Page 15 of Beautifully Wild

“I did.” He looks to Michael.

Michael gives him a smug smile. “Not so bad after all, is it?”

10

Eden

Mystomachcartwheeledthemoment we entered the ballroom, and I’m still amazed we secured one of the hottest tickets in town.

Decorations sparkle on the walls and ceiling. Under the lights, a band plays a catchy jazz tune, and the smile hasn’t left my lips. Along with every guest, I talk at a higher octave, my voice joining the hum of excitement in the room and on the balcony.

“Thank you,” I say when Yasmine hands me another glass of champagne before she stands beside Michael. I don’t miss the way she looks at him, hanging off every word he utters. He has dark hair and brown eyes withthatlook and a muscled physique—a tell-tale sign he works out. And I know Yasmine’s thoughts are tick, tick, tick. I understand as I’m doing the same standing beside Samuel. My heart is racing, yet I’m doing my best to act cool around him. When Michael convinced me to take him a beer, the change in him could give a girl whiplash. For some reason, I now feel like I have the upper hand.

Michael makes another joke about his travels in Peru.

Yasmine pulls a face. “I call bullshit.”

“I kid you not. Have you been there?”

Yasmine shakes her head. “We will be in a couple of weeks.”

“Michael.” Samuel has barely uttered a word, and yet this sounds like a reprimand. My breath catches momentarily.

Michael frowns at Samuel. I’m not sure what’s happening between the pair but note the silent message conveyed.

“Well, I’m up for an adventure in Peru because I fell in love with Iguassu Falls and the rainforest,” I say to lighten the conversation.

Michael rolls his eyes. “You haven’t experienced anything until you venture into the heart of the jungle.” His gaze flicks to Samuel, and he shrugs. “Just saying.”

Samuel stiffens beside me.

“You don’t like the rainforest?”

His brow arches at my question. “I’d like to hear more about your trip to Iguassu.”

I smile as I recall the details of our trip only days before. “Invigorating. Breathtaking.” I shake my head in wonder. “Seriously, you have to go there. It was two hours by plane and well worth the journey.” His lips curl a little at the edges. “I’m not joking. It’s been a highlight so far.”

“The humidity and oversized bugs didn’t bother you?” He grins at me as though he’s waiting for me to concur.

I wave my hand acting blasé. “You don’t even notice because you’re in another world. The power of the water surging over the cliff. The rainforest surrounding you and all the noise of the creatures fade because the roar of the water is deafening.”

His eyes lock with mine. After a moment, he smiles all perfect white teeth, and the joy reaches his blue eyes. Damn, he needs to smile more. “You like waterfalls?”

“Yeah.” I smile back. “It was different than anything I’ve experienced. When we walked through the rainforest, we even saw a toucan.”

“Impressive. Where are you headed next?”

“After the Samba parade, north along the coast to Ilhéus. Then a short stop in Caracas before Margarita Island. From there, on to Peru and hopefully, Galapagos, although we haven’t booked the last week in case we decide to extend our days in Peru or head to Colombia.” I didn’t sound like someone who lived a sheltered life and was afraid of change. It feels good not to be that person and be adventurous. I raise my chin and look into those beautiful eyes with newfound confidence. “Have you traveled to any of those places?”

“A while ago.” He loosens his collar beneath his bowtie, takes several mouthfuls of his beer before looking sideways at me. “How long will you be in Ilhéus?”

“About a week to explore the coast and have some downtime.”

He nods while looking into his beer. “There’s this place. It’s quite a bus ride to get to, but it’s worth it for the caves, smaller waterfalls, and a mystical lake.”

“A mystical lake?” I grin at him. “I must remember to mention it to Yasmine.”

“A non-believer?”

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