Daniel didn't think he’d heard Melinda correctly, but judging by everyone else's expressions, he had. Everyone's heads turned to him. They stared at him expectantly, as if waiting for him to confirm Melinda's announcement. Her hand still lay on top of Daniel's, and he tried not to react to it, as if holding hands was something he and Melinda did all the time.
He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry it had to come out this way. It's been difficult to keep it a secret, but really, we don't need to dwell on it. This weekend is about Bree and Mark, and we are here to celebrate them."
Bree squealed and jumped from the table. "This was perfect timing," she said, wrapping her arms around Melinda. "Seriously,
Melinda woke to knocking on the door. What time was it? "Go away. You can clean my room later," she mumbled before turning over and snuggling further into the blankets. She’d had the best night's sleep of her life, and she didn't want to cut it short.The knocking continued.Melinda groaned and rolled out of bed. Grabbing her robe and slipping it on, she shuffled to the door. She cracked open the door and said, "I didn't order a wakeup call.""But you did ask me to pick you up for breakfast," Daniel said.It was already seven-thirty? She was used to getting up at six to go to the diner and had figured she would wake up with time to spare. Melinda swung the door open. "I'm so sorry.
Daniel placed the golf clubs that Mr. Garrett had rented for him on the golf cart. Why did there have to be so many to choose from? Couldn't they just play with one all-purpose club? It would certainly be more efficient."When was the last time you were out on a golf range as beautiful as this?" Mr. Garrett asked as they drove out to the first hole."Never," Daniel said, grateful that he could at least be honest about this. He didn't love the idea of lying to Melinda's parents about their relationship, and it seemed he would be able to get a break for at least a few hours."I tell you, there is nothing like getting out on the green, feeling the sunshine, and knowing that somewhere out there, my
Melinda lay in bed, a bag of peanut M&Ms on one side, and a bottle of water on the other. A cheesy romantic comedy played on the TV, but the dialogue was barely audible and she was too comfortable, and lazy, to get up and find the remote.Maid of honor. Melinda had been disappointed, and slightly offended, when she’d found out that her sister hadn't chosen her for the coveted position. Bree had passed up her own sister. Looking back at it, it made sense. They hadn't seen each other in years, and they rarely spoke on the phone. Bree had her own life now, and it didn't include Melinda. All that had been left behind in Amor.But now that Melinda had the job, she wanted to give it back. It turned
Daniel walked down to dinner alone, hands in his pockets, feeling too much like the odd man out. Hanging out with Melinda's father for the day hadn't been half bad—until he had suggested they go back to Daniel's room…and then wouldn't leave. Daniel had a feeling the old man was hiding from his wife. Daniel had been grateful when Melinda showed up and helped rescue him, though she hadn’t known that was what she was doing. She had acted like he had been the hero, but it had been the other way around. Daniel couldn't have Melinda's parents fighting; otherwise, he was afraid his suite would become Mr. Garrett's permanent residence for the weekend.Although Melinda's parents had instructed Danie
"This place is packed," Melinda shouted, trying to be heard above the music. The bass was turned up so high that the floor shook."Well, we wanted to go dancing, and this was the only place for people under the age of sixty," Bree yelled back. "Should we try for a place that isn't going to make us need hearing aids before we're through?""What about your friends? Do you want to wait for them before we head off?" Melinda rubbed her temples. She had never enjoyed clubs, but figured this was the type of place bachelorette parties were expected to be at.Bree shook her head. "No, I'll text them. They're running a little late anyway."Melinda took the lead
Daniel woke to the ding of his cell phone. Rolling over, he saw it was a text from Melinda. He smiled.Good morning! Meet me at breakfast in 15 min?He had barely seen Melinda the day before and had missed her more than he’d thought he would. Daniel pulled a shirt on and ambled down to the poolside restaurant.Melinda was already sitting at a table with her parents, Bree, and Mark. Daniel felt a twinge of disappointment. He had hoped for a little alone time with her. It seemed they were always surrounded by people who were intent on pulling them in different directions."Good morning," he said, sitting in the empty chair next to Melinda
"There's no way out," Melinda groaned. She was sitting next to Daniel on a lounge chair by the pool, drinking her fifth complimentary piña colada. "I mean, seriously, my parents have trained their children to be nothing but mindless, obedient puppets.""Isn't that a bit harsh?" Daniel asked, lifting his sunglasses.Man, he had amazing eyes. Melinda's gaze drifted down to Daniel's chiseled abs. That was the beautiful thing about swimming pools…men could take off their shirts without ulterior motives, and Melinda was enjoying every minute of it.Focus."Not at all. I've been stuck at the family business with no way out because no one else wants the job. I could leave
Daniel wondered how long he'd have to fake the limp he'd adopted since their sledding disaster that afternoon. After that amazing kiss, and then blowing it, he needed some space. Melinda's family had seen them ride back though, and, after Mrs. Garrett chastised them for skipping out on their couple’s massage, she had sent him back to his room with an icepack. She wanted him feeling better for the wedding rehearsal and dinner that evening.With a groan, Daniel turned off the TV and shoved his pillow over his face. When had the weekend become so complicated? All he wanted was to be back in Amor, with Melinda, without all the lies and the pretending. If Daniel were being honest, he would have kissed Melinda even longer and harder than he had. He hadn't wanted to stop, but knowing it was all an act—his heart couldn't handle that. Except no one el