Emerald Island: A Billionaire Bedroom Romance

Chapter 16

Sophie was pacing the villa. "I just don't understand how I could be so stupid," she said for the tenth time.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. It's probably just a misunderstanding," Kristen was sitting on Sophie's bed next to Sergio. The pair had been listening to Sophie's confused monologue for the past half-hour.

"Oh yeah? How often does someone who's actually interested in you not respond to getting your panties on his breakfast tray?"

"Maybe he's been busy?" Kristen said.

"Yeah, busy fucking Scarlett Holmes," Sophie retorted. "Sergio, you're a man. Be real with me here."

"Well..." Sergio said, "To be honest, you're right. After the panties, I can't imagine not dropping everything and finding you if I were interested in you. Even if he were legitimately busy, he could have sent word. As to seeing him with Scarlett Holmes, I don't know. I had always thought they were dating, but if he told you they weren't, I'd tend to believe him. Although maybe something just happened between them in the last day or so. I don't know what to tell you, Sophie."

Sophie sat down and covered her face with her hands. "I know I asked you to be honest, but that really doesn't feel great to hear."

Sergio patted her on the back. "Listen. Yes, his radio silence doesn't make sense. But that's the whole point. None of this makes sense. And I know Erik — he's a good guy. Even when he's been a playboy in the past, he's always been a gentleman. There must be some sort of misunderstanding."

"What sort of misunderstanding could there possibly be?" Sophie asked, hopefully.

"I don't know. But that's exactly the point. We'll have no way of knowing unless you ask him. Here, there's another luau this evening. Let's get you cleaned up and we'll all go to it. You can see him there and feel it out."

Kristen stood up. "I'm with him. Listen, Sophie. Usually I'm all in favor of game playing, but hey. You really like this guy. In the off chance that this is some sort of mistake, it's worth trying to fix it. And if not, what's the downside? Either way, you'll be off the island in a few days. If you embarrass yourself, you'll never have to see him again."

Sophie nodded slowly.

"That's my girl," Kristen put a hand on each of Sophie's shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "Now let's find mama an outfit."

***

An hour later, looking as good as she possibly knew how to look with a low-cut dress and hair messily but sexily arranged by Kristen, Sophie stepped out onto the beach for the luau. The guests were spilling out on all sides, eating, drinking, and laughing. The familiar music beckoned.

But Sophie could see nothing except for Erik, standing alone, sipping a martini.

Steeling herself, Sophie walked up to him. "Hey stranger," she said, attempting a smile.

"Hello," Erik said coolly.

"Um... how've... things been?" Sophie rejoined.

"Just great. You know. Busy. How about you?" His tone was civil, but his eyes were scanning the crowd.

"Um... not so busy. Just kind of a lot of yoga and cocktails, to be honest," Sophie laughed nervously. "Actually, I was kind of wondering... is everything ok?"

"Of course it is. Why would anything not be ok?" he asked.

"Well, you've been a bit... distant?"

"Listen, Sophie. I don't know what you mean. We had fun for a couple of days, but that was all it was, right? Some fun? And now we've had our fun, and it's over. I'm not sure what you want from me."

"I... nothing. Um. You're right. We had... fun." Sophie said, dazed. How could this man who had been so warm to her suddenly be so cruel? Her eyes burned and she blinked quickly to stop tears from coming.

"All right, then. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here. I have other guests to speak with."

Sophie watched as Erik made the rounds. The tears welled in her eyes, threatening to ruin the smoky eye effect Kristen had worked so hard on.

Kristen swooped in. "So. Based on how that looked, I think you need a drink. Erik might own the island, but he doesn't control your night. You are going to have the best evening ever. Because there's no better revenge than looking good. Sergio!" she said, calling to him, "you're on dance duty. Warning: Sophie is a much better dancer than me; don't get used to her level of skill. I'm grabbing you both cocktails. Annnnnd: go."

Sophie blinked back the tears. At least she had good friends. Sergio pulled her into the infectious salsa music as she took a deep breath and smiled. Over his shoulder, she could see Erik watching her coldly.

This would be her last night in Emerald Island, she decided. Whatever it took, she'd get Sergio to help her get an early helicopter out. She'd be on the next flight back to Los Angeles.

Tomorrow she would leave. But tonight? Tonight, she would dance.