Page 240 of Tangled with the Tight End

“No. Only the guys. And I’ve come alone. It’s a great place to come when you want to clear your head and think—get some perspective.”

“I usually do that at the library. Or on a hiking trail just outside town.”

He smiles down at me. “That works too.”

“It might not work anymore. Not after I’ve seen this. I’d far rather clear my head here any day.”

“You can. Anytime you want to come here, say the word.”

I don’t even know what to say to that. Declan has always been generous to me. Mostly, we enjoy getting pizza and hanging out at his house or mine. Sometimes we go out to eat. I’ve grown oddly accustomed to his house—to his personal chef and the other people who help his life run smoothly. I’m even almost used to him having so many cars. But this, being able to jet off to an island on a whim? That’s a whole other level.

“Thanks,” I say softly.

He smiles and draws me close, stepping behind me, wrapping his arms around my middle and resting his chin on my shoulder.

I point to a hammock on one of the decks, set apart from the other seating areas.

“I’ll be there, if you need me,” I tease Declan.

“Good. That’s right outside my bedroom. I love sitting in that with a book or just closing my eyes and letting the trade winds blow my worries away.”

“Sounds perfect,” I say.

Declan lifts his head off my shoulder and says, “Let’s get everyone settled.”

He gives me one quick squeeze and then steps away from me so he can talk to the whole group.

“Let me show you to your rooms. Our chef, Richards, will be up here in a few hours to feed us. Once you’re settled in, you can swim or you can take one of the cars out front out for a drive. If there’s anything you need, let me know. That goes for the whole week we’re here. I want you all to have a great trip.”

Cass’s eyes catch mine and she smiles and silently mouths, boyfriend lottery winner.

I laugh softly.

Declan walks inside, showing Jaxon and Treyvon to a room with two queens. Cass and I are in a room with one king and its own bathroom. Patrick and Daisy have a room with a queen and Marcus is rooming with Declan—in his king bed in the master.

“No snuggling, Delaney,” Declan says.

“You’re not my type,” Marcus jokes back.

We change into our suits and swim. Afterward, we shower and change while the chef arrives to make us dinner. We eat on a long table on the deck. Then everyone sits around the firepit, relaxing and talking. The sunset fills the sky and reflects in the water of the pool. I lean back in Declan’s arms, sighing with the type of contentment that seems to only come on vacation.

Lights twinkle in the water from the boats filling the harbor. I yawn, snuggling deeper into Declan’s side.

He turns his head so his voice tickles my ear. “Do you want to call it a night?”

A shiver runs through me. “It’s still so early.”

“We’ve had a long day. I want to take you snorkeling at St. John tomorrow. It’s up to you, but I’m ready to turn in if you are.”

I turn my head and place a kiss on his cheek.

“I think I will go to bed,” I say.

I stand and Cass catches my eye. She turns to Daisy and says, “I think Win and I are going to go to bed.” Then she stands. “Goodnight, everyone. See you in the morning.”

* * *

At breakfast, I walk out with my special guest and set her on the counter.