The Adventures of James Dean.

18.

Imagine my horror when the woman steps out of the airport, with a tall blond guy, and she's holding his arm, no less. He looked like some poster boy, and dutifully carrying a case, I had no chance of looking like a hero on our short break together. I wanted to go berserk over her bringing this guy, but then I'd just look pathetic. The male equivalent of all those clingy, needy girls I'd always tried to stay well away from. As they approached, I plastered on a smile, and held out my hand to the guy.

If this was her attempt at pissing me off or playing games, I sure as hell wasn't going to indulge her with a reaction.

'James Dean, CEO of Radspace.' He took my hand, a firm, self assured shake, and put his arm protectively around Kennedy's shoulders.

'Rex Dennis, artist.' He responded, with a smirk. Kennedy eyed the rental car. I'd requested a two seater sporty number. Right now that wasn't going to fly. We were one person over quota and she had luggage. Great.

And hold up, but isn't Rex a dogs name? Who calls their kid Rex?

'Listen I'll go inside and sort out a rental.' Rex the blonde gestured to the airport building, with one well honed, muscular arm. 'I won't be long sweetie.'

Sweetie. Ugh.

Kennedy passed him a smile, one I hadn't seen before, and a jolt of envy chose that moment to strike. Teeth gritted I stood like a spare part, watching her eyes follow him into the building.

'So, I see you brought a traveling companion.' There was a little ice in my tone, I won't lie.

'Yeah, Rex and I have been friends for years, my sickness has gone but he knows I've never flown this far before. He's happy to book a hotel room, though, if there isn't any room at the villa.'

She looked at me hopefully, and what could I say? I couldn't possibly refuse her, not with those big brown eyes. I was becoming a sucker for those eyes.

'There's room.' I said, sulkily, 'it's nice of him to come along.'

'I thought to too.' She passed me a smile, and it melted some of the ice. She wore a dark grey pencil skirt and a white blouse, the attire she must have been wearing in the office before I called her away and sent her halfway across the world. The tiredness under her eyes was apparent and I felt a little stupid. There was no real reason for her to be here. I just didn't want her dating guys while I wasn't there to assess the situation. And therefore, I was probably way past help now.

She had me. There wasn't anything else to say.

Her hair had been in a top knot, but she slipped her finger under the tie, and let her chestnut hair fall over her shoulders. I wondered what it would be like to run my fingers through her hair. Our eyes locked, for a moment too long, and Rex chose that moment to return.

'We've got a little jeep waiting for us, Kenny, you ready to go? We can follow your boss.'

Boss maybe, but I'm also the father of her unborn child. Rex. You're an asshole.

And Kenny?

'Yeah, sure, I'm ready.' I saw Rex snatch her hand and they left me, to pick up their much less glamorous car. Something I suddenly realized Kennedy would feel a lot more at home in. Who was I kidding? She'd never have felt impressed by a show of a sports car. She wasn't like that. I was still rolling out my old tricks when in reality, I needed all new ones.

.....................

So Rex was far more impressed with the villa than Kennedy, and annoyingly he seemed like a really good guy. He expressed interest in heading down to the club later tonight and checking out the amazing feats of architecture the place possessed, as well as a few drinks and to absorb the music and ambience. He and Al acted like they'd known one another for years and yet again I felt left out. The guy was too fucking perfect. Kennedy said she wanted a swim to clear her mind, and I was caught in a bit of an awkward position. The odd one out between Al and Rex or to casually have a dip in the pool and spend a little time with Kennedy. The woman who chose to bring another man with her. I decided to take my thoughts to the bedroom where I could breathe more easily.