Ryan pulled his car into the parking lot of the Paradise Beach
Resort. He had just been to the main lobby to check in and had spent a
considerable chunk of his saving to get a suite near Gillian’s andJake’s.
He took out his key, grabbed his luggage, and was walking towards hissuite
when he saw them.
Gillian was holding Jake’s free hand and laughing as he tried to lug what was
obviously one of Gillian’s overstuffed suitcases up the stairs. Ryan
couldn’t help but
laugh when he remembered all of his Princess’ belongings that always
cluttered her room at Wildwind. The laugh turned to a rush of love whenhe
remembered how she had given up every last item of her beloved wardrobeand
dressed as a dirty gardener while with him on the run from the police.God,
he loved her.
His mind came back to the present and he returned his attention to Gillian and
Jake who had now made it up to their balcony and placed the luggage onthe ground
outside their suite. Ryan’s smile faded away as Gillian moved closer toJake
and hepulled her into his arms, kissing her. The kiss deepened and turned
passionate as Ryan stood frozen in place.
He watched Gillian as she kissed Jake, the look on her face, the
movements of her body. True, he wasn’t close enough to read her eyes -he
could always tell what she was thinking and feeling by the look in hereyes -
but she didn’t look like a woman who was resisting a man’s advances.
What if Hayley had been wrong about Gillian still loving him? Hayley was a true
romantic at heart. Perhaps what she had said was only wishfulthinking. What
if Gillian actually was in love with Jake? Maybe it was wrong of him tocome.
If Gillian had truly moved on, if this was what she really wanted, whowas
he to stop her?
Ryan watched as Jake took Gillian by the arm and lead her into their
suite. Fool. Ryan, you idiot! Gillian’s going inside with him. She’llmake
love to him - if not now, then later. And, she’ll do it because shewants to,
because she wants him. Who am I to say anything about it? I had mychance
with her and threw it away. I have no was else to blame but myself.
Ryan turned back around and headed towards his car. He threw his
luggage in the car and got in, starting the engine. He was heading intotown
with all the stores and people, all the crowds. That would clear hismind. He
just had to get away from all these romantic suites - and their damned
private beaches.
