Page 38 of Beautifully Wild

Eden

“You’reallpacked,”Isay to Yasmine when I arrive back at the resort. Her case is by the door, and the room is the tidiest I’ve seen it.

“Yep. I’m going to wear this tomorrow.” She indicates to her skirt and an off-the-shoulder top.

“Where are you going for dinner?”

“We’re heading into town. We didn’t think you’d be joining us since it’s your last night with Samuel.”

Our last night.

“I’m hoping it’s not. I intend to talk to him about getting more time off from his work and joining us on Margarita Island.”

Yasmine nods. There’s something amiss in her expression as though she knows something I don’t.

“What?”

“Nothing. I want you to be careful, that’s all.”

“I am.” I file through clothes deciding on what to wear tonight. “I’ll chat to you tomorrow because I doubt I’ll be coming back here tonight.” I throw a wink her way.

“I didn’t expect so. Be contactable, okay? We need to leave here by ten.”

“I’ll pack up my gear now. Tell the girls I’ll see them tomorrow.”

When the door closes, I throw clothes into my suitcase. Time is scarce, and I need it to prepare myself for the sweetest night with Samuel.

I told him I’d meet him at the restaurant.

When I make my way along the winding path, I can’t ignore the thoughts in my head warning me not to get my hopes up. This is only a holiday romance.

I want it to be more.

By the way his eyes sear me when I walk into the restaurant, I know he feels the same way.

“Wow,” he says, standing to greet me. “You’re stunning.”

I give him an easy smile. “What are you drinking?”

“The local beer. What can I order for you?”

“A white wine.”

Our conversation remains safe, and we continue to banter about trivial things as though we’re catching up like long-lost friends.

Coldplay’s“Viva La Vida” sounds through the speaker, and I smile. “I’ve always loved Coldplay. Watched them perform live in Adelaide.”

“A great band.”

“What’s your favorite song?”

“A “Sky Full of Stars.””

“Same,” I say as though we’re playing a card game of Snap.

Only his expression is serious. His eyes hold mine captive as though he’s searching for more. “Where’s your happy place?”

“Depends. There are many places that can relax me. Back home, I love nothing more than sitting out under the Southern Cross and looking up at the stars. No building to block my view, only the sound of the ocean as a reminder I’m not in heaven.”

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