Chapter 51
Diversion
Cici resisted the urge to sprint along the gravel pathway, her focus directed towards Declan and Shelley's journey back to the lab. This is bad, she thought. I need to turn them around before Shelley sees Gray and Cam leaving.
Declan spotted Cici and instantly understood. He stopped mid-step, pivoting to Shelley with a casual smile. "If you look into the trees back here, you'll see our secret hammock spot."
Shelley blinked, surprised. "Oh. Okay," her confusion mounting. She wasn't buying this detour. Declan was stalling, but she couldn't figure out why.
Frustration simmered as Shelley fought the urge to push past him.
I need to get back to the lab, she thought, anxiety gnawing at her.
If I don't leave with Gray, I'll lose my chance to settle in at his house.
The carefully constructed image she wanted to present—a coworker with nowhere else to go—was crumbling.
Her mind flashed back to the morning's stroke of luck: checking out of her hotel after overhearing the perfect snippet of conversation in the lobby. The smile that tugged at her lips was fleeting, quickly replaced by a frown when she saw Cici approaching.
Cici joined them, her expression warm but her energy sharp. "Well, I'm so glad I caught you two before you made it all the way back to the lab!" slipping an arm around Shelley like they were old friends.
Shelley stiffened, her suspicion rising.
"Cam realized he might have been gruff earlier," Cici continued, her tone overly cheerful, "so we're heading to the Square for a welcome drink. The entire team's closing up shop early, and we're grabbing some tables. Come on, it'll be fun!"
Cici's forced smile was almost convincing, and Declan, ever the professional, played along flawlessly.
"Great idea!" Declan exaggerated his enthusiasm. "You're going to love the Square, Shelley. It's the heart of the island. Great food, live music, the works. Cici and I carpooled, so let's drive over together."
Shelley hesitated, her mind racing. "That sounds wonderful, but I couldn't leave Gray, and my pack is still back at the lab--"
"Oh, don't worry about a thing," Cici interrupted with a bright laugh, cutting off Shelley's excuse. "I got your bag! Gray's just finishing up, making sure the team can join us." She handed over Shelley's bag with a serene smile, her eyes daring Shelley to protest.
Shelley's jaw tightened, but there was nothing she could say without looking ungrateful. Her lips curved into a reluctant smile. "That's very kind," with saccharine sweetness, she followed Declan.
Despite the cheery camaraderie, Shelley's unease lingered. She didn't know what they were planning, but if it meant Cam might wait to call the lab, she'd play along. Gray just needs to see me differently. He needs to see me as someone who belongs with him.