Page 8 of Knot Your Sunshine (Snugverse Romcom #2)

Chapter seven

Mia

The golf cart rolls to a stop at the resort's grand entrance, and I forget how to breathe.

Towering white columns frame the entrance, rising at least three stories to support a wraparound veranda draped in flowering vines. The main doors stand open and I can see straight through the soaring lobby to the Pacific beyond, where endless blue stretches to meet the sky.

"Holy shit," I whisper.

Elena squeezes my hand. "Mia, this place is insane."

We step into the vast lobby, where polished koa floors shimmer in the light and ornate brass fans stir the air in slow circles. At the center, the reception desk looks carved from a single massive tree trunk, the wood so polished I can see my reflection in its surface.

"I feel underdressed," Rose says, smoothing her cotton dress with both hands. "Should I have worn pearls? I have pearls in my luggage."

"Mom, you look perfect," Elena assures her.

James gives a low whistle that echoes slightly in the vast space. "Used to think I'd only see places like this through the service entrance, delivering pastries at dawn."

"And look at you now," Dorian grins, clapping him on the shoulder. "Here as an esteemed guest."

Cole's gaze sweeps the lobby in a practiced pattern. "Multiple escape routes. Good sight lines. Minimal choke points. I approve."

"Of course that's what you notice," Elena teases, nudging him with her hip.

"Miss Everly?" A woman behind the reception desk smiles as we approach. Her name tag reads 'Leilani' in elegant script, and fresh plumeria tucked behind her ear matches her lavender uniform. "We've been expecting you."

"Hi, yes, that's me." My voice comes out smaller than intended, like I'm twelve and checking into a hotel for the first time.

Her fingers dance across a keyboard hidden beneath the desk's lip. "Here we are. The Ali'i Royal Suite."

"The Aleehee Royal Suite?" I attempt the pronunciation, hoping I'm getting it right.

"Our premier accommodation." Leilani's smile widens, revealing perfect teeth. "Your suite features a panoramic ocean view, a private terrace with full amenities, and complimentary access to everything the resort offers, including our spa and private beach."

My brain short-circuits somewhere between "ocean view" and "spa."

"Your escort will show you to your suite." She gestures to a young man in crisp resort uniform who appears so suddenly I wonder if there's a secret door I missed. "Koa will ensure you're properly settled. Your luggage is already waiting inside."

"I... thank you."

Elena pulls me into a quick hug, her excitement vibrating through the embrace. "I'm so excited for you."

* * *

"The Ali'i Royal Suite, Miss Everly." Koa stops at a door with carved handles, and opens it with a flourish.

I step inside and my jaw literally drops.

The entryway opens into a living space bigger than my entire Lakeview apartment, afternoon sunlight pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows.

I drift forward, my feet moving without conscious thought. My fingers trail along the back of a curving couch upholstered in silk. A welcome basket the size of a small table overflows with tropical fruits and a bottle of champagne.

The bedroom draws me next. A king-sized bed drowns in pristine white linens, and a golden throw at the foot of the bed shimmers with embroidered sea turtles.

Original paintings line the walls: outrigger canoes cutting through waves, colorful fishes gliding through coral gardens, a volcano erupting under starlight.

I head toward a glass door and slide it open to step onto a balcony that seems to run the entire length of the suite. A hot tub steams in one corner, built into the railing so you can soak while staring at the ocean, and lounge chairs with thick cushions invite afternoon naps.

Then I look out, and gasp loud enough to startle a bird from a nearby palm.

The view stretches on forever, the ocean unfurling in three shades of blue, just like I saw from the helicopter: turquoise near the shore, deepening to sapphire, then fading into navy where the seafloor vanishes.

Below, a flawless crescent of white sand cradles the shoreline, waves curling in with a soothing rhythm.

"I can't believe this is real," I whisper to the ocean breeze.

My phone buzzes against my hip, breaking the spell. I pull it out.

Elena: Our suite is RIDICULOUS! Five bedrooms! How's yours?

