Page 40 of Special Delivery

“She was obsessed with those bags,” I tell her. “We weren’t allowed to go anywhere near them. So, naturally, when she brought home a brand-new, special-edition one, we had to leave our mark on it.”

Emma gasps. “What did she do?”

“She demanded Dad send us away,” I respond.

Emma’s lips part in shock. “She did not!”

“She did,” Jordan confirms. “Luckily, he just grounded us for a month. But that’s just another example of why stopping this wedding is important. I don’t get it, Paige. Do you suddenly believe in love again?”

“Low, Jordan. That was very low. Besides, I believe in love, look at you two.” Emma smiles. “I’m just not interested in risking my heart to find it.”

“If only that were genetic. If only Dad could’ve learned the same thing years ago. But he didn’t. He’s going to get his heart broken again. You’re right, though. Kim’s different. Meaning it will hurt him a lot more.”

After Tiffany walked out with the house Jordan and I grew up in and an enormous piece of our dad, we swore to never let that happen again. We weren’t always successful, and Dad never learned his lesson, but the next two divorces were less traumatic. A part of me believes that he was intentionally picking women who he had nothing in common with, so it would hurt less when it ended.

Still, Jordan is right. Kim is not like his previous partners. She seems real. The way he looks at her seems real. And that’s dangerous.

“Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m scared for him,” Jordan adds, breaking the long pause. “I’m going to take a shower.” She rises from the bed and closes the bathroom door behind her.

Moisture prickles at the corners of my eyes. Emma approaches me, placing her hand on mine.

“She’ll be okay.” She takes Jordan’s spot next to me. “I know it’s something you both went through, and I can’t ever fully understand it, but your father is an adult. He’ll be fine.” She squeezes my hand gently. “You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure about.”

I let out a scoff. This speech isn’t anything new.

“I’m not joking, Paige. But I won’t bother you with it tonight. I would much rather you tell me all about the tension between you and Ryan.”

Shit. Is it that obvious? “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Come on, Paige. Your face was hotter than the burning staffs the dancers were tossing into the air. He couldn’t keep his eyes away from you either. Even more than usual.”

I glance at the bathroom door and release a relieved breath, noticing that the shower is on. Butterflies erupt in my stomach at her words.

“He doesn’t look at me.”

Her chuckle is soft and genuine. “Are you really that blind to it? You, Paige, are a catch. You’re beautiful, and funny, and smart. He’d be an idiot not to notice it. Fortunately, he’s not an idiot.” I can’t help the smile spreading on my face. “I won’t push you for more info. You can share when you feel like it. But I want you to know I’m here for it. I think it’s a great idea.”

“You’re the only person who thinks getting together with your stepbrother while hoping your parents break off their wedding would be a great idea.”

“Maybe. But I’m also the smartest person, so…” She shrugs her shoulders, giggling, and I join her.

“Thank you, Ems. I still don’t date, so it won’t happen, but I’m glad we had this talk.” I pat her thigh and rise from the bed.

“Who said anything about dating? Have some fun, Paige. We’re in paradise, after all.” She winks, and I get out of the room before she notices the embarrassing grin that appeared on my face.

I already had my fun. It was more fun than I had in years. But that was it. A slight misjudgment that can’t ever happen again.

Because I don’t date. While this is definitely the way to break our parents up, it’s not the road I want to take.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Paige

We’re embarking Maria once again, but this time I came prepared. I’m wearing a white linen dress shirt that covers most of my body and my trusted hat. Now I just need to make sure both stay on. Hopefully, Dad isn’t planning another competition under the midday sun.

I step onto the boat, and a firm, large palm presses to the small of my back. I let out a quiet gasp, the salty air seeping into my nostrils.

“Careful there,” Ryan whispers into my ear, giving me a full body shiver.