She definitely is a test of my self-control. But no one has made me lose it. She’s not going to be the first.
Chapter 6
Robin
“You’re saying nothing happened last night?” Zoey said. “That’s funny, because Bennett said the two of you looked quite…friendly last night.”
I rolled my eyes. Zoey didn’t strike me as the matchmaking type, but here she was grinning like she had a plan, one that included me. Well, I was about to set her straight. I’m not interested in anything more than a vacation.
“I really enjoyed having dinner with you and your husband last night, but…”
“But you don’t find James…attractive,” she said.
Ha. He had me so freaking hot I could barely sleep. “I didn’t say that. He’s…not hard on the eyes.”
Zoey looked puzzled. “So what is the issue? You’re not involved with someone, are you? I mean, Bennett said your name was Miss, not Mrs.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “What happened? Did you marry off all your siblings and now you’re working on the guests?” It sounded funny, but it very well might be the truth. From what I knew, all the Hendersons were married.
“Oh, I never thought about doing that. But I don’t spend much time here. Usually I’m teaching or home with the children. But Bennett thought this would be a great little vacation for us. The only problem is, he’s working,” Zoey sighed.
That sucked. I could relate to being a workaholic. But I didn’t have anyone waiting for me to come home. Hell, if I had someone here with me, I sure wouldn’t be opening my laptop up each night. I probably wouldn’t even answer my cell phone. Of course, that was easy to say since I was alone. And don’t think I’ll be testing that theory anytime soon, either.
“Maybe you should try talking to him,” I suggested.
“Ha. He’s spending his time with James. How can I compete with a former Marine buddy?” she said.
I didn’t know James had been in the Corps. Then again, I knew nothing about him and planned on keeping it that way. But I did want to help Zoey. A sweet person like her deserved to have the best getaway with her man.
“Well, you could wear something drop-dead gorgeous for dinner tonight. I’m sure you’d have his full attention then,” I suggested.
Zoey laughed. “That’s a great idea. One problem. James is joining us.”
Could James be that clueless? Yup. Most men are. So the issue didn’t seem to be with Bennett as much as it was with James. That was a much easier fix. I just needed to tell him to back the hell off and let the happy couple enjoy some adult time.
“We’re meeting later for a walk on the beach. Maybe I can…”
“Oh, that’s perfect. You distract him for a few days and that’ll give me and Bennett time to celebrate our anniversary. You’re brilliant, Robin! And really, I can’t thank you enough for doing this for me. I was about to cry thinking that I came all this way for nothing,” Zoey said, her eyes shining.
Few days? I don’t remember committing to anything more than speaking to him and I’m not even sure I said that. “I don’t think…”
“I’m so excited. Maybe you can help me pick out something to wear tonight,” Zoey said, interrupting me again.
Was she intentionally cutting me off so I couldn’t back out? I could ask, but that would come across as rude. Zoey had been such a welcoming hostess, going out of her way to help me enjoy my vacation. I might as well repay the kindness. I’ll only talk and walk with James. It’ll be fine, and it’s all in the name of building a new friendship – with Zoey. But deep down, the lawyer in me was calling bullshit.
“Have you seen my style?” I laughed. “Not what you’d call sexy. You’re probably better off choosing on your own. Besides, you already know what Bennett likes.”
“That’s the problem. I want something he won’t expect.” Her eyes widened and she asked, “Are you free for the afternoon? I mean, what time are you meeting James?”
“I don’t know. We never really set a time.” At this point, I wasn’t sure it was actually going to happen. He had made a move while we were in the water, but after that damn wave broke the mood, it didn’t return. I thought that might have changed because he held my hand as were we walked outside, but once we entered the building, it was like a switch and James was distant again. Didn’t even try to kiss me goodnight. Not that I wanted it, but…damn, I wanted it. I’ve never had anyone who could make me quiver like he had with just a kiss. I could only imagine what it would be like if he kissed me more…intimately.
I felt my cheeks warm and had to stop letting my mind drift where it shouldn’t.
“So you’re free?” she asked again.
“I guess so. What do you need?” I asked.
“Hold that thought.” She grabbed her cell phone and left me sitting alone.
I really hoped she wasn’t calling James and making further plans for us. I could handle my own love life. Not that I had one. When she returned, I’m going to tell her that too.
Zoey was only gone a few minutes, but she was grinning from ear to ear. “Okay. You better get up and get your purse.”
“My purse? Why?” On the resort, everything was charged to my room, so I hadn’t needed it very much this week.
“We’re flying out. There’s an island, about a two-hour flight from here. I think a shopping adventure is just what we need. Besides, they don’t have what I’m looking for in Tabiq,” Zoey stated.
“And what are you searching for, exactly?”
“Something hot and sexy. They don’t sell that here.”
Not that I knew anything about Tabiq except for what I have seen on the resort, but they had to have adult shops. Everyplace had them. “You’re kidding me right?”
“Nope. The women don’t…”
“Like such stores?” I asked. There was something Zoey wasn’t telling me and I wasn’t budging until I learned what it was.
“Maybe I’ll tell you about that on the flight. Now go, our plane leaves in twenty minutes and that’s just enough time to get to the airport,” Zoey said.
I didn’t budge. “That gives us plenty of time to answer a few questions. Let’s start with, do they not have the shops here because they don’t like them or because…they aren’t allowed too?” I have travelled enough to know not every woman has the freedom to explore their own sexuality.
“Trust me, it’ll take at least the two hour flight for me to get into it all. I promise, I’ll answer all your questions on the plane,” Zoey promised.
I could live with that and was going to hold her to it too. There was another concern I had as well. One a bit more immediate. “I know you’re part owner of New Hope. But I had to sign an agreement when I booked my stay that I would not leave the resort for any reason until checkout time.” I couldn’t help it. I was a rule follower - at least on a legal document that clearly stated New Hope was not responsible for my safety outside of the resort.