Dex stood up with us, his height looming over me as he adjusted the strap of his bag. He didn't look at Amina, who was hovering a few feet away with his mother. He kept his eyeslocked on mine, a possessive, dangerous smirk playing on his lips.
"I'll see you in Tulum, baby," he said.
He turned and walked away, leaving me breathless. I had spent years convincing myself I could keep him at a distance. But as I grabbed my carry-on and followed him into the jet bridge, I realized the wall I’d built wasn't nearly high enough.
Chapter fifteen
Open Water
The comfort of my villa at Casa Cruzando Océanos was the only thing keeping my head from spinning. Outside I could hear the distant rhythmic crash of the Caribbean Sea and the faint sound of the crew laughing by the infinity pool, but I wasn’t ready to join them. I’d spent the last few hours in a jet lagged haze, hiding out from Dex and his little family unit, and from the looming shadow of my mother and the half siblings I barely knew.
It was going on six o’clock. The sun was starting to dip, turning the sky into a wash of golden orange and violet, and I couldn’thide in the shadows forever. Eli and London were hosting a welcome dinner in a private area of the resort’s restaurant, and being the maid of honor meant I had to show my face.
I climbed out of the plush king sized bed and headed for the shower. The design was wild. No glass, no curtain, just an open air space framed by smooth stone and swaying greenery. Steam from the warm water curled around me as I stepped onto the textured floor, the jungle scents mingling with the heat. Each villa was completely enclosed so no one could see in, but still, showering outside with the air on my skin felt new and thrilling.
I caught myself picturing Dex out here with me, his hands moving over my wet skin in the open air, the sound of the ocean covering everything. I shut the thought down before it went any further. I hadn’t seen him since check in and he was probably somewhere wrapped up with Amina, which was exactly the reminder I needed.
Stepping out I grabbed my mango scented body cream. I’d formulated it specifically for this trip. I wanted to smell like the island. As I massaged the thick buttery cream into my skin the scent of ripe fruit and sunshine filled the stone bathroom and I let myself smile at the thought of it lingering on me all night.
I fluffed my curls, misting them with water before raking through just enough leave in conditioner and gel to lock them into place. Part of me hated how much effort I was putting in.
I wanted to be breathtaking when Dex saw me, but it went deeper than that too. I wanted to look untouchable when my mother laid eyes on me. I wanted her to see that the rose had grown from the concrete.
I went for a full face, bronze and glowing, then slipped into my fitted green maxi dress. The fabric hugged every curve and the back dipped dangerously low, stopping just above my ass. Since the resort was all rocky paths and smoothed stone I swapped heels for gold accented wedges.
I finished with chunky gold bracelets, statement earrings, and a dainty necklace that sat just right on my chest. I checked my reflection in the full length mirror and the green made my skin pop against the neutral earthy tones of the villa.
I looked good.
I took one last breath of mango and salt air, grabbed my clutch, and stepped out onto the torch lit path toward the restaurant. It was time to stop hiding.
Casa Cruzando Océanos wasn’t just a hotel. It was paradise carved into the jungle, about thirty private villas tucked away like hidden gems with no standard rooms or crowded hallways anywhere in sight. Eli and London hadn’t just booked a block of rooms. They’d taken over the entire sanctuary. Every person here was here for them, and we had a private wing of the world renowned restaurant reserved strictly for the wedding party.
The warm glow of the torches reflected off the raw stone walls and oversized palms as I stepped onto the main path. I pulled out my phone to catch the vibe for my story when a familiar deep voice cut through the sound of the ocean.
“Nique? Is that you?”
My heart did a quick double tap expecting Dex’s intensity and that possessive smirk, but the man walking toward me wasn’t Dex.
It was Brandon, standing 6’2” with a smooth peanut butter complexion, looking incredible in a neutral colored two piece set perfectly tailored for the island heat. I’d met him months ago at the Magic City Classic. Nel and I had tagged along with London and Eli. When Eli introduced us to Brandon he made his interest very clear but I was deep in my loyalty to Kel so I shut it down fast.
Now things were different.
“Brandon?” I laughed, lowering my phone. “I didn’t know you were on the guest list.”
“Wouldn’t miss my line brother’s big day,” he said, his eyes traveling slow and appreciative over my dress before finding my face. “And I definitely wouldn’t have missed the chance to see you again. You look incredible. Mexico suits you Nique.”
A flutter moved through me that had nothing to do with Dex for the first time in days. “Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“Heading to dinner?” he asked, falling into step beside me.
“Yeah, just about to see what London and Eli have put together,” I said, fiddling with my necklace.
Brandon glanced at the path behind me before looking back. “Can I walk with you or are you meeting your girlfriend?”
I felt a small pang at the mention of Kel but shook it off. “I’m actually single now.”
He didn’t even try to hide the interest that crossed his face. “I would say I’m sorry to hear that but her loss is definitely my gain.”