I shake my head, thinking of all the friends Caleb and I have in common. I’m not planning on humiliating myself further by sharing pics from the vacation they all know was meant for two. “No. And even if I was, is that so bad?” Odd that I should recognize the swimming style so easily. We’d only been on one snorkeling cruise together. But it’s definitely Phillip. He shrugs. It’s a single lift of his shoulder, dark-blue eyes on mine. “Cynics come out on top, to use your expression.” I take a deep breath. So far this trip has been all about craziness. About saying screw it, about embracing my vacation self, about taking risks and shaking off the rut I’d been in. I haven’t shown a single person my writing for almost seven years. Not since… well. The-event-I-don’t-like-to-think-about happened. It’s my own personal Voldemort.

How to Honeymoon Alone - Olivia Hayle

The steak,” I repeat. “At a restaurant famous for its fish? On an island in the middle of the sea? You do know that swordfish is famous in Barbados?” Phillip clears his throat. It breaks me out of my thoughts, and I look across the table to see him extending a hand. Even worse is the prospect of dating again. Of going on apps and meeting men online. The mere thought of online dating makes me shudder. No, you’re going to eat dinner at that luscious-looking hotel restaurant, you’re going to enjoy the warm weather, and afterward, you can reward yourself by watching old reruns in your room.” This is like the fifth book ive read about people going on their honeymoons alone and i always eat it up like its coffee jelly and im Saiki kThe characters are funny, they have their own very unique personality and they don’t give it up for the other.

How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle | The StoryGraph How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle | The StoryGraph

His eyes flash to mine, but then he sighs. “Yes, but not as much, and with a much nicer view. Chicago this time of year is… well.” He flips through another chapter. There are tiny Post-it flags that mark important parts. To the casual observer, I must look like a complete lunatic to have done so much research before a trip.Blurb {from Goodreads.com}: A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw coming… The restaurant opens to the garden on one side and the sea on the other. No windows are needed in the perpetually warm climate. Phillip stares at me for so long that I get uncomfortable. There’s only sternness on his face, like I’m an opponent across the negotiating table. Do attorneys even negotiate? I admit, I get most of my ideas about their work from television shows.

How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle - The eBook Hunter How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle - The eBook Hunter

Annoyance flares in my chest. Of course, he has a sculpted body, the perfection marred only by his frequent scowls. I love my lilac bikini, but it suddenly feels too small and covers far too little. I don’t exactly spend my evenings slaving away at the gym. But David’s ready with the net. Up comes a large, yellow-green fish. It has a blunt face like a pug. David and Phillip take turns instructing me how to rhythmically tug on the line as I slowly reel it in, to mimic the swimming of a real fish, and draw in the bigger ones. If I’m honest with myself, it had been muted even before I discovered Caleb and Cindy’s dirty little secret. I’d been stressed about planning a wedding while my fiancé did nothing to help.

I tie the belt of my bathrobe tighter and stroll along the colonnade. The path opens up to the outdoor hotel pool in the distance. The pool closes at 8 p.m., with a large sign informing guests that no swimming is allowed at night. He gives another half snort of amusement and walks out of the restaurant—tall and stoic among the hordes of happy newlyweds. I’ve got another thing for two planned this afternoon. If you’re interested.” He inclines his head to my lounge chair, eyes briefly flitting from my bare legs to the bikini top. “Unless you’ve got an important date with the sun planned.” I grab my mojito and beach bag and walk around the long side of the pool. There’s a single free lounge chair at the very end, protected from the potential rain by the oversized umbrella.