Island Fantasy. Kayla Perrin

name.”

      Shayna almost rolled her eyes, but she didn’t. Instead she glanced around, looking to see where the three women were. She’d assumed they’d gone for a bathroom break or perhaps to the nearby bar.

      She saw no one.

      “I’m sorry,” Donovan said. “Are you expecting someone?”

      “No. Just…checking the place out.” She paused a beat. “Which children are yours?”

      Donovan seemed momentarily confused. Then he said, “Oh. None. But I’m a proud uncle.”

      “Are you trying?” The question came from Shayna’s lips before she could stop it. It was none of her business, of course, but she was trying—as eloquently as possible—to let this man know that she wasn’t the least bit interested in someone who was married.

      “Trying to have children?” Donovan once again sounded surprised at her question.

      “You seem to be a very loving family,” she said, gesturing to the children and other men. “And you’re clearly an attentive uncle. I’m sure you must want kids with your wife.”

      Donovan’s eyes widened in slight surprise. Then he nodded in understanding. “Aah. Well, I suppose if I had a wife I’d be trying. But I’m single.”

      Now it was Shayna’s turn to look surprised. “You—You’re not married?”

      He flashed his naked left ring finger. “Nope.”

      “But I…Who are those women you’re with?”

      “My sister, my brother’s wife and my cousin’s wife. Two of the kids are my brother’s, three are my sister’s and one is my cousin’s. Another cousin just got married yesterday. You haven’t seen her yet because she and her new husband are…well, they’re spending a lot of time indoors. Anything else you want to know?” Donovan added, a warm smile playing on his lips.

      “No.” Shayna shook her head briskly. “I’m sorry…I had no right to be nosy.”

      “But you thought I was married.”

      Shayna glanced away. “To be honest, yes.”

      “Now you know I’m not.”

      The way he said the words made Shayna’s eyes jerk to his. And when they did, something in his gaze made her pulse race.

      Donovan wanted her to know he wasn’t married. And there could be only one reason for that.

      He was interested.

      The charge she’d felt as she’d looked at him the night before had come not just from her appreciation of his good looks but also from his attraction to her.

      “Is this your first time in Jamaica?” he asked.

      Lord, but the man was fine. Shayna allowed herself a moment to stare at him without guilt. At his broad shoulders and perfectly sculpted chest.

      But that was all she would allow.

      She looked away. “Yes. It’s my first time here.”

      “Mine, too,” Donovan said. “Beautiful place for a wedding.”

      “Right.” Shayna smiled tightly. The last thing she wanted to think about was how perfect the place was for a wedding.

      “So, where are you from?” Donovan asked.

      “Why?”

      “Excuse me?” Donovan asked.

      Sighing softly, Shayna crossed her arms over her chest. She knew where this was going, and she wasn’t interested. Yes, the man was gorgeous, but she wasn’t on the island for a meaningless fling. She was getting over her broken heart.

      “I’m going to come right out and say this,” Shayna began. “I think you’re a perfectly nice man and all, but I’m not interested in getting to know anyone.”

      “Ouch.”

      “I’m sorry,” Shayna said, realizing she’d been far too abrupt. “I was really rude, wasn’t I? It’s just…”

      “Just what?” Donovan asked.

      “Just…” She paused. Exhaled sharply. “Nothing I feel like talking about right now. So let’s just leave things off with my apology. I’m not normally this rude.”

      “Donovan!”

      Both Shayna and Donovan turned following the sound of the voice. Donovan’s brother, cousin and the children were back at their lounge chairs, drying their bodies with towels.

      The father of Donovan’s niece—which meant the man was Donovan’s brother—said, “We’ve got to get going if we’re going to make the bus.”

      Despite herself, Shayna asked, “You’re going on an excursion?”

      “Yeah. We’re doing the dolphin ‘touch’ experience. Meaning we don’t get to swim with the dolphins, but we can go in the water with them and pet them. It better be good. It’s costing an arm and a leg.”

      “What about the women?”

      “It’s just the guys and kids. The ladies said they needed a break from being moms, so they’re doing a spa day.”

      “Donovan!”

      “Relax, Antwon. I’m coming.”

      “The bus leaves at nine.”

      “I know, I know.” Donovan waved off his brother’s concern, then turned back to Shayna. “It was nice to meet you, Shayna. Sorry that you’re having a rough time, but I do hope that you have a lovely day.”

      Shayna felt like dirt. Here Donovan was, trying to be nice, and she had taken out her frustration with men—Vince in particular—on him. What was the harm in making small talk? Small talk did not equal reciprocation of affection.

      She wanted to apologize again, but instead she simply said, “Thanks. You have a good day, too.”

      Donovan smiled again—and Lord if it wasn’t the most charismatic smile in the world—then turned and headed back to his family. Shayna sat back down and picked her book up. But she didn’t even glance at the pages. Instead, she turned and watched as Donovan dried that magnificent body of his with the large blue towel.

      And when he slung the towel over his shoulder and looked her way, Shayna didn’t turn her head. Instead, she raised her hand and gave a little wave.

      It was the least she could do to show she regretted her ungracious behavior.