‘I think…’ What did she think? The only thing Tasha did know for certain was that she didn’t want to leave Callum. She also knew she had enjoyed her job immensely, apart from the past couple of years when Riley had become far too full of himself and as a result his manners deteriorated, and his rudeness increased. If only he’d find a way to revert to the boss she had known that first year and been so excited to work for.
‘I want to stay here,’ she admitted. ‘I hate the thought of leaving you. Of leaving this. Waking up in your arms is blissful.’ She thought of the previous night and the one before it and felt the heat rise in her cheeks. ‘But I need to find a job.’
‘You love what you do,’ he said, sounding sad but understanding. ‘Do you think it might help to talk to Riley about this?’
‘If only it was that easy.’
‘What do you mean?’
She shrugged. ‘I’ve broached the subject many times but he doesn’t take me seriously.’
Callum frowned. ‘He might, now that you’ve actually left. He’s had more than a week without your help, don’t forget. I’m sure he’ll have missed you and might be able to find a compromise that will work for you both.’
‘Are you trying to persuade me to stay or go back to Riley?’ she asked, only half amused.
‘I want you to do what’s best for you, that’s all.’
She thought of her parents and how different their reaction had been to Callum’s. He was such a good man. Kind, loving, fun. If only she had the financial means to take time off work and spend the next few months there, or find a different job on the island. Not that it would solve much if she then had to leave him after getting used to living this way. No, it would be far harder to bear.
Frustrated, she kicked back the bed sheets. ‘I don’t know.’ Then it came to her. She had always worked, been sensible, at least as far as she was concerned; and never completely gone with her heart, especially in a relationship. She loved Callum and had enough experience in her failed relationship with Toby to know that he was worth giving some things up for.
‘I’ve made up my mind about something.’
He looked anxious. ‘You have?’
She nodded. ‘I’m going to postpone my flight for a couple of days and enjoy being here.’
‘With me?’ he asked before laughing. ‘Sorry, silly question. That makes me really happy.’
She liked that he didn’t assume what her reaction would be. ‘Yes, of course with you. If the offer is still open, that is?’ She wished she could commit to staying on permanently but she needed to be practical.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately, leaving her almost breathless. Letting go, he said. ‘Does that answer your question?’
Tasha laughed. ‘It does.’ She got out of bed.
‘Where are you going?’ he asked, disappointment on his face.
‘To change my flight, unless you want me to wait and do it later?’
He shook his head. ‘No, you do that while I shower and think of ways to reassure you you’ve made the right decision.’
Tasha couldn’t wait to find out what he would plan.
An hour later as Callum drove along the east coast of the island, Tasha stared up in awe as the car passed Mont Orgueil Castle.
‘It’s such a beautiful day,’ she said, glad she had thought to wear a cotton T-shirt and shorts. ‘Where are we going? Surely there isn’t much further we can go before we come to the end of the island?’ she teased.
‘Ahh, but there’s still so much you haven’t seen out this way.’
‘Such as?’
‘Tiny bays, woods we can walk through, St Catherine’s pier and the café at the beginning where you can eat, then buy a delicious creamy ice cream afterwards, or take a seafari to the Ecrehous.’
‘We’re going to one of those places then?’
He shook his head and laughed. ‘Nope.’
‘Then where?’
