“Sounds like y’all had an interesting few days,” I said.
Trey nodded his head and smiled. “May I walk you back to your cabana?”
For a few seconds, the guilt from wanting him to walk me back filled my whole body until I quickly pushed it aside.
“Yes, I’d love that. Thank you.”
As I walked up to my cabana, I turned to face Trey. “How much longer are you here for?” I asked.
He let out a long sigh. “I’m not sure. I’m, uh…I’m kind of afraid to go back, so I took a leave of absence. I’m thinking maybe another two months. I love the lifestyle down here. I just need…time. Does that make sense?”
I caught my breath because I felt the same way. I slowly nodded as I bit down on my lower lip. He reached up and pulled it out of my teeth.
There goes those butterflies again. I smiled and felt my face blush.
“Trey, I’m not looking to…you know.” I peeked up at him.
When my eyes caught his, I swore his eyes twinkled.
He gave me the cutest crooked smile and let out a small laugh. “Believe me, love, I’m not interested in a relationship either…but since we’re both here, we might as well enjoy each other’s company. How about I show you around tomorrow?”
I smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”
He took a step backward and gave me a thumbs-up. “It’s a planned event then—not a date but a planned event.”
I
let out a giggle. “Sounds great. What time should I expect you?”
“Eight thirty. We have a ton to see.”
We said our good-byes, and then I walked into my empty cabana. I leaned back against the door and smiled. There was something about Trey that just made me feel comfortable. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he made me feel…happy.
I’m not going to feel guilty. If being friends with Trey will make me feel better and forget about the hurt for a few hours, then so be it.
I started stripping out of my clothes, and then I put on a T-shirt. After I sat on the bed, I pulled my knees up and set my chin on them as I listened to the sound of the ocean. I couldn’t help but think of Scott. God, I miss his touch already. I missed his breath on my neck as he would whisper how much he loved me and only wanted me. I put my hand up to my neck and could almost feel the warmth. I took a deep breath and let it out as I lay down.
After four hours of just lying there, I finally fell asleep. I dreamed of Scott walking along the beach with me. We were holding hands…and then someone came up behind us and pulled our hands apart. When I turned around to see who it was, I saw deep green eyes looking into mine.
I sat up quickly in bed and looked at the clock. It was eight on the dot.
“Shit!” I jumped up and started getting ready.
For ten minutes, I tried to get my hair to look decent before I ended up pulling it into a ponytail.
Shit, I never called anyone. I made a mental note to look for a cell phone.
I quickly walked up to the lobby of the hotel and noticed a pay phone. I had to laugh. I hadn’t seen one of those in years. I pulled out my credit card and hit zero. I gave the operator my credit card number and Amanda and Brad’s phone number. I didn’t think I could talk to my father just yet. The call was full of static, but I heard Amanda answer.
“Amanda! Hey, it’s Jessie.”
“Jessie! Thank God! Scott’s…insane…mistake…Chelsea…Bryce.”
“Wait—what are you saying, Amanda? I have a terrible connection. I’m only getting every other word. Can you hear me?”
“Yes! You…come…quickly…he’s…bad.”
“Okay…sweetie, I can’t understand you, but listen, I hope you can hear me. I’m fine. I’m going to stay here for about three weeks. Please let my dad and brothers know that I’m okay…Scott, too, I guess…if he even cares.”