Holding people at arm’s length, not letting anyone close to me, has been my modus operandi for as long as I can remember. Self-preservation is hard-wired into my DNA. The only person who it’s ever changed around, is Jax. All those years ago, he had a knack for getting me to open up and confide in him. It’s why it hurt so much when I thought he betrayed me.
With Zach, it was different. We started out as friends, but never truly progressed past that. We were lovers, lived together, but there was never any real connection.
I sit back and pick up my coffee, staring out over the sand. He never questioned or challenged me, demanded anything of me.
I stare down at the dark liquid.
All those years, we simply co-existed. But after Jax, I locked my emotions away. I wasn’t capable of giving Zach what he wanted or needed. Is it surprising he turned to Darra? Allowed himself to be manipulated.
What a mess!
I get up and grab a pastry from the pastry counter, returning to my table. Another coffee is waiting for me, along with a bottle of water.
I cut the pastry up into quarters, the same way Jax did, popping the first slice into my mouth. I stifle a groan. These really are good.
Several guests walk by, greeting me. I smile, my perfected CEO smile, before picking up another slice and tucking in.
The flavours explode on my tongue.
The pastry chef is first class.
Mr Baskin arrives at my table, just as I’m about to take another bite.
“Good morning, Ms Frazer, how was your night? I hope everything in the villa was to your liking.”
I force a smile. “It was perfect, thank you.”
“Do let me know if there’s anything else you need. Your return flight is booked for Friday, am I right?”
“Yes,” I say.
“Good, good.”
He moves to turn away.
“Mr Baskin. I would like to meet the pastry chefs,” I say. “Actually, I’d like to meet all the chefs.”
He spins around, colour draining from his cheeks.
“Is everything okay? Is there a problem?” His shoulders stiffen.
Crap, am I really that scary?
“Not at all, I wanted to compliment them.”
His shoulders relax, and his face brightens.
“Of course, of course.” He looks down at his watch. “The kitchen closes in thirty minutes. We can visit them then.”
I go to open my mouth and tell him that’s not necessary, but he’s already disappeared.
I finish my pastry and grab some fruit. The waiters clear up around me until Mr Baskin reappears.
I follow him through the back and into the kitchen. The staff are all standing in a line, hot and flustered.Damn,being forced face-to-face with the CEO after a long shift, what was I thinking?
I go down the line and shake each of their hands.
“I just wanted to compliment you all on the job you’re doing,” I say. “It’s easy for management to only pass on complaints, but I also like to say, congratulations and well done when it’sdeserved. I’ve spoken to a lot of guests during my stay, and everyone has said the same thing, and it’s all been positive. Keep up the good work.”
