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  Andrew wrapped his legs around Garrett’s waist, drawing him even nearer, and leaned back to catch his breath. He basked in Garrett admiration-filled gaze, enjoying the silhouette of his jawline in the dim moonlight. Garrett ran his hands down Andrew’s torso until he reached the waistband of his pants. He gingerly unfastened the button and slipped his fingers through the slit of Andrew’s boxers. He trailed his finger downward, exploring the length. Andrew’s eyes slipped shut. Garrett’s touch began tender and affectionate. As the rate of Andrew’s breath increased, so did Garrett’s tempo. He encircled Andrew with his palm, squeezing gently, teasing with his thumb.

  Andrew urgently thrust into Garrett’s hand. His ragged moans echoed off the dunes. Between gasping breaths, Andrew peeked at Garrett and noticed the desire flooding back into his eyes. Garrett paused, only long enough to release himself, and then resumed the sensual massage.

  A few thrusts of Garrett’s velvet length against his own was enough to send Andrew spiraling into a state of euphoria. They both fell back on the sand, gasping. The disheveled towel clung to their thighs from the dampness of the sand. It was cool and refreshing after the exertion of their passion. The moon was high in the sky, and stars twinkled knowingly. Andrew glanced over at Garrett and admired his profile. It glistened in the glittering starlight from their exertion. He’s beautiful, Andrew mused, and now he’s stuck with me.

  Chapter 7

  “I HOPE you’re staying warm on this cold December day,” the radio announcer said ironically before switching to “White Christmas.” Andrew whistled along happily. Anna was using her day off to help him make Grinch truffles for the kids visiting the island. Each one featured a small heart-shaped sprinkle on top that he hoped appeared three sizes too small.

  “I’m skeptical,” Anna confessed, eyeing one of the neon-green lumps with concern.

  “They are vanilla,” Andrew promised. “I just added food dye.” He glanced at her, amused, before adding, “I was wondering why there weren’t any missing yet!”

  “I don’t always eat all of your desserts,” she huffed, tossing one of the truffles into her mouth. “Oh, these are good!” she managed to say with cheeks full of food.

  Andrew swatted at her playfully. “No eating while we’re baking!”

  Anna sighed dramatically. “That’s the only reason I’m here!”

  “The truth comes out!”

  “Just kidding.” She grinned. “I really came to ask about the Garrett situation. Have you made any progress?”

  Andrew looked at her with an expression that said Girl, you don’t even know.

  “Tell me!” she pleaded. “Last I heard, you were still heartbroken and unsure.” Anna loved hearing the island gossip. Everyone did. What else was there to do with spotty Wi-Fi, poor phone service, and no television? Hike with the mosquitoes?

  “There was a late-night beach rendezvous,” Andrew offered vaguely, trying not to grin like a fool. “It’s mutual now.”

  “A Christmas romance!” Anna squealed. “How exciting! Is it official?”

  “Well….” Andrew hesitated. “We didn’t really give it a title.”

  “Maybe you should talk about it. It’s nice to know that you’re on the same page,” she advised. “And nothing heals the heart like a boyfriend for Christmas.” There was an ornery twinkle in her eye.

  “That’s terrible!” Andrew scolded. He decided to change the subject. “Did I hear that someone special was coming to the island for Christmas?”

  “Oh, a wealthy family has rented the whole island. They come every year. I think they are arriving today.”

  “They reserved the whole island?” gasped Andrew.

  “Oh yeah.” Anna nodded. “The Oberhaus family. I think some of them are investors or something.”

  The color drained from Andrew’s face. No, it can’t be. “Is one of them an Ace Oberhaus?” Andrew asked.

  Anna considered it for a moment. “I can’t remember….”

  Suddenly Bridget came rushing back into the kitchen. “The Oberhauses are here,” she fretted. “But I’m expecting a call about their Christmas dinner. It has to be ferried over. Can you two go greet them?”

  “But I’m off today,” Anna sighed, “and that involves carrying heavy luggage.”

  “Andrew?” Bridget begged. He hesitated, having seen Bridget lead new guests around on a welcome tour. She also directed suitcase drop off like a sergeant general. Andrew wasn’t sure he could do it. He glanced at Anna pleadingly.

