Pulling open her closet, she sorted through her clothes before landing on a flowing sundress that was perfect for the warm weather.
In minutes she’d transformed from professional fixer to relaxed tourist. Pulling the clip from her hair, she let her brown curls bounce free around her shoulders. Twirling before the mirror, she smiled at her reflection.
Hayden won’t even recognize me.
The thought chased the smile from her lips. It didn’t matter what he thought of her outfit. She was comfortable and beach appropriate. End of story.
Slipping her feet into a pair of sandals, she grabbed her keycard and headed next door to Karen’s room.
Her assistant answered on the second knock.
“Want to check out the sunset?” Avery asked.
“I’ll watch it from my balcony,” she replied. “Then I think I’m headed for an early evening. Besides, I don’t want to cramp your date.”
She winced. “It’s not a date.”
“No client is ever interested in findings this early. Day one is just for getting situated and meeting people. Nothing about your drink date is job related.”
“Maybe he’s turning over a new leaf and is suddenly fascinated by the exciting world of hotel consulting.”
Right. Not even I believe that excuse.
Karen snorted. “Or maybe you should just revel in the fact that a handsome man flew halfway around the world for a second date with you. Seriously, you must be a goddess in the sack. I want pointers.”
She wacked her friend. “I’m not interested in Hayden.”
“Then head for the nearest hospital because something is seriously wrong with you.”
“Glad to see I can always count on some good mocking in my time of need. I’m humbled by your support.”
“Fine, fine. Go not enjoy his company. I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow.”
“We could go for a morning—”
Karen held up a hand. “I don’t care what you next word is, the answer is no. I need some beauty sleep to off-set the jet lag. You’re on your own until the omelet station gets fired up.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “Sleep well, then.”
With a last wave, Karen closed the door on her. Shaking her head, Avery headed down to the water alone.
The sun had just started dipping toward the horizon when she reached the beach. Tourists filled the sand as the other guests of the hotel had obviously shared her thought. Finding an empty spot near a palm tree, she stood and watched as orange and red fire painted the sky.
But as breathtaking as the show was, her attention soon turned to the other occupants of the beach. She smiled at the families huddled together, their young children making sand castles in the dimming light. And then there were the couples. Women stretched out in the sand, their partners cradling them in their arms, providing a human support to lean against. They appeared so content, entwined together watching the sun. A pang filled Avery’s chest at the sight.
She’d thought she’d had that once. A partner to watch sunsets with. Someone to catch her when she tripped, or tuck the tag back into her shirt when it poked into view. Someone to experience the small, simple moments of life with.
She rubbed the empty ring finger of her left hand. Even after all this time, it was still strange not to feel the gold band she’d once worn so proudly.
A warm hand cupped her elbow, sliding along her arm as she felt a solid chest at her back.
Hayden.
She should pull away. The touch was too familiar. Too reminiscent of the way he’d touched her at the gala.
Time to step forward.
She meant to. Really she did. But the spell of the light and the presence of so many other tourists calmed her instincts. Instead she let herself enjoy his presence, just for a moment.
“I thought I was imagining things when I saw you over here.” The whispered words tickled her ear. “The professional Avery Clarke, caught without her suits? I didn’t think such a thing was possible.”
“The professional Avery Clarke knows multiple layers and tropical temperatures are a hard mix.”
“I’m all for shedding one’s clothes,” he said into her ear. “More shedding, I say.”
A finger traced the thin strap of her dress, edging it closer to falling from her shoulder.
“You’re hopeless,” she sighed.
“Not necessarily.” His lips brushed the naked skin of her shoulder. “There are a number of things I’m hoping for right this very instant. Most of them require less of an audience, though.”
“Only most?” She shook her head, catching herself. “Stop that, or I’m finding a new palm tree to stand under.”
With a sigh, he straightened. “We could have such fun if you’d let us.”