Page 25 of Forbidden Fruit

I ignore him, focusing on Rebecca instead. "It wasn't easy, but I had good people around me."

"Like my mother," Jack adds pointedly. "Who you then divorced after she helped you build your empire."

Rebecca shifts uncomfortably, clearly sensing the tension rising again.

"Your mother and I had different priorities," I say carefully. "Sometimes relationships run their course."

"How philosophical," Jack sneers. "Maybe save the wisdom for your TED Talk."

Rebecca places a hand on Jack's arm. "Hey, let's not?—"

"It's fine," I interrupt, not wanting her to feel responsible for mediating. "I'm going to check those boats."

I walk away, feeling Jack's glare burning into my back. As I reach the stone steps leading down to the private dock, I hear Rebecca's voice, soft but firm: "You don't have to be so hard on him, Jack. He's been nothing but kind to us."

"Oh please," Jack replies, loud enough for me to hear. "He's only being 'kind' to you because he wants to get in your?—"

I move out of earshot deliberately, not wanting to hear the rest. The sun beats down on my shoulders as I descend toward the water, a headache forming behind my eyes that has nothing to do with the heat.

Clive

The dock creaks under my feet as I walk its length. The crystal clear water reveals angelfish darting between the coral formations below. I pause at the end, closing my eyes and breathing in the salt air, trying to clear my mind.

I shouldn’t have risen to Jack’s bait. It was childish and unprofessional, precisely what he wanted. But something about how he treats Rebecca—like she’s an accessory rather than a partner—makes my blood boil.

“Clive?”

I turn to find Rebecca descending the stone steps, one hand holding her sun hat in place. The white bikini stands out against her lightly tanned skin, making her look like something from a high-end resort advertisement.

“I’m sorry about that,” she says, joining me on the dock. “Jack can be... abrasive sometimes.”

I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. “I’ve known Jack for fifteen years. I’m used to it.”

“Still.” She looks out at the water, the breeze lifting strands of her dark hair. “It was rude. Especially since you’ve been generous enough to invite us here.”

“You’re welcome here anytime,” I say too quickly. Then, trying to sound more casual: “The house sits empty most of the year anyway.”

“It’s beautiful.” She turns in a small circle, taking in the view. “I can see why you kept it in the divorce.”

I smile. “Kay got the Aspen house. She preferred mountains to beaches.”

“I can’t imagine choosing mountains over this.” Rebecca gestures toward the endless blue horizon. The movement causes her to lose balance slightly on the gently rocking dock.

I instinctively reach out, my hand catching her elbow to steady her. The contact is brief, but I feel it like an electric current.

“Sorry,” she says with a small laugh. “Sea legs.”

“No need to apologize.” I withdraw my hand, perhaps a beat too slowly.

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous gesture I’ve noticed. “So... are the boats ready for tomorrow?”

“Let’s see.” I lead her to where two sleek boats are tied up. One is a small speedboat perfect for snorkeling trips, and the other is a larger fishing vessel with all the equipment Jack will want later in the day.

Rebecca trails her fingers along the polished wood of the speedboat’s railing. “This is gorgeous.”

“Handcrafted in Italy,” I say, watching her face light up with genuine interest. “Do you like boats?”

“I love being on the water,” she admits. “My family had a sailboat when I was younger. Before my parents got too busy for family outings.”

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