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“What?”
“I can move in here for a few months when the baby is born. Relieve you of some of the rent and help out.”
“Oh, Monica. I can’t ask you to do that,” I said.
“Why not? I write from home. I could watch the baby if you do end up finding a job, or if you’re just tired. Whatever. I want to help.”
I felt my eyes growing watery as I looked at my best friend who was willing to change her whole life to help me out. It was overwhelming. I couldn’t say anything.
“You don’t have to decide now, but I want to help. I am Auntie Monica after all.”
I laughed softly. “Coolest aunt ever.”
“I know,” she said proudly.
She looked over at the wall of boxes and gift bags and seemed to think for a second.
“And don’t forget…you still have that check. If things got really bad.”
I shook my head. That would be my last resort.
Chapter 40
Daniel
The next morning, I woke up and reluctantly packed my suitcase. I was leaving. The night before had felt like a dream with Kiera showing up here, but I knew it wasn’t. She had been here. I had tasted her. I had almost taken it too far. The thought made me sick to my stomach because somehow it felt like a betrayal to Heart.
Heart, the woman who told me she never wanted to see me again. I owed nothing to her, but my heart was still with her. It was frustratingly painful.
I got dressed and walked down to the restaurant to eat breakfast. My flight wasn’t until later that afternoon. It was the soonest one I could find that would get me out of here. As I approached the restaurant, I could see Kiera’s back to me as she waited at the hostess stand. She wore a sheer coverup over another skimpy bikini, turning everyone’s heads. She hadn’t seen me yet. I stopped in my tracks and made a quick turn toward the steps of the beach.
She was still here. Obviously. It wasn’t like she was going to pass up on a vacation at a five-star resort simply because she didn’t have her way with me. It was good I was getting out of there soon. I didn’t want to risk seeing her again.
I would order some breakfast on the beach. It would be a nice sendoff to this beautiful place. A server came down who wasn’t Collette, and handed me a menu. I studied it for a moment and ordered eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
I settled into a lounge chair to wait for my food. The waves crashed gently against the shore, filling my ears with the calm sounds of the ocean. I was disappointed I had to leave today. This place was truly paradise, until my brother ruined it all.
“Mr. Jacobs, I have your food.”
I opened my eyes and saw the server standing over me with a bucket of champagne and a tray of food. I sat up and made room for him to set it down on the lounge chair.
“Thank you,” I said.
I was ravenous. I realized I hadn’t eaten dinner last night after my afternoon surf and too strong of cocktails that Collette had served me. Then I had passed out and Kiera was at my door. The whole night was a blur.
I dug into the eggs and took a bite of crispy bacon, watching as guests passed by hand in hand enjoying their morning at the beach with sandy toes.
“Daniel?” I heard someone say.
Shit. I knew that voice.
I looked to my right and saw Kiera walking toward me, trying to balance a mimosa and walk in heels. Not the best choice of footwear for the sand. I shook my head at how ridiculous she looked.
She plopped down in the lounge chair next to mine, her mimosa sloshing out of her cup and spilling on her tan skin.
“Oops.” She giggled.
“Kiera, you shouldn’t be here.”