OFF LIMITS MY BEST FRIEND'S

The resort lobby was a masterpiece of understated luxury. High ceilings with slowly rotating wooden fans, white marble floors that felt cool underfoot, and massive glass walls that framed the endless turquoise ocean like a living painting. Soft island music drifted through hidden speakers while the scent of frangipani and sea salt hung in the air.

Mia stood slightly behind Lily near the grand reception desk, pretending to scroll through her phone. In reality, every nerve in her body was tuned to the man standing a few feet away.

Alexander Voss.

He leaned one elbow casually on the marble counter, speaking in that low, commanding voice that made people straighten up without realizing it. The white linen shirt he'd worn on the plane now had a few faint damp patches from the humidity, clinging just enough to hint at the powerful chest beneath. His salt-and-pepper hair was still perfectly in place, but a single strand had fallen across his forehead, making him look somehow both polished and dangerously approachable.

*God, he's even more attractive than I remembered.*

Mia's mind drifted back through the years like flipping through a forbidden photo album she kept hidden in her heart.

She was fourteen the first time she really noticed him. She had come over to Lily's house after school, soaked from the rain, and Alexander had opened the door holding a towel. He'd smiled down at her, wrapped it around her shoulders, and said, "You look like a drowned kitten, kiddo." That simple kindness had cracked something open inside her.

By sixteen, the crush had become an obsession. She'd find excuses to stay late at the Voss house just to watch him work in his home office, sleeves rolled up, glasses perched on his nose as he reviewed contracts. She memorized the way his deep voice would soften when he spoke to Lily, and how it turned sharp and decisive when he was on business calls.

Seventeen brought stolen glances during family dinners. She'd catch him laughing at something Lily said, the corners of his eyes crinkling, and feel a stupid, hopeless longing bloom in her chest. He was always kind to her-treating her like a second daughter-but never once looked at her the way she desperately wanted him to.

And now, at eighteen, standing in this paradise, she was done waiting.

"Earth to Mia," Lily's voice cut through her thoughts. "You alive over there? You've been staring into space since we walked in."

Mia blinked and forced a bright smile. "Sorry. Just taking it all in. This lobby looks like it belongs in a magazine."

Lily grinned and bumped her shoulder. "Right? Dad always picks the best places. Hey, Dad!" she called across the lobby. "How long until they finish checking us in? I'm dying for that welcome cocktail they promised."

Alexander turned his head toward them. His dark eyes found Mia first, then shifted to his daughter. The corner of his mouth lifted in that familiar half-smile that made Mia's stomach flip.

"Patience, sweetheart. Some things are worth waiting for," he replied, his tone warm but carrying that natural authority that made the resort staff move faster around him.

He excused himself from the concierge and walked over, each step measured and confident. Up close, Mia could see the faint shadow of stubble along his strong jaw and the way tiny droplets of sweat glistened at the base of his throat from the tropical heat.

"You two doing okay?" he asked, glancing between them. His gaze lingered on Mia a fraction longer than necessary. "You look a little flushed, Mia. The heat getting to you already?"

Mia's cheeks burned, but she lifted her chin, refusing to look away. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just the company."

Lily laughed, completely missing the undercurrent. "She's always dramatic like this. Remember when she declared she was going to marry that actor after watching one movie? Took her three weeks to get over it."

Alexander's eyebrows rose slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "I remember. I also remember having to explain to a very confused fourteen-year-old why she couldn't fly to Hollywood to confess her undying love."

Mia tilted her head, a playful smile curving her lips. "I was passionate. Still am, actually. When I want something... I don't give up easily."

There was a beat of silence. Alexander's expression shifted-just a tiny tightening of his jaw, a subtle darkening of his eyes. He studied her face as if seeing something new in it.

"Careful with that kind of passion," he said quietly, his voice dropping lower. "This island might tempt you to do things you can't take back."

The words sent a shiver down Mia's spine that had nothing to do with the air conditioning. She stepped a little closer, close enough to catch the clean, woody scent of his cologne mixed with the salt air.

"Maybe I'm counting on that," she replied softly, her hazel eyes locking onto his. "Some temptations are worth the risk."

