“Your wedding is in less than a month. I’m sure that it’ll ease up after the wedding. Are you two going anywhere for your honeymoon?”
It’s good to be back, in the thick of things. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed out on the past few weeks.
“I rented one of those overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.” Luka pulls out his phone and shows me the bookmarked page with pictures of the villa. “The individual hut features a private infinity pool and above-water hammock.”
“And glass floors,” I say, taking note of the interior photographs. The villa is stunning, and I’m sure it cost Luka quite a bit to secure the place for a few days. “How long are you staying?”
“We’re traveling to Montego Bay for two weeks. I got a deal since it was last minute, but don’t tell Hannah.”
I smile and shake my head. “Don’t worry. Does she know that you’re taking her to Jamaica at least, or is that a surprise too?”
“Oh, she knows where we’re going for the honeymoon but not the villa. I look forward to her thanking me repeatedly.” The grin on Luka’s face is smug. He probably imagines all the filthy things he’ll do with Hannah when they’re alone together and newly married.
“Hopefully she likes the ocean and knows how to swim.”
The smile falls from Luka’s face. “Don’t be a dick.”
I throw my arms up into the air. “I’m serious. If the girl fears water, you’re taking her to stay in a hut in the middle of the ocean.”
“It’s not the middle of the—oh fuck. I should probably find out.”
“Just get Madisyn to ask her.”
Luka shakes his head and rubs his jaw. “That woman can’t keep a secret.”
“She hid the fact that she was an FBI agent from Mikhail.” If Madisyn wants to keep a secret, she’s entirely capable of keeping her mouth shut.
Luka disagrees with me. “Madisyn and Hannah are best friends. Just—no. I’m not telling Madisyn anything. What about your girl?”
“Sadie? What about her?” Where is he going with his question? My stomach flops as his eyes light up like he just came up with a master plan bound to backfire on me.
“During dinner together, convince Sadie to ask Hannah about the ocean, swimming, whatever will make sure that this honeymoon idea is gold.”
“You want me to talk to Sadie about your little honeymoon secret?” I run a hand through my hair. Sadie and I hardly talk as it is outside of our time together. We’re not an actual couple that dates, texts, chit chats.
We’re more like friends with benefits—who also help one another out.
“Well, since you’re offering,” Luka says, “that’d be appreciated.”
* * *
I haven’t seen Sadie since breakfast together. I’ve texted her several times to follow up and make sure she’s available Monday evening for dinner. We haven’t spoken on the phone. When I’ve tried calling her, it goes straight to voicemail, and the same when she’s called me.
It’s like our timing is completely off.
Which would be fine, except that I need to coach Sadie on what to discuss with Hannah.
I swing by Sadie’s apartment, bringing two bouquets with me.
Allie opens the door and glances me over from head to toe. Am I supposed to get the kid’s approval? “Are those for me?” Allie’s eyes light up.
I’m relieved I thought ahead to bring her a bouquet again, even though she’s not coming out with us tonight. “These are for you,” I say, handing her the mixed bouquet. The roses are still in my grasp, wanting to give them to Sadie.
As long as we’re pretend dating for my benefit, we’ve agreed to continue the charade in front of Allie. Otherwise, it’ll only pose more questions. We don’t want our plan to backfire.
“Thank you,” Allie says. Her eyes brighten as she takes the flowers from me and scurries off into the kitchen.
“I think you’ve won her approval, again,” Sadie says as she rounds the corner. She’s wearing a dark purple dress that hugs her curves and black stiletto heels. The shoes alone make me rock hard, imaging her in nothing but them.