My Big Fat Fake Honeymoon - Lauren Landish Page 0,25

can’t. I won’t. It’s too important.

Meredith hums disbelievingly but then spots someone with their phone out and she goes stomping toward him, her heels clicking on the floor like someone else’s death knoll. “Excuse me, did you take an unauthorized picture?” she barks.

While Meredith is distracted, I grab Lorenzo’s hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” I hiss, pulling him toward the elevators.

He could hold his ground and end this madness, but he lets me drag him along, shove him into the elevator, and board behind him, throwing a suspicious glance back to the lobby to check whether Meredith or Emily have witnessed any of it.

I press the button for the sixth floor and the doors close, leaving us alone, dangerously alone, for the first time.

All I can think about is that somehow, despite seeing it happen twice to my family already, despite vowing I don’t know how many times that I wouldn’t pull the same shit . . . I just talked my ass into a big, fat, fake marriage situation at a time when I have much higher priorities.

Why?

Am I that burned up about Emily?

Or do I just want a reason to be with Lorenzo?

Deep breath, girl. Whatever’s happened, I’m going on a date with Lorenzo . . . with the oddest of circumstances. A date! A part of me is horrified and excited all at the same time.

And then, miraculously, my brain overrides my barren pussy. He’s working with Meredith? That needs an explanation first and foremost.

Right after I replay him whispering that line about his cock in my pussy in my ear. I clench my thighs together.

I am so fucked. And not in the good way.

Again.

Chapter 5

Lorenzo

The sea doesn’t crash so much as lap and whisper in the air, kissing the atmosphere with a sense of salt and of calm enjoyment. Pausing to look out at the water, I’m reminded of the beautiful blues of the Mediterranean and home, although this Caribbean water is clearer once you get up close.

Too bad this island is so small. If I could take my bike out and really turn it loose around here, it would be paradise.

Turning away from the sea, I go back inside the spacious suite. Casa Del Mario, not the best name, in my opinion, but I don’t get asked my opinion on such things. But what this resort lacks in proper naming, it more than makes up for in architecture and design. The sweeping white sandstone and stucco are a sight to behold. And this suite is interesting, though that has more to do with the two women sitting on the couches inside than the décor.

They started by whispering, trying to keep me from hearing their conversation, but the breeze swirling from the balcony has carried their words right back to my ears.

Now, they’re not even trying to be quiet.

“What the fuck, Abs? This is our big shot, an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime, our chance to seize everything we’ve ever wanted, and you’re letting it all slip away!” Janey hisses.

She is fiery. Though I’ve never met her before, I like Janey instantly. Her hair is short, her eyes are bright, and her skin is like cappuccino. She could easily rest on her beauty, but she seems to be the yin to Abigail’s yang.

“Do not paraphrase Eminem to me and make it sound like you’re some lyrical genius. I know this is all fucked up, but I didn’t know what else to do!” Abigail’s response is equally passionate, and the two women lock eyes in a visual battle for dominance.

I’m not surprised when Janey drops her eyes first. Abigail, for all her bubbly free-spiritedness, is still a powerhouse.

“Okay, Lorenzo, let’s do this. You start. What are you doing here?” Abigail demands.

Not one accustomed to being ordered around, I give her only the bare minimum, knowing how it will set her off and waiting with hunger for the fireworks I know are coming. “Cooking.”

Her growl is intended to be badass. It’s adorable, like a tiny kitten thinking itself a fierce tiger. “For the Johnson-Kennedy wedding?”

There’s something fearful in her tone now, and though I typically enjoy pushing buttons and boundaries, I find myself wanting to ease her concerns.

“Yes. They had a dinner at Avanti, and the bride quite enjoyed my fettuccine alfredo. They invited me, through Meredith, to come to the festivities this week and cook for a few of the meals, including a few options for the wedding itself. Seeing as I