The Billionaire's Paradise (Sexy Billionaires)(37)

Lea had become an unexpected ally in the past week. She’d been more than happy to intervene and distract Hayden when Avery needed to slip away, and had helped her schedule meetings and appointments during every waking moment of the day.

She supposed it was in the other woman’s best interest if Avery started making herself scarce.

The thought shot a sharp stab of pain into her heart but she resolutely ignored it. Fooling around with Hayden had been a mistake. An incredible, mind-blowing mistake.

That had led to a week of self-recriminations.

When she’d discovered Jon’s cheating, something inside her had shattered. For the past two years she’d just been going through the motions, until Hayden crashed into her life.

But he also represented a temptation she wasn’t sure she was healed enough to handle. What did it say about her that she always circled back to the same sort of man? She’d have to be blind not to see the similarities between Jon and Hayden. Both had been born to wealth, both had been raised to shoulder larger destinies. Both treated women as commodities to be enjoyed and forgotten.

And here she was, about to sign up for round two.

Avery squeezed her eyes shut. She’d barely survived her divorce. Maybe she was gun-shy, but sue her. There was only so much battering one heart could take before it shriveled away to nothingness.

Reaching the lobby floor, she headed to the check-in counter and flagged down Lea.

“I’m off,” she said, hefting her backpack. “I shouldn’t get any calls from the mainland, but if there are any queries for me, please let them know I’ll get back to them on Monday.

“Absolutely, Ms. Clarke. Enjoy the east side. The rainforest is gorgeous this time of year.”

“I can’t wait.” She needed the break, the chance to trade in her files for novels and simply while away a few hours reading in the sunshine. Some peace and quiet would help her rebuild her resolve to keep Hayden out of her life.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call, and she fished it from her bag, checking the screen.

Unknown number.

Were telemarketers tracking her down even in the middle of the Pacific?

“I think Keon is ready for you. He’s parked right outside the entrance,” Lea said.

Glancing up, she dismissed the call and put her cell away.

“Thank you. I appreciate the help this week.”

The other woman smiled. “My pleasure.”

With a wave to Lea, she headed out of the hotel toward the car waiting in the drive.

Or what she’d thought would be a car.

A smiling man stood leaning against a pickup truck, the back piled with food and bedding.

“I’m only going for one night,” she said to the man she assumed was Keon.

He grinned. “Just trying to cover all the bases.”

Glancing over the edge of the truck, she arched a brow at the massive case of beer. “What exactly do you think I’ll be doing tonight?”

“Kai made me promise to take good care of you. Are you all set?”

She tossed her backpack into the back, realizing she didn’t need the sleeping bag she’d arranged. Keon had pillows and blankets piled in the trunk. Far more than one person would need.

“I’m all set,” she said.

“Great. It’s a long drive, so we’d better get to it. Do you want to ride inside or in the back?”

She blinked. “Is that allowed?”

He shrugged. “Island life,” he said as if that explained all. “The road to the east is beautiful. It cuts through the rainforest, sometimes running along the edge of a cliff. You’ll have a better view in the back.”

“All right, I’m up for an adventure,” she agreed.

“Make sure you have your camera ready when we hit the start of the forest,” he said, turning to get into the driver’s seat.

Grabbing the back of the truck, she swung herself up. A futon had been laid out to provide a comfortable spot to sit, and she quickly settled herself in for the ride.

“All set?” her driver asked.

“Ready when you are,” she replied, slipping on her shades. This was exactly what she needed.

Peace.

“Wait.”

Avery flinched at the sound, turning to see Hayden striding toward them. How did he always know where she was? Had she inadvertently summoned him by thinking his name too many times?

“Good morning,” she said cautiously, staring down at him.

“What are you doing?”

She lifted her chin. “Going away for the weekend,” she replied.

A frown crossed his brow. “But you’re working.”

“Not on the weekend. I’ll be back Monday morning.”

Hayden gripped the side of the truck, staring up at her. “Where are you going?”