Page 40 of Paradise Pride

Meghan stared at him for a long moment before she flung her arms around his neck. “Really?”

“Yes.” Tiger patted her back, then gently pushed her away. “Just don’t squeeze me so hard. You’re hot, and I’m only human.” He grinned. “I’m not going to lie. When I saw you arrive at the restaurant, I was seriously keen on taking you out.”

“I’m sure you’ll find someone else to take out.” Meghan reached out to squeeze his bicep. “Women must be lining up for this.” She smiled as she entered her number and waited for him to send her his. “So, friends?”

“Friends,” he said. “Message me when you’re desperate for an excuse.” He waved his phone at her before he slipped it back into his pocket. “Does your girl live far? Do you want me to walk you to her place?”

Your girl.Meghan winced at his words. It was strange to hear him say it—and something she might have to get used to. “Thank you, but as you know, it’s perfectly safe.” She smiled and gave him another grateful glance as she held her hands in a praying position in front of her chest. “Thank you, again. I’ll make it up to you one day.”

40

Florence

“Tiger is your alibi?” Florence turned Meghan’s way as they walked. Her mind was spinning as she processed what Meghan told her. It was only ten o’clock when Meghan showed up, so she’d met her outside and suggested they’d go for a walk. The little beach bar on a concrete platform overlooking the sea was closing soon, but Florence’s uncle owned it, and he didn’t mind her hanging out there while the staff was winding down over after-work drinks. “Let me get this straight. You’re pretending you’re with Tiger so you can spend time with me?”

“Yes.” Meghan fell silent as she chewed her cheek. “I don’t feel good about lying to Kim, but you should have heard her. She was so pushy with Tiger. And she wanted to have breakfast with me tomorrow morning, and I didn’t know what to say, so I may have indicated that I like him. I explained everything to him, and he said I could use him as an excuse to see you.”

Florence took her hand as they crossed the road to the beach. “That’s nice of him.” She should have felt relieved, but the fact that Meghan was lying to her best friend didn’t sit right. “You’ll never be able to keep this up the whole week, though.”

“Possibly, but at least it will buy me some time.”

“I don’t want to claim you,” Florence said. “I don’t want you to lie for me. Just do what you need to do. I’m not going anywhere.”

Meghan shook her head. “No. You took time off for me, and I want to see you.” She put an arm around Florence’s waist, and Florence melted.

She led them along the shore to where the strip of beach became narrower. She was dating a woman who used a man as an excuse to see her. Was she losing herself? Was she being untrue to herself just by taking part in this?

“I just worry about your relationship with Kim in the long run, but I suppose that’s none of my business,” she said, knowing deep down that wasn’t the real reason why it felt wrong to her. Out and proud, she’d always vowed never to be anyone’s secret after a difficult short-term relationship with a closeted woman, but here she was, hiding behind Tiger, who would supposedly be ‘dating’ Meghan for the rest of her stay.

“Does it bother you?” Meghan asked. “I sense something…” She paused. “I don’t know. I feel like you’re annoyed about the situation.”

“No,” Florence lied. “I’m fine—as long as we can be together.” Realistically, she knew the chances of this working out were small to begin with, and remembering Manuel’s words to have fun and make memories while it lasted, she shook off her unease and focused on the good. They’d only just met; it wasn’t serious. Meghan was everything she’d ever wanted, and although it wouldn’t be forever, she had her for now. Maybe that was good enough. “Do you feel like a nightcap?” she asked, pointing to the bar, which had just turned off its lights for the night.

“Sure. Can we go there? It looks like it’s closed.”

“I can, and you’re with me.” Florence winked. “It’s so much better without all the tourists.”

She walked ahead up the steps and knocked on the door. The owner looked irritated when he first opened it, only to break out into laughter when he saw her. “Florence, come here.” He crushed her into a hug and greeted Meghan, then gestured for them to walk through the venue. “I see you have a lady friend with you. How about a bottle of rioja?”

“Thank you, Uncle Edgar, that would be lovely,” Florence said, pulling her bank card out of her back pocket.

“No, no, no, no, no. I don’t want your money. Go out there and enjoy yourselves,” he insisted, pushing a bottle and two glasses into her hands. “Anything for my favourite niece. Is this a romantic occasion?”

“It might be,” Florence said sheepishly, then thanked him for the wine.

“Very well, we won’t disturb you. Have fun, ladies.”

“That’s your uncle?” Meghan whispered as they passed a handful of staff members drinking at the bar.

“Yes, my mother’s brother. I didn’t want to tell you upfront because I thought you might freak out if I mentioned family.” Florence chuckled. “But he’s more like a friend to me, so don’t worry. It’s super casual.”

“He seems sweet.” Meghan followed her outside to the back terrace and closed the door behind them. “And wow, this is so lovely.” She looked out over the horizon that was sparkling in the moonlight. “And so quiet.”

“It is, right? Just the rustling of the waves and the chatter of staff inside. They won’t bother us and my uncle won’t either.” Florence opened the bottle and poured them wine. She liked coming here; sometimes she’d sit outside talking to her uncle until the sun came up.

“I didn’t know you were such a romantic,” Meghan said, looking her over with a raised brow.

“I wouldn’t call myself a romantic, but I want you to enjoy yourself so you’ll come back.” Florence held up her glass. “Can we toast to a reunion?”

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