Page 39 of Paradise Pride

39

Meghan

“Andres is driving. We’ll drop you off at the hotel.” Kim got up and took Andres’ hand. “Right, love?”

“No need, I’m fine,” Meghan said. Despite the challenging start, the night had been fun, and she liked Andres very much. Even Tiger wasn’t so bad; although he had tried it on a few times, he’d eventually given up.

“I wouldn’t dream of letting you go back by yourself.” Andres dangled his car keys from his index finger.

“I mean it. I’d like to walk. The beach is nice at night.” Meghan lingered by the table, hoping they would leave so she could head in the opposite direction, to Florence’s apartment.

“Then I’ll walk with you. I’m going the same way.” Tiger held up a hand. “Don’t worry, I got the message. You’re not into me, it’s fine. But I’m still a gentleman, and a gentleman never lets a lady walk home in the dark.”

“Great idea. Why don’t you two head back together?” Kim hugged Meghan goodbye, and that hopeful sparkle in her eyes was back. Meghan knew what she was thinking: maybe if she and Tiger spent some time alone, he’d grow on her, and then they’d fall in love, and they could all hang out together, get married, have babies at the same time and live happily ever after in Spain. Okay, maybe not to that extent, but she was positive there was a hint of selfishness to Kim’s eagerness. “Tiger’s right. It’s dark, and I don’t want you wandering around alone.”

Meghan suppressed a groan. This was Benidorm, not some shady neighbourhood on the outskirts of London. “Fine,” she said. “Walk with me.” She could always shake him off and jump into a taxi later, but for now, she couldn’t see a way out.

Kim’s eyes widened in excitement, and she gave her another hug. “Give him a chance,” she whispered in her ear. “He’s a nice guy.” She stepped back and rubbed Meghan’s arm. “See you tomorrow for a late breakfast?”

“Tomorrow?” Meghan hesitated. She didn’t want to rush back early tomorrow just so she could pretend she’d slept in her room. “Can I message you to confirm?” Kim opened her mouth, no doubt about to ask a million questions, so she quickly added, “Just in case…you know…” She glanced sideways at Tiger, who was talking to Andres by his car. It was a stupid thing to say; she was only buying time, but it was too late to come back from it.

“Of course.” Kim bounced on the spot and pumped a balled fist. “I knew you’d like him, although you have a weird way of showing it.” She lowered her voice. “Have fun, Megs. I get why you wanted to walk now. You need to work on your moves, though. You haven’t exactly been flirting with him.”

Meghan nodded and smiled half-heartedly, then waved Kim goodbye and waited for Tiger to join her. “Over the beach?” she asked.

“Yes, I love the beach. It’s the very reason I relocated here.” Tiger put a protective arm around Meghan, and although it irritated her, she waited until Andres drove off before she inched away.

“I’m sorry,” she said, “but I’m not heading for the hotel. I only said that to get Kim off my back.”

“Oh.” Tiger stopped at the zebra crossing and turned to her. “Then where are you going?”

Meghan sighed and shiftily looked to the sky. Her heart was pounding, and her palms felt clammy. If she told him the truth, he might tell Andres, and Andres would tell Kim. And if Kim knew, she’d have to tell her everything. “I’m spending the night with Florence,” she eventually said, taking a chance. Her shoulders dropped in relief as if uttering the words had physically deflated her. “The woman Kim mentioned earlier. The bartender.”

“Why didn’t you just say so right away?”

“Because I don’t know what I’m doing,” Meghan said honestly. “I’m only just starting to figure out this part of me, and I’m not ready to share it with anyone.”

“But you’re tellingme?”

“I didn’t have much choice, did I?” Meghan shrugged. “I couldn’t just walk off. That would be rude. Besides, it’s easier to confide in a stranger.”

Tiger nodded. “Thank you for being honest.” He pulled her back, as people were waiting to cross the road, and continued behind a parked car. “So, are you in love with her or something?”

“I’m not really sure. I just know that I want to be with her. I need to be with her. It’s like a strange pull has taken over every nerve in my body and every cell in my brain, and I’m acting on impulse alone.” Meghan didn’t expect him to understand, the way she was prattling on, but it felt good to say it out loud. “I can’t think straight.”

“Wow. That’s deep.” Tiger raised his brows. “And you’re not going to tell Kim? I thought you guys were super close.”

“I will tell her eventually, but I need time to figure this out on my own first.” Meghan met his eyes. “Are you going to tell Andres?”

“No. Why would I do that?” A hint of offence flickered in Tiger’s eyes as he furrowed his brows.

“Because he’s your best friend.”

“He is, but you’re telling me this in confidence, and I’m not an arsehole.”

“No…you’re not.” Meghan gave him a smile. “Thank you. I really appreciate it, but you don’t have to lie for me either.”

“I see it more as helping out a new friend. Seriously, it’s fine.” He winked and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Here, take my number. I’ll be your alibi until you tell Kim.”

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