As I sit next to Isabelle, listening to the girls talk amongst themselves, waiting to board the airplane, I can't help but think about what I did with Callum a few nights ago instead of getting in on the conversation with them.

The sparks I felt every time he touched me were those I felt with the one-night stand guy. My hand raised to my lips when I thought about Callum's mouth covering mine and how they seemed so familiar. My other hand discreetly rested on the spot between my thighs when I remembered his cock inside me and how he filled me, as that guy did in Florida. And I couldn't stop thinking about how wonderful it felt inside me.

And then there was his voice. His, too, was deep like my Florida one-night stand guy. The same alluring voice that sent chills down my spine and butterflies to swarm my belly every time he spoke. All of it seemed so fucking familiar, and it was bugging me.

"Why does it look like you're in la-la land?" Isabelle asked, nudging me.

"I've got a lot on my mind." I turned to face her. "Something happened Friday night, and I can't stop thinking about it."

A look of worry instantly appeared on her face. Her brows pinched together when she asked, "What happened?"

I don't know if I should tell her. But I also feel that I need to tell someone because I need advice. I'd talk to Lilah, but she's into this kind of shit, so she wouldn't be much help. And Isabelle, I know, has some knowledge about Callum since Rory used to work with him.

My eyes wandered to the girls sitting on the other side of Isabelle, eying me, then they returned to Isabelle, and after heavily sighing, I quietly said, "I slept with Callum."

Her eyes widened, and then she shouted, "What?"

"I was at the club Friday night, and he approached me from behind, and the next thing I knew, we were in a room, and he was fucking my brains out—insisting that I tell him I'm his girl. I don't know what I was thinking, Isabelle. It happened so fast that when he brought me into the dark room, kissing me like I meant something to him, finger fucking me that had me squirming and wanting more from him, I couldn't stop myself from begging that he fuck me. Then when we were done, I couldn't get out of the room fast enough or the club. I bolted like Sonic the Hedgehog."

Isabelle sat frozen, staring at me, her eyes wide as fuck, shocked by my admission. She also looked at a loss for words because she only held her mouth open.

Finally, when what I admitted to set in, she asked, "You fucked Callum?"

"Yes. And I can't stop thinking about it. I told Callum I was his, Isabelle. And I'm not. I only told him I was, so he'd fuck me—I was fucking desperate. I needed it. Now I feel guilty that I fucked my boss. A guy I fucking despise with a passion. And a guy who hides behind emails. I still haven't met the fucking asshole."

She laughed a little—almost... nervously.

"I don't know what to do, Isabelle." I leaned to her, whispering loudly, "I fucked my boss!"

"Did you say that you told him you were his?"

I nodded.

Her lips pursed.

"And don't ask me why I told him I was, because I don't know why I did. Well, I do. And I only said I was because he was annoying me. For weeks, or shall I say months, he's insisted on saying I'm his and some other bullshit he's said, but when he had me in that room and had me feeling so desperate to get fucked that when he had his dick ready to enter me, he wouldn't do it until I said I was his."

Isabelle's lips twisted while looking at me as she thought about what to say. Looking like she wanted to be careful with her response to my situation.

She grabbed my hands and smiled while squeezing them. Then, finally, she said, "I need to know something. Was he good, at least?"

My eyes instantly grew wide. "Isabelle!" I shouted. "What's wrong with you?"

She laughed. "Well? Is he?"

"I can't believe you're asking if Callum is good in bed. Instead of asking me different questions like what was I thinking or something else along those lines. You're worried about knowing if he was good in bed." I shook my head. "My friend is a P. I. G. Pig."

She laughed even louder. "What can I say? Callum is hot. He's got his shit together—money-wise, that is. He has a successful business with offices throughout the country. And how women swoon over him, he's gotta know what he's doing to make them want to drop to their knees and give him what he wants. The man could walk into a restaurant without a shirt and shoes and still get served. The man has a gift, so I'm curious if he's also gifted in that area."

She grinned even wider as she waited for my response.

I thought back to Friday night. How he kissed, touched, and fucked me. "Yeah. The man is a fucking beast in bed. And he's got a stallion-sized dick—another penis maximus I was lucky to score. All I've ever had were men with small penises trying to satisfy me. And then, bam, two years after splitting with Donovin, out of nowhere, two guys want to fuck me, and they both end up having dicks I never knew could be so big."

She laughed so hard that everyone around us stopped talking and looked as if we were crazy.

"First class now boarding," a female boarding agent said into the intercom.

