Page 24 of Downfall

“Small world. I’ll have to come check it out sometime. Do you work with her, too?”

“No, I’m back in school getting a second major. But I’m at her place for brunch most Sundays. You should definitely come by.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that. You should probably get those drinks back to your friend before all the ice is gone.”

I have no idea how long our margaritas have been sitting there, but he’s right. The glasses are covered in condensation when I pick them up, smiling at Rett as I take a step away from him.

“We’ll be here the whole week, too, so see you around,” I say, making a beeline for Viv.

Chapter 18

Abby

Tuesdaymorning,VivandI head to the beach after breakfast. We spend the rest of the morning sunbathing, reading, and drinking piña coladas. Around one o’clock, when it gets too hot to stay out in the sun any longer, we pack up our beach bags, planning to get some lunch.

When I stand to throw my coverup on, I see Rett walking toward us, weaving through lounge chairs. The sun glistens off his oiled muscles like he just left a photoshoot, his brown hair in artful disarray. His gray board shorts leave nothing to the imagination, and I force myself to focus on his face as he approaches, a huge smile on his face.

“Hey, ladies. Heading in?” he asks, then adds, “I’m glad I caught you,” in a low tone, just loud enough for me to hear.

“Yeah, we’re getting hungry, and we should probably have something other than rum for lunch.” I smile up at him, enjoying his rapt attention. He hasn’t taken his eyes off me, and I can feel my cheeks redden even through the flush already present from the sun.

Viv walks past us through the sand, squeezing my arm and winking at me as she heads back toward the resort. I’ll meet her back in the suite; we want to take quick showers before lunch.

Rett gives her a quick wave before turning back to me. “Have any dinner plans tonight? I was thinking about making a reservation at the hibachi place.”

“Not yet. I want to try that place while we’re here; it looks amazing.”

“Come with me. The guys are going to the Mexican place and your friend can have my seat. They’ll show her a good time,” he says, still with that damn smile on his face.

“Um, yeah, okay. I’ll run it by Viv, but I’m sure she’ll be fine with that. What time should I meet you?” I ask. I’m excited about going on a date without feeling like I’m being watched, feeling like he’ll disappear at the end of the night.

“Both reservations are at eight, so see you then.” He leans down and kisses my cheek, then casually strolls away like he didn’t just make me swoon.

I don’t usually go for the sweet, hopeful guy—the guy who already has the reservation made before he asks me on a date, just in case. The one who kisses me on the cheek instead of grabbing me by the throat and shoving their tongue in my mouth. But Rett is adorably endearing, and ridiculously hot, and I’m excited to see where this could go.

Maybe since I didn’t start seeing him at home, my stalker won’t find him. A girl can hope.

Viv was more than happy to go to dinner with a group of men who would ‘show her a good time’, so at eight o’clock, we meet Rett and his friends outside the Mexican restaurant. Rett introduces her to everyone, and within seconds, they are smitten with her. She is as aloof as they come, but for whatever reason, that makes fun-loving, golden retriever-type guys love her. They get a kick out of trying to get her to open up, to be social and friendly. And once they get a couple drinks in her, she will be. She’s got a wicked RBF, but she’s the best person I know.

Rett and I say our goodbyes as they all walk inside the restaurant, and we go across the courtyard to the hibachi place for our reservation. As the hostess leads us to our table, I take in the Japanese-inspired decor. The walls are bright red, large Japanese characters hanging and backlit around the space. White and black paper lanterns hang from the ceiling and provide a soft, intimate ambience.

We are seated on one side of the large griddle, with three other couples surrounding the table, as well. The dark wood chairs are surprisingly comfortable, and the server takes our orders right away, letting the chef know what he’ll need to bring out to cook.

After a few minutes, a server brings our drink orders. Rett doesn’t take a shot of tequila with me, but agrees to a shot of vodka instead. I wonder if Viv has had any luck getting the other guys to shoot tequila with her and hope she will have a shot day with me sometime this week.

By the time the chef wheels out his cart full of food to prepare for the table, I have a good buzz going. Rett is great company, and our conversation has been fun and natural. It’s so nice to feel free, especially with someone I actually like.

The chef jokes with the table, putting on a show as he cooks our food. He tosses a piece of shrimp into the air that Rett catches easily between his teeth, and everyone at the table claps for him. His grin is infectious, and I find myself smiling with him throughout the chef’s performance.

“You said you’re back in school, right? What did you originally major in?” Rett asks me while we eat.

“Accounting. I had planned to become a CPA, but I hated it, and some other things changed, so I went back to major in my passion instead. It’s been amazing.”

“Sounds like it. I’m lucky that I enjoy what I do.”

“And what’s that?”

“I’m a defense attorney. It’s hard work, but I get to stand up for people who wouldn’t be able to do it for themselves. It’s rewarding for me.”

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