Evergreen13: You aren’t responding…HOLY CRAP! Did you guys kiss? Tell me everything!

I covered my face with my hands as if I could make her message disappear. When I peeked between my fingers, the entire screen was filled with ridiculous emojis.

Phoenix26: There was a shift in the status of our relationship. But I really can’t talk about it right now. I have to get ready in five minutes. Signing off.

It was mean, leaving her hanging like that. And I would likely get an earful the next time we talked, but I wasn’t ready to discuss Brody with anyone. At least not the intimate details.

I slipped on my jeans under my robe and moved to the closet in search of a top. I had a few button-down type shirts for when I had dinner with the Dowds when they were on the island. One of those would have to work. I settled on a pale pink one that I knew skimmed my curves. Putting that on, I gave my lips another quick swipe of gloss before checking my full reflection.

It seemed normal. But what did I know? Maybe all the women would come in sundresses, and I’d feel completely out of place. I pushed the thought away, chanting over and over in my head that everything would be fine. I checked my watch and knew that dragging-my-feet time was over.

I headed out of the guest room and down the stairs. Brody called out when he heard my footsteps on the hardwood floor. “I’m in the kitchen.” I made my way towards the sound of his voice. He looked up from where he was popping the top on a beer. His dark eyes flared as he took me in. “Come here.”

I arched a brow. “Ask nicely.”

His lips quirked. “Come here, please.”

“That’s better.”

I crossed to Brody, and he pulled me into his arms in one swift move. He brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his hand skimming down the side of my face to my neck, sending delicious shivers across my skin. His mouth brushed mine. “You look amazing. I want to send everyone home so I can paint you.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” I’d much rather have Brody on our island with me alone.

He pressed his lips to my forehead. “You’ll survive a dinner. I promise.”

“I might die of awkwardness.”

He chuckled. “You’re incredibly charming when you want to be.”

“You think I’m charming because we’re having sex.”

Brody’s fingers wrapped around a strand of my hair and gave a little tug. “I might be a little biased. But you did great at The Catch the other night. Had a whole evening of conversation.”