The Key to Love Read online

  Mia inhaled deeply and huffed out a breath. “Where is Zander, by the way?”

  Effie glanced over her shoulder toward the small wooden kiosk about twenty yards away. “He’s paying for everyone. Today is his treat. I think he was getting all tweaked at everything being paid for by Marked Love. Billionaires…” she added with a roll of her eyes.

  Mia laughed.

  “More like Alpha males,” Keys said, scoffing.

  “Says the guy who wants to bash Heat’s head in if he looks at me wrong,” Mia said, affectionately. She rubbed Keys’ biceps.

  The contact felt warm and intimate, like they shared small secrets all the time.

  Keys eyed Effie, searching for a reaction.

  None came. Unlike Zander, Effie didn’t drill Keys a new hole. She simply smiled at him and Mia.

  Good. I have at least one supportive person here.

  When Zander strolled over, however, accompanied by the roadies, Heat, Dante, and Kennedy, he cut a sharp glance at Keys.

  Dante added his own dark glare.

  Keys stiffened until Zander addressed the group.

  “Okay, everyone, get ready for our adventure. I bought the All-Access pass so you can zip to your heart’s content. There are cenotes to sail over, forests…they even have a gator pool beneath one of the zip-lines.” Zander grinned.

  “Oh, hell, no,” said Noah.

  “Relax,” Zander said. “They’re old gators.”

  “Do they still have teeth?” Noah said.

  “Probably,” Zander said. “Don’t worry. You’ll be securely strapped in. Eco Maya buys all their equipment from my company. I stand behind every rope, every strap, every ‘biner.”

  “It’s the best,” Effie said.

  “See what I mean?” Keys said to Mia.

  Gia scurried over from the kiosk dragging Marcos. “Oh, my God,” she said, laughing. “They had to search everywhere for a harness big enough for Brutus.” She pointed at Marcos.

  Marcos held his hands out, palms up. “What can I say? I’m a big guy. Ex-Marine and all that.”

  “Did they find one?” Mia said.

  “Yes! Finally!” Gia said.

  “I’ll have to get with their inventory manager,” Zander said. “They should be able to accommodate all sizes.”

  “You do that,” Gia said. “But, at the moment, let’s get rocking. There’s a zip-line waiting for me.” She led Marcos over to the steps leading up to the first zip-line.

  “You’ve got this,” Effie said to Mia. “Think ‘I’m going to let go, and have fun,’ and then…let go. I clutched up the first time and looked like an idiot bobbing on the overhead cable. Meanwhile, Zander glided along the line like an acrobat.”

  “You were cute,” Zander said, pushing a strand of hair away from Effie’s face.

  “Says Mr. Adventure,” Mia said. She looked up at Keys. “Ready?”

  “Are you ready?” Keys said.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” she said. She turned and resolutely marched toward the steps.

  Keys laughed and followed her.

  At the top landing, Keys stood next to Mia, as they both got fitted in their harnesses and helmets. She looked so dang sexy in her shorts and skin-tight t-shirt he thought he might explode.

  Once they were outfitted, instructions were given, and their harnesses had been affixed to the cables, they stood side by side at the edge.

  “Just say the word, and we’re off,” Keys said, grinning.

  “You want me to say the word?” Mia said, blinking.

  “Sure.”

  “What word should I say?” she said. Her dark hair spilled around her shoulders, bringing to mind its softness when it trailed over Keys’ chest last night.

  A fantasy worked its way into his mind, of taking her in the thick forest. Turning Mia around to face a tree and taking her from behind…nice.

  “Well?” she said.

  “What?” he said, coming out of his stupor. “I don’t know. We’re in Mexico, so say, olé, or Que Bueno or something.”

  “Okay,” she said. She turned to face the chasm below. “Que Bueno!” she shouted and leaped from the platform.

  Keys quickly followed.

  “Holy moly!” Mia cried as she whizzed along the line. “This is fantastic!”

  Her face glowed with excitement, stirring all sorts of alien feelings in his chest.

  “You’re beautiful!” he yelled, then, he turned his attention to the beauty all around him.

  A distant river coiled through the green forest. The sun shone in a clear blue sky.

