Page 87 of Redemption

“I’d like to go to town at some point. I was hoping to get a souvenir for Brooklyn.”

He grabbed some eggs from the fridge. “We could do that after we talk to the mechanic. I also need to check in with Huxley security and update Hudson.”

“Sounds like a busy day.”

He lifted a shoulder. “All in a day’s work.”

“Is that what I am to you?” I teased. “Work?”

He grasped my chin, bringing me closer as if to kiss me. “No.” He released me and stepped back. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” I said. “I like it when you touch me.”

“Sloan,” he groaned. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

I smirked. It wasn’t the first time he’d told me that. And I didn’t think it would be the last.

“So, besides going into town,” Jackson said, clearly trying to steer us to safer ground, “is there anything you want or need to do?”

“I need to check in with my family. I promised Brooklyn I’d call, and I know Graham is waiting for an answer from me on a few things.”

“You probably don’t want to hear this,” Jackson said, chopping the bell peppers. “But Huxley needs better security protocols. This isn’t the first time they’ve failed a high-profile guest—an owner, no less.”

“I’ll mention it to Graham and Jasper, so we can discuss it with the board after I return. If you have any specific recommendations, I’d love to hear them.”

“Oh, I have plenty of suggestions,” he said. “But the board probably won’t like them.”

“Tell me about them. Please?”

Jackson sautéed the peppers while I washed the fruit. It was so nice to have an abundance of fresh produce. During our longer stretches on the boat, food choices could get limited.

“First, I’d conduct a security assessment of the organization as a whole, as well as specific Huxley Grand properties—mostly those in larger cities or with higher traffic. Based on my stays with Nate, I already have a number of suggestions for facility and asset security, as well as human security. Many of them are simple tweaks that will ensure the safety of all guests. But I also have more targeted recommendations for the VIP or high-profile guests.”

I nodded, impressed. “The comfort and safety of our guests and employees are paramount.”

“Yet it seems like an afterthought. First, the incident with Brooklyn’s birthday, and now this?” He set down the spatula and dragged a hand over his head. “You’re one of the owners, for fuck’s sake. What happened is unacceptable.”

“Brooklyn’s birthday was…” I gnashed my teeth. The thought that paparazzi had been able to sneak in and take a picture was infuriating. “Wrong.”

“Should’ve never happened,” Jackson said.

“I completely agree. But as to last night, security can’t keep someone out if I forget to tell them.” That was on me.

“No, but this isn’t the first time I’ve been disappointed by the lack of protocols and proper training.”

I loved how passionate Jackson was. How knowledgeable. It was sexy. I leaned over to kiss him then stopped myself. Right. No sex. No…kissing. “If you didn’t already have a job, I’d hire you.”

Though the idea of hiring him had merit.

Jackson said nothing, his attention on the omelets. His silence felt somehow intentional. But I didn’t understand why.

When the food was ready, we carried it out to the patio. The waves crashed, and a gecko scurried across the stone. I stared out at the horizon, watching a boat in the distance. As much as I loved sailing and looked forward to being on the water, I was grateful to be back on land. Even if it didn’t feel like I was on very solid footing at the moment.

After breakfast, Jackson went inside to call his boss, so I decided to call Brooklyn. She answered on the second ring.

“Brooklyn, hey.” I smiled at her face on the screen.

“Auntie Sloan!” She squinted. “Jeez. It’s so sunny there.”

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