That was us. As we headed to the line, my phone went off—a fucking email.

"I swear to God, if that's Callum, I'm going to kill him," I muttered, trying to dig my phone out of my purse.

"Didn't you tell him you're not working this week?" Tallulah asked.

"I did. But the motherfucker can't help himself."

When I saw the notification that said it was an email from Callum and the subject, my cheeks and ears instantly heated. I'm pretty sure with how hot my face feels, I look like a bright red tomato. I flashed my phone to the girls... "See the shit I have to deal with regarding Callum? The man seriously cannot help himself. He always thinks I must drop everything I'm doing just because he says so."

Amanda giggled, then encouraged me to do something I'd thought about doing if I ever were to get a chance to. Especially after what he insisted I say to him the other night so that I could get some pleasuring I desperately needed. "Punch him in the face the next time you see him."

"I just may have to. This is bullsh—" I began saying, then paused when I opened the email and saw his remark.

From: Callum
To: Eloise
Subject: Let Kids Be Kids Foundation Financials

Just kidding. Made you look.

Have a good day,

Callum

"What an asshole!" I shouted.

"What?" Isabelle asked as she handed the ticket agent her boarding pass.

"He was fucking with me," I said, showing her the email he sent.

She laughed. "Now that's the Callum I'm used to knowing."

I'm not even going to respond to his email. If I do, it'll give him all the ammo he needs to send me another one. And I'm not about to get into it with him when I'm supposed to enjoy my time away from Chicago, my job, and Callum Harrison.

It'll be nice once we get to Maui. Rory and his groomsmen won't be arriving until later this evening, so Isabelle set up a spa day not long after we arrive in Hawaii. And I can't wait. It's been a while since I spent the day getting pampered and months since my last massage. And a massage is definitely needed after these last six months of hell working for Callum.

Five hours into the flight, my phone went off again, and Isabelle laughed. "Is that him again?"

"I won't even look," I said, looking out the window at the big puffy clouds floating below us, the clouds reminding me of Callum's lips. "I warned him Friday night that he better not contact me and that if he does, I would hunt him down and kill him with my bare hands. And I will... it seems like the man is obsessed with me or something. Shit, with him, just never ends. It's like he enjoys sending me these emails to piss me off—almost like he's purposely doing it, so I'd quit. That way, he didn't have to fire me."

"Trust me. Callum won't fire you. He never fires anyone. Well, he does. But it has to be really bad for him to fire you. And he needs you. Believe it or not, but you're the rock of the company. He'd be lost if it weren't for you or Emma."

I sighed as I looked at my purse secured underneath the seat in front of me. Then I bent down, lifted my purse, and fished out my phone. I was bored anyway. And I felt like searching social media to see what new bullshit had been posted over the weekend. After taking some selfies with Isabelle and posting the pictures on Instagram, I clicked on Callum's email.

Don't ask me why. I just did. And it's probably because I'm so used to doing so.

And my eyes rolled after seeing the email was about the gala.

From: Callum
To: Eloise
Subject: The gala

I know I promised not to bug you, but I need to know one thing.

Will you go as my date to the gala? Please?

Callum

I elbowed Isabelle. "Owe! What was that for?"

I handed her my phone. "Sorry, I was trying to get your attention. Look at what he sent me now."

She took the phone from me and laughed while reading it. "He really likes you," she said, her fingers moving like she was typing.

I leaned over her to see what she was up to. And she pulled away from me, laughing. "Izzy! You better not be responding to his email!"

Still laughing, she returned my phone, saying, "Have fun in New York!"

"You didn't..."

She did...

From: Eloise
To: Callum
Subject: Re: The gala

Callum,

I would love to go with you! I've never been to a gala before. I'm so excited!

Eloise

***

After landing in Maui, relief washed over me. For the first time in months, I felt like a free woman. And it felt fucking fantastic knowing I wouldn't have to deal with Callum or his ridiculous emails for an entire week. Or his obsession with the fact that I'm his girl when clearly I am not. It also felt good to be out of Chicago and somewhere much more beautiful and relaxing, where gorgeous beaches, turquoise water, palm trees, and sun surround us. I also couldn't wait to walk in the sand barefoot and feel the fine sand squish between my toes while walking it. I'm also looking forward to inhaling the salty ocean air and watching the amazing sunrises and sunsets.

I was floored when our driver approached the most beautiful resort and spa I'd ever seen. I pressed my forehead to the glass and intensely eyed the place where we'll be spending the majority of our time in Hawaii. "Wow," I emphasized in amazement. "This place is beautiful!"

