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CHAPTER FIVE

Becca

After taking an outdoor shower, I lie on my bed with the memory of John’s touch caressing my face.

When John insinuated that he’s been waiting for me, all this time, his hand dropped to my cheek, his thumb swiped over my skin, and I wanted to lean into his touch.

I didn’t, but oh, it took everything I had.

But no matter how strong our connection, it doesn’t change the fact that John and I can never be a thing.

Just as I’m dozing off for a little nap, my phone rings with a video call from Madison.

“Hey. Bad news. It will be at least late tomorrow before I can get there. Why is there no good way to this island?”

“I knew you should have come to Nashville and flown with me.”

“Believe me, I wish I could have. There’s a crick in my neck from trying to sleep in these airport chairs.”

Madison gasps when I fill her in on what happened today. Her hands fly over her mouth in surprise. “You’re kidding me.”

I explain that John didn’t clarify whether his dad sleeping with Stella was a one-off, a mistake in the throes of the moment, or whether Stella and his dad are still sleeping together. Stunned, her mouth hangs open .

“I know. I can’t imagine having a parent like John’s dad. To my knowledge, Mr. Basilio is the only family John has.” That statement hangs in the air as I chew on it. “Well, I need to get ready for dinner.”

And I need to stop thinking about John and allow myself to have fun in each moment.

“Ooh, wear something revealing. Or something form fitting. Who knows, you may meet a man tonight.”

I pluck the dress I intend to wear from the chair and show it to her. It’s light blue with spaghetti straps and a floral border at the hem. “It hits mid thigh.”

“Perfect. It’s sweet and sexy.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Becca. Let loose.”

I smile, hoping I will, as we end the video chat and mull over whether I want to be sweet and sexy or the vixen a man can’t look away from.

I’ll just be me and wear the blue dress. Madison is right—it’s perfect for vacation.

The sun has given my face a warm glow, so I opt for a little mascara and lip gloss, needing to break up with makeup this week. Feeling pleased with my appearance, I wiggle my feet into my wedge sandals and drive my golf cart back to the main resort.

I’m the first one in the lobby.

Always on time.

Always early.

It’s a hard habit to break, but I wish I could while on vacay. I want to live on island time. Maybe tomorrow I’ll be the second one to arrive.

Goals.

Reed and Brooke waltz into the lobby, hand in hand, laughing over something. “Hey, love your dress,” Brooke says.

“Why do guys never say, ‘Love your shirt. Where did you get it?’” Reed asks with teasing sarcasm. Brooke punches him lightly, and he gathers her in his arms and kisses her like he did when they first got together a decade ago.

Goals.

“Lettie turned me onto this little boutique in Nashville. It’s in an old house off the beaten path. Next time you come to Nashville, we’ll go.”

“Yes, let’s do it. I don’t know how many away games I’ll get to this year. Caleb is playing high school football and hockey. Cannon is in hockey and basketball. I swear I need a car that flies.”

“Lettie told me your ballet business is growing too. I know how exhausting it can be to be part of a large family. Maybe that’s why I feel so lonely right now.” It slips out before I can shove it back into my mouth. “I have Corbin and Oakley, but they have their own lives.”

Brooke gently tugs me away from the guys as more of them show up. “Do you miss your other siblings?”

“Yeah. I just thought Dennis and I would have kids by now. Everything I thought would happen, never did.”

Brooke lets a puff of air escape like she’s having a memory.

“My dad was all I had once my mom moved across the globe, so I understand. But somehow, I ended up with a life and family that I could have never imagined.” She shakes her head from side to side with a wide smile on her face.

“An only child now has five kids, a husband who can’t get enough of me, and his dad’s family.

I could never have dreamed of having this many people to love. ”

Her hand slides down to mine. I squeeze it. “Don’t feel guilty if you can’t be at every one of the kids’ activities. Corbin and I are proof that what matters most is that you support them. They’ll still love you if you miss a game or a practice.”

“I keep telling myself that. Bryce’s wife Emmaline helps as much as possible.”

Laughter erupts from the far side of the lobby. “Right on cue,” I say, watching Emmaline catch Bryce’s arm, pulling him toward her, puckering her lips. He leans down and presses his lips against hers.

I mumble, “Why is every Stallion so in love?”

Brooke pumps my hand and when Emmaline sees her, she practically sashays across the marble floor toward us. “Ladies,” she calls out. “I’m so excited. Sorry we couldn’t get here until now. My parents’ flight was delayed, which delayed us too.”

“Is your brother coming?” I ask, knowing that Emmaline’s brother plays on the Georgia Jets with Bryce.

“I wish. But they couldn’t make it. His wife is in her third trimester and didn’t want to risk it.”

Brooke chuckles. “There’s a risk no matter what you do. But each person must decide what’s best for them.”

“True coming from someone who has popped five babies out. Now let’s get to the bar,” Emmaline says loud enough to get the guys’ attention.

You can’t miss Dane and Lettie. She’s riding piggyback in her sundress, holding her heels. And it’s no surprise Lettie is laughing so hard, she’s snorting.

As we converge together, Reed asks, “What’s so funny?”

But it’s Dane’s face that turns a deep shade of red.

“We were just reminiscing about the last time we had fun in an elevator.” Lettie giggles as she lets her legs fall, and her feet touch the ground.

Finally, Corbin and Oakley arrive, appearing that they’ve started their honeymoon—freaking glowing.

I glance around for John but don’t ask where he is. The concierge leads us to our private dinner show.

Tiki torches glimmer down the path and around the white linen-covered tables, casting dancing shadows on the orchids.

A large, barbequed pig is the centerpiece of the buffet line with platters of tropical fruit piled high on each side.

But the man standing at the bar in tan shorts and a white polo catches my attention.

The sleeves stretch over his bulging forearms as he brings a cocktail to his lips .

John.

He's talking to a beautiful, fit woman with long, blond hair. Well, that didn’t take long. Stella left the resort about six hours ago. That’s how long it took for John to find a new plaything.

Bryce puts his fingers between his lips, wolf whistling. John recognizes the sound from his former teammate and turns to us. When the woman does also, I realize it’s Flynn’s wife, Presley. I shouldn’t let out a heavy sigh of relief, but I do.

Many of the Stallions are coming and leaving on different days, so tonight, there’s a manageable number of us to have a more intimate dinner for ten. John and I are seated together for the Lucky Luau.

Behind us, the ocean waves kiss the shore, steady as a clock. In front of us, colorful pods of flowers decorate the stage. Applause ripples through the crowd as the dancers with feathered headdresses sway their hips to the firm drumbeat.

The waiter sets a strawberry daiquiri in front of me. “Sorry, I didn’t order.”

“He ordered it for you. Said it was your favorite.” He gestures with his head in John’s direction.

John rewards me with a tempting grin.

“Thank you. It is my favorite.” I can’t remember a time when Dennis ordered something I would like. I’m my own woman, but I admit it feels nice for someone to know what I want or need before I know myself.

John places his hand on my leg, squeezing my thigh gently.

I mouth, “Thank you.”

“I’ve always known what you need,” he whispers, and his voice sends chills up my body. My legs prickle, and he grins again, removing his hand.

God, that grin.

He lifts a brow and draws me in as he throws his arm around my shoulder. “Admit it. You need me. You want me.”

God, those words.