Captured by the Bodyguard(37)

That morning, she left her luxurious vacation condo with the decision that she was going to try harder today. And that meant finally opening the door of her heart to at least allow someone take a peek. It could be anyone. Any of the gorgeous local men or other vacationers she’d been meeting. She’d try to get an actual date if it killed her. She would stop saying no; this time, she felt she was ready. It was time to stop using loneliness as a cloak, stop making excuses. If she couldn’t have her fairytale love, then maybe she could at least work on finding something more realistic – if not passion, then something to simply warm all those lonely nights.

She was young, she still had her looks – she could at least try to be happy. Forget the feeling of rejection she suffered each time she thought of Cane leaving and staying away without a word. He never cared for her, not really; she had to get over it and move the fuck on. Even if it killed her!

That day, she was in a more relaxed mood, happy to simply kick back and relax on the beach. She picked a quirky, fun restaurant where she could just park herself on the lounge under an umbrella and enjoy being waited on by staff serving appetizers, sandwiches, drinks and tapas.

She wasn’t surprised when she was soon joined by a handsome, bronzed and blue-eyed hunk whom she’d met a few times before on the beach. He’d told her he was a doctor on vacation, and once she’d convinced herself he wasn’t married, Alexandra allowed herself to warm up to him. He was cute, after all.

The truth was, he reminded her a bit of Cane. They both had the same kind of athletic, solid build and chiseled jaw. She missed Cane’s mossy green eyes but she figured she couldn’t do so bad with blue especially when they crinkled so nicely when he smiled. He looked closer to forty though he was fit as hell. Alexandra figured she was acquiring a taste for older white guys, so why not indulge. She allowed him to share her table and they chatted. It didn’t feel bad at all, enjoying the admiring looks and attention of a handsome, like-minded man. She could read the signals and knew he was physically attracted to her. He suggested they try out the highly recommended sunset cruise together. Alexandra couldn’t help but hesitate. A sunset cruise spelled much more romance than she was ready for right then. She told herself she’d much rather party with the handsome doctor. Far more sensible to try out some of the Caribbean nightlife, maybe check out any of the exciting and cosmopolitan clubs and casinos the island had to offer. The doctor, whose name was Liam, seemed eager to comply to her suggestion that they hit the club/casino, and told her he knew a few nice ones they could try.

“Alright; so why don’t you pick me up at eight,” she said with a smile, which he returned as he gallantly bent to kiss her hand.

“I’ll be there on the dot,” he said softly, looking up into her face with his deep baby blues. Alexandra hid a sad sigh as she then watched him walk away. She decided he didn’t really remind her of Cane after all. There was something about the way Cane moved; the sweep of his broad shoulders, the silky brush of his short, dark hair across the back of his head…

That’s it - I’m really fucked, thought Alexandra as she gulped down her drink with a massive lurch in her chest. She was an idiot to agree to that date with Liam. No freaking way she was ready to hang out with any guy, even for fun. Besides, who knew what Liam would expect by the end of the night? She’d certainly been giving him the right signals. She had to find a way to back out of the arranged outing…

Alexandra suddenly blinked. She was sure she was seeing things. The figure she was looking at was still a long distance down the beach but there was no mistaking his physique. He was running up the beach wearing only a pair of white shorts and the way he was headed, he’d run right by the lounger she was reclining on. She sat up with a gasp, her heart pounding so hard she could hear it beating in her eardrums. She saw several other tourists, female as well as male, throw him appreciative glances. Not that she could blame them. The sun-kissed god running up on the beach and heading her way looked like something from the perfect sexual fantasy. She ground her teeth as two women giggled to each other when he ran by, and he sent them a sexy smile which only made them swoon.

Cad! Alexandra thought irreverently as she suddenly snatched up her things and sprang to her feet. She now knew he’d spotted her and it was just moments before he’d be right where she was positioned. Recovering from her paralyzing shock from seeing him, she spun on her heels and stormed off with a head still whirling.

“Alexandra!”

She closed her eyes at the sound of his voice calling her name. She ignored the unmistakable, deep tone and stomped on, over the beautifully swept sand as she made her way in the direction of her beachfront condo.