Page 60 of One Night in Hawaii

“What’s this?”

“It’s my guest pass,” he replied. “Come hang out.”

“I don’t think I’m up for that.”

“You’re going to sit around here and sulk. That’s good for no one. Just come hang out. You get two free drinks with that card. I have to go to work, but you don’t need to sit around and pout.”

“I’m not pouting,” I insisted.

“Get up and get out of here. You’re driving yourself crazy. Archer has to handle his business. Give him time.”

“I am,” I said.

“I’ll see you in a bit,” he said. “Don’t sit here. I mean it.”

He walked away and I was left with a decision to make. I thought about doing some research for my whale trip, but that was something I had done a hundred times. Going to the resort was one way to surround myself with people and distractions. That’s what I needed.

“A watched pot never boils.”

I went below deck and took a quick shower. I put on my favorite turquoise bikini and adjusted the straps, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I headed to the Turtle Bay resort. It was a sunny day, and the salty breeze caressed my skin. I spent the majority of my time in the ocean. Sometimes, it was nice to lounge poolside with a fruity drink.

As I walked into the resort, the scent of sunscreen and the sound of crashing waves filled the air. The sight of the luxurious pool area made me feel like I was stepping into paradise. I presented the card to the young lady I knew from my other visits to see Ryder.

I walked to the largest pool that was very busy. Young and old splashed around with lots of laughter. I found an available lounger and quickly shed my coverup and shorts. I stretched out, feeling like one of the guests that could afford the luxury accommodations.

“Shiloh!”

Ryder waved as he walked up from the beach area. He was shirtless with a lanyard around his neck, identifying him as an employee of the resort.

“Hey there,” he said, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “Glad you made it!”

I blushed slightly, feeling a little foolish for my surly attitude the last couple of days. “Thanks for the day pass. This is exactly what I needed. You’re always looking out for me.”

“No worries. It’s my pleasure to have you here. Just relax. You never take time to just be. Chill. Make good use of the bar.”

“That sounds fantastic. I could use a refreshing drink right about now.”

As I lounged by the pool, Ryder occasionally stopped by to check on me, making sure I had everything I needed. I appreciated him taking care of me. Sometimes, I forgot that I wasn’t alone. I could lean on him. He liked to feel needed.

I got myself a drink and went back to my chair. I watched the kids playing in the pool and the proud parents that kept a close eye on them. I never really thought about my future. I knew I wanted to do the whale migration, but beyond that, I never bothered to plan a future. I didn’t think about finding a husband or having children. I never met a man I could ever imagine myself settling down with. I loved being a free spirit. I loved getting up and pulling up the anchor and just going wherever I wanted to for that day.

Archer never implied he wanted a future with me. We talked in present tense. Archer may not be the man for me, but maybe it was time I started to think that way. I didn’t want to be alone anymore. I wanted companionship. I wanted to love and be loved. I wanted to feel as good as Archer made me feel that night.

“Shiloh?”

My ears were deceiving me. I pushed up my sunglasses and looked right at Penelope Ryatt. My heart skipped a beat. I looked behind her. “Penelope, what are you doing here?”

“Ryder told me he worked here,” she said, smiling. “I thought this would be a good place to look for him.”

“Are you back?”

“I am,” she said. “Just me. Not Archer. You’re stuck with me.”

I tried to hide my disappointment, but it was impossible not to feel it. I missed him. I was desperate to see him again.

“I’m thrilled to be stuck with you,” I said, smiling. “Pull up a chair. Do you want a drink?”

“The waiter is bringing one over. I’m surprised you’re here.”

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