OFF LIMITS MY BEST FRIEND'S

called again, waving her phone like a flag as she

glanced sideways at him. His jaw was tight, and he kept his eyes fixed straight ahead,

caught up to Lily. "Easy there, kid

ement. "But it's right there! Look at it! I

the villa came into full view. Mia's breath ca

s stu

of turquoise ocean beyond. A wide private deck wrapped around the front, complete with a sleek infinity pool that seemed to spill directly in

able to hide her awe. "

eyes crinkling. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted somethin

glass doors with a dramatic flourish. "Dibs on the biggest ro

ed. "You've been calling dibs on rooms since you

ind her. She could feel the heat radiating from his body and the subtle brus

marble floors, and tasteful modern furniture in soft neutrals and ocean blues. Fresh tropical

er excited voice echoing back. "Oh my God, Dad!

urned to Mia. His dark eyes studied her face again, more caref

trail along the cool stone. She met his gaze head

he said softly. "Sleeping under the same roof

ear hers. For a moment, the only sound was the distant cr

us plenty of times back home, Mia. Sleepovers, movie nights, that

could hear. "Those were different. Back home you had your big offic

y, a flicker of something caution mixed wi

a, holding up two tiny bikinis. "Which one should I wear fi

tion. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Sweetheart, I'

r best friend exp

aying the heat in Alexander's eyes. "The red one. It makes your leg

ster suite with the ocean-facing balcony. Dad, you take the one on the left. Mia,

's bedroom was on one side of hers, and Lily's on the other

ce light. "Middle room sounds good. I

ing instead to pick up his suitcase. "I'll take my things to my room. Why don't y

edroom. The room was beautiful king-sized bed with crisp white linens, a private bathroom

s place? It feels like we're in a movie. I'm so glad you cam

ugh her thoughts were elsewhere. "I

ng kind of weird around my dad today. Everything okay b

sleek wooden dresser. "No, nothing like that. He's been really nice. I guess I'm j

rks so hard all year. I'm happy he's f

specifically for this trip. "He does. He's always taking care of everyon

urther. "You're such a sweetheart. I'm g

unpack first and take a quick show

stepped onto the deck, the warm wooden planks smooth under her bare feet. From here,

to her left. The do

indow, unbuttoning his linen shirt. The fabric parted, revealing the strong, defined muscles of his chest and ab

outh we

topping second, their eyes met throug

ning away, he held her gaze. The a

t slowly down his torso, then back up to hi

y, her voice carrying just

ce came out lower than usual, rough around the edge

side the threshold of his doorway. "Like I apprecia

ou're eighteen. You're my daughter's best friend. This

lexander. I know exactly what I want. And right now, standing this close to you every single

ped himself, gripping the edge of the dresser. "You need to be ca

ht thing isn't what you really need right now. Maybe what you

-key in the shower drifted fr

en back at Mia. His voice dropped to a

nd, letting the tension stretc

" she murmured. "I'll be right ne

d back onto the deck,

ainst it, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

as so

man she had wanted for years. She could hear his movements

er reflection. Her cheeks were flushed,

est two weeks of my life,"

the horizon, painting the ocean in shades of gold

vealing outfits, carefully choo

egun, and she was alread