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She nods, but I see the sadness in her eyes.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Three days. Four, tops.” I press a kiss to her forehead, wishing I could promise more.
She tightens her arms around my waist, her touch grounding me. “Hurry back.”
“I will.” For a moment, we stay like that, holding on as if the world outside doesn’t exist.
Chapter 39
CARI
I take Brooke to a play date at Celine’s house. She invited us over.
Jett’s departure has left both me and Brooke feeling unmoored. We’ve spent every day together since arriving in Bermuda, and this sudden shift has thrown me off. I know it’s harder for Brooke, though. She’s so young, and Jett is her entire world, so this is a welcome distraction.
From the moment we step inside, I feel a sense of calm. The house is bright and airy, and has a lovely homey feel to it—rather like Celine herself. It has none of the grand opulence of the other houses I’ve visited. Wide windows let in the ocean breeze, and sunlight spills over the polished wooden floors. The walls are painted in soft, sandy hues, and vibrant tropical plants adorn every corner.
“I’m so glad you could come,” she says, pulling us into a warm hug. “I have Zara here for a few days. Her mom needs time to rest because the baby can come any time now. It will give me a small break, having Brooke over to keep her company.”
“You have a lovely place.” My gaze takes in her home as she leads me through the house into the kitchen.
“Thank you. We’ve been very happy here.”
“Where’s your daddy?” Celine asks Brooke, her voice light.
I shake my head subtly, and she catches my meaning, quickly switching gears.
“He’s working.” I try to sound breezy. “Hopefully not for too long.”
Before Brooke can answer, Zara appears, and Brooke’s face lights up.
“Come and play with my dolls!” Zara says, grabbing Brooke’s hand and tugging her upstairs.
“They’ll be fine,” Celine assures me with a wave of her hand. “And don’t worry about anything breaking—Brooke’s a good kid, she’s just like a granddaughter to me. Even if there’s an accident, it doesn’t matter. Possessions can be replaced.”
She leads me out to the back patio, a stunning oasis overlooking the turquoise water. There’s a shaded seating area under a pergola draped with bougainvillea, and the air is filled with the soft sound of waves lapping against the rocks. I take a seat as Celine pours two glasses of iced tea.
“Jett’s had to go to Florida,” I say, breaking the silence.
“Florida?”
“Business. Something about a big acquisition that hit a snag. It’s important enough that Jett had to fly out to fix it.”
Celine’s wise brown eyes study me for a moment, and I feel my chest tighten. She doesn’t miss much, and I worry she’ll see through me.
“You know a lot about his business,” she says.
“I’m his assistant,” I admit, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze.
Her brows shoot up. “You are? Why didn’t I know this?”
“I didn’t think it was important to bring up,” I falter, my voice wary.
She narrows her eyes. “You’re his assistant, but you’re here?”
“I’m his assistant for about a week after we get back, because I’ve turned in my notice that I'm leaving.”