Page 37 of Secret Offer
I give it to him, and he smiles.
“I’ll have to trade you something, then. It’s only fair. I actually came out here hoping to find an abandoned conch whatwith the high tide last night, but all I’ve seen are these little ones. I’ve been a treasure hunter since I was a lad. Sea glass is my favorite. Here, take this green bit.”
“Thanks,” I say, pocketing it. “Are you a guest at the Quattuor Club? This is a private beach, but don’t worry, I won’t tell on you.”
“I am a guest, so don’t worry about ending up an accessory to a crime,” he teases. He thrusts a hand in my direction. “Alec.”
I accept his hand for a quick shake. “I’m Blair. Nice to meet you.”
“Pleasure’s all mine,” he says, and it seems like he really means it. “To be honest, this beach is nice, but it can’t compare to Balstay Island. Have you heard of it?”
“I haven’t.”
“It’s a pristine, uninhabited little place about an hour south of here. The shelling is excellent. I was going to take a trip there today on my yacht. Would you care to join me? We can picnic on the island, and you can hunt for shells to your heart’s content.”
I laugh. “Seriously? You want to take me on your yacht? You don’t even know me.”
“I never pass up an opportunity to take a beautiful woman out, especially on a luxury watercraft.”
Geez. All the sex I’ve been having with Sebastian lately must really have me glowing.
“That’s a nice offer,” I tell him. “But I already have plans today.”
Or I will, if I hear from Sebastian.
“So cancel them,” he says, turning on the charm with those dimples. “We don’t have to go to Balstay, either. We can go anywhere. Or I can hire us a private snorkeling instructor if you like.”
“I’m good. Really. But thank you.”
“Let’s have an adventure. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“You are very persistent,” I say, shaking my head. “Is that a British thing?”
“It’s a me thing,” he says. “You could say I’m used to getting what I want. But don’t hold it against me—I work bloody hard for what I’ve got. Come on, Blair. Let me give you the perfect day in paradise. I won’t take no for an answer.”
Part of me is waffling. He’s hot, he seems fun and nice, and I definitely wouldn’t mind going on a boat trip. But on the other hand, he’s acting entitled, which is a huge turn-off, and I also don’t know him at all. Plus, my phone probably won’t get service out on the ocean, and nobody will know where I am.
And obviously, he’s not Sebastian. That’s the main issue. I’m not giving up one second of possible Sebastian time, boat or no boat.
“I appreciate the invite,” I say, backing up a few steps. “But I really do have to get going.”
“Blair—”
I look back toward the resort, and that’s when I spot a familiar figure on the beach. Dark blond hair curling out from underneath a black, blue, and red Miami Marlins baseball hat, broad shoulders, that cleft chin. It’s Ted Polansky.
Hallelujah.
Waving eagerly, I sidestep Alec, who spins to follow my line of sight.
"Ted! Ted, over here."
Ted’s entire face lights up when he sees me flagging him down, and I can’t help feeling a little guilty, because I fully intend to use him for my own benefit. He wanders over and I lunge toward him, eagerly taking his arm. I need to make something up fast, so I hope Ted gets the hint and plays along.
“Hey, Blair?—”
Interrupting him before he blows my cover, I blurt, “Hey, you! I’m so sorry—I know I was supposed to meet you in the lobby so we could go shopping for Junkanoo outfits, but I totally lost track of time out here. I’m so glad you found me! This is Alec. I just met him while I was looking for shells.”
Ted's eyes shift to Alec and then back to me, a flicker of understanding on his face.
