tell me how a beautiful girl like you isn’t married?”
Valentina scrunched her face and let her shoulders drop. “I think it has to do with me being shy and extra curvy.”
Isadora frowned. “I don’t understand. Since when is that a bad thing?”
“Every man I’ve ever been in a relationship with, including my ex-husband, has always made me feel like they’re doing me a favor by being with me.” She shrugged. “My family is very distant and cold, so I‘ve never had any positive reinforcement in my life. I kind of built some drive into myself. But I’ve always been a bit insecure and extremely shy. It’s hard for me to flirt, and I don’t feel comfortable with sexy clothing. I’m happiest just working or reading a good book. So, the men I’ve had in my life have always let me know I’m boring,” she cleared her throat. “Well, fat and boring.”
Isadora gaped at her. “You’re kidding! Tell me you’re kidding.”
“No. It’s okay. I’m not saying that for you to feel bad. It’s just what happened. I’m happy with how I look. I mean, I know I’m not everyone’s idea of perfect, but I try to move around and be healthy. I’m just a big girl. There are worse things than being big.” She truly believed that. It’s why she didn’t understand why men were so hung up a woman having to look a certain way.
“There are so many worse things than being a big girl. Many. There are millions of things worse than being curvaceous. But you are beautiful. I mean. You’ve got curves in all the right places, girl!”
She laughed and shook her head. “You’re the first person to ever say that.”
“Well, it’s true. You are. I’m sure you’ll find a cute guy or two during your time here.”
“It’s okay. I’m not here to find a man. I’m excited to learn about the resorts and see how I can best advertise them. Though it seems like they’re doing amazing all on their own.”
The waiter handed them menus and took their drink orders. She glanced at the different seafood dishes, and her mouth watered.
“See something you like?”
“This all sounds delicious. Not a single dish doesn’t look appetizing.”
“I won’t lie to you. It is. All of it. Whatever you decide on, save room for dessert. They make the best caramel soufflé.”
“Wow.” Her stomach growled, and she blushed. “I think I want to try that.”
They laughed. “Now, what are you going to order? I’m thinking about the salmon.”
She decided on the grilled seafood plate with scallops, tiger shrimp, and a piece of Mahi-Mahi, all wild-caught. She got up to go to the ladies’ room. Once she figured out where she was going, she glanced over her shoulder at Isadora and waved. Then she proceeded to walk right into someone.
“Oh, my gosh, I’m so sorry,” she gasped.
She took a wobbly step back, but strong hands were grabbing her and holding her steady. She stared into a broad chest in an expensive suit and a beautiful silver tie. A quick glance up and her breath caught in her chest. Wowzers.
The man in the suit was GQ material. Tall, like the man she’d met earlier, but with steely gray eyes and a short beard, which made her swallow back a whimper. His gaze was stuck on her face, searching for something.
He let out a slow breath as if he’d been holding it in and then blinked, still staring at her.
“Um,” she cleared her throat. “I’m very sorry.”
“About?”
His confusion made her smile. “Walking into you? A second ago?”
“Why are you sorry? That’s probably the best thing that’s happened to me all day.”
It was her turn to blink and stare back. Was he serious? The guy was flirting with her? Then, as if he knew she wasn’t sure if he was or not, he smiled, and her knees almost buckled. What the hell was happening today? This was the second gorgeous guy to talk to her that way.
“I’m Ash,” he said, letting her go.
She was a little sad over the loss of his warmth but smiled and offered her hand for a shake. “I’m Valentina. It’s nice to meet you.”
He took her hand and squeezed it, brought it up to his lips, and kissed the back of it. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Hand kissing must be an island thing. She’d never met a man who’d kissed her hand, much less two. And most definitely not in the same day.
“I-I should go,” she told him and took a