“But Duncan is?” The muscle in his cheek twitched again as a sliver of anger seeped into his voice.
“Duncan doesn't change the facts about us. But yeah, I think we are right for each other. We like many of the same things, and I enjoy spending time with him.” The truth behind the words hit her over the head like a sledgehammer. But she'd have to analyze them later. “I don't know where things will eventually go between Duncan and me, but I know a relationship between you and me will never work.”
The elevator doors once again opened, and the topic of their conversation exited, carrying two bottles of water.
“Are you ready to go, or should I come back?” Duncan asked.
“We're not done yet. Tory will find you when we are,” Grant replied before she could say anything.
Grant could be full of himself, but until now, she'd never seen him act rude or condescending.
“Nope, we're all set.” Standing, Tory kissed Duncan's cheek and put her arm around his waist.
“Tory.” Grant's nostrils flared as his lips flattened into a rigid line and he stood.
She didn't care if Grant's head was about to explode. She was done with their conversation. “Is one of those waters for me?”
“Yeah, I thought we might want something to drink while we walk.”
“Great minds think alike. I was going to stop in the store and grab a bottle of water before heading out.” Tory kissed his cheek again and accepted a bottle. “Have a pleasant evening. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Grant, it was nice meeting you.”
“Likewise.” If any more sarcasm dripped from Grant's voice, she'd be able to see it. “You and I will have to finish our conversation later, Tory.”
Not if I can help it.No matter what Tory said, it wouldn't change his mind tonight. The man was too pigheaded, so she didn't even try.
* * *
Tory kepther arm around him as they exited the lobby. And it remained there as they walked past one of the hotel's three pools. Since there was no way Grant could still see them, there was no reason for her to keep it there. But if Tory hadn't realized that, Duncan sure as hell would not tell her because, damn, he loved the way she felt pressed against his side.
Earlier, guests both old and young had occupied the area. Now only a few people used the chairs around the pool, although he could see other couples on the walkway along the water and some using the seats situated along it. From here, it was difficult to tell, but he thought there was even someone using a hammock set up in an area of trees close to the beach.
Tory stopped when they reached the spot where the walkway ended and the beach started. “There is nothing like walking in the sand barefoot.”
Using his arm for balance, she took off her wedged sandals, or whatever they were called. His sister would know their proper name.
Sand against bare feet was one thing. Sand in your shoes was another. Removing his boat shoes, he walked alongside Tory.
Their conversation wasn't any of his business, but he still wondered what they'd discussed. However, he wouldn't push the matter if Tory told him she didn't want to talk about it.
“What did Grant want?” The guy had looked ready to burst a blood vessel when Duncan had returned from their suite and joined them.
“Same as always. He insists we belong together and that if I give us another chance, I'll eventually realize it too.”
He'd only spent a few hours with Grant, but he didn't like him. But, that aside, he couldn't fault the man for wanting Tory in his life, because it was what Duncan wanted too—and not as a friend, like he'd told his cousin and Alec.
“I've known him forever, and I don't remember him ever being so pigheaded.”
Duncan had a more colorful adjective in mind to describe Grant's behavior, but pigheaded would do.
They left the beach and walked onto the circular dock that jutted into the water. Seating ran around the edge, giving guests a place to sunbathe or read a book. They could even have food delivered to them. And if a person got too warm, they could jump in the ocean and cool off. Tory and Duncan had the area to themselves, except for a couple cuddling in one corner.
“At dinner, I got the impression Ken didn't know you were coming with someone.”
“Ken? Is there something other than water in that bottle?”
To him, his comment made sense, but he understood why it didn't to Tory. “My sister went through a Barbie phase. Grant reminds me of Ken with his perfect hair. Does the guy own a hair gel company or something?”