Magnificent Ruin (Everlasting Series Book 2) Read Free

away and never return to their beds. He’s an artist at deception and manipulation.
    “Hey!” he says in an amused voice, startling me. I’ve been deep in my own thoughts and failed to realize he’s finally spotted how I’ve been staring at him. “A penny for your thoughts,” he goes on, running his fingers through his sweaty hair.
    “They’re not even worth that much,” I say, taking a sip of my coffee.
    Holy fuck, I feel uncomfortable around him as if we truly had sex last night. Which makes no sense. This is not who I am at all. I’m funny and sarcastic and I don’t shy away. It’s been a really long time since I felt flustered around a man.
    Tomas was kind enough to allow me to go along with him on this three-month vacation. He offered me the biggest of the bedrooms in the house, which is also the one with a view to the ocean. He didn’t have to do that but he did. I know it’s probably because of his connection to Nathan who adores Grace which I guess gives me, her BFF, extra points.
    Tomas has been nothing but a gentleman anyway, giving me space and privacy and offering companionship at the same time, while I’ve been judging him silently and constantly and now it seems like I’m going to hold him responsible for my own messed up dreams. Get a grip, Taylor.
    “Are you going to be cranky all day or is it just the morning?”
    No, no, no, he won’t make me cuss at him today. “I’m not cranky at all,” I offer with a smile.
    “Good. Then go get ready. We’ll go diving for pinnas at the pier.”
    What did he just say? “That sounds a lot like…”
    “Like what?” he says, staring into my eyes. “A penis?”
    I gulp down the rest of my coffee. “Is diving for penis kind of like bobbing for apples? Wouldn’t be a big hit at birthday parties, I don’t think.”
    “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” He winks as he gets closer to me, putting a tight white T-shirt on.
    “I’ve tried plenty,” I say with immediate regret.
    “It’s ham mussels,” he says as he pulls his head through the shirt’s neckline.
    “Ham mussels? I’m not as traveled as you, are Greek pigs into bodybuilding? Or have they mated with clams?”
    “You are strangely amusing today.”
    I stick my tongue out before I turn my back to him.
    “Just come along and we’ll uncover all the magical secrets of pinnas for you,” he says, following me. “It’d be cool.”
    I turn around to face him. “It would also be cool if we got the couch back from the cleaner’s tonight.”
    He smiles from ear-to-ear. “And it would be cool if we stuck are asses in the freezer. Are you coming or not, Tay?”
    “Your bedside manner sucks,” I say. “You’re lucky I’m bored and have no plans, so it’s a yes, I guess.”
    I see yet another grin on his face.
    “What?” I ask him.
    “It just hit me. I’ve never been bored a single day of my life. That’s not one of my gears. I’m fucking awesome.”
    Oh.My.God. “And so humble,” I say with a sigh. “Not!”
    “I have faults, but I’m into them. I embrace them,” he says.
    “I can see that,” I say acting disinterested in his charms. “Who else will be there?”
    “At the jetty? Probably Adrian and Demetris with some of the girls. Maybe Mario, too.”
    “So just locals?”
    “As far as I know. Why?”
    “Your English speaking friends are tedious.”
    Tomas scratches the back of his neck, squinting his eyes. “It seems to me you’re trying really hard not to have a good time. Have you tired of this whole arrangement? Do you want to go back to California?”
    “I have my own gears and not all of them are cheery,” I say with an exaggerated yawn. “It doesn’t mean you’re going to get rid of me.”
    “Why would I want to? You smell good and I like pissing you off. Let’s hit the beach. I’m bursting with energy today.”
    “I need twenty minutes,” I say, staring down at my legs. I haven’t shaved them in two days.
    “Twenty minutes? What are