Page 90 of Revenge Honeymoon

But Emily?

She’d zapped into his life like a static shock on a cold winter’s day.

Whammo.

All curves and dimples and goofy jokes. He never thought a woman like her would be into a guy like him. He envied her creative talent. Beauty, brains, and artistic flair? She’d hit on a unique business idea that was sure to skyrocket her to success. He could learn a lot from a woman like her.

Then she’d kissed him back in the elevator. Like,reallykissed him back.

From that moment, all he could think about was how to keep from screwing it up. And he’d tried, he’d really tried. He’d wanted to prove she was more than a one night fling to him. But when she fell into his arms in his cabin? All soft and luscious?

A hot jolting surge to his body had made him set aside his attempts to slow things down.

But he’d ruined it all by confessing too much too soon. They’d only met a week ago. He should’ve kept his feelings to himself, until they were on surer footing. He’d been scared of losing her, of her disappearing once they’d returned to Florida. Might’ve been smarter to ask for her number or even her Instagram handle.

“Dumbass,” he mumbled under his breath as he gripped the handlebars.

Bumping down the trail, he took a sharp right and splashed through a small puddle. At least he could have a good time on the ATV. Donna and Diana MacPherson had spied him at breakfast, but only gave him a wave. They must’ve been too immersed in their plans for Cozumel to corner him again and ask about the photos, which were now deleted.

Sylvia wasn’t going to be happy when she found out. She might even ruin him, if her threats could be believed. But in a way he was relieved Emily had found the photos and forced his hand. If they no longer existed, what could Sylvia do?

He kicked up his speed. If he got too far behind his group, he might not have as much time at the beach as he’d hoped for. He’d stuffed his camera in his backpack with a plan to take a few nature shots.

Up ahead he could see a larger, broader puddle that covered the whole trail. A mud-covered rider appeared stuck only a few feet in.

Could that be Emily?

He slowed to make sure she was okay.

The rider waved him on.

He stopped anyway, flipped up his visor, and asked, “Everything all right?”

If it was Emily, it was hard to tell. Her entire body was covered in mud—from the top of her helmet to her feet.

How had that happened?

She hadn’t even made it through the puddle yet.

Keeping her visor down, she nodded her head and then made larger waving motions with both hands.

His shoulders drooped. She really had no interest in talking to him, not even for basic common courtesy to make sure she wasn’t in trouble. Time to face up to the truth: he’d screwed up his chances with her.

Slowly, he crept forward into the deeper puddle to avoid showering her with more mud. Once he'd sensed he was far enough away, he increased the gas. Instead of moving forward, the tires dug into the thick mud at the bottom.

Shit.

He gingerly gave it a little bit more gas, hoping instead of sinking deeper, he would move forward and out.

Nope.

In fact, the ATV sank lower.

His face heated. He stared down at his feet, as they submerged under the murky surface. He wanted to be anywhere but here, on the ATV stuck, sinking, and all in front of Emily.

Chapter24

Confessions in the Jungle

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