My skin feelslike it’s on fire.
I’m standing by the pool bar, waiting for a drink that I desperately need while replaying my last interaction with Tony.
I’m so aroused it’s uncomfortable to walk with this lingerie that keeps riding up in the worst spots possible. And to top it off, I still haven’t had my conversation with Tony, so I’m having major anxiety over how that’s going to go down.
Horny and anxious. What a devastating combo.
I won’t even let myself think about the way he touched me or the fact that he, too, wants to talk to me about something. I can only panic about one thing at a time, and right now, it’s the apology of the century that hangs over my head.
My phone buzzes in my hands, and I laugh when I see the message from Amelia.
Amelia: Where are my pics, pendeja?
I angle my phone as far away from me as possible so I can get my dress in the photo and snap a quick selfie. I immediately get a response.
Amelia: YASSSS BITCH. I KNEW YOU WOULD LOOK LIKE A HOT BARBIE!!
Amelia: Post this one on insta right fucking now! And tag Maribel as the stylist!
Amelia: Omg you’re gonna be setting off boners all night. You’re def getting a NYE kiss tonight!! If not more *smirking emoji*
I try not to harp on the New Year’s Eve kiss comment, but it’s hard not to think back to the one I shared with Tony years ago.
I snap myself out of it and go ahead and post the picture to my social media with a disco ball as the caption. I was hoping to keep this trip in the dark from my mom and my ex, Justin, but my sense of gratitude toward Maribel and her team of stylists at Bergdorf Goodman override that thought.
Just as I slip my phone into my clutch, a familiar voice rumbles behind me. “That dress, and the woman wearing it, has the power to bring a man to his knees, Nikki.”
I turn and face Mr. B., smirking at the memory of Tony on his knees earlier tonight while he put on my shoes for me. Mr. B. must think my reaction is for him, so he steps in closer.
“Have you given any thought to my offer? I can promise you a night you’ll never forget.” He smiles deviously.
I’ve already had one of those. Seven years ago. And tonight, I intend to let the right man finally know it. I go to move past him and stop as we stand side by side. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m perfectly content with the current company I keep.”
I move to step away, but his hand whips out to grab my wrist. “C’mon, Nikki. You can’t possibly be better off with that guy. I heard his hardened New Yorker accent. What is he, a plumber or something? A woman like you deserves a lot more decadence than a man like him can offer.”
I can feel the fury rising in my body, but before I can respond, a tiny voice interrupts us. “Excuse me, miss.” I look down to find the little girl I spotted in the cabana the first day I arrived at this resort tugging on my free hand. “Can you help me find my mommy?” She pouts with sad puppy eyes.
That sentence has Mr. B. dropping my wrist instantly.
“Of course, sweetheart. Let’s go find her.” I take her hand in mine, then say lowly so only he can hear me. “And for the record, there’s nothing you can offer me besides making yourself scarce. So if you don’t mind…”
Before I’m out of earshot, he makes sure I hear, “Girls like you are a dime a dozen. Your loss for skipping out on a golden ticket, sweetheart. Enjoy riding off into the sunset on the subway.” He scoffs as he turns away from me.
I shiver at the audacity of that man.
I’m so thankful I’m being pulled in the opposite direction by the little cutie who’s attached herself to my arm. With a long breath out, I focus on my quest to reunite this kid with her family.
“Hey, what’s your name, sweetie? I’m Nikki,” I say as she continues to pull me with respectable force.
“My name is Moana!” She giggles.
We’re now weaving between high cocktail tables and beelining it to a private table.
“Okay, Moana.” I play along. “Slow down, there. Where did you last see your—”
“I did it! Can I have my ice cream now? Pretty please?”
Huh?
