Page 71 of Fate In Fiction

“Josie.” His voice deflates, but I refuse to look him in the eye.

“Forget it, Emmett. If my urges and male market are there, maybe I will act on your suggestion.” I let my eyes trail over his body. “It’s not like you’ll fulfill my needs.”

“Fuck, I need to go.” He huffs and opens the door. “Be safe, Josie.”

I head past the lobby as other attendants gather and arrive for the conference. My head remains down until the warmth of the sun greets me, and the humidity earns a string of internal curse words as I feel my hair instantly double in size. Scouting out a lounge chair, I get comfortable and open my book. The number of women in this area takes me by surprise. I know this hotel is mostly booked for people at the conference, but did this many people have the same idea? My phone rings as my father’s name lights across my screen. Swiping the phone, I reluctantly bring it to my ear.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Phinie, I’m surprised you haven’t called me." This is so weird, and his voice is too cheery. “How is your day?”

“Beautiful. I’m actually in Miami with Emmett.” I speak with a cringy love-sick tone. “We flew in this morning. I forgot to mention it to you.” Please, don’t be mad.

“I trust him to take good care of you.” If only physically. “I wanted to call and inform you that your funds are more accessible.” I don’t miss the hinting in his voice. Holy Shit.

“This quick?” I still don’t trust him.

“It’s not complete access, but funds have been upped.” My head spins, and not from the humidity. “Maybe it’ll sweeten the deal if you mention it.” Of course, more to my name, more to the suitor’s gain. I hate this world.

“Well, thanks, Dad.” I don’t hide the fact that I’m not thrilled. I don't want us to be over, but Emmett has pushed me away… for now.

“I’ll let you two lovebirds continue with your day.” He ends the call before I respond.

Opening my bank app, I stare at the money transfer, still unsure if this is a test to see if things will miraculously end and I’ll be forced to marry doorknob Felix. Whatever, Emmett hasn’t even gotten his end of the deal yet.

The pool remains empty, and I bore easily after an hour of reading. It’s too warm, and the white sand should be taken advantage of. Standing, I see a few volleyball games going on. Maybe stirring a bit of attention from the Miami hotties will help the time pass.

Up in our penthouse suite, which we didn’t need for one night, but Emmett insisted on making up for the non-breathtaking living arrangements, I peel off the sweaty one piece and make the bold move to tie up the tiny string bikini Lauren gave me. I look hot, and probably even hotter if my skin could become a shade or two darker rather than transparent. I pour an alcoholic beverage from the fridge into an insulated water bottle, add a tequila shot for good luck, and head back down to the beach.

I might glow like the sand as I walk across it, but I’m hoping the heads I’m turning are full of appreciation. My feet land me a few feet away from a volleyball net mixed with guys and girls. I haven’t played in a few years, but I did always give one hell of a serve.

“Hey, little red.” One of the guys nods my way.

“How original,” I shoot back with the tilt of my head. “You gonna let me play?” Another guy looks past a girl trying to get his attention and shoots me a playful grin.

“You any good?” His smooth voice cues his flirty attempt.

“At volleyball, or other things?” The sexual implication is strong, catching even me off guard. Jeez, Josie, slow down with the forwardness.

“We can go explore other things, if you’d like.” He’s fit. The typical blond beach boy with messy hair, who’s no doubt used to taking his pick with women. He tosses the ball up, and I lean forward to grab it.

“Nah, this is the only ball I feel like touching right now.” I take my place to serve with my tongue in my cheek.

“Play hard and dirty, little red.” He’s right next to me as I bend my knees and take position.

With each game we win, I notice more girls whisper and give looks as each guy zones in to hit on me. I guess I’m the fresh meat, or they’re interested because I’m not. I hand out a couple of high fives and the guys take turns tugging on my ponytail as it bounces about. Exhaustion overwhelms my body, and I tap out, picking up my bottle to chug the bubbly spirit. My eyes water, but I’m so thirsty and end up downing the entire beverage.

The guy I grabbed the ball from and asked to join the game, walks over and runs his hand down my arm. He’s attractive, but his touch lacks the spark I feel even with the proximity of Emmett––who is stalking toward me like he’s on a mission in swim shorts baring his distinct chest art. Oh, boy. Has it already been four hours? Blond guy smiles as he takes my hand. I ignore Emmett’s approach and smile as our hands fiddle about.

“How about we grab a drink and cool off?” he says in his smooth voice, then runs his free hand through his sweaty hair. I stifle my cringe.

“I’m actually seeing someone,” I word vomit and drop his hand, just as Emmett reaches about thirty feet away. “Thanks for the fun afternoon.” I turn, walking toward Emmett on an angle to slowly bring distance between us. I don’t look back at the guy I was talking to. I sense Emmett is following me, even though he told me to go ahead and flirt it up with new guys. He’s so predictable, but it doesn’t make me any less pissed.

I can’t help but rage at the thought of another woman touching him. Earning his smile or praise the way I do. I’ve begun to fall past the physical with this man. Uncovering his past, his flaws, the way he is working through them… how could I not fall for everything he truly is and wants to become? And he has the audacity to push me toward other men? The narrowing of his eyes and sharp set jaw said it all as he walked over. Mimicking the one he wore the night in the lounge when he witnessed me with the group of tourist guys, it solidifies his struggle to keep me to himself but not want to hold me back in life.

I keep walking and hope the volleyball guy doesn’t follow along too. No one needs to get punched on a beautiful sunny day like today. I glance over my shoulder and expect Emmett to reach me, but he lingers back at a casual pace. I don’t know which sends my heart rate to spiral more. The primal stalk or his leisurely stroll, slowly gaining traction, causing my mind to wonder what it’s conjuring. I halt in my tracks and let him catch up. I feel him behind me without needing to look. Taking another few steps forward, I find my voice.

“Your conference flew by. I swear you just left for it.” My voice is sing-songy, and that’s when he brushes his hand down my arm and spins me around.