“That is one nice thing about leading these excursions. I don’t have to worry about getting flabby.”
Her smile stretched wide. “Flabby? You?” She reached out and pinched his abdomen. “Sorry, I’m not buying it. You could always eat anything you wanted and not gain an ounce.”
He checked the group behind them again before responding with, “I’m not twenty-one anymore.”
She snorted. “Yeah, you’re such a geezer.”
“Did you just snort?” He laughed.
“You’re so mean. I wouldn’t call attention to it if you snorted.”
Aiden patted her shoulder. “It was cute.”
She gave him a look he couldn’t quite interpret. “What do you think Grams has planned for tonight? I’m kind of worried about Harold’s food.”
Why did she have to bring him up again? He tried not to clench his teeth. “I said I’d keep her distracted.”
“How are you going to do that?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Well, it better involve a lock and key because she’s been downright devious.”
He squinted at the look on Felicity’s face. “You’re enjoying her antics, aren’t you?”
“You have to admit, she’s clever.”
“She’s been terrible.”
Felicity laughed. “You’d better give poor Harold another free excursion. He seemed excited about the jungle hike.”
“You’re right. I’ll give him several excursion tickets if he doesn’t go badmouthing the resort after what Grams did.”
“That’s a good idea.”
THE HIKE BACK TO THE van seemed to take a much shorter time, and Felicity found herself disappointed when the trail ended, which was stupid. She and Aiden were not good together. If she started to like him that way again, she would only get hurt in the end, so it was really dumb to enjoy the time spent with him.
She had to keep reminding herself she was just biding her time until she left. Grams was well-meaning, but she didn’t realize how incompatible she was with Aiden. It would never work.
Aiden opened the passenger door for Felicity and helped her climb in. Blast those butterflies in her stomach at his touch. Why didn’t they get the memo that she and Aiden were not a thing?
On the drive home, one of the women who had been walking behind them leaned forward in her seat. “You two make such a cute couple. How long have you been married?”
Felicity froze as the word ‘married’ hung in the air. What was Aiden going to say to that?
Aiden chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re not married.”
“Oh, really? How long have you been dating?”
Red crept up his neck and Felicity had to hide a smile. He was cute when he was embarrassed.
“We’re not...together.”
“You’re kidding,” the woman said, leaning forward a bit more.
The man beside her nudged her arm. “Trisha, leave them alone.”
“I’m not bothering them. They seem like a couple though.” She turned back to Aiden. “You should ask her out.”
Aiden swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He gave Felicity a quick glance before answering. “We’re just good friends.”
Trisha huffed and sat back in her seat. “That’s not what it looked like to me. I’ve been around good friends, and you guys have something more going on.”
“Hush, now, can’t you see you’re embarrassing him?” the man said.
Felicity held back a giggle.
“I am not. I’m just stating a fact. They should be a couple. You can see the attraction written all over their faces.” The woman looked personally offended that Felicity wasn’t involved with him.
Aiden’s cheeks were now pink, and he stared forward as he drove, obviously trying to ignore them now that they were talking amongst themselves.
“That’s none of your business,” the man hissed.
“You’re always saying that. Maybe it is my business. How do you know? You don’t know everything.”
They continued to argue until Trisha finally got mad and sat silently the rest of the way to the resort. By the time Aiden had stopped the bus, his face was almost back to his normal color.
“Thank you, everyone, for joining me on this excursion. If you wouldn’t mind leaving a comment on the website about how you enjoyed it, that would be wonderful. And if you didn’t enjoy it, we don’t mind if you don’t leave a comment.”
A few chuckles came from the group as they dispersed. Felicity checked her watch. “Guess I’d better go get ready for my date. Thank you again for keeping Grams occupied.”
Aiden nodded, his mouth turning down a bit. “Of course. Have fun.”
She took a step away then hesitated and turned back to him. “The jungle hike was nice.”
He stopped, his gaze almost looking through her. “It’s a good excursion.”
“No, I mean, it was nice talking to you today.” Felicity bit her lip. Why was she standing there, acting like an idiot? She had to remember what he did to her just this morning. He stood her up. She was such a sucker.
He took a step toward her. “I enjoyed it too.”
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft orange glow on Aiden’s light hair. He stared down at her, and she became aware of her heart stuttering. Had he grown more handsome in the last few minutes? And why was she thinking that? What was wrong with her?
She took a step back. “See you later.”
“Right.” He blew out a breath and turned away from her.
Felicity walked to her villa, her heart stuck in her throat. Why was she so attracted to Aiden? Why couldn’t she get it through her thick head that he would never love her like she needed? Like a woman should expect her husband to?
She took in a deep breath and unlocked her door. Aiden wasn’t her soul mate. But he was out there somewhere, she was sure of it. She’d find him and have a happy life.
Flipping through clothes in her closet, she realized she didn’t have very many outfits. She hadn’t expected to be dating. She changed into a simple blouse and slacks.
