I make my way along the jetty, passing the other water bungalows. It’s hot despite the time of day, and it’s not long before I have an uncomfortable stream of sweat trickling down my spine. I curse myself for not thinking of changing before I left. My need to put space between myself and my old nemesis was stronger than my common sense in that moment.
I hit the island itself and kick off my shoes. The pathways are sand. I make my way to the bar we were in earlier.
There are a number of guests, couples sitting in seats, sipping on cocktails.
Several look up as I pass and smile.
“Hi,” I say, moving towards one of the empty tables.
I take a seat, and a bartender appears almost instantly with a menu.
“Welcome to The Frazer Hotel. Can I get you anything, or would you like to see our menu?”
“I’ll have a Mai Tai and a water, if I can.”
“Perfect.”
He disappears. I close my eyes and allow my senses to roam. Something I always do when I arrive at one of our hotels. The gentle roll of the waves on the sand, the murmur of guests talking, laughter, birds, a splash and a squeal of delight from a guest.
I open my eyes and take in the view.
The enclosed bar sits at the top of the beach. Its sides are open, but can be closed if a storm comes in. Outside, there are a variety of seats, doubles and singles, some with shade and others for those guests who prefer to sit in the sun.
The bartender returns, carrying my drinks and a selection of nibbles.
“Here you are,” he says, placing them down on coasters in front of me. “If there is anything else?”
“This is perfect, thank you.”
Once he’s left, I sit back and soak in the rest of the atmosphere. For the first time in months, I can feel the stress beginning to ebb away, despite my exhaustion and knowing I’ll be sharing a living space with Jax for the next two days.
My phone pings.
CALEB:
I’m sorry. This is on me. Please don’t blame Jax.
I clench my jaw as I stare at the message. I draw in a long and ragged breath.
ME:
What the fuck were you thinking, Cal? I told you to stay out of it.
I reply, trying to keep a lid on my rising temper. My stress levels are rising exponentially.
Three dots appear and disappear several times as my baby brother decides which excuse to come up with.
CALEB:
You actually told me to deal with Jaxson.
ME:
How is sending him on my business trip, you dealing with Jaxson?
CALEB:
I thought it would help. He needed answers to write the proposal.