I type back: I think I might be in an actual palace. Haven't even found the bathroom yet!

Elena: Coming here was the best idea ever. Can't wait to see everything this place has to offer.

Me: Beach in an hour? Gives us time to shower.

Elena: Perfect, see you there!

I slip my phone back into my pocket, a smile tugging at my lips. Maybe Josh's boss arriving in a few days isn't a bad thing after all…

* * *

I tilt my face toward the sun with a contented sigh, the lounge chair cradling me as waves whisper against the shore in a steady rhythm.

The condensation on my iced tea glass drips onto my stomach, making me shiver, and I lift the drink to savor a refreshing blend of pineapple and mint. Down the beach, distant laughter mingles with the ocean breeze as other guests enjoy their own slice of heaven.

For the first time in months, my mind is completely, blissfully blank.

Elena and her pack have colonized a section of beach like they're establishing a small kingdom.

Dorian and James crouch over an elaborate sandcastle that's beginning to look suspiciously like an actual architectural model, complete with flying buttresses.

James gestures wildly, apparently arguing for the addition of a moat, while Dorian shakes his head.

Cole has Elena tucked against his side on a beach blanket, his lips moving against her ear in a stream of what must be absolutely filthy promises based on her increasingly red face and delighted giggles.

"Well hello there, gorgeous."

The deep voice makes every female head in a ten-foot radius swivel like synchronized swimmers. An alpha with silver fox hair and the kind of tan you can't get from a bottle stands near Rose's chair, holding two drinks that glow radioactive blue and sport enough fruit garnish to count as a salad.

"I thought you might enjoy something with a bit more... adventure than iced tea," he says, offering Rose one of the drinks with a smile that probably made many an omega swoon in his younger days. Hell, probably still even now.

Rose sits up straighter, her hand going to her hair in a gesture I recognize from Elena. "Well, aren't you presumptuous." She takes the drink anyway, batting her lashes. "I'm Rose."

"Julian." He settles into the empty chair beside her. "I saw you from the bar and thought, now there's a woman who seems to appreciate the finer things. Am I wrong?"

Elena and I lock eyes across the sand, both pressing our lips together to keep from laughing.

"Your mom's still got it," I whisper, leaning toward Elena's blanket.

"At sixty-six, she's pulling better than I did at twenty-two," Elena whispers back. We watch Rose throw her head back, laughing at something Julian says, her hand briefly touching his forearm.

I sink deeper into my chair, letting my eyes drift closed. The sun paints red patterns on the inside of my eyelids. Time becomes syrupy, flowing slow and sweet.

When I crack my eyes open and check my watch, fourty minutes have vanished like smoke.

Rose now has a deck of cards spread between her and Julian on a small table that definitely wasn't there before.

She's explaining something that involves a lot of hand gestures while Julian watches her with the focus of a man who's found something unexpected and delightful.

Dorian and James have abandoned architecture for worship, stretched out on towels with Elena between them.

Cole adjusts the umbrella he's planted, twice, three times, until the shadow falls exactly where Elena won't burn.

Only then does he settle, the satisfied look on his face like he's just slain a dragon.

I drain the last of my tea, ice cubes clinking, and push myself up. "Going for a walk."

"Mm-hmm," Elena mumbles, not even opening her eyes. James's hand is playing with her hair while Dorian traces patterns on her arm, and she looks about three seconds from purring.

The sand burns hot between my toes until I reach the waterline, where it turns firm and cool. My footprints fill with water behind me, and I take I deep breath.

No notifications pinging. No appointments. Just me and the endless ocean.

And—Oh my God.

A figure in the distance rides a wave, the water peeling beneath his board in a perfect curl.

The wave dies as it reaches shallow water not twenty feet away from me, and he steps off the board in one fluid motion.

He shakes his head, and droplets fly in a perfect arc as dark hair settles against his shoulders.

My heart forgets its job entirely.

He tucks the board under one arm and walks straight out of the surf.

Straight toward me.

The closer he gets, the more details assault my senses.

