CHAPTER ONE
Ava Reynolds watched the annoying resort employee scurry away, leaving her alone with the human embodiment of an eye roll - Liam Caldwell.
Of course her bad luck would strand her on a remote island with this arrogant pretty boy. She raked her gaze over him with clear disdain. Tousled dark brown hair, chiselled jaw, and eyes the colour of the tropical ocean they were marooned beside. Objectively handsome, she had to admit.
But his smug attitude killed any appeal.
"Well, Caldwell, looks like you're stuck with me," she drawled sarcastically, crossing her toned arms over her tanned midriff. Her white linen dress was rumpled from the storm, but she still managed to look like she belonged in a swimsuit magazine spread. Her long dark hair fell limply over her shoulders and she felt like crap.
Liam scoffed, running a hand through his hair.
"Believe me, being trapped with your sparkling personality wasn't on my wish list either, Reynolds."
She rolled her eyes.
"At least we agree on something for once." With a huff, she grabbed her oversized bamboo tote and started towards the exit. "I'm going to see if this 'villa' actually has a roof."
"Don't get too comfortable," he called after her with that insufferable smirk. "I have a feeling one of us won't last long on the island."
Ava flipped him off over her shoulder without breaking stride. This was about to be the longest, most torturous vacation of her life. Trapped in paradise with her own personal hell companion.
***
Ava pushed through the battered lobby doors, the warm tropical air enveloping her. She squinted against the bright sun as her eyes landed on the "villa" in question.
"You've got to be kidding me."
The rickety wooden bungalow leaned precariously, palm fronds poking through the thatched roof. It looked one strong gust away from collapsing into the golden sand.
Heavy footsteps crunched in the sand behind her.
"Ah, I see we'll be roughing it in paradise."
Liam's smug voice made Ava grit her teeth. She whirled to face him.
"This dump is our accommodation?" Her tone rang with disbelief. "I've stayed in Uni dorms nicer than this."
He shrugged, unbuttoned shirt flapping in the ocean breeze to reveal a defined chest. Damn him!
"Beggars can't be choosers, princess. Unless you'd prefer sleeping on the beach."
Ava opened her mouth with a scorching retort, but a voice from the bungalow cut her off.
"You two lovebirds going to keep bickering, or do you want the ninety-nine cent tour?"
An elderly resort staff member with a thick Jamaican accent beckoned to them from the ramshackle porch. Ava's shoulders slumped in resignation as Liam flashed her an infuriating grin.
"Ladies first," he said with an exaggerated gesture.
Jaw clenched, Ava stomped up the weathered steps, the rickety boards creaking underneath her sandals. She leaned in close as she brushed past Liam.
"I. Hate. You."
He chuckled under his breath completely unbothered.
"Feeling's mutual, sweetheart."
This was going to be one long, treacherous stay in paradise.
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