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“Maisy, you look lovely,” Xander said firmly. “Wet hair or no.”
Maisy felt warmth spread through her limbs. Even though Xander was probably just teasing her as usual, it was nice to be complimented.
“Yes, yes, very lovely. Now, smile and hold up your sandwiches.”
About twenty minutes later, Safa appeared satisfied with the shots.
“I’ll leave the two of you here.” Safa stood, still looking at her camera. “The driver will take me to my hotel and be back to wait for you in about half an hour. You can return to the villa when you are ready. Just remember, when you’re outside the villa, you’re Niko and Maisy, married couple.”
Maisy nodded. Part of her wanted to ask Safa to take them back to the villa now so she wouldn’t have to sit awkwardly with Xander for at least half an hour, but it felt so good to be out of the villa that she didn’t say anything. The fresh air and change of scenery were worth a little awkwardness. Anyway, Safa wasn’t waiting for feedback. She was already making her way back up the stairs toward the car.
Maisy reached for a sandwich. It was cheese and tomato, which she enjoyed, but she couldn’t help feeling that there must be more local food somewhere. For a few minutes, they ate in rather tense silence. When they were doing something, Maisy could forget what a strange situation they were in and how Xander made her feel. But in moments like this, it was all too easy to remember.
“I’ve been thinking,” Xander said slowly.
“Hmm?” Maisy turned to him.
“You should just punch me in the face.”
“What?” Maisy shook her head. “I’m not going to punch you in the face, Xander.”
“No, you should. It would make us both feel better.” Xander presented his face. “Just give me a good whack.”
It dawned on Maisy that he was joking, but Xander didn’t know she knew that.
“Okay. Close your eyes, then.”
“Wait—”
“You offered. I’m taking you up on it. Close your eyes.”
To Maisy’s surprise, Xander actually did close his eyes. She reached into the picnic basket and withdrew a napkin. This she carefully perched on his head.
“Okay.”
“Maisy, I don’t think you know the meaning of hitting.” Xander opened his eyes and removed the napkin. “So, even?”
“Well, you ruined my life — and I put a napkin on your head, so…” Maisy shrugged. “I guess we can call it even. More or less.”
And it was true. For all that Maisy still found Xander extremely irritating, her fury must have boiled out of her blood and disappeared in the warm island air. She hadn’t forgiven him, but the edge was gone.
“Thanks.” Xander straightened up from his sprawled position and gave Maisy a serious look. “I haven’t been able to stop wondering what Niko was thinking.”
“What do you mean?” Maisy picked her sandwich up again and took a small bite.
“How could he stand you up like that? When he talked to you, did he tell you why he was having cold feet?”
“He just told me that he’d realized his duty meant more than doing what was right for his country, that he also had a duty to himself and to the people he loved. Which I suppose didn’t mean me.” Maisy set the sandwich back down. “But honestly, I don’t want to talk about Niko right now.”
“Oh. All right.”
They sat in silence for a long moment. Maisy wrestled with how to explain her feelings. As strange as it was, the mention of the man who was supposed to be her husband had cast a shadow over the day. Probably because it was a stark reminder of the life she’d be returning to as soon as their parents came up with a solution.
“Another topic.” Xander sprawled back into his earlier position. “Which was your favorite of the sea creatures we saw?”
“The turtle,” Maisy answered instantly. “It was just so cute.”
Xander chuckled. “It was. But I loved the octopus best. Did you see how he moved across the ground? It was so cool. He looked like an alien.”
