The light stucco and Spanish-tiled roof as well as the vegetation were impeccably maintained. I returned the smile and wave of a man high in a palm tree, removing coconuts.

The driver handed me my bag, and I opened my purse.

“No, no. It’s all been taken care of.”

I held out a ten-dollar bill. “But your tip?”

He waved me away with a smile. “Taken care of, madam. Enjoy your stay.”

He drove away, and I wandered inside, overwhelmed by the spectacular lobby. I spotted Taylor right away. He was sitting in a chair with his elbows on his thighs, clasping his hands together, while his knee nervously bobbed up and down.

Before I could take another step, he looked up, and a dozen emotions scrolled across his face. He popped up out of his chair and jogged over to me, nearly knocking me over before enveloping me into a hug. I’d never felt so loved and wanted in my life.

“You’re here. Thank Christ,” he said, overwhelmed with relief. He tugged at me with gentle small squeezes, burying his face into my hair.

When he finally released me, I could see that my earlier suspicions weren’t ridiculous after all. His face was weighed down with something, the humidity not the only thing making him sweat.

“You’re beautiful,” he said.

“Thanks,” I said, trying not to sound as wary as I felt.

“God, I’ve missed you.” He hugged me and then kissed my forehead, leaving his lips against my skin for a moment longer. Then he took my bag. “We’re in building five, Club Level, with an ocean view.” He smiled, but there was sadness in his eyes.

“Club Level?”

“I upgraded. We’re in the same tower as Travis and Abby. The room is incredible. I can’t wait for you to see it.” He gestured for me to follow him outside where a man in a golf cart was waiting.

We sat together in the backseat, jerking when the driver stomped on the gas. Taylor looked over at me, both relief and admiration in his eyes. The golf cart sped along the narrow road for at least two minutes before we reached our building. Taylor didn’t speak again even though he looked like he wanted to.

The driver parked and carried my bag across the road and down a stone walk. We passed doors that led to rooms, moving to the side whenever a couple or family would step out, carrying beach bags, towels, or cameras. We ascended a few stairs, and then I followed the men to the room I would share with Taylor.

That thought made me suddenly nervous. We weren’t technically together even though it seemed all was well. An important conversation was inevitable, and I wondered if Taylor wanted to get that out of the way now or if he would keep me waiting all weekend.