He’s bolted off the plane before I’ve even had time to gasp.
That asshole.
How dare he? As if I was putty.
Okay, maybe a teeny tiny smidge. But that interest burned out faster than it started. Plus, what is it to him anyway?
I swear that man is insufferable.
At least I’m officially done with him until this vacation is over. That thought alone is enough to spring me into action and haul my ass off this plane. It’s time to finally enjoy paradise.
* * *
My excitement is short-lived when I spot Antonio loading himself into a very sleek, very tiny, black helicopter.
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
Cortney meets me at the bottom of the plane stairs as the helicopter’s propellers start to come alive. “The resort you’re going to is only accessible by boat or helicopter ride. Helicopter is the fastest. You’ll be there in ten minutes.” She smiles softly. My face must be giving away how hesitant I am to get on another aircraft after the flight from hell.
“Um, yeah. Okay.” I nod, mostly to myself, while she guides me to my next ass-clenching adventure. “Okay, I can do this. Just ten minutes.”
I take a seat by the open door, making sure to leave the middle one vacant for Antonio’s grumpy attitude. He’s too busy staring out his own window to pay me any mind anyway.
Once my door is closed and locked, I’m instructed to put on a headset with an attached mic. “Bienvenidos a La República Dominicana,” the helicopter pilot chirps in my ears. I smile and nod in his direction. Just as I’m about to regale him with my nonaccentedgracias, the aircraft makes a swift vertical move, and we’re in the air. My hands immediately grab the seat cushions on each side of me, and I accidentally let out a very non-ladylike squeal.
I try to focus on the beautiful palm trees and crystal-clear waters coming into view below me, but I can’t seem to shake off the nerves from the earlier plane turbulence.
Without warning, Antonio takes hold of my left hand. For a split second, and without my permission, my heart swoons at the idea that he’s attempting to soothe my frayed nerves.
“Interesting.” He raises our joined hands. “With your track record, it’s astonishing that you haven’t conned a man or two into giving you an engagement ring.”
My eyes widen to comical proportions. “Excuse me?”
He tugs my hand closer to his face and examines my ring finger closely. “See, not even a small tan line on this finger. Must be one of life’s unsolved mysteries.”
I tear my hand out of his grip and give his shoulder a hard shove.
His body doesn’t move an inch, except for the smug look that forms on his face.
“What is wrong with you? Who says shit like that to women? And when did I say I wanted to be engaged or even married?” I scoff. “How barbarian of you.”
“So marriage isn’t the goal? Could have fooled me with the revolving door of hopefuls. Taking serial monogamy to the next level.”
“Wow. That’s real rich coming from Mr. Love ’Em and Leave ’Em. Pardon me for having meaningful relationships instead of arevolving doorof one-night stands.”
“I have a full transparency policy. Women know exactly what they’re signing up for when they spend the night with me.”
I roll my eyes. “Tarzan chest banging and grunts?”
“The best sex of their life.” He smirks.
I can’t contain the laughter that bursts out of me. “Oh wow. You really are something, aren’t you?” I swipe away a single tear. “I’ll tell you what. If what you’re packing below the belt is a fraction of the size of your ego, then maybe you’re not a total dud in the sack.” I pause. “But all signs are pointing to the most common clinical diagnosis.”
His smile widens. “Lay it on me.”
“Little dick syndrome.” I put my hand on his thigh and wince dramatically. “And I’m sorry to report, but the condition is permanent.”
Antonio surprises me by throwing his head back and barking out a glorious laugh. “Oh man, say it isn’t so, doc.” He puts his hand over his heart. “You wound me.” His laughter starts to die down. “Although I must say, your hand seems to want to verify for itself. For scientific purposes, of course.”
