Bonus Epilogue
This is heaven.
Peter Stone, man of my dreams, has his hands on my waist, and mine are looped around the back of his neck. There’s barely any space between our bodies. If I wanted, I could close the gap and press my lips to his.
And boy, do I want to.
His head turns to the side, his attention drawn to someone at our side, and a smile fills his face. “Get a room!” He calls.
I turn my head to see Ryder kissing Lily and smile. I shake my head, then look back up at Peter. Leave it to him to tease his best friend.
Peter’s still looking at the pair, and I take advantage of my opportunity to study him.
Ryder might be saying something to Peter, but I don’t pay attention to my cousin.
Instead, I document his auburn hair that refuses to be tamed, begging for my fingers to run through.
His blue eyes, sparkling with mischief. The freckles dusting the bridge of his nose that make him look eternally youthful, a feature you can only see up close.
Which is exactly the view I’ve been blessed with.
I could die of happiness.
I know we’re just dancing as friends. My head knows that. But my heart, this heart that has loved Peter since we were children, won’t stop fluttering at his arms around my waist and the nearness of his lips to mine.
Just three minutes ago, I was sitting alone, enjoying the last sip of my champagne, when Peter settled into the empty seat next to me.
I sat up straight, smoothed out my free (fitted, blue, and flattering) and flashed him a confident grin even though my insides were shouting HE’S HERE! HE’S PAYING ATTENTION TO YOU!
And then he asked me to dance.
Naturally, I’m playing it calm and collected. I’m a twenty-eight year old woman with a mediocre writing career. But my inner thirteen year old is giggling and kicking her feet.
Peter is still looking around the room, merrily watching everyone around us. Everyone except me.
“How is it, being back in Brookhaven?” I ask.
He looks down at me, a feat in and of itself, with my five-nine frame unmatched by many men. Just another way Peter is perfect for me.
He shrugs a shoulder. “It’s all right, I guess. So quiet. And calm.”
“You must be used to a lot of excitement now.”
His eyes light up. “There’s always something fun to do on Kailani Island.”
I quirk a brow at him. “I thought you were in the Maldives.”
“Keeping up with my social media?” he asks, a grin filling his face.
I duck my head to hide the blush on my cheeks, letting my silence answer his question.
He just chuckles. “I was. I moved a month ago, though. Time to scout out a new location. Kailani Island is tiny, between Hawaii and Fiji. And the Neverland Lagoon Resort has been the best place. The weather is always perfect, and there’s so many fun things to do.”
I sigh. “That sounds amazing.”
“You could come,” he says. “I could use another beta tester for the app.” His tone is nonchalant, but the words feel as weighty as if he were asking me out.
Go to the Neverland Lagoon Resort with Peter Stone? It would literally be a dream come true.
But reality crashes down on me, and all my responsibilities that are blocking my path.
First, my nannying job. John and Michael depend on me. Granted, their parents have told me that my job will be over at the end of the summer—not for any bad reasons. Michael is about to start kindergarten, and their mom wants to work part-time so she can be with the boys in the afternoons.
There’s also my next book, which is expected by readers sooner than I’m ready for. Not that I can’t write on vacation, but I have a feeling Peter might be more of a distraction than a help.
And finally, my parents, who expect that after I’m done with my nanny job, I’ll join the family business. Because that’s what I’ve been telling them for years. I was just waiting for John and Michael to grow up so I could “grow up” in their eyes and get a real job, too.
“I wish I could,” I finally say. “But I’m stuck here for at least a few more months.”
“Well, the invitation is open, if anything changes.” His eyes lock on mine, and he flashes me his signature grin. “Trust me, you’d have a blast.” He squeezes my waist, sending shivers down my spine. “I have a feeling you could use some fun.”
“Fun? What’s that?” I try to sound light-hearted, but my voice comes out all breathy.
Peter gives me a wink. “Come to Neverland and I’ll show you.” He pauses, then adds the final impetus. “Wendi.”
Just the sound of that name on his lips makes me weak in the knees. No one else calls me Wendi. Peter started calling me that when I was a preteen, saying Gwen sounded too grown-up and I deserved a fun nickname for my full name, Gwendolyn.
Tacking on that nickname with an offer to spend a dream vacation on an island with the man I’ve loved since I was a little girl?
Heaven give me strength.
I think I’m about to pack my bags and go to Neverland.