Chapter 8: Tensions Rising
843 Words
The air in the suite felt heavier after Lena and Logan’s unexpected visit, a suffocating mix of unspoken words and tension Isla didn’t want to acknowledge. She busied herself with getting ready for the group excursion—a catamaran cruise arranged for the wedding party. Anything to avoid being alone in the same space with Adrian for longer than necessary.
The last thing she needed was to dwell on how close they’d been standing, or how the scent of his cologne still lingered in the room, awakening memories she had no business revisiting.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Adrian remarked from the other side of the suite.
Isla zipped up her swimsuit cover-up, pretending to be engrossed in checking her bag. “Just mentally preparing myself for a boat full of overly enthusiastic lovebirds.”
Adrian chuckled. “You were never much of a romantic.”
She turned to face him. “And yet, you married me.”
He held her gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. “Yeah, well… I always liked a challenge.”
Her stomach tightened. Damn him and that infuriating charm. Refusing to let him see that he affected her, she rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get this over with.”
The catamaran swayed gently as Isla settled onto one of the lounge seats, a cold cocktail in her hand and oversized sunglasses shielding her from both the sun and any lingering glances Adrian might be throwing her way. The wedding party was in full celebration mode—Tessa and her fiancé, Nate, wrapped up in each other; Logan flirting with one of the bridesmaids; Lena strategically placing herself as close to Adrian as possible.
Isla tried not to let it bother her.
“She’s not subtle, is she?” Tessa murmured, sitting down beside her.
Isla took a sip of her drink. “Oh, she’s about as subtle as a neon sign.”
Tessa sighed. “Adrian looks miserable.”
Isla refused to look in his direction. “Not my problem.”
Tessa smirked. “Right. That’s why you’re gripping your glass like it personally offended you.”
“I’m fine,” Isla insisted, though her tone wasn’t as convincing as she’d hoped.
As if on cue, Adrian walked past, his arm brushing Isla’s as he did. A current of awareness shot through her, and she clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stay still. But she wasn’t the only one who noticed. Lena’s eyes narrowed as she took in the interaction, and the next thing Isla knew, the brunette was sauntering toward Adrian with purpose.
“Oh, for the love of—” Isla muttered under her breath.
Tessa bit her lip to hold back a laugh. “You could always stake your claim.”
Isla shot her a look. “I don’t have a claim.”
Tessa hummed thoughtfully. “Could’ve fooled me.”
As the boat reached a secluded cove, the crew announced it was time for swimming and snorkeling. Isla was grateful for the distraction—anything to shake the restless energy buzzing under her skin.
She slipped out of her cover-up, adjusting her bikini before diving into the crystal-clear water. The coolness was a welcome relief, washing away some of the heat that had been building inside her. For a while, she simply floated, letting the gentle waves carry her.
Then, a splash nearby signaled company.
She opened her eyes to find Adrian swimming toward her. Of course.
“Didn’t peg you for a water person,” he mused.
She treaded water, keeping her distance. “I like the quiet out here.”
He nodded. “Me too.”
They floated in silence, the weight of the past pressing between them. It was Adrian who finally broke it.
“Do you ever think about it?” he asked.
Her heart pounded. “About what?”
His gaze met hers, unwavering. “Us.”
She swallowed hard, torn between honesty and self-preservation. “What’s the point?”
He moved closer, the space between them shrinking. “Maybe because it still matters.”
Isla’s pulse quickened. “Adrian—”
Before she could finish, a wave sent her off balance, pushing her toward him. His arms instinctively wrapped around her, steadying her against his chest. Their bodies pressed together, water slick against skin, and Isla’s breath caught.
It would’ve been so easy to lean in, to surrender to the heat simmering between them.
But then a voice interrupted them.
“Well, isn’t this cozy?”
Lena. Of course.
Adrian let go of Isla, turning toward the shore where Lena stood on the boat’s ladder, watching them with a saccharine smile. The moment was shattered, tension replaced by a sudden jolt of reality.
Isla forced herself to swim back toward the boat, refusing to look at Adrian as she passed him. Whatever was happening between them—whatever unfinished business lingered—she wasn’t about to let herself get pulled under again.
Not when she barely knew how to breathe around him as it was.
- Writer
