Page 49 of Paradise Pride

“No! I didn’t mean that.”

“You make it sound like I’ve ruined your future, but who says I don’t want children? Don’t speak for me when you haven’t even asked whatIwant. Besides, you’re the one with teenage parents. Out of all people, you should know that age doesn’t matter when it comes to parenthood.” Her resolve to remain calm crumbled, and she shot Meghan a fierce look. “I asked you if dating someone like me would be a problem to you, and you waved it off.”

“It’s not just children. It’s…” Meghan’s eyes were glazed as she let out a huff of frustration and shook her head. “I don’t know.”

“Exactly. You don’t.” Florence got up. “You don’t know anything.” Parting was difficult enough, but hearing Meghan make up excuses when all she craved was a promise was more than Florence could handle, even though it didn’t come as a surprise. “I’ll get the food,” she mumbled, avoiding Meghan’s gaze as she headed for the kitchen.

Taking the pan from the stove, she stared down at the stew and let out a deep sigh. Why was she picking a fight, tonight of all nights? Why couldn’t she just be with Meghan without expectations? And why was she acting so bloody clingy when she’d never been clingy before? She turned as she felt a presence behind her.

“Do you want me to leave?” Meghan asked, meeting her eyes.

“No.” Florence took her by the waist and tugged her closer. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to leave at all, you know that.” This push-and-pull was driving her mad, and she wished she could put her emotions on hold. “Shall we eat?”

“Not for me. I’m not hungry,” Meghan said. “I just made it for you.”

Florence gave her a sad smile. “I’m not hungry either. If I don’t, Manuel will eat it. It looks great, but…”

Meghan nodded. “I feel sick too.” She wrapped her arms around Florence’s waist. “Look, I have to meet Kim at the hotel in a few hours to pack our stuff and head for the airport, as we have an early flight. Why don’t we go to your bedroom? I don’t want to fight. I just want to hold you while I can, but if this is too difficult for you, then maybe it’s best if I go.”

“No. Please stay.” Florence felt a lump form in her throat. She’d miss those big, dark eyes, Meghan’s touch, her smell, her kisses, her laugh and her smile. “What time is your bus leaving?”

“Five a.m.”

Florence nodded, forcing her focus away from that bloody internal clock that was counting down the minutes. “Then come on.” Leading the way to her room, she lay down and spread her arms; Meghan scooted close and held her in return. Their foreheads resting against each other, they lay still, in silence. Knowing this may be the last time, Florence closed her eyes and focused on Meghan’s breathing, on her warm body aligned with hers. If these were their final hours together, she wanted to remember it all, no matter how painful it would be.

49

Meghan

“Will you walk me to Paradise?” Meghan asked, then let out a sarcastic huff. Right now, the name seemed ridiculous, and ‘hell’ would be more fitting. She didn’t want to go back, but work was waiting, and life was waiting. She wasn’t comfortable facing Kim either, after avoiding her for the past three days while claiming she was with Tiger.

“What if Kim sees us?”

“You could pretend to be working?” Meghan suggested. “Put on your work shirt. Then it will make sense that you’re there.”

“Even if it’s the middle of the night?”

Meghan shrugged. “Kim doesn’t pick up on details. She’s not that observant.” She watched Florence get up and take off her tank top. She wasn’t wearing a bra, and one last time, she took in her small breasts and lean frame. Her eyes darted over the feminine curves she’d caressed and her strong shoulders and back. “You’re beautiful,” she whispered, sighing when Florence put on her Paradise polo shirt.

“You’re beautiful, Meghan.” Florence crawled back on the bed and straddled her. “You’re beautiful and special in every way, and I will never forget this time with you for as long as I live.”

“That sounds so definite. It doesn’t have to be the end.” Meghan felt sick, and she fought back her tears. She wasn’t going to cry; she’d cried more than she had in years this holiday, which was strange, as it had also been the happiest time of her life.

“I’m not going to go around in circles with you again.” Florence cupped her face and kissed her. The touch of her lips was sweet and soft yet electric, and it awoke all Meghan’s senses. “You’re not ready. Maybe you’ll never be ready, and I don’t want to be left hanging. I can’t handle it.”

“You’re right. It’s not fair to you.” Meghan pulled her back to kiss her again, then turned to the nightstand when her phone rang. “It’s Tiger,” she said with a frown.

“Why would he be calling you in the middle of the night?”

“I have no idea. Maybe something happened to Kim.” Panicking a little at the thought, Meghan picked up and put him on loudspeaker while she got up and searched for her sandals. “Hey. What’s going on? Is Kim okay?”

“Yes, Kim is fine.” Tiger cleared his throat. “It’s just that, she called me earlier, and she sounded like she’d had a few drinks. She wanted to speak to you, but you weren’t picking up your phone, so I said you were taking a bath. I think she’s expecting me to come and say goodbye.”

“Right.” Meghan hardly dared look at Florence. “I’m so sorry you’re caught in the middle of this.”

“It’s okay. I can come and pick you up if you want? But you owe me one. Your friend woke me up from my blissful sleep.”

“Of course. Thank you. I’ll send you the address.”

---