"Wait until you see the rooms and all the amenities the resort offers!" Isabelle excitedly said as the driver pulled up the front doors.

Isabelle's dream since we were kids was for her to get married on the beach in Hawaii. And I've never been happier for her that she's finally fulfilling a dream she's talked about doing forever, and I'm glad I could be a part of her happiness. Isabelle and Rory are getting married on Ka'anapali Beach. One of the most stunning and best beaches in North America, and it's easy to see why. It's a former Hawaiian royal getaway on the Pacific Ocean with crystal-clear waters against a backdrop of some very luxurious mountains and verdant volcanic mountains.

So damn beautiful, and now I'm extremely excited for the day my best friend marries her best friend.

As we stood in line, waiting to check in, Isabelle leaned to me, quietly warning me, "FYI, you'll be on the floor above us."

"What? Why?"

She shrugged. "It's what I was told."

"Well, that's a bunch of shit," I groaned. "I thought you said we were all on the same floor?"

"I thought so, too," she said as we stepped forward. "But I was informed the other day that your room had to get switched. But I was assured you'll enjoy the new room much more than the original one I reserved."

"That's still a bunch of shit. Why would they split up a wedding party like that? On top of that, I'll be staying in a room with a man who I have no idea who he is or know nothing about. Which I still don't understand why you set it up that way."

She laughed. "Um, hello... think about my bridesmaids and Rory's groomsmen. All are married, but you and Carina."

"Yeah, but Carina and I could have stayed in a room, and the two guys could have stayed in the same room."

She shook her head. "Nope... This is how I wanted it. I wanted you and Carina to get to know who you'll spend a lot of time with all week and on the wedding day. And it will give you and your partner a chance to practice the dance we'll be working on for the next few days," she radiantly beamed. "I want this wedding to be perfect. So Rory's two single best friends he and I matched with, who we thought would look ideal together. And the man I paired you with is perfect."

"Who is it anyway? You've never said. Do I know him?"

"Next, please!" the lady behind the counter called out.

We all stepped up to the counter, handed her our IDs, and then waited for her to check us in, give us our itineraries for the week, and our room keys.

I can't believe I'll be on a different floor than everyone else, with a man who could be a pervert.

I wonder if that's why Callum insisted I say I was his girl. That way, it was in the back of my mind that I wouldn't even attempt to think about sleeping with a man if he approached me while in Hawaii, like I told him about what I did when I was in Florida.

Ugh...

The lady handed us our itineraries and keys, pointed to where we needed to go, and smiled, saying, "Have a wonderful stay here at the resort. If there's anything else we can do for you, or you have any problems, please don't hesitate to get a hold of someone from our staff."

"In an hour, we'll be getting our massages and our well-deserved pampering," Isabelle said as she looked at the paper in her hand.

Well deserved is an understatement.

It bummed me to watch my group get off the elevator. And it aggravated me, knowing I was on a different floor than them. I still don't understand why the hell the resort would separate us. That's just fucked up. I'm Isabelle's maid of honor, and this is how they treat me?

But holy fuck. I just got the shock of my life when I opened the door and saw that the room I was switched to was no ordinary hotel room—it was a fucking suite. I should have known after noticing the room was on a private floor. So why didn't they give Isabelle and Rory this room? If anything, this is where they should be. Not the maid of honor and best man sharing this spacious, beautiful room.

I left my luggage by the door to explore the room. My living quarters for the week had a small kitchen with a mini fridge, a large dining room table, and very spacious indoor and outdoor entertaining living spaces. A guest bathroom, and of course, there's only one king-size bed with a massive shower and tub overlooking the beach. I don't care what my roommate will say; I'm taking the bed; the best man can be a man and sleep on the couch...

Apparently, from the brochure they left on the counter, there's also a luxury lounge with exclusive access to the Lanai with a cooling cocktail and plunge pool, a private bar with mixologists, a place to grab breakfast, and more on our floor.

"Jesus. You'd think it was the mystery man and me getting married..." I muttered as I headed to the balcony.

"Wow..." the ocean view is outstanding... and because this room covers all areas of the sky, I'll bet this week will promise me some amazing stunning views every day—the sunrises and sunsets. And I can't freaking wait!

