Better have that conversation sooner rather than later.
Avery was still going through the mental list of other things she didn’t know about Garrett when he returned with two ice-cold bottles, one in each hand.
“Here.” He handed her one before squatting down in front of her. “Drink it slowly but be sure to get it all down.”
Feeling like a total wuss, she broke the seal on the cap and took a sip. Then she took another. And another.
God, that tastes good.
She hadn’t realized how thirsty she’d gotten until that first sip. Garrett had said to go slow, but Avery’s sudden need for more had her tilting her head back and chugging the rest.
“Easy,” he warned. “Don’t want you getting sick.”
“I’m good.” She swallowed the last drop. “Thanks for getting that for me.”
“I actually got you two, but I’m thinking you might want to give it a minute before starting in on this one.” He held up the second bottle.
“Okay.”
Garrett’s focus lowered to her mouth, an odd smile spreading on his lips. Reaching up, he used his thumb to brush away some water that had dripped onto her chin.
“Thanks,” Avery spoke softly.
He cupped one side of her face. “You’re so beautiful.”
She wanted to laugh. Men never called her beautiful. Not ones that looked like him, anyway.
Feeling as though shewasgoing to laugh, Avery remembered what she needed to ask him.
“Are you married?” The blurted question was personal but necessary.
“No.” Garrett dropped his hand and frowned. “Do you think I’d be acting this way with you if I was?”
“I don’t know.” It was an honest answer. “We don’t really know each other, and when it comes to men, I haven’t always been the best judge of character.” One of the few things she and her sister had in common. “Okay, I’m just going to say it. I…I feel a sort of connection to you, Garrett. I know that sounds crazy, but—”
“It’s not crazy.”
“—Unless I’m reading things wrong, I think you feel it, too.”Please feel it, too.
His blue eyes softened. “You’re not reading anything wrong, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart.The endearment sent her heart into a flutter.
“I didn’t mean to insult you or your character by asking if you’re already involved with someone. I just thought it would be best to ask. Because if youweremarried or have a girlfriend…”
“I’m not, and I don’t.” His response was unwavering and sincere. Setting the unopened bottle of water down onto the sand, he took both her hands in his. “I’ve never been married, nor do I have a girlfriend. And as attracted to you as I am, I wouldn’t be here with you like this if I did. I’m not the kind of man who cheats, Avery.”
He could be lying, of course. Most cheaters didn’t come right out an announce their intentions to be unfaithful. Alex’s ex sure as hell hadn’t. But deep inside, Avery somehow knew this man was telling the truth.
“Okay.” She offered him a smile.
With a quick lick of his lips, he said, “What other questions do you have?”
Avery thought for a moment. “Do you really sell insurance?” Because he seriously didnotlook like any insurance agent she’d ever met.
“I do.” He nodded. “If you want, when we get back to the ship I can show you my license. A quick web search will give you my professional bio and all you could ever care to know about Travel Assurance. Anything else you want to know about me?”
Only everything.