“I better get going,” I say. “Enjoy the rest of your stay.”
“You too, and remember what I said.”
Philip pulls her away. “Please tell me you weren’t giving her the third degree,” I hear him say.
“Of course not, but we working women sometimes need a push in the right direction.”
I hear him chuckle, but I miss his reply as they walk out of hearing range.
I make my way back to the villa, passing the bar I was in the day before. Jax is set up in the corner. Glasses perched on his nose, his forehead furrowed in concentration.
I’m tempted to approach, but decide against it.
He promised professional. I need to do the same, keep to my side of the bargain.
The villa islovely and cool when I enter. A refreshing change to the midday sun.
The maid service has been. My duvet returned to the cot bed. They must have wondered what the hell happened.
I gaze out onto the terrace at the now dry sun loungers.
I make a quick call to the guest relations team and order a bottle of champagne and a fruit platter for the couple I met. I only have his name, but that’s all I need.
Stripping out of my dress, I grab a bikini and lather on more sunscreen.
I pick up my phone and headphones and move outside. Maybe Jax is right, I do need to take it easy. Enjoy the sunshine while I can. We’re heading into winter at home and one of the busiest times of year, the Christmas holidays. Maybe some rest and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered.
Was the lady on the beach right, about the need to compartmentalise?
Who knows? It’s not something I’m going to think about now.
Instead, I’m going to focus on getting a tan and relaxing, putting my feet up, and clearing my mind.
I stretch out on the sun lounger and close my eyes, starting one of the audiobooks Pen and Harper recommended.
CHAPTER 19
KAT
Ilisten to the audiobook, or at least try, but my mind keeps wandering, refusing to shut off.
My conversations with Jax, with the woman and her husband on the beach, and even my meeting with Mr Baskin and his team.
I take out my headphones and lie back, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin. I listen to the distant chatter of the other guests and the waves lapping against the reef and jetty.
It’s no use.
After five minutes, I get up and walk into the villa, heading for the minibar. I pull it open.
It’s impressive, as it should be.
A range of chilled confectionery and a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages fill the fridge. I grab an iced peach tea and head for the balcony door. My handbag sits open on the chair, the paperback I picked up at the airport poking out.
I grab it as I pass, knocking the bag onto the floor.
Shit!
I scoop up my purse and keys.
