“That was different,” I hiss, looking around.
“Why? Because we were lovers?”
“Exactly,” I say, wishing instantly I could take the words back.
“Well, the offer is there,” he says with a shrug.
Mr Baskin takes that moment to return.
“My rooms are ready for you,” he says, ushering us towards the gate. “The villa should be ready within the next forty-eight hours, but until then, my rooms are at your disposal.”
He drives us to the staff quarters, pulling up outside one of the larger buildings. The place is alive with off-duty staff. All greet us with a welcoming smile. It’s a private community, with its own general store, cafe, and gym, all hidden from view, in the centre of the island.
My head pounds at the noise.
“Last chance,” Jax whispers, his breath tickling my ear, causing goosebumps to erupt over my body.
I bite the inside of my mouth.
Can I?
There’s a crash from the kitchen. My body flinches as my tired muscles twitch.
I stare at Jaxson for a moment.
“Mr Baskin,” I say. “Mr Lockwood has offered for me to stay at his villa with him.”
Mr Baskin spins around in his seat, his eyes wide.
“He’s a long-standing family friend,” I say, wanting to make it abundantly clear that there’s no romantic entanglement going on. “We were wondering if it’s possible to have a second bed installed in the villa?”
A smile spreads over his face. “Of course, of course. That can be done immediately.”
He ushers us back to the golf cart and practically races us out of the staffing area, pulling up instead at the beach bar.
“Please,” he says, jumping out. “Let me get you both settled while I get it organised.”
Staff jump at the sight of us. Mr Baskin disappears as drinks and snacks are delivered to our table.
When we’re alone, I turn to Jax.
“Thank you,” I say. “I’m not sure how much sleep I would have got.”
“I promise not to snore,” Jaxson says with a smirk, making my lips twitch.
His eyes sparkle in response.
“Look, I know this is a working holiday, but you also want some private downtime,” he says. “We can stay out of each other’s way. I’ll be out of the villa for most of the day, so it will be all yours.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.”
He shrugs and takes a sip of his ice-cold beer, the condensation running down the outside of the glass.
“It’s for forty-eight hours. We can make it work. What can go wrong?”
CHAPTER 12
KAT
