Page 87 of Seal of Approval

Jasmine went to the door and looked back at me. “Coming?”

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

Jasmine

I walked into the shower and turned around, waiting for Ethan. His skin had tanned even more over summer, except for the part covered by his shorts. The pale skin there offered a stark contrast.

His dick was raised at half-mast, but I wasn’t here for that. Even though I’d never say no. Who could say no to Sex on Legs? I’d never get sick of looking at his fine body. The broad shoulders were that of a strong man, but they didn’t begin to describe the strength he held within.

Ethan stepped into the shower. We stood under the streaming water together. I wanted him alone for just a few minutes before he left.

I gazed up into his striking hazel eyes. They were the first thing I’d noticed the day I saw a picture of him. Unlike Lily, who’d seen everything else first. Ethan cupped both of my cheeks and brought his warm lips to mine. Tears pricked at my eyes. I didn’t want him to leave. But I couldn’t ask him to stay.

Ethan pulled his lips away. His thumbs wiped gently at my tears. My throat constricted. He ran his thumb over my lips and swallowed. He looked into my eyes.

“Love is us.” His voice broke.

* * *

I greeted the guests as they started arriving for the tour. You’d think head office would have had their shit sorted out and replaced Ethan before he left. It’s not like they hadn’t known the date. It had been two weeks already and I was still alone. Once the guests had all gathered around, I explained to them how to put their wetsuits on. My chest tightened. Ethan usually did this part while I got to enjoy the view. His legs and great arse, his back and chest, him catching me watching him.

Enough memories. I took a deep breath and pushed through.

Once the guests were ready, I got them settled onto the boat and headed to the swimming spot. I filled the silence by telling everyone about the sea lions, sharing facts I’d learnt from Ethan when he was here.

“We recently had a marine biologist stay with us for six months,” I said as I brought the boat into position. “He was a wealth of information. He helped us tag the sea lions here. The colony has 380.”

The guests looked out to the beach.

“OK. If you’re ready, make your way down the steps and into the water. Move away from the boat so there is room for everyone behind you.”

As the guests entered the water, the sea lions approached and started swimming with them. One was particularly frisky today. I smiled over at Ethan. Only Ethan wasn’t here anymore. I sighed. There was no one to share these little joys with.

I thought it would get easier with time, but even after two weeks I missed him. I missed the little moments, like sharing a simple smile. I clenched my jaw. Six months wasn’t enough. I could have had longer being close to him if my defences hadn’t been so high. If I’d seen what Jack and Lily had seen between us from the start.

I wanted him back. I wanted to be with him every single day of my life. But I couldn’t ask him to do that. I couldn’t ask him to give up everything he’d worked for. I ran my hand over my face. Was love really this impossible?

I sounded the horn for the swimmers to come in, then stood on the stairs and helped them if they needed.

A middle-aged lady beamed up at me. “That was one of the best things I’ve done in my life.”

I smiled. “It’s amazing how close they get, isn’t it?”

“Oh yes. I could see every bit of my sea lion’s cute little face.”

Ethan would have kept talking to the guests, but I just didn’t have it in me. Not the energy or the inclination. I helped them all on and headed back. Once I’d packed everything away, I headed into the office. I turned on my computer and looked at the bookings. I’d need to send messages to tomorrow’s guests to confirm.

Ethan’s empty desk loomed large. My eyes were constantly drawn to it, and my chest constricted each time. I wished it would stop doing that. I’d be walking around with a strained chest, unable to breathe at this rate.

The office felt so vacant. How could one person fill the space so much? Even when Ethan had been working quietly on his report, I’d been aware of his presence. I turned my attention back to my computer. There was no point thinking about Ethan. He was there and I was here. Oceans apart.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

Ethan

I sat with Steve on his back porch while Sloane and Harley kicked around the soccer ball in their small suburban backyard.

“More people play soccer in Australia than other types of football, but more people watch Australian Rules and rugby,” I remarked.

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