Jax steps forward, hands squeezing my shoulders. He smiles and steps away, before I’ve even registered what he’s done. I miss the contact instantly.
“I’ll see you at breakfast at eight. Our boat leaves at nine.”
I nod my head and watch as he backs away. I’m tempted to call him back, my lips and body still throbbing, but what good would it do?
He smiles and turns as if reading my mind. I watch as he disappears around the corner and out of sight.
A day trip with Jax. More hours in his company.
We only have one more day, then it’s home time. Back to reality. Maybe a day out is just what the doctor ordered. It’s not like I have anything else to do.
I make my way back into the villa and pick up the paperback he returned.
I drop myself onto the daybed and begin reading.
CHAPTER 32
JAX
To say Kat surprised me last night is an understatement.
Walking away from her was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It was like leaving part of my soul behind.
The fact that she’s agreed to go on this trip amazed me. I was sure she’d shoot me down in flames, or cry work commitments, but here we are, walking through a local market on one of the neighbouring islands, sightseeing together and talking likeold friends.
We make our way through the stalls and shops.
I raise an eyebrow at the carved wooden puzzle in her hand.
Kat laughs. “Gabe will love it. Besides, table presents are supposed to be something small and fun. I’ll write a clue, this should drive him nuts and have him guessing for hours.”
She chuckles to herself as she hands over her money, her eyes alight at the thought.
Next is a coffee coaster set for Caleb, and a set of local prints of the sunsets for Elijah.
“Caleb is always complaining about coffee stains on his desk,” she says. “As for Eli, he’ll love the colours. He’s always moaning about our lack of sunsets in the city.”
I admit, they’re a practical and well thought out gift for the men who has everything.
Next, she drags me over to a stall, draped in beautiful materials. Sarongs, sundresses, skirts.
She smiles at the woman running it, who joins us instantly.
“These are beautiful,” Kat says.
The older woman glows under her praise.
Kat strikes up a conversation with her, learning that she and her daughter make the products.
By the time they’ve finished talking, Kat has purchased a multitude of skirts, dresses and sarongs, all of which have been folded, wrapped and placed beautifully in a bag.
Kat turns to me. “That’s everyone,” she says, letting out a deep breath, her eyes alight with happiness.
“Can you help me choose something for Mum?” I ask, not wanting that positive energy to disappear. She’s glowing, and I want to keep that for as long as possible.
“Of course. What do you think she’d like?”
I end up purchasing a hand-embroidered sarong-style dress for Mum and some coasters for Peter and Dad.
