I ignored Galloway watching me. “This resort you mentioned. Is it quiet?”

Amelia answered on his behalf, tucking copper hair behind her ear. “It’s an eco-lodge. Thatched bures with solar power and no carbon footprint. It’s for those who crave solitude and silence.”

Holy crap, that sounds amazing.

Idyllic.

Custom made for me.

I could relax around the pool (if there was a pool), write, daydream, and plan a future where I wasn’t afraid of living.

My heart skipped but this time with hope. “Do you think they’d have vacancy?”

Duncan scratched his chin. “I only made the reservation last week and they said they were at half occupancy. If I were you, I’d be willing to take the risk.”

Thoughts of peace and tranquillity enticed me more and more. I could take a week off and recuperate from my tour, before returning home where the internet would hound me, my work would crush me, and obligations awaited.

Why did I want to rush back if I could have a week just for me?

I’d always been a structured person. I didn’t take gambles or make spur-of-the-moment decisions, but what if this was exactly what I needed?

And they’re going without me.

What would I regret more? Letting them find a way to paradise and holing up in some awful hotel, or taking a risk, going with them, and finding the best experience of my life?

I smiled at the driver. “We’ll pay six hundred for six people.”

Galloway raised an eyebrow. “You’re coming, too? But I thought you said—”

“I don’t care. I’ve changed my mind.”

“You can do that? Just change your mind?”

My smile hardened. “I can do whatever I want.”

“But don’t you have to—” He scowled. “I dunno. Work or something?”

His body language switched from eager to standoffish. Why did he have a problem with me hitching a ride? It wasn’t as if I was asking him to marry me. We’d never see each other again after this.

“What the hell is your deal?”

Galloway flinched. “What do you mean? I don’t have a deal.”

“You don’t want me to travel with you.”

“I never said that.”

“You did.”

“Whatever. Hear what you want to hear. I was merely concerned for your welfare.”

I planted hands on my hips. “My welfare. What do you care about my welfare? You don’t even know me.”

“That’s right. He doesn’t.” Duncan stepped between us, acting as referee. “Six people. No problem at all.” Patting me on the shoulder, he grinned. “Pleasure to have you along for the ride, Estelle.”

“Estelle?” Galloway’s voice stole my name, turning it from a simple address to an angry caress. “That’s your name?”

“Don’t tell me you have a problem with that, too?”

His face tightened. “I don’t have any problem with you. No problems. None.”

“Then stop being one for me.” The snapped command hovered between us, neither dispersing nor fading.

His eyes turned to steely flint as the friendliness and whatever bond we’d had evaporated.

Jerk.

He’d had the opportunity to talk to me on the plane and didn’t. He’d deemed me unworthy of his time, insulted me more times than anyone, and we’d only just met.

The moment we got to where we were going, I’d put him out of my mind and never waste another second on him.

Unless it’s to write a nasty song where he meets an unfortunate end.

“Okay, six people for six hundred. Done.” The driver pushed off from his slouch and wrenched open the sliding door of his van. “Get in.”

The Evermore children climbed in first, followed by Amelia and Duncan. Galloway planted himself in front of me, pausing to talk to the driver. “Where exactly are you taking us?”

The driver said, “I have a cousin who flies produce and supplies to outlying islands. He can help.”

“He can get us there tonight?”

The man nodded. “Tonight. No problem.”

“Great.” With a cold smile, Galloway clambered inside the van.

Hugging my jacket with my pockets filled with random survival gear, I squeezed in after him, taking the spare seat beside Pippa. The little girl smiled, stroking the foot of her kitten. We shared a look as the driver slammed the door, cocooning us in the tight space.

My mind skipped ahead to the idea of waking up tomorrow on a quiet beach, eating fresh fruit, and penning lyrics in the sunshine. Pure excitement fell like silky petals.

I was pissed off at Galloway and more tired than I’d ever been after two months on the road, but for the first time...I was uncomplicatedly happy.

I’m proud of myself.

I’d finally listened to the messages to live deeper, louder, brighter.

I’d finally paid attention and decided not to squander my life away with mediocrity.

Pity, I completely misread the signs.

They weren’t there to be adventurous. To live in the moment. To be reckless and stupid and alive.

They were there as a barricade against the exact same flaws I’d just embraced.

Ironically, I’d done the exact opposite of what I should.

By trying to live, I killed myself.

Chapter Six

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G A L L O W A Y

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