  “Okay,” Anna groaned. “We’ll go, but I’m clocking in.”

  Andrew dusted the powdered sugar off his fingers and followed Anna down to the pier. He was on high alert. His ex, Ace, was an Oberhaus. Andrew desperately tried to convince himself that there was no way Ace was part of this Oberhaus family. He wasn’t rich, Andrew reminded himself. He used to conveniently forget his wallet every time we went out to dinner. The memory annoyed him. Still, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered, Oberhaus isn’t a very common surname.

  When they reached the dock, Anna waved enthusiastically while Andrew fidgeted nervously.

  “Pull yourself together,” she whispered quietly.

  Andrew scanned the first of two boats. He could make out an elderly couple, some young parents, and a handful of children. A relieved sigh escaped his lips.

  “Let me introduce you,” Anna offered, strolling down the dock. She greeted the family warmly and welcomed them back to the island.

  “We have a new kitchen staff member,” she said, gesturing to Andrew. “He’s going to take the luggage to your room.” Andrew waved awkwardly. “Nice to meet you.” The elderly gentleman smiled amicably and launched into a speech about the rare habitat and natural beauty of the island. The woman at his side wore an unmistakably bored expression. She must be his wife.

  “Honey,” she interrupted, “let’s go relax in our room before dinner.” She didn’t spare Andrew a sideways glance. Andrew watched as the children recklessly ran up and down the dock. Their parents didn’t seem to mind.

  “Andrew?” asked a deep voice in surprise. The second boat had arrived. Andrew turned around, his head spinning in denial, and found himself face-to-face with Ace. Shit.

  “What are you doing here?” Ace asked with raised eyebrows. The entire party, Anna included, looked between Andrew and Ace, confused.

  “I work here.” Andrew scratched his head, trying to avoid eye contact. Dammit, he thought. This is where the annual family beach vacation was? Andrew stood glued to his spot, his mind reeling. Did Ace ever mention an island? No, he didn’t, but he did say something about family in Georgia.

  “Who is this, sweetie?” asked the older woman, looking Andrew over for the first time.

  “Oh, just a friend from back home.” The lie slipped easily from Ace’s lips.

  “How did you meet?” she pressed.

  Yes, how did we? Andrew was looking forward to the response. Ace certainly wouldn’t tell this proper old woman, likely his grandmother, that they decided to date after a bar hookup.

  “Oh, Andrew found Dexter after he got off his leash when we both lived in Boston.” Ace smiled fondly at the fictitious memory. “So I took him out to dinner, and we’ve been friends ever since.” Andrew stared at Ace with unsmiling eyes. You took me out to dinner? Ace shot Andrew a pleading look. Fine, I’ll play your game.

  “Is that what it was?” asked Andrew sweetly. “It’s been so long. I forgot.” Feeling petty, he added, “I didn’t realize you were part of such—” He paused. “—an impressive family.”

  Ace chuckled uncomfortably.

  “Yes, well.” The woman hummed with arrogance. “Sometimes it’s nice to blend in, and you never know what kind of riffraff will come looking for a handout.” She eyed Andrew meaningfully. “Well, let’s go, Charles.” She tugged on her husband’s sleeve until he was left with no option but to follow her. The rest of the family quickly followed suit. The children picked up their pace, hoping for one more jau
nt down the dock and back.

  Anna glanced up at Andrew with wide eyes but held her tongue. Ace, at least self-aware enough to look embarrassed, hung back.

  “Can we talk?” he asked and then glanced at Anna and added, “Alone.”

  “There is nothing to say,” Andrew snapped, “and I’m working.” He grabbed a suitcase and turned on his heel before Ace could object.

  “Be careful on the dock,” Anna called to the children as she chased after Andrew.

  The words had barely left her mouth when one of the kids ran straight into a piling and knocked the wind out of himself. He tumbled into the water with a splash. His mother, halfway down the path, looked back and screamed.