At least six-foot-three of golden skin stretched over lean muscle that flexes with each step.

Water traces the definition of his chest, following paths I wouldn't mind tracing with my fingers.

Board shorts hang low on his hips, and the way he moves, relaxed, utterly at home in his body, makes my mouth go desert dry.

"Keanu," he says when he reaches me, a lazy smile crinkling the corners of sea-green eyes.

Words. I had those once. "Mia."

"Mia." He rolls my name around like he's tasting wine. "Beautiful name for a beautiful woman." His gaze travels over me, slow, deliberate, appreciative. "You enjoying the view?"

My eyes have their own agenda, sliding from his eyes to his pecs, abs, the very obvious bulge in his shorts… then snapping back up like they're on a bungee cord. "Yes, it's... beautiful. The ocean. The ocean is beautiful."

His chuckle rumbles between us. "The ocean always is."

He plants his surfboard in the sand, using the motion to step closer. Close enough that a trace of his scent drifts over to me. It's… citrusy? I can’t pin it down, and the not-knowing makes an omega whine claw up my throat.

"Closest I've gotten to surfing is falling off an inflatable swan in a lake," I blurt, forcing the words out just to smother the sound threatening to escape.

His smile widens, showing perfect teeth that flash white against his tan. "I could teach you. Help you find your... rhythm with the waves."

The way his tongue caresses 'rhythm' should be illegal. Heat pools low in my belly, and I bite my lip.

"I'm not sure I have the coordination for it."

"It's all about balance." Another step closer. I have to tilt my head back now to maintain eye contact. "Knowing when to lean in..." His voice drops to a rumble. "When to pull back. When to just... ride it out."

I fan myself with my hand, trying to be subtle and failing entirely. Is it hot? It feels hot.

"You make it sound easy," I manage, my voice coming out breathy.

"With the right partner, it is." His eyes hold mine, pupils dilated despite the bright sun. "I'm very good at helping people find their center. Very... hands on."

"Hands on," I repeat stupidly, watching his pupils dilate further. "That sounds—"

"Hey, Mia!"

I jerk back so fast I nearly fall, suddenly aware I'd been leaning toward him like a plant toward sunlight.

Elena jogs over with her pack trailing behind, worry creasing her brow. Then she sees Keanu, really sees him, and her eyes go wide with an expression that screams 'oh shit, terrible timing.'

"Elena, this is Keanu. Keanu, my best friend Elena and her pack: Dorian, James, and Cole."

"Nice to meet you all." Keanu's nod is friendly, but his eyes are quickly back on mine. He reaches for my hand, and when our skin makes contact, electricity shoots straight up my arm and directly to… other parts.

He holds on a beat longer than necessary, his thumb brushing across my palm.

One last heated look, then he grabs his board and jogs back toward the ocean, catching a wave that carries him further away.

I stand frozen, heart trying to pound its way out of my chest, mesmerized.

"God, I'm so sorry!" Elena's hands flap between us. "I didn't realize you were having a moment! I saw him getting close and thought—I just wanted to make sure you were okay!"

"No, it's fine." I press my hand to my chest, trying to slow my racing pulse. "I need to keep my head in the game anyway. Can't get distracted by hot surfer alphas when I'm here to pitch a business idea."

The words taste like chalk.

"Oh please," Elena loops her arm through mine, tugging me back toward our chairs. "As you once told me when I was being an idiot about my love life, you deserve to have fun. And that man was looking at you like you were water in the desert."

"Men look at me like a lot of things." I shrug, trying for casual. "Doesn't mean anything ever comes of it."

"Stop that." Elena stops walking, forcing me to face her. "I was literally hiding my designation, terrified of who I was, convinced I was broken. And love still found me. You? You're brave and open and amazing. You'll absolutely find your someone. Or someones."

"Yeah... maybe."

But as she head back to our chairs, where Julian is now feeding Rose banana slices, a familiar doubt starts its whisper.

Why can't I actually believe I'll ever find anyone for me?