  Unfamiliar lightness filled Keys’ heart. He enjoyed the hell out of being around Mia…just being with her eased the ache of loneliness he usually carried around like his ball and chain.

  They reached the landing, and two staff members, dressed in bright pink polo shirts, grabbed their lines and unhooked them from the cable.

  “Did you like the ride, señorita?” the guy who unclipped Mia said. His name tag read “Felipe.” He grinned at Mia in a manner that boiled Keys’ testosterone.

  Keys took her hand, establishing dominance. “What did you think, Mia?”

  “Oh, my God! I loved it!” she exclaimed. “Where’s the next one?”

  “It’s right over here,” Felipe said, pointing to another landing across a rope bridge.

  “Let’s go, Keys.” She yanked on his hand, sending a small thrill up his arm.

  The day proceeded with the two of them flying over gorgeous scenery, swimming in pristine cenotes, and enjoying churros near a waterfall. Mia’s enthusiasm over the adventure made Keys happy, pure, and simple. He experienced a closeness to her that he’d never felt before.

  By the time the day ended, Keys still wanted more of Mia. He helped her from the van in the parking lot of Hidden Shores.

  The sky had begun to darken into a deep Cerulean blue. A few stars made an early appearance.

  “I’ve really got to go to the bathroom,” she said. “See you in the room?”

  “Sure thing,” Keys said, his mind already churning fantasies of the sex to come. He adjusted his shorts to make room for his growing length as he watched her scurry away.

  “You’re doing it again,” someone said from behind him.

  “What?” he said, pivoting around.

  “You’re doing it again,” Trevor said, sauntering toward him.

  “Just what do you think I’m doing again?” Keys said, his joy over the day suddenly overtaken by annoyance.

  Dante eyed him as he passed, shaking his head.

  “Fuck off, Fearless Leader,” Keys said, annoyance spiking in his belly.

  “What?” Dante said. “I just glanced at you.”

  “No, you gave me that look you’ve been giving me all week like I’m a walking heartbreaker,” Keys said.

  Dante waved his hand at Keys and kept on walking. “Looked like you enjoyed yourself today,” he called over his shoulder. “It’s nice to see.”

  Keys turned back to Trevor, still spoiling for a fight. “What did you mean by ‘I’m doing it again?’”

  “You know what I’m talking about,” Trevor said. “You can’t have a casual relationship with a woman. You get all weird and obsessed. You did the same thing with Sarah.” He jabbed Keys in the chest.

  “Sarah was a sick fuck,” Keys said, jabbing him back.

  “And you were an even sicker fuck when you were with her, or have you forgotten? You bought her bullshit. You sided with her over everything. We all thought we’d lose you to her, and we did.” Trevor stood too close.

  “And so you think that since I had a bad relationship with one woman, I’m going to do the exact same thing again, am I right? Maybe Mia’s different,” Keys said, stepping backward. “Maybe I’m different.” I am, right? I’m not doing the same thing I did with Sarah, right? The twist forming in his gut told him a different story. Shit. I’m falling for Mia, aren’t I? His heart raced in his chest like a wild dog.

  “If you w
ere that different, then why have you cut me off for the last couple of weeks, huh?” Trevor’s face grew red.

  “Is that what this is about? You miss me?” Keys said. He glanced over his shoulder.

  Mia stood on their balcony.

  Can she see me? Is she looking at me? He tugged Trevor out of view of the room. “Say it, Trevor. Tell me this isn’t about me, it’s about you. You’re jealous.”

  “You’re my best friend, Keys,” Trevor said, his eyes growing watery. “My fucking best friend. Until a couple of weeks ago, we did everything together. Now you’re doing everything with her.” He flung his arm in the direction of the resort. “We’re here in fucking Mexico with so many hotties around I can’t keep track of them.”

  “So, go and have a threesome with Noah or Sam,” Keys said, waving his arms wildly. “I’m sure they’d be down with it.”

  “I don’t want to have a fucking threesome with Noah or Sam. I want our friendship back!” Trevor looked close to tears. “You’re falling down the rabbit hole again, and I can’t stop you.”

