Page 18 of Paradise Pride

“Thank you, I’ll come and meet you later,” Meghan said, marvelling at how kind everyone was. She’d never felt quite so welcome anywhere.

“Sorry I’m late. It took ages for the shower to turn warm.” Kim pointed up to their room.

“That’s okay. I haven’t been bored for a minute.” Meghan smiled at her. “Did you have a good night?”

“Oh, yes. It was amazing. Andres took me to a restaurant by the harbour, and we went for a long walk on the beach. And then we went back to his place for a bath and lots and lots of passionate sex.” Kim sighed dreamily. “What about you?”

“I had a great night too,” Meghan said. “No passionate sex, though,” she joked.

“Are you sure about that?” Kim opened her handbag and took out a napkin. “I found an English phone number on your floor. Who’s the lucky guy?”

“I have no idea.” Meghan took it and studied it. “It’s not mine, that’s for sure.” It was written on a hotel-branded napkin. Her stomach dropped as she glanced at the bar, where Florence was serving drinks.It must be hers.

Kim followed her gaze. “Did she stay over again?”

“She did stay over, so she might have left it behind,” Meghan admitted. “We were having drinks and then it got late, so I offered her your bed again.”

“Oh.” Kim frowned. “I don’t mind that she sleeps in my bed or anything, but don’t you think it’s a bit strange?”

“No. Why would it be strange?”

“Well, you barely know each other and she’s into women. She’s probably trying it on with you, Megs.” Kim held up both hands and chuckled. “I’m sorry to say this, but you can be a bit oblivious sometimes.”

“You’re wrong. We’re friends. I like her.”

“You like her, all right. You’re blushing when you talk about her,” Kim shot back. “Look, most women experiment at some point—at least, that’s what I’ve been told. There’s nothing wrong with being curious, but I don’t want you to get hurt. Especially if she’s taking other ladies’ phone numbers.”

Meghan felt uneasy at Kim’s comment because there was more truth to it than she dared to admit. “I appreciate your concern and you’re a good friend, but nothing happened, and nothingwillhappen. It’s as simple as that,” she said, getting up. “I’m going to get us drinks now, and when I come back, we’re going to talk about something else. Okay?”

“Sure.” Kim lowered her shades onto her nose and sank back on her sunbed. “Get me a margarita, will you? I’m loving the day drinking.”

18

Florence

“Meghan.” Florence nudged Manuel out of the way so she could serve Meghan. “What are you having?”

“Two margaritas, please.” Meghan leaned on the bar as she fiddled with something in her hands. “You left this in my room,” she said after a moment’s hesitation. “I figured you might need it.”

“What is it?” Florence sighed when she saw it was Amber’s number. She’d forgotten all about it. “Oh, yes, that’s mine. It must have fallen out of my pocket. I’m sorry, I…I mean, I’m not sorry, but—”

“What could you possibly be sorry for?” Meghan finally looked up at her, and although she was smiling, Florence sensed it wasn’t entirely sincere. Why did she feel like she had to apologise for it? It wasn’t like they were in a relationship of any kind. It was just harmless flirting. And why did Meghan seem equally uncomfortable discussing it? Was she jealous?

“Nothing.” She took the number and tucked it in her pocket. “Anyway, what did you say you wanted?” Forcing a smile, she hoped Meghan wouldn’t think she was into someone else, even though it would make no difference when Meghan was straight.

“Two margaritas.”

“Of course.” Florence didn’t dare look her in the eyes as she mixed the cocktails. Why did this suddenly feel so complicated? There was literally nothing complicated about their new friendship, but now it felt too multidimensional to dissect. “Here you go,” she said, putting the drinks in front of Meghan. “See you later?”

“Sure,” Meghan said politely. “I’ll be around.”

“Was that just me or was that an awkward moment?” Manuel asked after Meghan left. “I thought you said nothing happened between the two of you.”

“That’s true, but…”

“But what?” Manuel frowned. “Do you like her?”

“Yes,” Florence admitted. She’d rarely enjoyed a woman’s company as much as Meghan’s, and she was already excited for tonight. “I do like her, but she’s straight and a guest. Besides, she’s only here for two weeks.”

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