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Either way, I refuse to let it keep me from enjoying this trip.
“All right,” I mutter to myself, straightening my shoulders as I look at my reflection in the mirror. “No more overthinking. No more worrying. You’re on a private island, in paradise. You are going to go out there, have fun, and feel better.”
My reflection stares back at me, unconvinced.
I sigh, smoothing a hand over my stomach. “Water and ginger ale only today. No fruity drinks. No rich foods. Just keep it simple.”
My stomach gives the faintest twist at the thought of food, and I grimace. I really, really don’t want to feel queasy the entire vacation.
Shaking it off, I focus on gettingready.
I slip on my swimsuit cover-up—an airy white chiffon wrap that falls just above my knees.
Beneath it, my swimsuit is a soft blue bikini, simple but flattering. I adjust the straps, smoothing my hands over my hips as I give myself one last once-over in the mirror.
It’s fine. I’m fine.
The beach is waiting, and I refuse to miss out.
With one last deep breath, I grab my sunglasses and head for the terrace doors, stepping out into the warm island air.
The salty breeze rushes over me as I step out onto the private terrace, my lightweight cover-up fluttering around my legs.
The warmth of the sun seeps into my skin almost instantly, and despite the lingering queasiness in my stomach, I can’t help but smile.
This place is breathtaking.
The soft sound of waves rolling onto the shore is like a constant, soothing melody, and from up here, I can see Cole and Robbie already down on the beach.
Robbie is running full speed toward the water, his little arms flailing excitedly, while Cole walks behind him at a more leisurely pace. Even from this distance, I can tell he’s relaxed—more so than I’ve ever seen him back home.
I take a deep breath, letting the fresh ocean air fill my lungs. I can do this. I’m not going to let some stupid queasiness keep me from enjoying this. Ishake out my nerves, adjust the loose straps of my cover-up, and turn toward the stairs that lead directly from my terrace to the beach.
By the time I make my way across the warm sand, Robbie is already knee-deep in the water, splashing around like it’s the best day of his life. Cole stands a few feet away, the crystal-clear waves lapping gently at his ankles, hands on his hips as he watches Robbie with an amused expression.
“Sorry I took so long,” I say, pushing my sunglasses up on my nose as I approach.
Cole turns to look at me, and the second his gaze drags over me—over my swimsuit, my bare legs, the way the sun highlights my skin—I feel an immediate rush of warmth that has nothing to do with the Caribbean heat.
His eyes darken slightly, just for a moment, before he schools his expression back into something more neutral.
“You’re fine,” he says, his voice steady, but there’s an edge to it—like he’s forcing himself to look away. “Robbie’s been making a game out of running back and forth anyway.”
As if to prove his point, Robbie squeals and races up the shore, only to immediately turn and run back into the water, sending a spray of it flying in every direction. I laugh, shaking my head. “I see that.”
I step forward, letting the cool waves wash over my feet, and sigh as the water eases some of the warmth from my skin. It feels amazing.
“Okay,” I say, looking at Robbie. “Do you want me to help build a sandcastle, or are you too busy being a sea monster?”
Robbie grins. “Sea monster first! Sandcastle later!”
I laugh again, shaking my head. “Fair enough.”
I take my cover up off and toss it on the sand behind me and wade in a little deeper, letting the water swirl around my calves as Cole steps beside me, his arm brushing mine for just a moment.
I glance at him and, for the first time since we got here, I see it—the ease in his posture, the way the usual tension in his shoulders is missing.
“You look like you actually belong on vacation,” I tease lightly.