Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28244 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28244 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“Why?” Adrian asks, grinning at me. “When I think of you, I don’t think of stars. You’re more like the sun I’m orbiting around.”
I kiss his shoulder and then rest my head on it as I look up at the shining stars.
“I want to have stars for us, so wherever we are in life, we can look up at the night sky and remember this moment. I just don’t want to forget.”
“Forget what?”
“Forget this…” I say, feeling a twinge of melancholy. “Forget how we are together.”
“Why would we forget?” he says, shifting in the hot tub. I lift my head off his shoulder and take a sip of my rum punch as I watch him. “We’re going to be together.”
I hope that’s true, but…
Vacation romances are just that. Vacation romances. They never last when you mix in the real world. It’s all promises and love bombing and good intentions fuelled by gorgeous sunsets, tanned skin, sexy bathing suits, and strong drinks. They’re not real. I have to remember that.
I’ve been indulging in the fantasy of continuing this romance with Adrian, but I don’t know. It just feels unrealistic. We live in two different worlds.
“I’ll take that star on the left,” I say, pointing to a shiny one that’s next to another. It’s just the two of them out there in the dark universe, their light shining from within. “And you can have the one on the right.”
“No thanks,” he says as he holds me tight. “I have my star right here. And if I need to remember it, all I’ll have to do is turn my head and look at you because you’re going to be right by my side.”
I smile as I sink into his arms, letting myself indulge in the fantasy a little longer. It’s the last night, so what’s the harm?
Vacation romances…
They’re a hell of a beast.
I just hope it doesn’t take me too long to get over.
But I already know there’s no getting over this man.
You don’t get over something like this.
You just push forward bravely and try to move on.
Broken heart and all.
CHAPTER TEN
Adrian
Ican’t believe the week is already over.
Maya’s suitcase is waiting at the door and it feels like my heart is breaking. I know it isn’t the end of this. It can’t be. You don’t walk away from something this good.
“How do I even bring all this home?” she asks, looking at the pile of extravagant dresses and jewelry on the bed. “Can I even pass through customs with all this?”
“I’ll take care of it,” I tell her with a heaviness in my chest. “We’ll load it up on my private jet and I’ll pay any customs that are due.”
She seems hesitant as she stares at it all.
“What’s the matter?” I ask, sitting on the bed.
“It’s just…”
“What?”
“I love them all and it was so fun to get dressed up like Audrey Hepburn all week but…”
I give her time, letting her collect her thoughts.
“They just don’t fit into my life,” she says with a heavy sigh. “I have a small closet and it’s already packed. I have roommates. With an S. I shop at Old Navy, Adrian. I don’t even know where I would wear these. I don’t go to galas or awards shows and I definitely don’t jet around the world at the drop of a hat. I stay at resorts that are under five hundred bucks for the week. Eating out fancy for me is eating in a food court. This level of extravagance just doesn’t fit my life.”
Her shoulders slump down and her chin quivers like she’s holding back tears.
I jump up and go to her, swallowing her trembling body in my arms.
“Maya,” I whisper as I kiss her tanned skin. “You’re with me now. This can be your life if you want it.”
Those gorgeous honey brown eyes look up at me, all watery and full of hope.
“I have an empty closet the size of this room,” I tell her. “It’s all yours. I’ll fill it with whatever you want. Old Navy or the most luxurious clothes this world can offer. Whatever you desire, it’s yours. Move in with me. Be mine. We can travel to the hottest spots on the planet, eating out of street carts or in the finest restaurants. I’ll give you whatever you like.”
She nibbles her bottom lip as she looks up at me. I know she wants to say yes.
“I can’t,” she whispers. “I’m sorry. I can’t move in with someone when I’m not engaged. I guess I’m old fashioned like that.”
“Then I guess it’s time to give you the one piece of jewelry I saved.”
Her lips part and she stares at me in shock as I drop to my knee while pulling out a little purple box.
“What is that?”
I open it and she gasps.
“Will you marry me, Maya?”