  “There is an alligator in the water!” his father yelled hysterically. Without hesitation, Andrew leaped into the creek just upstream of the struggling child. The water filtered through the marsh, signaling the beginning of high tide. Andrew drifted to the floundering child and grabbed him. The boy wrapped his arms around Andrew’s neck, still struggling for breath. Andrew strained to keep the child afloat. Progress toward the dock was slow and arduous as Andrew now fought the tide. What must have been less than two minutes felt more like two hours. When they were finally within reach, Anna and Ace pulled the boy from the water. Andrew, nearly hyperventilating at the thought of being eaten by an alligator, climbed onto the dock. He fell back, heaving for breath.

  “Are you okay?” asked his mother frantically, pulling the boy into her arms. He nodded meekly. The rest of the family was circling around them to assess the damage.

  “Thank you!” his father cried, helping Andrew to his feet. “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

  “Don’t mention it,” wheezed Andrew. “I’m glad he’s okay.”

  “You’re quite the hero,” the older, previously unimpressed woman praised. She came strolling down the dock like she owned it. “We would like to extend our gratitude by inviting you to dinner.” It was less a question, and more a command. Andrew fumbled for an excuse, but was spared the trouble when Ace stepped out from the crowd.

  “You know staff already has dinner arrangements.” He smiled sweetly at the woman. “Though I’m sure he can appreciate the magnitude of your offer.”

  The woman nodded, the weight of her debt seemingly lifted. The rest of the family gave their thanks and trickled away. Ace waited until they were all gone before turning to Andrew.

  “Thank you.” He smiled sincerely. “And I’m sorry. I’d really like the chance to set things right.” He gave Andrew a meaningful gaze. Andrew stared at him.

  “This is not the time,” he managed to sputter. Andrew needed time to gather his thoughts and process the day’s events. Ace had led him to believe that there was some family tragedy that forced his move from Boston to Georgia, but that did not appear to be the case.

  “You’re right,” Ace agreed. “I’ll come find you later.” He squeezed Andrew’s hand and strolled away. Andrew and Anna watched him leave. When he was out of earshot, Anna turned to Andrew.

  “What was that?” she asked, her eyebrows knitted in concern.

  “That’s my ex,” Andrew groaned.

  Anna was speechless.

  “I almost got eaten by an alligator…,” Andrew said, still half-stunned and half trying to change the subject.

  “They’re actually pretty harmless.” Anna smiled timidly. “Big scaredy-cats.”

  “Are you being serious?”

  “Yeah,” Anna continued. “Sometimes we even go barge jumping.” She pointed to a boat tethered to the end of the dock. It had a large, flat roof accessible by a ladder conveniently bolted to the hull. “But it’s all the more impressive that you jumped in not knowing that.”

  Andrew sighed. As the adrenaline faded, exhaustion set in. “Do you think they’ll be mad if I clock out early?” he asked tiredly.

  “No,” Anna assured him, “I’ll explain the situation. Go dry off.” She turned to leave but then paused. “You have a lot of explaining to do later!”

  Chapter 8

  “WHERE IS Andrew?” Garrett asked at breakfast the next morning, fishing pole in hand. “He wasn’t at dinner either.”

  Miguel wandered into the employee dining room with the first breakfast item—southwestern scrambled eggs complete with black beans. Only a few of the early risers had begun to trickle in.

  “He’s off today,” the chef responded, eyeing Garrett’s muddy boots with disdain, “since he has to work Christmas dinner alone tomorrow.”

  After the chef departed, Anna leaned over and whispered. “Didn’t you hear?” she asked. “Andrew rescued one of the Oberhaus children from drowning yesterday.”

  “What?” asked Garrett, surprised.

  “Yeah,” Anna continued, “I think he was a bit shaken up because there was an alligator in the water.”

  “Wow,” Garrett mumbled, impressed. He had seen firsthand how Andrew felt about snakes, mosquitoes, and, well, pretty much anything that could bite.

  “Maybe I’ll take him a plate of breakfast,” Garrett thought aloud.

  “You definitely should.” Anna smirked knowingly.

  Garrett flushed but quickly set to work piling high all of the things he thought Andrew would like.