Lily, oblivious as ever, was busy taking photos of the lobby with her phone. "You guys are being weirdly philosophical. It's vacation, not a therapy session. Dad, tell them to hurry up with our keys. I want to see the villa already."

Alexander cleared his throat and turned back toward the desk, but not before Mia caught the way his hand flexed at his side. "They're almost done. Why don't you two go check out the welcome lounge? I'll handle the rest."

As Lily dragged her away toward the open-air lounge area with plush seating and colorful tropical drinks, Mia glanced back over her shoulder. Alexander was watching her. Not Lily. Her.

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

In the lounge, they sank into comfortable chairs overlooking the beach. A server brought them two vibrant cocktails garnished with orchids and fresh fruit.

Lily took a sip and sighed happily. "This is the life. No school, no exams, no annoying teachers. Just sun, swimming, and hopefully some cute guys wandering around."

Mia stirred her drink with the little paper umbrella, her mind still on Alexander. "What about your dad? Doesn't he ever... date? I mean, it's been years since your mom..."

Lily shrugged, suddenly a little more serious. "He says he's too busy with the company. But honestly? I think he's lonely. He deserves someone nice, you know? Someone who actually gets him. Not those fake socialites who only want his money."

Mia's throat tightened. Guilt and excitement warred inside her. "Yeah... he does deserve someone who sees him. Really sees him."

Lily grinned suddenly. "Speaking of seeing people, did you notice how Sophia Laurent was staring at him when we passed her earlier? The tall brunette by the bar? She's been eyeing Dad like he's dessert."

Mia's grip tightened on her glass. She hadn't noticed. Jealousy flared hot and sharp in her chest.

Before she could respond, Alexander appeared, holding their key cards. His presence filled the space around their table.

"All set," he announced, handing one to Lily and the other to Mia. His fingers brushed against hers as he passed the card. The contact was brief, but it sent electricity racing up her arm.

"Thanks," Mia murmured, her voice softer than intended. She looked up at him through her lashes. "You really didn't have to do all this for us. Bringing me along... it means more than you know."

Alexander's dark eyes held hers. For a moment, the busy lobby seemed to fade into the background.

"You've been part of our family for years, Mia. This trip wouldn't feel right without you." His voice carried a warmth that made her stomach flutter. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "You've changed a lot this past year. It's... noticeable."

Mia's breath caught. She leaned forward slightly, letting her hair fall over one shoulder. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

He hesitated, just for a second. The corner of his mouth twitched. "It's... different. In a good way, I suppose."

Lily stood up, breaking the moment. "Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's go see this villa before I melt. Dad, are you coming with us or do you have secret billionaire stuff to do?"

Alexander chuckled, the sound rich and low. "I'll walk you there. Then I need to make a quick call to the office. After that, I'm officially on vacation."

As they left the lobby and stepped back into the bright sunlight, Mia walked just behind Alexander, her eyes tracing the broad line of his shoulders and the way his shirt stretched across his back with each step.

*Years,* she thought. *I've wanted you for years. And now I'm finally close enough to do something about it.*

The path to their villa wound through perfectly manicured gardens bursting with color. Birds called overhead, and the distant sound of waves provided a constant, soothing rhythm.

At one point, Alexander slowed down to walk beside her while Lily skipped ahead, taking more pictures.

"You're quiet all of a sudden," he observed, glancing down at her. "That's not like you."

Mia looked up at him, letting every bit of her longing show in her eyes for just a moment. "I guess I'm just thinking about how lucky I am to be here. With you and Lily."

Alexander's expression softened, but there was something else there too something guarded, like he was suddenly aware of the shift between them.

"Careful, Mia," he said gently, almost under his breath. "This place has a way of making people forget where the lines are."

She smiled, slow and knowing.

"Maybe I came here to cross a few lines, Alexander."

He stopped walking for half a second, surprise flashing across his face before he masked it. His eyes searched hers, darker now, more intense.

Before he could respond, Lily called out from ahead, "Hurry up, slowpokes! I can see the villa!"

Alexander exhaled slowly and continued walking, but the air between them had changed. It crackled now.

Mia's pulse raced with triumph and fear and wild, reckless hope.

This was only the beginning.

And Alexander Voss the man she had secretly loved for years had finally started to notice her.