Chapter 9
“This is so beautiful,” I gushed as I looked around the beautiful home.
Azari had brought me to one of his Airbnbs that he rented out. Luckily, this one wasn’t rented out right now because I was happy as hell to be here. It was so nice, and it made me want to rent some damn property here in Port Isle.
“I haven’t even shown you the best part.” Azari reached for my hand, and I gladly took it.
He led me through the first floor of the house. The high ceilings and marble floors gave the space a modern feel with an open floor plan. The appliances in the kitchen were all stainless steel and sleek, and the furniture was all black and looked expensive but also comfortable.
The kitchen opened up into a beautiful backyard, which was where he led me.
I gasped at the view. The grass was green, and beautiful flowers were growing in a large garden off to the left.
To the right was an outdoor cooking area, and in the middle was an infinity pool.
Beyond that was the ocean. It was so close, I could walk a few yards off the grass and touch the sand.
“Azari, wow,” I whispered. “This is so beautiful.”
“Was it worth getting kidnapped?”
I giggled as I looked over at him. The sun hit him in a way that made him look like he was glowing. My heart skipped a beat as I nodded. “Definitely worth it.”
“Let’s go sit out on the beach.” He tugged my hand, and I happily followed him.
My plan was never to leave the resort, but I was so glad I took a chance on this. I felt safe with Azari, despite my hesitance earlier, and my trust for him had definitely paid off.
The sun was slowly creeping behind the horizon, and the view with the ocean in the forefront was everything.
We sat down in the sand, side by side, with the ocean as our background noise. My head found its way to Azari’s shoulder, and we sat like that for a long time, lost in our thoughts.
Azari’s voice broke through the moment in the best way.
“I’m glad I met you, ma.”
A smile spread across my face. “I’m glad I met you too, Azari,” I muttered.
It was crazy to me how connected to him I felt.
This no longer felt like a vacation fling.
Hell, it never felt like that for me, which was why I wanted to run.
It felt real. It felt like I was always meant to find Azari.
Why it happened now, at this point in my life, I wasn’t sure.
Maybe it was because something deep down inside of me had been searching…
no, praying for a change. God must have heard my deepest desires and plopped Azari right into my life because I had a feeling nothing would be the same again.
“I been to Port Isle so many times, but this trip feels different. It’s because of you,” he admitted. “Got me wanting to stay here wit’ you forever.”
“That would be the dream,” I replied, and then, without even thinking about it, I said, “I think I need a career change.”
I didn’t know why I said the words, especially since it wasn’t really something I’d given a whole lot of thought.
Hearing Azari admit that he wanted to stay here with me forever made me realize that I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to…
and I wanted to. If I could bottle this moment up and keep it forever, I would.
I had feelings swirling around in me that I didn’t even know I was capable of.
But the thought of going back home to the real world tarnished the moment because I realized I couldn’t have it forever, not with the career I had.
I couldn’t move around as freely because my clients constantly needed me.
What kind of life even was that? I was at everyone else’s beck and call but neglected myself constantly.
As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized a career change made me feel a bit giddy with hope.
What if I could travel more like I wanted to?
What if I could settle down, experience love, and grow a family?
The possibilities seemed endless, as long as I didn’t weigh myself down with being a lawyer.
Azar glanced at me before he focused back on the crystal blue water in front of us. “That’s a big change. What made you say that?”
I shrugged. “It just seems like the right thing to do. I need to start living again, and my career won’t really allow for me to live the way I want.”
“What would you do if you weren’t a lawyer?”
That was a good ass question. “I’m not even sure.
I need to take some time to figure that out.
Since I was little, I was fascinated with the law, so being a lawyer was the obvious choice.
There are other avenues I could tap into.
Maybe I could open up my own virtual mediator or arbitrator practice. ”
Thoughts just kept coming to my mind and sliding right out of my mouth, but I realized everything I said just felt right. Being a virtual mediator and arbitrator would allow me freedom and a flexible schedule while still helping people and offering legal counsel.
“What would that look like?” Azari asked.
I smiled. I loved that he genuinely seemed interested in me and what I had to say. That was a breath of fresh air.
I went into the details of what I was thinking. I could help individuals or businesses come to a sound agreement without actually involving the law. I could take on independent clients and manage my schedule my way. The more I spoke, the more excited I got.
“Damn, that shit sounds like it got you hype.” He grinned at me.
I giggled. “It does, actually.” I laid my head back on his shoulder. “Thank you for this. I guess brainstorming sessions on the beach can be life-changing. I think I’m going to do it, Azari. I think this is the leap I need to take.”
“That means you’ll have more time for me once we get back home?” he teased.
I nodded against his shoulder. “Maybe not right away. It’ll take time for me to finish up my current clients’ cases and put in my resignation, not to mention build up my business, but yeah. Eventually, I’ll have a lot more time on my hands.”
He kissed my head. “Good. When you officially open up your business, I promise to bring you back here to celebrate.”
“That sounds perfect,” I replied, and we slid back into our own thoughts as the sun finally dipped completely past the horizon, cloaking us in the beautiful moonlight. What a perfect way to end the day.