A knock came on her door and she rushed to open it. Maybe it was Aiden, coming to tell her Harold had left. Maybe Grams had given him tickets to the caves, farther inland. Maybe—
She interrupted her own thoughts as she opened the door and peered at Harold. Why was she disappointed? She wanted to go out with Harold tonight, right? Felicity forced a smile. He looked nice, with a blue dress shirt and tie. “Hi.”
“How was the jungle hike?” He pushed up his glasses with one finger.
“It was good. I think Aiden is going to get you free tickets for later on in the week. He felt bad you missed it.”
Harold stepped aside so she could join him. “It wasn’t his fault. That would be generous of him to do that.”
Yeah, right. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him what Grams had done, but she bit the words back. What good would that do? She decided it would be best to change the subject. “What did you do this afternoon?”
“I camped out on the beach and read a book.”
“Oh? What book?”
He gave her a sheepish grin. “Ready Player One. I know, it’s one of those high-brow kind of books, but what can I say? I like literary fiction.”
Felicity laughed. She’d never read the book but knew enough about it from the movie commercials to know it wasn’t literary fiction. It was some video game that people went into, or something like that. Harold really was a video game nerd. “I like that you’re yourself.”
He gave her a funny look as he fiddled with the knot on his tie. “Who else would I be?”
She giggled again. “You’re comfortable in your own skin. I like that.”
“Good. I don’t really want to wear anyone else’s skin.”
They entered the restaurant and waited until they were seated. Felicity opened her menu, even though she knew what she wanted. She was going to try the dish Aiden suggested.
&n
bsp; Why was she thinking about Aiden? Man, couldn’t she step away from him for the evening? Give her brain a rest? And if she were being honest with herself, give her heart a rest too?
Her phone made a noise and she glanced down at the incoming text.
Where are you?
It was from a number she didn’t recognize. Maybe it was Grams? She typed in a quick response. Who is this?
When the next text came in, she did a double take. This is Brittany.
What? Why was Brittany asking where she was? She knew Felicity was in Belize. How odd. She set her phone down and ignored it.
“What are you going to order?” she asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe a hamburger. I’m not really a fish person.”
Felicity gave him a weird look. “Okay.”
Her phone chimed again and she picked it up to silence it, but the words on the screen made her freeze.
I made it to the resort. Is that you in the restaurant?
Confusion clouded her brain. Brittany was in Belize? Felicity turned around and about fell out of her chair. Brittany was walking toward her, her arm extended and waving erratically. “Felicity!”
She blinked, hoping the vision would disappear. Nope. It wasn’t her imagination. Brittany had come to Aiden’s resort.
Chapter 14
Felicity’s mouth went dry. Brittany wore a miniskirt and an expensive-looking top. Her heels were so tall, Felicity wondered how she could stay upright in them. Brittany came up to the table and held out her arms. There was no choice; Felicity had to stand and hug her.
“How are you? Oh, my gosh, it’s been so long. I can’t believe it. You look fabulous. I love your curls.” She bounced a few strands of Felicity’s hair while glancing around the restaurant.
Brittany had always been a stream of consciousness person. You never knew what would come out of her mouth next. Felicity pasted on a smile. “Brittany, what are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d surprise you. You talked the place up so much, it made me want to come.” She eyed Harold. “And who is this?”
“Brittany, this is my date, Harold.”
“A date? Well, you don’t waste any time, do you? I’ll just leave you two alone, then. I don’t want to intrude. Maybe we can catch up later?”
Felicity didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t believe Brittany was standing in front of her. “Um, okay.”
“Great, hon. I’ll stop by. What villa are you in?”
“Twenty-eight.” Wait, why was she telling Brittany where she was staying? Why was her brain not working?
“Perfect. I’ll see you tonight.” Brittany gave her an air kiss and then turned and walked out of the restaurant, her hips swaying.
Harold leaned forward. “What was that all about? You look stunned.”
She blinked. “I guess I am stunned. I barely know Brittany. Why would she come here?”
“Really? You barely know her? She acted like you were best friends.”
Felicity shrugged, not knowing what else to do. “I guess we talked on Facebook a bit. I don’t know. It’s weird.” But it was typical Brittany to worm her way into a situation if she thought she could get something out of it. She probably was on the hunt for rich husband number two.
Harold chuckled and picked up his menu. “Well, good luck with that, then.”
“Right? Maybe if I tell her I have work to do, she’ll leave me alone.”
“Good idea.”
They ordered their food and Harold loosened his tie. “What’s up with the tie anyway? I mean, it’s weird, isn’t it? Let’s knot this fabric around your neck, let it hang down past your belt, and then you’ll look like you’re dressed up. Who was the first sucker to try that?”
Felicity smiled. She liked Harold’s wacky way of thinking. “Good point. I have no idea. Do you think it came from the cravat?”
He pointed at her. “Probably. Yes. That makes sense. But why even tie something around the neck? To make it easier for your enemy to kill you?” Harold pulled the end of his tie up like a noose and made a face. Felicity laughed and he shook his head. “I guess I just don’t understand fashion.”
“You really want to take that tie off, don’t you?”
