“—should be fun.”

The tail end of Royce’s sentence stuns me back to reality. He’s been going on about something and I’ve totally missed it. In fact, I’ve slowed my pace so that he’s positioned slightly in front of me. Emmett’s gaze catches mine, followed by a familiar swooping feeling in my stomach. It feels like the brief pause at the peak of a rollercoaster just before it suddenly pitches forward. It’s so visceral that I look down as the path narrows. We have no choice but to shift to one side so Emmett and Marie can pass, and with that comes customary greetings.

“Royce.”

“Emmett.”

They nod to one another, and then it’s my turn to look at Marie and offer some kind of pleasantry.

“Hello Marie.”

“Elaine.”

Her tight smile says it all. She’s already looking ahead along the path, resenting the interruption. In fact, she drops her hand back onto Emmett’s arm as if to say, Shall we?

I look to Emmett, but his gaze is straight ahead. If he wants to say something more, I can’t tell.

Fine.

I’m the one who moves away first, slipping into a sour mood as I continue past them, wondering what Emmett’s angle is in going on a walk with Marie. Does she know that he never intends to marry? That she’s barking up the wrong tree? Or maybe Marie is different. Maybe she’s tempting enough to persuade him to change his stance, as solid as it may seem. What a bitter thought. Surely he would choose someone better than Marie.

Or perhaps I’m wrong. Marriage might not be what’s on her mind. I doubt any unattached female at this week’s party would hesitate before throwing themselves at the opportunity to have Emmett for a night or two. What a story that would be. I’m sure they’d love to tell their friends. Oh yes, he and I were together for a brief affair…

“Are you all right?” Royce asks, picking up his pace to catch up to me.

I’ve been intentionally racing away, trying to put as much distance between me and Emmett as possible. If it wouldn’t seem so damn weird, I’d break out into a run. I suddenly have a font of energy I need to burn off.

“Yes, actually—” I suddenly stop and turn to face him. “There’s no need to walk me all the way back up to my room. I know the way.” I was trying to make a teasing remark, but it actually comes out borderline bitchy. I cringe and try for an easier tone as I continue, “I just mean, it’s okay if you’d like to go join your friends or…” I have no idea what else he’d like to do. What does he enjoy? “I’ll see you again, later at the pier.”

This evening Victor has hired a yacht to whisk us all around the lake while we enjoy a sunset dinner. I’m sure it will be magical.

Before Royce can protest, I lean in to kiss his cheek, and he goes totally rigid. I don’t have time to read into it though because I’m already turning and heading up the stairs back toward the villa. I want to go straight back to my room and shut the door. I want to hole up, want to pretend nothing is wrong and this tight ball of anxiety in my stomach is nothing more than a stomachache from too little lunch.