Page 62 of Escape To Paradise

“You have plans tomorrow?” he asked.

“You mean today? It’s already past 2 in the morning.”

“Yes, I mean, later. You know what I mean.”

“I have five days, then one charter left. After that, I’ll probably head back to the States to sort out business stuff with my ex. He’s been giving me a hard time. “

“Don’t they all?”

“Thanks for letting me stay here. I hope your girlfriend doesn’t mind,” I said.

“Girlfriend?” Maverick looked confused.

“Remember the girl with the short shorts?” I reminded him.

He looked uncomfortable. “Yes. So, we were dating.”

“Past tense. That quick? What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“She’s going back to the UK. I knew it wouldn’t work out, so I ended it.”

“Maverick? Breaking hearts? I can’t imagine.” I smiled.

He said, “I want to take you around town.”

I tried to forget the events of this evening but failing. “I could use the distraction,” I said, and our eyes met.

Maverick’s eyes seemed to look more attractive tonight. And I liked the way he was looking at me, full of warmth, and fondness.

“I can distract you. Get some rest.”

“You too.”

I went to bed. It was soft, and the sheets were soft. The blanket provided ample warmth. My heart was still heavy, so I let the tears fall until I fell asleep.

Chapter 11

A Blossoming Friendship

I woke up to the smell of bacon, maple syrup, and coffee. I got up and went to the kitchen. Maverick was cooking pancakes and bacon. There was freshly brewed coffee, too.

“Smells good.”

“Good morning, Harper.” Maverick was wearing a white T-shirt and shorts.

“Isn’t this a very unhealthy breakfast for us to have?” I asked.

“We only live once. I have cheat days. Today is a cheat day.”

“Fine by me.”

I grabbed a cup of hot coffee and drank it as I watched him cook.

“I’m thinking I’ll take you to the waterfalls, and then we’ll have a chocolate and rum tour.”

“Nice. We’ll get wet,” I said. There was nothing provocative about what I said, but it seemed Maverick took it that way because his tongs almost fell. He also blushed.

He cleared his throat and said, “Yes, we’ll be swimming.”