“Could I?” He laughed. “Look at me. I’m such a loser. I can’t even pretend to be fancy for one night.”
“Take it off. Who cares? There are plenty of men here without ties. This is a vacation spot.”
“You’re right.” He loosened the tie and took it off, laying it on the table. “Wow, that feels so much better.”
“You’re a scream.”
“At least I’m a comfortable scream.” He grinned at her. “You’re a good sport.”
“Why would you say that?”
Harold glanced down at himself. “I’m not delusional enough to think a woman like you would be interested in a man like me. But it was nice of you to agree to go out with me.”
She picked up her drink and took a sip, trying to think of how to respond to him. “You’re a great guy, Harold.”
“But not someone you’d ever pursue.”
He was right, but she didn’t want to admit that. “We’re just two people having dinner, enjoying each other’s company.”
He smiled, his gaze softening. “Thanks for making my vacation something to remember.”
Their food came and Felicity spread her napkin on her lap, sure that her cheeks were turning pink. “Do you have any pets?” she blurted out, trying to think of anything else to take the attention off her.
“No. I’m allergic to cats and I’m not really a dog person.”
“I think Mabel is adorable. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter dog.” Now words were just coming out for no reason. Why was she talking about her ex’s dog while on a date with another man?
“I had a pet snake when I was a teen.”
Felicity balked. “A snake? Like a little garter one?”
“A ball python.”
Just the thought of a snake that large made her anxious. How could anyone enjoy one as a pet? “Really?”
“Yep. Named him Fluffy.”
Felicity couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “Nice.”
Harold’s eyes sparkled. “The best part was feeding him. I’d go to the pet store and buy a live rat—”
“Stop!” She held up her hand, her stomach feeling queasy. “I don’t want to know about that.”
He pressed his lips together. “Sorry. I forget not everyone loves that kind of thing. Maybe I should tell you about my brother’s pet instead.”
“If it eats rats, don’t bother.”
“Nope. A ferret. The little fur ball would climb onto his shoulders and just sit there while he walked around.”
“Yes. Tell me about that one. Ferrets are much cuter than snakes.”
Harold put on a mock hurt look. “Fluffy was cute.”
“I bet.” She bit into a piece of shrimp and tried to think of something else they could talk about. The rest of the conversation centered on his job and aspirations in life.
After they finished their meal, Harold walked her to her villa. As they approached, Felicity grew nervous. Would he expect a kiss? Harold nervously tapped his leg as they slowed. The light from a nearby lamp post cast shadows on his face. He reached out and took her hand, squeezing it. “Good night. I’ll see you around.”
“Good night, Harold.”
She watched as his figure disappeared into the shadows. He was a nice guy, but she knew she wouldn’t see him at her villa again. They didn’t have anything in common, and something told her he knew it. She took out her key card and slid it into the slot, opening her door.
Her villa was dark, which was odd. She was sure she’d left a light on in the living room. Had Grams been in her place? She shook that thought off. Why would she sneak in and turn off the light? That was too weird.
Felicity felt along the wall for the light switch. When her fingers found it, she flipped it up. Nothing happened.
She turned it off and back on, then felt stupid. If it didn’t work the first time, why did she think that would work? But, even so, she flicked it off and on again once more in the hopes that, for some odd reason, the lights didn’t work because she hadn’t flicked the switch off and on enough.
Dang. No power. She pulled out her phone and texted Aiden.
Is it just my villa without power?
His answer came back quickly.
What? You have no power? I thought we fixed that.
Maybe the lightbulb was just burned out. She inched her way into the living room area and fumbled for the knob on her lamp. Nope. The knob clicked, but no lights came on.
She messaged him back.
No power. Can you send someone out to check on it?
Sure. Hang on.
Felicity sank down into the chair next to the lamp and sighed. Would this odd day never end? She decided to update Amy on the situation with Brittany.
Guess what? Brittany showed up here tonight.
Her phone dinged almost immediately with Amy’s response.
What? So jealous! Wish I were there too! If I only had money like that, right?
No kidding. She found me at the restaurant. Well, me and my date.
Felicity waited for Amy to react to that news.
You were on a date? With who?? WHY DO YOU NOT TELL ME THINGS?
She laughed and texted her back.
I was just having dinner with a man I met on the beach. Don’t get too excited. He’s a big gamer. We don’t have much in common.
Okay, I feel better. A little. I still want to be there with you and Brittany. So bummed!
Felicity wished Amy were there too. She’d soften things between her and Brittany. Oh, well. It was only a few days. She could handle it. She texted Amy.
Chat later.
Okay, bye.
A knock came and Felicity used her phone light to find her way to the door. When she opened it, disappointment filled her. The street lamp cast a glow on Brittany. She walked toward Felicity, her arms outstretched.
“I wasn’t able to give you a proper hug earlier. How are you? And how was your date?” Before Felicity could answer, Brittany finished her hug and walked into the villa. “Why is it so dark in here? You should turn on some lights.”
Her Big Fat Dreamy Billionaire Ex Page 9
