Chapter 10
JAX
Kat still hasn’t reappeared when the pilot announces we’re about to land.
I should have kept my mouth shut.
I’ve spent the past seven hours working through Kat’s answers and making notes on the project. I wasn’t wrong, Kat’s responses are both thorough and well thought out. The only problem is that they’ve created a thousand more in my head as I’ve begun to dig deeper.
I drop my head back against the seat and stare out of the window.
I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted in. The project she’s attempting is both innovative and brave. If she pulls it off, her position as queen of the hotel industry will be well and truly cemented.
“Jaxson, we’ll be landing shortly. Can I get you anything?” Claudia says, appearing in the cabin.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you,” I say, wincing at my turn of phrase as she collects the remnants of my last meal.
I switch off my computer and stow it on the chair next to me. I glance at the bedroom door. There’s been no sound from inside since Kat disappeared. She must be hungry. Guilt niggles me.
Why did I have to provoke her?
It’s too late now.
Kat retakes her seat opposite me, fastening her seat belt as the plane’s engines roar and whine as we begin to make our descent.
She’s clearly showered and changed. Gone are her leggings.
Instead, they’ve been replaced by a full-length maxi-dress.
It may not be her usual tailored business suit, but it leaves no doubt of her power and position.
The perfect combination of casual yet professional.
Her hair and makeup have also been reapplied.
“Kat,” I say.
She looks up, her eyes locking with mine.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?” she says, as if our earlier conversation never occurred.
Okay, so we’re playing that game.
“Look, I promise to stay out of your way,” I add. “But if you have any spare time, I’d love to discuss some additional points with you.”
The enthusiasm in my tone must spark her interest.
“I’m sure I can find some time,” she says, before busying herself with something in her bag.
The engines roar as the plane’s wheels touch down, and the ever-efficient Claudia reappears as we taxi towards the hangar.
“Thank you, Claudia,” Kat says as she passes. “Enjoy your break.”
“Thank you. I will.”
I thank her too, and follow Kat down the steps to the waiting golf cart and hotel host.
“Welcome to the Maldives and Valena International Airport, Ms Frazer and Mr Lockwood. I’m Em. I’ll be with you until you depart for the island. Please.” She motions with her hand for us to climb onto the cart.
Kat greets her with an unexpected warmth, but I notice the shift instantly. Her chin is high, her shoulders back. This is pure business Kat.
Kat gets on first, and I climb in next to her.
Our thighs touch in the confined space. She shifts in her seat, but it appears that in the limited space, there’s nowhere to escape.
I stifle a grin as she angles her body away from mine.
When she sighs, I turn my head to look the other way.
The pressure of her leg against mine, suddenly all I can focus on.
Our host continues talking as the golf cart begins to move, telling us about the history and structure of the Maldives.
“This building houses the hotel lounges. The Frazer Hotel lounge is on the second floor. It offers our guests a space where they can freshen up and rest after their flights, as they wait for their seaplane transfer.”
“Sounds perfect,” I say, earning myself a smile from Em. I don’t miss Kat’s eye roll.
What’s her problem?
The chance to freshen up after a long flight is ideal. With Kat using the bedroom, and my bag being inside with her, I haven’t had an opportunity until now.
Em smiles again. “There’s a buffet offering a range of savoury snacks, fresh fruit and pastries. As well as a selection of hot and cold drinks.”
“Thank you, Em,” Kat says. “What time will our seaplane be departing?”
I half-listen as Em explains there was a storm the previous evening that continued into this morning. I look up at the blue sky above us.
“Unfortunately, it means there will be a slight delay to your departure. Hopefully, we can get you in the air and on the island in the next couple of hours.”
Our host continues to smile, but Kat’s shoulders drop ever so slightly.
The thought of spending another couple of hours in my company is clearly not to her taste.
We are led into the lobby and up to the lounge.
Em wasn’t kidding when she said it was a wide area filled with daybeds and large, comfortable seating.
There’s even a balcony, overlooking the landing and take-off port for the seaplanes.
A buffet of delicious-looking pastries, fresh fruit and savoury snacks sits on one side, with a deluxe coffee machine and a number of fully stocked fridges.
“Help yourself,” Em says. “And if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Several couples of varying ages are sitting in the lounge. They all look like they’ve been here a while.
Kat moves to the far corner of the room by the window. She drops her handbag onto one of the sofas before sinking down next to it. The seat she’s chosen overlooks the water, her back to everyone else, but despite not seeing her face, I can sense the exhaustion radiating off her.
What the hell is going on?
I move to the buffet, my eyes never leaving Kat.
“Mr Lockwood, can I get you anything?”
Em appears by my side.
“Is it possible to get Ms Frazer a chicken salad?”
Her face lights up. “Of course. Anything else?”
“That’s all.”
I move to the opposite corner of the room and pull out my laptop, keeping Kat in full view.
Em reappears ten minutes later, holding an enormous chicken salad fit for a king or queen. She makes her way over to Kat.
Kat looks up. When Em says something, her gaze darts towards me. I focus on the screen in front of me, although my body is aware of every move she makes.
As she moves away, Kat turns back to the window. Her arm moves, and I see her place food in her mouth.
My shoulders relax as I watch her take another mouthful.
Job done.
Time to freshen up and head for the showers.