  For a few seconds, Keys couldn’t think of a thing to say. His mind filled with images of his fucked-up relationship with Sarah. All the heartbreak that went along with loving her… Trevor’s right. I’m losing it. He willfully stuffed every good feeling he’d experienced today into a trunk in his mind and locked the lid. “So, let’s go. Let’s go find some hotties to fuck,” he said.

  “You mean it?” Trevor said, his expression as bright as a sunrise.

  “Absolutely. Let’s call a car and see what Cancun has to offer,” Keys said, throwing his arm around Trevor.

  A new plan formed in his brain. Get wasted and forget about Mia Song. He couldn’t help himself. All these feelings of intimacy and closeness could only end badly. He couldn’t take the chance of falling for Mia. The thing was…he’d already fallen. The best thing he could do was break her before she broke his heart.

  Mia

  As each hour dragged her heart through the sand and no sign of Keys, Mia knew he’d slunk off with Heat. Earlier, while standing on the balcony of their room, she’d seen them in the parking lot, with Keys’ arm slung around Heat’s shoulder as they made their way toward a waiting car. And, if he’s with Heat, that can only mean one thing—he’s done with me, having scored, and he’s on his way to his next conquest. She sighed and fell back on the bed. I set myself up for this. Gia, Dante, Zander—everyone tried to warn me. I have no one to blame but myself.

  An icy chill seized her insides like a snake injecting her veins with frostbite. He’s a player. He can’t help himself. It’s none of my business who he sleeps with. Wasn’t I the one to insist we keep things light and friendly?

  Still, she fooled herself into thinking she actually meant something to him. And, to be honest, she’d started to open to Keys the way she hadn’t opened to anyone since Darion. That’s the part that hurt. But don’t you dare feel sorry for yourself. You knew the risk, and you went for it anyway. None of her reasoning stopped the ache behind her breastbone.

  She didn’t dare try to find Gia for comfort…or Zander…or anyone here in their group. Everyone would tell her their “I told you so’s,” and the last thing she needed was a chiding for her foolish behavior.

  Hoping to calm her restlessness enough to get to sleep, she took a long soak in their balcony tub. A bottle of wine sat propped near the tub, and she consumed a good portion of the bottle as she soaked. Then, feeling nice and slithery, she drained the tub and stumbled her way into bed. By midnight, she managed to drift off to sleep.

  A couple of hours later, the door to the suite crashed open.

  Mia jerked awake but lay still, keeping her back to Keys.

  “Fuck,” Keys whisper yelled. He banged into a piece of furniture and let out a slew of curse words, all done in that same whisper yell. With a groan and a heavy sigh, he fell onto the bed. Once he lay next to her, he took a deep sniff. “Damn, you smell good,” he mumbled. “You awake?”

  She kept silent, not wanting to engage with him. Quietly, she sniffed the air, too. He smells like cigarette smoke, weed, and tequila, but I don’t smell any feminine perfume. Maybe he and Heat got with some women who don’t use perfume? And, she couldn’t smell sex on him. Maybe he took a shower? She wanted to shake her head at all her foolish thoughts but didn’t dare move a muscle.

  “Okay. No. You’re asleep. Because I’m the big dick here,” he whisper-slurred. Within minutes, a soft snore and deep breathing let her know he’d passed out or fallen asleep.

  Still hurt but comforted that he was back, she fell into her own restless slumber.

  Morning came far too quickly. As quietly as she could manage, she rolled out of bed. Figuring the tub last night had cleaned her well enough, she slipped on her bikini, a pair of green shorts, and a white top, and tiptoed out of the suite. Before shutting the door, she gave one last glance at the bed.

  Keys lay on his back, his mouth ajar, breathing deeply. He looked so damn beautiful she wanted to weep, then climb on top of him and remind him she existed.

  At breakfast, Gia waved from her seat at the table in the private room reserved for Marked Love. “Hey! Over here! Come join Brutus and me.”

  After filling a plate with pastries and fruit, and helping herself to coffee, Mia sashayed over to where they sat. “Good morning,” she said, with as much cheer as she could. She plunked her behind into the white padded chair.

  “Morning,” Marcos said.

