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too.
    Languidly, I got out of bed and looked outside. It was dusky outside, and I could hear the light, chirpy sounds of cicadas. Beautiful , I thought as I closed my eyes and smelled the pleasing mixture of sea, fresh air and heady blooms. After a good five minutes of appreciating the view, I strode towards the light switch. I was surprised to find my luggage next to the door. Instead of going through it, I went to grab my phone inside my purse. There were still no messages or phone calls from Harry. I guess he really meant it when he said he will try to cut me out of his life. Well, good for him, I thought dastardly. I’m the one who went through the traumatizing shit and was treated like a piece of ass. Ah, great, just mighty, fucking great.
    Dejected, I opened my luggage and immediately gathered everything I needed and head ed for the shower. Life goes on , with or without me. I best snap out of it before it forgets that I exist. I’ve been out of it long enough… maybe.
    After a quick dry of my hair and light make-up, I declared myself ready. I wore a short , pistachio-colored, cotton dress and jewel encrusted, flat sandals. It was light and perfect for beach ambiance.  I stared back at my reflection, a little unsure. “Happy face, Trista Stevens! Fucking put on your happy face!”
    When I strode out of my room, I saw Emma and Taylor outside, laughing and drinking together. When Emma’s eyes saw me walk towards them, she immediately got up and gave me a tight , I-miss-you-so-much, kind of hug. I hugged her back with the same intensity.
    “So, so happy to see you again, Tris!” Emma exclaimed as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
    “It really is great to see you , too, Boo,” I said, and meant every word. Emma guided me to one of the rattan, chaise lounges, across from the shirtless Taylor. “Going to get you something to drink, b-r-b. Lindsey’s in the kitchen and, as you can see, Bass is over there on the phone.” Emma pointed towards her man, who was well engrossed in a conversation, also not wearing a shirt. He was muscular perfection at its finest. What’s up with these fellas not wearing any shirts? It was a total mind-fuck to all the girly hormones around the perimeter.
    The setting they had out here was impressively awesome. Outdoor bed, dining tables and chairs, but what I really loved was the large table around the chaise lounges. It had a Middle Eastern feel, where they shared their meals and broke bread amongst trusted folks. Complete with dim lighting and lit candles scattered about, it was purely soul-lifting and therapeutic. “They ordered dinner from the villa’s kitchen. It should arrive soon. How was your nap?” Taylor eyed me casually.
    “Good, thank you.” I politely replied. Curiosity won out and I blurted, “Is there a Who’s Got the Best Six-Pack Competition around here that I should know about?” Taylor barked out a loud laugh. It was deep, throaty, and very manly. It was the opposite of Harry’s polished, restrained and practiced one.
    “Why do you ask? Does it offend , or please you?” Taylor smiled at me before he took a long gulp of his beer.
    My eyes instantly darted towards his neck where his Adam’s apple was bobbing up and down, mesmerizing me for a mere second. Taylor caught me staring at him, but I didn’t even blush or stand down from his penetrating gaze. I’m sure pretty boy was used to this kind of attention. Sure, he may be good-looking—to some—but he’s not my type, no matter how much I may enjoy ogling him. “Honestly, it doesn’t offend or please me at all. You could say that I’m indifferent about it.”
    That caught his attention. “Even the ever-drooled over Bass Cole doesn’t affect you?” Taylor looked pretty much entertained.
    Okay, maybe not Bass. Honest to God I don’t know a living soul who doesn’t have the hots for him. Not one. “I think it’s already a given how the entire universe sees him. I’m not immune to it, no one