Holiday Romance

Chapter 5: Tempting Fate

Isla barely slept that night.

The feel of Adrian’s hands on her waist, the low timbre of his voice in her ear—it all haunted her. No amount of tossing and turning could shake the memories, and when the morning sun streamed through her window, she gave up on sleep altogether.

Throwing on a robe, she padded to the balcony, inhaling the crisp sea air. The resort was already coming to life—staff setting up for the day, waves rolling gently onto the shore. But her mind was stuck on one thing.

Him.

A knock at her door jolted her back to the present.

"Room service!" came a cheery voice.

Frowning, Isla opened the door, only to find a hotel staff member holding a covered tray. "I didn’t order anything."

"Compliments of Mr. Hayes," the young woman replied with a wink before wheeling the tray inside.

Isla’s stomach flipped as she lifted the lid. A full breakfast spread—fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee. A small note was propped against the silverware.

Don’t skip breakfast. You get cranky.

She groaned. Adrian always had a way of getting under her skin. Was this his attempt at playing nice, or was he just toying with her?

She was still debating when her phone buzzed.

Adrian: Meet me at the beach in an hour.

Isla stared at the screen, then at the untouched breakfast. She should ignore him. She should send a quick "no thanks" and move on with her day. But instead, she found herself getting dressed.

—

The beach was stunning as always, a postcard-perfect stretch of sand and turquoise water. Isla spotted Adrian near the water’s edge, dressed casually in a linen shirt and shorts, his sunglasses pushed up into his dark hair. He looked unfairly good.

"You actually came," he mused as she approached.

"Against my better judgment," she muttered. "What do you want, Adrian?"

He gestured to two paddleboards resting in the shallows. "Thought we could do something different."

She folded her arms. "I’m not paddleboarding with you."

He smirked. "Afraid you’ll fall in?"

"Afraid I’ll push you in."

He chuckled. "I’ll take my chances."

Despite herself, she found a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. Moments like this—where the past didn’t weigh them down—were rare. And maybe, just maybe, a morning on the water would distract her from the confusing mess inside her head.

"Fine," she relented. "But if I end up soaked, I’m blaming you."

As they paddled out, the tension between them ebbed, replaced by playful banter and, occasionally, splashes of water as Adrian "accidentally" sent a wave her way.

For a little while, it almost felt easy.

Almost.

Then Adrian said something that made her heart stutter.

"I miss this, Isla."

She swallowed, gripping her paddle tighter. "Adrian…"

He turned toward her, eyes serious. "Do you ever wonder what would’ve happened if things had gone differently? If we hadn’t given up so easily?"

Isla’s breath caught. Because, despite everything, she did wonder.

More than she was willing to admit.