‘It’s so beautiful! Maybe Fiona and Pippa had a point, I can’t wait to swim.’ Cassie kicked off her pumps, the stone hot beneath her feet. ‘Thank you for coming with me.’ Already the sun was doing its work, loosening her shoulders, easing her mind.
‘You’re welcome,’ he said impassively. ‘So why don’t I take your case to your room, and you can change and do just that.’
‘Thanks.’ She wasn’t going to think about the last time he’d seen her in a swimsuit, that night on the beach in Galloway when they’d talked, and he’d given her his T-shirt to keep her warm. ‘I might never want to leave here.’
She followed him to her room, already in love with the space for as long as it was hers. She went to the doors and opened them to discover the private sitting area he’d mentioned, beneath a canopy. A neat wrought-iron patio table and two chairs were surrounded by pots filled with rosemary and lavender, their scents perfuming the air. To her right stood a trellis smothered in abundant bougainvillea winding its way to the sky, separating her patio from the terrace further along. Barefoot, she followed the stepping stones set into the grass until the shimmering water of the pool was revealed.
‘I think I’ve landed in paradise.’ She laughed softly, scrunching her toes against the grass. ‘I adore it.’
‘Good.’ Raf backed away. ‘So why don’t you have that swim, and when you’re ready, I’ll make us dinner.’
‘Don’t we need to go shopping first?’ That hadn’t even occurred to her, perhaps a sign of a new relaxation.
‘Nope.’ He flashed her a grin from the bedroom door. ‘I had everything sent ahead and we have a housekeeper for when we’re not around. There are some advantages to being a rock star, even an ex one.’
Cassie was still smiling after he’d left. He’d mentioned there was a regular market in the town at the bottom of the hill which sold everything, and she hoped to find a few more summer clothes. Her cut-off jeans were far too hot, so back in her room she took them off, opening her case in search of something lighter. She changed into the navy swimsuit she’d worn in her gym days, a practical design cut low on the legs and ruched, with wide straps running across her shoulders.
It wouldn’t win any prizes for the sexiest swim wear, but she felt comfortable in it, slipping a loose blue and white kimono over the top, with sleeves that fell to her elbows and a gather around the waist to fasten it. She’d bought the kimono online ages ago and had never worn it, so it wasn’t until she glanced in the full-length mirror that she realised it was made of a see-through mesh, revealing every curve she was trying to keep hidden.
There was nothing she could do about that now, and she stepped onto the terrace, dark glasses shielding her eyes from the glare. Beyond the shade of her canopy, the late afternoon sun was fierce as she strolled as nonchalantly as she could manage to the pool, trying not to think of Raf watching. She chose one of the loungers furthest away and set down a towel and suncream. She went to slide the kimono off and forgot to untie it, so after a minor battle with the belt, it eventually fell to the floor in a rustle of fabric.
The steps were at the opposite end, so she walked around the pool and sank into the water, deliciously cool on her skin. She forgot her discomfort as she began to swim, managing a few lengths to satisfy a vague sense that she ought to exercise. She flipped onto her back and shielded her face with a hand, still ineffectual against the glare. After fifteen minutes she returned to her lounger and dried herself, applying suncream before she lay down and closed her eyes.
‘Hey. Sorry to wake you.’
‘Huh?’ Cassie blinked, squinting behind her sunglasses to see Raf sitting sideways on the lounger next to hers. ‘How long have I been asleep?’
‘About forty minutes. I brought you some water and a coffee. I wasn’t sure if you meant to stay out here so long.’
‘Thanks.’ She sat up, casually reaching for the discarded kimono and draping it around her. ‘I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but it’s so gorgeous, and it seemed a shame to be indoors.’
‘It is, but your shoulders are already turning pink.’
‘Oh!’ She checked and pulled a face. ‘So they are. Thanks for waking me, and the drinks.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘What time is it?’
‘Almost six. I thought we could eat around seven if that works for you?’
Was she imagining the new distance in his gaze as he looked away, the cool note in those few words? Was he already regretting this trip, bored of babysitting her because her best friend and her mother-in-law thought she needed some time away. She very much doubted they’d have suggested Raf accompany her if they knew the truth about her betrayal and what she had done.
‘That sounds nice,’ she replied stiffly, taking a long drink of iced water. ‘Raf, seriously, please don’t feel you have to look after me, or cook every meal. I want to do my share.’
‘Cass, you’ve always taken care of everyone else. Let me look after you.’
‘Why would you do that?’
‘Just because.’ Aviator sunglasses were perched on his head, and he was busy on his phone, fingers running over the screen.
She picked up the book she’d brought, but the words were a blur with Raf on the lounger beside her. Once he’d finished his coffee, he stood and pulled the T-shirt over his head, diving into the pool in one fluid movement. The book was propped on Cassie’s bended legs, but she stared as he sliced efficiently through the water. She swallowed when he hauled himself out, aware of him strolling towards her, picking up a towel and running it over his body.
‘I think I’ve been out here long enough.’ She stood hastily and gathered her things, too rattled even to slide the kimono around her shoulders. In her room she took a cool shower and moisturised her pink body, heart clattering at the thought of the hours ahead with Raf. She chose a green maxi dress and returned barefoot to the kitchen, hoping to beat him to it. But he was already there, and he glanced up from the marble island in the centre.
‘Cocktail?’ His hair was still damp, and he’d changed out of the swim shorts into cargo ones, a casual shirt half buttoned. ‘I thought you might like a negroni.’
‘I’d love one, thanks.’ She pulled out a stool at the island, watching as he deftly mixed their drinks, thanking him when he slid a glass across. The twist of orange was sharp against vermouth, Campari and gin when she tasted it. ‘I could get used to bad habits like this. Cocktails before dinner, eating al fresco.’