  Just as he was finishing, the chef poked his head in and said, “There is a guest that wants to see Andrew. Can one of you show him the way?”

  “I’ll take them,” Garrett offered. “I was going anyways.”

  Garrett led a young man through the courtyard, past the massive live oak trees weighed down by impossible loads of Spanish moss, and toward the employee housing.

  “How do you know Andrew?” Garrett asked curiously but also trying to fill the awkward silence.

  “We’re dating,” he said, and then added, “Sorry if that makes you uncomfortable.”

  Garrett’s stomach flipped, and the color drained from his face. This couldn’t possibly be the ex-boyfriend that Andrew had confided in him about. He did indeed feel uncomfortable, but not for the reason Ace assumed.

  “Actually,” he continued, “is that plate for Andrew? Mind if I take it to him? I’m trying to make amends.”

  Garrett, too shocked to respond, wordlessly handed Ace the plate. “That’s his place.” Garrett pointed numbly.

  “Thanks!” Ace grinned. “Wish me luck!” Garrett watched Ace bound up the stairs. He knocked loudly and then snuck in without waiting for Andrew to answer.

  Andrew’s admonition echoed in his mind: My breakup is fresh. I don’t want to hurt you. He wandered up to his own house feeling helpless. It was entirely possible that Andrew would want to rekindle things with his ex-boyfriend after having been so torn up and heartbroken over it. Maybe I should leave for the day so that I don’t get in Andrew’s way, Garrett thought. He hated the idea but decided he would rather Andrew choose him out of love than out of guilt. He set to work packing.

  Just as he was nearly finished, Garrett heard a bang through the wall. What was that? He paused for a moment to listen.

  “None of that matters anymore.” Ace’s muffled voice permeated the wall. “I love you and I want you back.” Another thump, and the bed creaked loudly. Garrett’s stomach twisted uncomfortably. He felt like throwing up. He quickly grabbed his bag and set off for the dock. Maybe I should go home for Christmas after all.

  ON THE other side of the wall, Andrew struggled under the weight of his ex-boyfriend. None of the joy and excitement he had felt in their past relationship remained, and even that was only a fraction of what he had felt with Garrett. As Andrew wrestled for his freedom, his eyes fell on Ace’s face. His eyes did not contain a burning intensity as Garrett’s had. Instead Andrew saw a predatory glint that made his skin crawl.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked through clenched teeth, straining from the effort. “Get out!”

  “I brought you breakfast.” Ace smiled, gesturing to the plate. “I thought we could talk.”

  “No!” Andrew shot back. “I’m not
even dressed yet!”

  Ace appraised him with a lustful gaze. A smirk tugged at his lips. “I was wrong,” Ace began. “I should have told you about my family.”

  “It’s too late for this,” Andrew groaned, trying to twist out of Ace’s grip.

  “I didn’t think my grandmother would approve of you,” Ace continued, “because you came from such a humble family.” Stunned, Andrew stopped wrestling. He could feel the color draining from his face as his thoughts swirled.

  “You dated me for two years,” he muttered hoarsely, his voice failing him. “Did you know from the beginning that you were going to eventually break up with me?”

  Ace hesitated. “I didn’t want to,” he shot back, “but I have family obligations.”

  “You lied to me for two years,” Andrew whispered, fighting back angry tears.

  “I’ll make it up to you,” Ace promised. He tried to nuzzle Andrew’s neck, but the gesture felt repulsive and shallow. “Think of how happy we were.”

  “Who said I was happy?” Andrew choked out. After spending time with Garrett, Andrew was starting to realize there was more to a relationship than what Ace offered—both in the past and now. Ace was just a spoiled brat who didn’t want to lose to another man. “You only want me back because it’s convenient now.”

  “That’s not true,” Ace whispered. “I wanted you the whole time. I just thought it was impossible.”

  “That’s not love.” Andrew struggled to free himself. “Love is fighting for someone through thick and thin.”

  “That’s what I’m doing now.” Ace smiled, leaning in slowly. Andrew wrenched his neck, trying to avoid Ace’s impending lips. They both paused at the loud thumps of someone running up Andrew’s steps.