Bonnie finished off the last of the popcorn and ambled casually past Luke on her way back to the nest. As his partner settled in beside him, Clyde flapped his wings and squawked dismissively.

“Rude!” Luke declared. “I got the hint. I’m going.” He stood, the ostentatious fabric unfurling around him. A noise that sounded disturbingly like a bird laughing drifted from the nest. He whirled around, cape flying. “This isn’t even mine, I’ll have you know.”

Feeling completely absurd and strangely comforted at the same time, Luke bade Clyde and Bonnie and their growing little family good night. He smiled to himself. The sweet picture they made, cuddled up in the nest together, fortified his resolve to make things right in his own life.

CHAPTER 26

JULIA

Julia marched up the path from the gazebo, back to the hotel. She could have stayed and talked to Luke. Demanded answers. But what good would that do? He’d had the chance to be honest with her and had chosen to snake around the truth.

How did that saying go? “Fool me once…”

No. It wasn’t worth risking her heart to hear more excuses. When she’d first made the connection between Luke and Penelope, she’d been so quick to accept their explanations. She’d capitulated so easily. Because she wanted to. She still wanted to. Even when she knew this had all been a game to him.

Was she the reviewer? Yes, you bet your sweet ass she was. And she was ready to purge her emotions in a scathing review.

But by the time Julia reached her room, she’d reconsidered that plan. Even in the midst of her anger, she knew she was better than that. She may not have the intestinal fortitude to stick around and face Luke, but she wasn’t going to rip apart this resort just because her feelings had been hurt.

Having talked herself down from engaging in petty revenge journalism, Julia decided she couldn’t sit in her hotel room and brood. This was her last night here. She should grab a drink at the bar downstairs or take a walk along the beach. Maybe do both. She ditched the heels she’d been wearing to play magician’s assistant and slipped on some sandals.

Two perfectly chilled glasses of buttery chardonnay later, Julia was feeling more chill. Her legs were a little buttery, too. She slipped off the bar stool and wandered onto the hotel terrace for some fresh air.

Outside, the summer night was alive with conversation and laughter. Couples were seated at quaint candlelit tables, enjoying soft music and a sweet breeze blowing in from the lake. Julia’s smile was bittersweet as she soaked in the romantic atmosphere. It would have been lovely to spend time here with Luke this evening.