Skylar’s thoughts raced as she stood frozen by the door, her heart beating faster. The name “Mr. Hughes” echoed in her mind, her suspicions growing. The voice from the next villa, though muffled and indistinct, sent a wave of unease through her. Was it possible? Could Joe—no, she quickly dismissed the idea. But the possibility lingered in her mind, gnawing at her.
She glanced over her shoulder, where Joe was still seated, his eyes dark and unreadable. The tension in the air seemed to increase with every passing moment. Skylar took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her thoughts were too scattered. She had been trying to avoid getting too involved, trying to keep her distance, but now it felt impossible to ignore the feelings swirling within her.
Her mind briefly flashed to the conversation she’d overheard earlier, about Joe needing someone sensible by his side. Gloria and George’s concern for him—Skylar’s involvement in his life—it all made sense, in a way. Yet, at the same time, it felt so complicated. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was just a pawn in someone else’s game. Was she really here because of Gloria’s plans, or had she been trying to suppress her own feelings for Joe?
Her eyes flickered back to the sound coming from the next villa, still unable to shake off the uneasy feeling. The woman’s voice, so affectionate, calling out to someone named “Mr. Hughes”—it felt like a sharp contrast to the tension between her and Joe. What if this was something Joe hadn’t shared with her? What if there was someone else in the picture, someone who had already captured his attention?
She shook her head slightly, trying to rid herself of these thoughts. She didn’t want to assume anything, especially not without clear evidence. But a lingering question gnawed at her: Was Joe really the man she thought he was? Or was there something more she didn’t know about?
After a moment of hesitation, Skylar turned and walked back toward Joe, the sounds of the hot spring bubbling around her like the backdrop to a scene she wasn’t sure she was ready for. She sat down again, keeping her distance, yet her mind was far from the serene surroundings.
Joe glanced at her but didn’t speak. It was as if they were both trying to figure out how to bridge the distance between them, both physically and emotionally. Skylar knew she couldn’t keep avoiding him or the reality of the situation, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to face whatever truths lay ahead. The night seemed to stretch on, full of unanswered questions, both in the silence and in the unease that lingered in the air.
After a long pause, Joe finally broke the silence, his voice low. “Skylar, is something bothering you?”
She looked up at him, trying to read his expression. His eyes were intense, but there was something almost vulnerable there, a quiet invitation to speak her mind. But what could she say? Could she even trust her own instincts anymore?
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