“Hey, princess,” I say, approaching carefully.
Kat gives herself a shake, as if pulling herself out of the trance she’s in.
“Jax?” she says, taking in my wet t-shirt and shorts. “What are you doing?”
I smile, letting out a little huff of relief.
“Taking a swim in my clothes,” I say, with a shrug.
Her brows draw together as she takes in my floating t-shirt.
Her fingers whiten around her pendant.
“Kat. Are you okay?”
This time, when her eyes lock on mine, there’s a fire burning deep inside.
“I’m fine,” she says, her expression closing down.
I want to roll my eyes.
Sure, you are!
“As long as you’refine,” I say, unable to hide the sarcasm in my tone.
I move away and climb the steps, the weight of the water in my clothes dragging them down. I strip, leaving them on the decking.
I open the door and head inside to the bathroom.
I step into the shower and rest my hands on the wall, dropping my head, letting the water cascade over my shoulders, back and head.
I close my eyes and count. Breathing in and out, calming the pressure in my chest. Kat is the only woman who leaves my stomach in knots.
The woman is beyond frustrating.
But then, why would Kat confide in me? It’s not like we have that kind of relationship. Once, maybe, but not anymore. That ship has long sailed.
I switch off the shower, I stand up, my heart skipping a beat as I find Kat standing there watching me.
She holds out a towel, and I take it. Our eyes lock.
I rub myself dry, wrapping the towel around my waist.
“I’m sorry,” she says.
I incline my head, my heart rate picking up, but I wait.
Kat looks down at her hand, and it’s then that I notice the paper she’s holding.
A letter?
“You need to read this.”
She extends her arm, but I notice her gaze looks away from the paper.
Confusion ensues.
“What is it?”
