Page 11 of Judging Duke

I did, didn’t I? I sauntered over to the French doors and threw them open, stepping out onto the spacious balcony. I breathed deeply and inhaled the sweet scent of honeysuckle that clung to the white lattice fencing against the wall.

It reminded me of home.

Mum had nurtured hers. Training it to grow over the front door. My room was directly above it, and the sometimes overpowering fragrance would fill the air. Funny how some things took you right back.

I could see for miles from my vantage point at the top of the building. The perfectly tended gardens laid out before me like a tapestry of colour. Lush green lawns, startling red and orange flowers and soft purple lavender, the only plant I actually recognised. I’d never make a gardener, that was for sure.

If I ever had a house and garden, I’d need to hire someone to tend to it.

Dexter continued to talk, telling me he insisted I rest and relax for the following week. He’d not be calling again unless there was a dire emergency. I apparently needed a complete detox, not just from the movies but from social media too. He did not want to see my face at all.

I drank in the serenity of this place, barely listening to him, already mentally switching off. I needed the break.

Usually, I’d still be on edge, unable to fully relax, but this place seemed different, and in the short time I’d been here, I felt myself finally letting go.

I spied a couple of men in the distance, admiring their physiques when I remembered that Dexter was still talking.

“Sorry, what did you say?” I’d not heard a word.

“Go and rest. Take full advantage of what they have to offer. That doesn’t mean the staff either, Simon.”

I laughed. That’s what he thought.

“I get it, Dex. I’ll speak to you in a week. You’ve booked the car, right?”

“Yep. A week from now. Behave yourself, and don’t get into any trouble!”

He ended the call, but by now the men I’d been watching had disappeared from view.

The sun was still hot, and I stripped off my shirt, my jeans slung low on my hips, just showing a glimpse of my tattoo above the waistband.

The phoenix was small, not too obtrusive, despite the vivid colours. I’d had it to remind me that anyone can come back from something, regardless of the hardship involved.

A nod to my brother and what he’d endured.

I told no one of its significance. Not even Dexter knew the reason, and after asking numerous times, he had ceased to ask.

I placed my hands on the balustrade, the rough stone still hot from the sun sitting high in the sky. Summer in England couldn’t be beaten when the weather was good.

I closed my eyes and basked in the heat.

I could stay here all day, but when my stomach growled, I knew it was time to grab some food.

The gym could wait, but a swim sounded good.

I went back inside and unpacked my case, setting aside my swim shorts and flip-flops. Towels were provided, and I slipped on the white fluffy robe hanging in the wardrobe.

On my way up to the suite, I’d seen a few guests wearing them. I wouldn’t be out of place.

Remembering at the last minute, I removed my Breitling watch and placed it in the safe along with my passport, wallet and phone.

If I was going to completely unwind, I wouldn’t be needing them for the remainder of my stay.

I nodded to Holly on my way past reception, giving her what I knew would be a dazzling smile.

She blushed, biting her lip. Poor girl. I shouldn’t be leading her on, but sometimes, it was just so easy to do.

The pool itself was empty, and I slipped out of my robe before slithering into the warm water. It was luxurious.

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