  “Hell of a good morning,” Gia said. “Who knew sobriety could be so much fun? Everyone acts like a jackass when drunk. Last night I took some photos to share when we get back. I think I’ll use them as blackmail.” She grinned and sat back in her chair. “What did you do last night? We ate room service and crashed.”

  “Yeah, same here,” Mia said, hoping they didn’t inquire about Keys.

  “Eco Maya was so fun,” Gia said. “Looked like you and my dipshit bandmate had a good time. He hasn’t hurt you yet, has he? If he has, I’ll personally pull each and every tooth from his mouth.”

  Mia tried to smile and brought her coffee cup to her lips to avoid answering.

  “That’s dramatic,” Marcos said, shoveling the last of his eggs into his mouth.

  “You know what I mean,” Gia said.

  He patted her spiky yellow hair.

  Recalling yesterday’s adventure, Mia said, “Yes, yesterday was fun. I had a blast. I was scared to death before I jumped, but the second I jumped, I felt so free. Effie helped. She said to let go and have fun. So, I did.”

  “Well, good,” Gia said, popping a piece of pineapple in her mouth. “Because today’s adventure is paddle-boarding. Right out there.” She stabbed her finger at the window, toward the waves which sloshed against the sand.

  Mia’s eyebrows went up, skeptically. “Uh, I’m not sure about that.”

  “Talk to your boss. All this adventuring is his idea. Well, his and Dante’s, since they’re besties. But you know Zander and his love of crazy outdoor encounters.” Gia smiled.

  “I do indeed,” Mia said, recalling the numerous rock climbing competitions he’d won and all the wild adventures she’d booked for him. She kept her gaze pinned on the crashing waves.

  Gia tracked her attention. “I know what you’re thinking. How do we get from the shore through that wall of waves, am I right?”

  “Exactly,” Mia said, turning her attention to her coffee. She took a welcome sip, craving the caffeine jolt since she hadn’t slept well last night.

  “Any ideas, Brutus?” Gia turned to Marcos.

  He shrugged. “If it’s anything like surfing, you just put your head down and power through.”

  “See?” Gia said brightly. “We just power through.” She shook her head. “Or, you and I watch from the beach, Mia.”

  Mia laughed. “I like that idea.”

  A Hidden Shores staff member entered their private room. Her sleek obsidian hair had been slicked back from her face in a ponytail. She smil
ed at Mia as she approached. “Is everyone ready for today’s festivities?” Her name tag read “Cecilia.” She began clearing the table of empty plates.

  “Remind us,” Gia said, her forehead furrowed.

  “It’s the annual Carnaval de Cancún. We’ll provide transport for your group to get to the city so you can partake in the festivities. There will be concerts, dancing, food, and celebration. The Parque de las Palapas will be the hub of activities, but there will be much to do throughout the city.” Cecilia kept up her smile as she spoke.

  “We’re all going paddle-boarding,” Marcos said.

  “Not a problem. It goes into the night. It’s a wonderful celebration. You, señor, will appreciate the beautiful women of Mexico.” Her smile broadened to a grin.

  “Will I?” Dimples creased his cheek as he stroked his stubble-covered chin. “Hmmm. Beautiful women dancing in the streets…it’s like every day with Gia.” He winked at her.

  “Smooth comeback, Brutus,” Gia said, laughing. “Okay, we’ll be there.”

  “Excellent. I’ll alert the staff of your need for transport.” With a brisk nod, Cecilia whirled and exited, balancing a stack of plates in her hands.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Mia caught sight of Keys, making a beeline toward the table. “Um, I gotta go get something. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

  “You’re not getting out of paddle-boarding with me,” Gia said.

  “I’ll be there,” Mia said, scrambling to get up. She hurried in the opposite direction as Keys.

  “Hey!” he called.

  She lifted her hand over her head to acknowledge the greeting and increased her pace. Once she stood in the lobby, though, she didn’t know where to go. I’ll go to my room and grab whatever I need to paddle-board. But what if Keys follows me? She glanced over her shoulder, but he wasn’t following her. Deciding on the stairs, instead of the elevator, she raced up to her floor. Peeking out of the stairwell, she didn’t spy a soul, so she continued on to her room, where she stuffed a few items in her huge canvas carryall. She quickly exited, scurried down the hall, and stabbed the elevator button.