Wanting to be sure I got the bed, I grabbed my luggage, hung up my bridesmaid dress in the bedroom closet, and then put my clothes and toiletries away. Next, I threw the books I had brought onto the bed, hoping my roommate would leave them alone. I also left my luggage on the bed in case the guys arrived while we girls were out screwing around.

I hurried to the kitchen when I heard my phone ding, expecting it to be Isabelle.

And it was...

Isabelle: How's your room?

Me: Oh my God! Why you don't have this room is beyond me. The room is spectacular! I hope they aren't making you pay for this! There's no way you should have to pay for a room like this when this wasn't one of the rooms you reserved. It's bigger than my place!

Isabelle: No, I'm not paying for it. Anyway, we're on our way up to check it out!

Suddenly, a strange and really bizarre feeling just washed over me. I don't know how to explain it, but to me, the feeling I get is there was something fishy going on. Because if anyone's room should have been changed. It should have been the bride and groom's room. And for Isabelle to not act upset, they gave me a penthouse suite instead of them? That's really strange and unusual.

Something is going on, so somebody better start talking... like right now...

***

Hair done, check. Manicure and pedicure done, check. Facial, mud bath, full body massage, check, check, check.

Now that we're all loose as a goose, we're on our way to becoming even looser as we sit at the resort's outdoor bar on the beach, waiting for the men to arrive.

"Your Mai Tai's girls," the hot bartender said, smiling as he handed them to us.

"Yummy," I said, after taking a sample of it to make sure it was to my liking.

"The boys landed moments ago and are on their way here," Amanda informed us. "Greyson said I'm supposed to get extra drunk before they arrive so he can take advantage of me," she giggled. "He thinks that if I get drunk enough, I'll give in and allow him to fuck me on the beach."

I laughed. "You should do it, anyway. Not get drunk. But having your husband fuck you on the beach later. I think it would be fun, exciting, and thrilling! Having sex in the sand while listening to the waves crash into the shore." My eyes rolled up just imagining it. "I'd be in heaven if a man offered me to have sex on the beach," I said, grinning from ear to ear.

Amanda bit her lip. "I'm not so sure I could have sex with my husband on a public beach. I'm such a chicken shit, not to mention I'd be afraid to get arrested."

"I think it would be fun. Just the thrill of being caught makes me want to try it," I laughed, and so did the girls. "Yeah, I know. I'm such a freak. You can all blame my sister for introducing me to this type of crazy stuff and for talking me into trying things I never thought I'd ever do."

"I'd do it," Isabelle said. "But I think it would be more fun and thrilling to have sex under one of the resort's waterfalls."

"Yeah, that would be exciting also," Shelby cried out. "And I know Hudson would do it in a heartbeat."

"I guess I know what all the married and soon-to-be married couples will be doing this week," I laughed, wrapping my lips around my straw and taking a much-needed long sip of my alcoholic beverage.

Isabelle playfully shoved me. "You never know. Maybe you'll get lucky yourself," she said, wiggling her brows up and down.

"I don't think so. I'm not sleeping with Rory's best man—whoever he is. And since we're having this conversation, can someone please explain what the hell is going on?"

Isabelle's brows drew together. "What do you mean?"

"My room, not yours, was switched to the penthouse suite. And it seems like nobody wants to tell me who my partner is for your wedding. AND anytime I bring it up wanting to know something, someone changes the subject."

Like Tallulah did right now when she saw Greyson, Hudson, and Jace walking toward us and stood, waving to get their attention.

"Where're the other guys?" Tallulah asked when Jace greeted her with a kiss on the lips.

"Rory is talking to one of the staff about something with the wedding. Aaron said he'd be down shortly. And well, the other one. Who knows when we'll see him?" Jace rolled his eyes. "He said he's got some shit to do before he comes down to socialize."

"Don't tell me he's working?" Tallulah asked.

Jace shrugged. "No. Idea."

Isabelle shoved me. "Why don't you go get your partner? You've got a sharp tongue; demand that he quit what he's doing and insist that he join our group." She smiled. "If someone doesn't order him to join us, he'll bury his nose in his phone or laptop and work instead of enjoying the beautiful scenery."

Yep. Now I know something is up. Now Isabelle's sending me to get the guy to come to join us?

The more and more I think about everything that's been going on, had been said, how everything seems fishy, and how nobody will tell me anything. The inner voice inside me is telling me—the man I'm supposed to spend the week with is fucking Callum.

I sucked every drop of my Mai Tai into my mouth and glared at Isabelle. "I swear to God, if I go up there and see Callum in the room, I'll never talk to you again."

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!! 🤞🤞