she says, pushing the back of Alex’s seat. “Isn’t that right, Alex? Vacation is a great place to meet people—not to mention weddings. This weekend is made for finding that special someone.”

“Very subtle,” he says, reaching his arm into the back seat and slapping Maisie’s leg. “Sorry, Raine. She’s not as bad as Sophie, but she’s bad enough.”

“Just trying to be helpful—”

“Oh look, we’re at the resort,” Alex says. “No more time for playing matchmaker.”

He brings the van to a quick stop in front of the valet stand.

“Good afternoon,” the valet says as he opens our doors. “If anyone’s checking in, the reception desk is to your left as you walk into the lobby. I’ll bring your bags to you.”

“That’s all right, chief,” Butch says, grabbing our bags from the back. “We’re good.”

“Let him take the bags if he wants to,” I whisper.

“No one touches my stuff, except me,” Butch growls.

“Seriously? This is your carefree side? Let me know when Island Butch arrives.”

I leave him to wrangle the bags as I walk into the open-air lobby. The smell stops me in my tracks. I take a deep breath. The sweet scent of lilies is mixing perfectly with the salty ocean air. Everywhere I look bougainvilleas are draping over trellises and falling into the lobby in waterfalls of pink, red, yellow, and purple buds. Deep green palm plants surround a small fountain in the middle of the lobby. Teak wood couches with plush, white cushions peek out from every corner of the room. I feel relaxed for the first time in five years.

“What’s up, Alex? You good?” I turn around to see a man walking toward us—dressed head-to-toe in black.

“Damn, Joe. You’re in the Caribbean,” Alex says. “Could you not add a little color to your wardrobe?”

“You know I don’t like to stand out.”

“Actually you stand out like a sore thumb here,” Alex laughs. “Hey, I didn’t see you over at Seb’s this afternoon. You’re usually glued to his side.”

“Yeah, he’s been keeping me at more of a distance since he met Sophie,” Joe says with a little growl to his voice.

“You know it’s not personal,” Alex says. “He doesn’t mean anything by it. He just likes alone time with her. Speaking of Sophie, this is her friend Raine—uh, I don’t even know your last name.”

“Raine Laghari,” I say, holding my hand out to Joe. “I grew up with Sophie in Chicago.”

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