Hot Piece of Ash (Paranormal Dating Agency #28) - Milly Taiden Page 0,18

a deep breath, she continued. “He used to help with the volcano tours but since they’ve been discontinued, he just helps with the scuba diving tours now.”

“But I’m sure scuba tours don’t take all that long. You two can take your time and explore the island together,” Valentina suggested with a smile, trying to think of a way to get Kristin to spend more time with her husband. “Maybe that would help you guys reconnect and he can grow to love the island like you do.”

Kristin’s eyes filled with sadness. “He’s always busy. I’m not so sure that it was a good idea for him to do the scuba tours. I see less and less of him, and when I do, he’s just in a foul mood. I feel like things will only get better for me if he’s gone. You know what I mean?”

Valentina nodded. She definitely knew all about that.

“He’s started to ignore me more, and when he’s not he’s mean. More verbal than physical. I think it won’t be long before he calls it quits and files for a divorce.” She shrugged. “But if he doesn’t, I’m not going to wait for ever. I gave myself a three month time frame to see if he changes. His time is about to be up in two weeks. Then I’m the one who’s going to file and tell him to go.”

Valentina couldn’t figure that at all. Kristin was a beautiful, tall, perfectly shaped vibrant woman. She had everything going for her. “I cannot imagine him not wanting to stay with someone as beautiful and lively as you. You’re obviously intelligent too if you manage this place.” If this woman couldn’t keep a husband, what were the chances that Valentina could? This was seriously messed up thinking.

“A lot of people just don’t understand,” Kristin sighed.

“Actually, I do know what you mean, in a way. My ex-husband got to the point he kept telling me I was too fat and quiet to keep him or any man interested in me.” She looked down at her hands on the table. “I guess he was right because I can’t seem to get a guy interested in me for more than one date, and usually not even a callback or good night kiss. I’ve just about decided to give up the whole idea of love and happily ever after.”

That didn’t apply to the two guys on the island. For all she knew, they wouldn’t show up or might call the whole thing off.

“Wow, we should be besties.” Kristin laughed as she took Valentina’s hand in hers. “We seem to be having the same type of luck when it comes to men.”

Valentina’s usually shy demeanor loosened up with Kristin. It was as though they were kindred spirits in some way. She’d never really had a bestie before. And this lovely woman wanted to be her friend. Something about Kristin made her feel emotionally connected to another woman. Like they really got each other. This island was turning out to be a goldmine. It would be nice to have someone to talk to who might be able to understand where she was coming from.

They sat quietly talking about their pasts. It was a while later when she glanced at her phone and realized how late it was getting. “Wow. I’ve had such a great time talking to you that time just slipped by me. I should be getting out of here. I’m not sure what Isadora’s planned for me tomorrow.”

They both stood and were ready to say their goodbyes when they were interrupted.

“What is that delicious scent?” Ash, the hunky guy from the restaurant, asked as he came up behind Kristin, wrapped his arms around her middle, lifted her, and set her down away from Valentina. He immediately moved next to Valentina.

“Ash,” Kristin punched his arm and tried to shove him to the side. He didn’t move. “You can be such a dick sometimes.” Kristin frowned. “Wait, what did you say? Delicious scent?” Her eyes popped wide, and she and Ash stared at each other as if talking telepathically.

Valentina watched them in confusion. What was that all about? What had she missed?

Chapter Nine

Fuck. Ash shouldn’t have said anything about a scent. He’d forgotten his mate was human. She had no idea what he or most of the island inhabitants, for that matter, were. Hopefully, she didn’t catch his little blooper.

He smiled at Valentina. “I see you’ve met my sister.”

His mate’s jaw dropped. She was so adorable.

“I