“You think I got the invitation so I could escape from Rip?”
“Or maybe you’ll find yourself in the arms of that sexy ex of yours. The magic of the island will fix everything and you’ll find you were wrong about being in danger from him and are really meant to be together.”
Marissa’s stomach clenched. “That’s not going to happen.”
* * *
“I expected something bigger.” Marissa stared at the small plane, her lips pursed.
“I’m sure it will be fine,” Lana said.
“But a two hour flight in that tiny plane?” Marissa didn’t like flying at the best of times, but that little plane promised a bumpy, unsettling ride.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get you there in one piece.” A young woman with light brown, wavy hair and green eyes, wearing khaki shorts and a black polo shirt with the word ‘Eden’ stitched on the pocket, walked toward them. She stuck out her hand. “Hi, I’m your pilot, Joely.”
Marissa shook hands with her. Joely’s firm grip buoyed Marissa’s confidence a little.
Joely stowed Marissa’s luggage in the back of the plane and Marissa hugged Lana, then climbed inside. Marissa clasped her hands tightly together as the plane taxied across the water, then Joely pushed the engine full throttle and the plane skimmed over the water. Marissa held her breath as the plane lifted into the air, soon leaving the ocean far below them.
She’d heard that takeoffs were the most dangerous part of any flight, so it should be clear sailing now, but she couldn’t seem to convince her frazzled nerves of that.
About twenty minutes into the flight, Joely turned her head and said over her shoulder, “There’s going to be some turbulence ahead, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
Marissa tensed in her seat.
Joely smiled. “Don’t worry. I do this all the time and I’m still here to talk about it.”
Marissa just nodded.
“Just think about the great time you’re going to have on Eden,” Joely said. “And you’re in for a treat this week. There are lots of hot biker guys… and chicks… swarming over the island.”
Marissa stiffened.
Joely glanced back at her speculatively. “Is there something wrong?”
“I… uh… dated a biker a while back and… well, he’s sort of been stalking me.”
“I’m sorry.” Joely glanced back at Marissa with concern in her big green eyes. “But you’ll be perfectly safe on Eden. No one will hurt you.”
It was nice of her to try and comfort her, but Marissa knew no one could make that promise. But she did know that it was unlikely that Rip would wind up on Eden.
“So why are there bikers on Eden this week?” she asked.
“The master of the island loves motorcycles and he decided to invite a few motorcycle clubs to the island. He’s arranged to bring their bikes over and everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a number of guests who will be finding their happiness,” Joely winked, “with bikers this week.”
Marissa clenched her fists. “Not me.”
“Well, you never know. If you’re afraid of bikers, maybe the island has decided to fix that fear.” Joely grinned. “Or maybe you’ll have a fling with a nice guy who goes to the office from nine-to-five Monday to Friday, but rides a bike on the weekends. He could still have the tats and leather, but not scare the pants off you.” She laughed. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. The pants can still go. Just not because you’re scared.
Marissa drew in a deep breath and shook her head. “If that’s the island’s plan, then it’s got it wrong this time around. If I never see a biker again, it’ll be too soon.”
“Oh, honey,” Joely said with a smile, “the island never gets it wrong.”
* * *
The plane landed gently on the water, then taxied to a long wooden dock that lead to a beach. The view coming into Eden had been stunning, with the huge castle on the center of the island glittering like a precious gem.
Joely turned off the engine, then hopped out of the plane and opened the door for her. Another Eden staff member, a man with a friendly smile, wearing the same khaki shorts and black polo shirt as Joely, offered a hand to help Marissa from the plane as Joely pulled out her bags.
“Welcome to Eden,” the newcomer said. “My name is Bill and I’ll take you to the resort.”
Marissa stepped onto the dock, relieved to be on firm ground once again. She turned to grab the handle of her suitcase.
“Don’t worry about your luggage. It will be taken up to your room,” Bill assured her.