Chapter 32
JAX
To say Kat surprised me last night is an understatement.
Walking away from her was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It was like leaving part of my soul behind.
The fact that she’s agreed to go on this trip amazed me. I was sure she’d shoot me down in flames, or cry work commitments, but here we are, walking through a local market on one of the neighbouring islands, sightseeing together and talking like old friends.
We make our way through the stalls and shops.
I raise an eyebrow at the carved wooden puzzle in her hand.
Kat laughs. “Gabe will love it. Besides, table presents are supposed to be something small and fun. I’ll write a clue, this should drive him nuts and have him guessing for hours.”
She chuckles to herself as she hands over her money, her eyes alight at the thought.
Next is a coffee coaster set for Caleb, and a set of local prints of the sunsets for Elijah.
“Caleb is always complaining about coffee stains on his desk,” she says. “As for Eli, he’ll love the colours. He’s always moaning about our lack of sunsets in the city.”
I admit, they’re a practical and well thought out gift for the men who has everything.
Next, she drags me over to a stall, draped in beautiful materials. Sarongs, sundresses, skirts.
She smiles at the woman running it, who joins us instantly.
“These are beautiful,” Kat says.
The older woman glows under her praise.
Kat strikes up a conversation with her, learning that she and her daughter make the products.
By the time they’ve finished talking, Kat has purchased a multitude of skirts, dresses and sarongs, all of which have been folded, wrapped and placed beautifully in a bag.
Kat turns to me. “That’s everyone,” she says, letting out a deep breath, her eyes alight with happiness.
“Can you help me choose something for Mum?” I ask, not wanting that positive energy to disappear. She’s glowing, and I want to keep that for as long as possible.
“Of course. What do you think she’d like?”
I end up purchasing a hand-embroidered sarong-style dress for Mum and some coasters for Peter and Dad.
It’s late by the time we make it back to the boat. All the other guests are there, drinking Champagne and eating nibbles.
We take our seats on the open deck, enjoying the last of the day’s sunshine.
“Thank you for today,” she whispers, her fingers touching mine on the seat. She closes her eyes and drops her head back. “This has been perfect.”
“You’re welcome,” I say quietly. “Thank you for agreeing to spend the day with me.”
The boat heads out into open water, and we watch as the sun begins its descent over the horizon. The sky dims from bright yellow to a deeper gold, then shifts to deeper pinks, purples, and oranges as it finally disappears from view.
When she turns her head, her eyes lock on mine, and I want nothing more than to take her in my arms and kiss her, until we’re both breathless with need. But I refrain. Instead, I survive on the flashbacks of last night, her body pressed against mine, our lips fused together.
Kat offers me a slow smile, as if she knows what I’m thinking. I choke down my groan and shift uncomfortably. My body is not getting the memo of time and place.
The boat docks, and I climb onto the jetty and hold out a hand. Kat places hers in mine, the hairs on my arms and nape rising, as she grips it and steps onto the wooden platform.
When she lets go, my fingers ache with the need to reconnect.
We walk in silence past the brightly lit bar, making our way towards the main restaurant.
“Dinner?” I ask.
“I was thinking of ordering room service,” she says, her eyes darting towards the bustling space.
My heart drops.
This is it.
Kat stops suddenly, turning to face me. “Would you care to join me?”
I’m slightly ahead, so I turn to face her.
“Join you?”
“With room service. I’m not sure I can face the restaurant.”
I get it. She was approached on more than one occasion today by couples who told her what an amazing time they’re having.
Every time it happened, she neither huffed nor cut anyone off.
Instead, she stopped and smiled, asking each of them a question about their trip, where they were from, and how long they were staying.
She showed the same amount of interest in the first person as she did the last.
“I’d like that,” I say, finding I don’t want today to end.
“Excellent,” she says, her lips tilting up.
We turn to leave.
“Ms Frazer.”
Don Baskin takes that moment to approach, and I stifle a groan.
Her muscles lock, her eyes close briefly.
I want to shout “Leave her alone,” but I hold my counsel.
“Ms Frazer,” he says again.
Kat opens her eyes, forcing her shoulders to relax as she plasters on a smile, turning to face the man wanting her attention.
“Mr Baskin, Don. What can I help you with?”
CEO Kat is back in place.
He comes to stand next to us. “Mr Lockwood,” he says, acknowledging me with a smile before returning his attention to Kat. “How was your trip?”
“It was amazing. I’m glad Jax convinced me to take it. You live in a wonderful part of the world.”
His cheeks darken.
“I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say, thank you,” he says suddenly.
“I’ve just had confirmation that the sea breaks are being rebuilt in the next couple of weeks, which is a minor miracle.
I don’t know how you managed to pull it off.
The new beds are being shipped over and should arrive any day.
The wine cellar has been fully stocked. Not to mention having you visit has been a real boost for the staff. They feel they’re finally being heard.”
Her mouth drops open slightly, a tentative smile building as his words sink in.
“Thank you.”
She holds out her hand, which he shakes with enthusiasm. “I’m glad my visit has been productive. Customer and staff satisfaction is something we take very seriously at The Frazer Group.”
Mr Baskin inclines his head and smiles. The first genuine smile I think he’s offered.
I don’t blame the man. It’s scary when the big boss comes knocking.
“No, Ms Frazer. This is all you. The industry talks. Your reputation is one of the best. I can see why.”
Kat’s shoulders relax, the tension leaving her body. She smiles, this one reaching her eyes.
“I try my hardest,” she says.
“It means a lot that you, the CEO, visited us. Have taken our concerns and needs seriously. It’s not usual. I just wanted you to know everyone here appreciates it.”
He inclines his head, offering an almost salute. He holds out a hand to me. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mr Lockwood.”
I shake his hand.
“You too, Mr Baskin. Don.”
“Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
I smile.
Resting my hand on the base of Kat’s spine, I start us moving again.
Kat looks up and smiles.
“Not what I was expecting.”
It’s my turn to smile. “Sounds like a productive and successful day, all round.”
Kat nods, pulling out her room key and tapping it to the keypad. The light flicks green.
She turns towards me, stepping back through the gateway.
“What do you fancy—”
Her eyes widen as she loses her balance and begins to fall backwards.
I react on instinct and catch her arms, pulling her hard against me.
She lands against my body with a whoosh, as the breath is knocked from her lungs.
Her hands rest against my chest, over my pounding heart.
Dark eyes look up, and I find myself drowning in their depths.