Grabbing my gym gear, I head to the small guest gym. Another guest is lifting weights in the corner of the room. He looks up, and we exchange pleasantries before concentrating on what we’re there for.
I start the running machine. It’s not long before my feet are pounding, and my heart rate has increased. I run like the devil is chasing me. Running from the past few months. By the time I’m done, my hair is plastered to my scalp and my clothes are stuck to my skin.
I make my way back to the villa to shower and change.
There’s still no sign of Jaxson.
So I head for breakfast, alone.
I miss yesterday’s pastries. I knew what he was doing. Jax is a savoury man, pastries have never been his thing.
My heart does a flip at the thought. Maybe there is a chance for us to be friends.
When I’m done, I make my way to the library.
I stop in the doorway, my chest constricting.
Jax is already there.
“Good morning,” I say, after taking several deep inhales.
My breath catches when he looks up. His strong jaw and high cheekbones don’t detract from the dark circles under his eyes, as if he didn’t sleep.
“Good morning,” he says. “Did you enjoy breakfast?”
“I did, although I missed the pastries this morning,” I say, before I can stop myself.
“You could have had one,” he says, inclining his head.
“I know, but they’re never the same off your own plate.”
I had a terrible appetite growing up Mum always found I was happiest eating while sat on Dad’s knee, thinking I was eating his food instead of my own. A total Daddy’s girl.
Jax shakes his head, moving some paper to uncover a plate full of mouthwatering pastries.
“Jax,” I say, pulling out a chair, while he grabs a knife and begins cutting them into quarters. The same way he did the morning before.
I chuckle as he pushes the plate towards me, taking a slice for himself.
“Would you like to share mine?”
Our eyes lock.
“Don’t mind if I do.”
I take a piece and bite down, closing my eyes as the sweet, sugary coating fills my mouth.
I moan, smashing my hand over my mouth in horror.
When I open my eyes, Jax is staring at me, his pupils dilated.
I cough, and he chuckles.
I put the pastry on a napkin, Jax hands me, moving it to one side.
“What did you want to discuss?” I ask when I finally manage to swallow.
CHAPTER 26
