Page 15 of Meet Me in Tahiti
He chuckled. “They’re a nice group, by the way. But you knew that already.”
“They are. I’m very lucky. We’ve only been friends for two years, but it feels like forever.”
“How long did you date Ethan, anyway?” he asked casually.
There was no harm in discussing her ex. He’d been far from ‘the one’, and Tessa had known it for a long time. She wasn’t even missing him; she’d barely noticed his absence since the first day, except on occasions like these when she had no one to pal around with.
But Ethan worked with Avery in advertising, and once she’d introduced them and they’d started dating, it had simply becomecomfortablebecause the large group spent a lot of time together.
That arrangement had already changed now that they’d broken up, fortunately. Ethan was no longer welcome. “We dated for about six months. And honestly, I only stayed with him that long because… well, because I’m almost thirty, and I felt like I was supposed to bewithsomeone by now. I mean—one of my friends is married and one is engaged. It’s not lost on me that I’m a little late to the game.”
Russ gave a nod. “I know what you mean. And Icouldn’t help but notice the massive rocks on your friends’ fingers.” He grinned.
“Right?” Tessa paused, examining a small handmade tiki figurine on the table, beautifully carved from a piece of driftwood. “How about you? Anyone special in your life?” She kept her eyes on the artwork, keeping her tone casual, although she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t dying to know the answer.
Russ didn’t reply immediately. They stopped next, at a vendor’s table lined with sparkling necklaces and bracelets made of sea glass. Tessa picked up a small conch shell, tracing its ridges with her thumb.
“Nah. I’ve dated a few women since I’ve been here, of course,” said Russ, “but it’s all been casual. Short-lived.”
Tess grinned up at him boldly. “Just looking for a good time?” Why did she have to feel flooded with relief that he wasn’t seeing anyone special? There was no future with him. She’d only be here for a week. She had to stop kidding herself.
He laughed, and the way his face relaxed made her want to see him smile again. “Not really,” he said. “Just passing the time.” Then he winced. “Although, you make me sound like some kind of?—”
It must’ve been all the sunshine and pleasant music playing in the shops, but she was feeling flirtatious now. “—Skirt-chaser? Player?” she teased.
He laughed and set down the tiny Polynesian surfboard replica he’d been looking at. “I was going to sayladies’ man, but no. I’m not like that. I just like finding people to pass the time with. That’s all. Life’s short.”
Her gaze met his. Was that what he was doingnow? Passing the time with her? Because, unfortunately, she found herself enjoying every minute she spent with him.
But this week was about proving to herself that she could enjoy this trip without a man next to her. Wasn’t it? Or could she just enjoy the trip,even thougha very handsome man might be keeping her company some of the time?
Because there was no harm in it, was there? She straightened her shoulders, then shot him a sly glance.
They walked on. She was overthinking this. As usual. This wasn’t a boyfriend, not even a potential boyfriend. Russ was just a person. And they were just walking and talking. End of story.No harm done.
Moreover, she’d just gotten out of a relationship. She had no business looking for another one.
They passed through the market, weaving between other tourists and a few locals, until they came upon a gelato stand nestled beneath a bougainvillea-covered trellis. The smell of fresh pineapple and lime emanated from the stall. “This place is great,” said Russ. “You want to try some?”
Tessa’s nod was eager. A grin tugged at her lips. “Absolutely. What’s good here?”
He smiled and turned to the counter. “Two coconut, please,” Russ told the vendor, and the woman greeted him by name. “Thanks, Lani.” He glanced back at Tessa. “My treat.”
Her heart melted, but no, this was just walking andtalking. Not dating. “You don’t have to treat,” she protested.
“I know,” he said. Why was he doing this—being so nice to her?
Tessa sighed but cast him a grateful smile, her heart warming.
Lani handed them the cups. “Thank you, Russ. Enjoy.”
“See you next time,” he called. The woman smiled broadly and waved as they wandered off.
Tessa followed Russ toward the seawall that overlooked the sparkling harbor. She leaned against the low stone barrier next to him, savoring the creamy, fresh sweetness and watching the boats bob in the current.
“Oh, my gosh, this might be the best coconut-anything I’ve ever had.”
Russell grinned. “See…”
