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“Let’s not talk about this anymore, okay?” He leaned back, looking casual and handsome. “We’re heading to our wedding, so let’s put the stress aside so we can relax. We both need a vacation.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been on vacation. My mom’s freedom and the blackmail had loomed over me for so long that I had become used to the stress.

“Okay,” I said.

“Have you been to Hawaii?”

“No.”

“Do you have any idea what you want to do for those unscheduled days?”

“Not yet. Let’s play it by ear and see what happens. Sometimes, it’s best to let things be.”

Though I could see something swirling in his eyes, he said nothing.

Attikus was a scheming man who fascinated and terrified me. What if I wasn’t careful enough and fell into one of his traps?

“What are you scheming about?”

“What makes you ask that?” He tapped his fingers on the manila folder.

“I can see it in your eyes.”

“I had a plan, and it had nothing to do with you.” He reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “But now it haseverythingto do with you.” His gaze intensified as he kissed my hand and each of my fingers.

I couldn’t take my eyes from his lips nibbling my skin. I sucked in a breath, trying to control the moan that wanted to come out. “What do you mean?”

“Would you believe me if I said you’re the reason I have to reorganize my life?” He opened my palm and dropped a kiss on it. “You have beautiful hands and elegant fingers.”

I lost all train of thought. All I could think about was him standing shirtless in the kitchen with the knit pants hanging low on his hips.

“You have a beautiful face and an exceptional body,” I said before I could stop myself.

Realizing my mistake, I tried to yank my hand from his grip, but he wouldn’t let it go. A wide smile stretched his face, transforming it. He was gorgeous when he smiled like that.

“You’re welcome to explore it anytime you want.” His eyes sparked. “I think we should do a lot of exploring in the next few days. What happens in Maui stays in Maui.”

I couldn’t believe what he was proposing. I wasn’t thinking correctly and feared I’d say something I’d regret.

So the safest reply I came up with was, “We can explore snorkeling.”

This time, he released my hand. I busied myself in the magazine and looked at the same page for the rest of the flight.

Attikus turned on his laptop and began working as if the provocative conversation and crazy proposal hadn’t occurred. He was pushing my buttons, but why?

I scolded myself for even considering the proposal. This was our vacation—my escape from reality. Could I have a moment of fun without repercussions? Was that what he meant? Was I reading too much into his offer? Was this vacation exempt from the contract? Did I want it to be?

Stop it with the madness, Vanessa.

Then the pilot announced we’d be landing in twenty minutes.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

ATTIKUS

Vanessaand I had eloped to get married. It was better this way. My mom and sister wouldn’t like it, but they’d forgive me when I gave them the news after the fact.

I sat inside Happily Ever After Boutique, waiting for Vanessa to try on her dress. We’d arranged a private appointment, so no one else was there.