Page 19 of Forbidden Fruit

My heart skips. "About...?"

Kay gives me a knowing smile. "Let's just say I feel this weekend will be very special for you and Jack." She pats my hand. "A mother knows these things."

I try to contain my excitement, but it bubbles up like champagne. So it is happening. Jack is going to propose. Kay wouldn't hint at it unless she knew something.

"I don't want to get my hopes up," I say, but my voice betrays me.

Kay winks. "Some hopes are worth having, darling."

The flight attendant arrives with our breakfast, saving me from further conversation. The frittata is delicious—fluffy eggs, roasted vegetables and goat cheese, fresh berries, and warm croissants. I eat slowly, savoring each bite, while Jack barely touches his food, still nursing his Bloody Mary.

"Not hungry?" I ask him.

He grimaces. "Stomach's off."

"Hangover," Kay mouths at me over her coffee cup.

I steal glances at Clive throughout the meal. He eats methodically while reviewing documents, occasionally making notes in the margins. There's something fascinating about watching him work—the intensity, the focus. Once, he looks up and catches me staring. I quickly drop my gaze to my plate, embarrassed.

After breakfast, I move to the left side of the plane as Clive suggested. He was right—the view is spectacular. The endless blue ocean stretches beneath us, occasionally broken by islands resembling emerald jewels set in turquoise.

I'm so captivated that I don't notice Clive approaching until he speaks.

"Worth the move?" His voice is low, meant just for me.

I look up, startled. "Definitely. Thank you for the recommendation."

He gestures to the empty seat beside me. "May I?"

"Of course."

He sits, maintaining a respectful distance. "First time to Cozumel?"

"Yes. First time to Mexico, actually."

"You're in for a treat. It's a special place." He pauses, his eyes on the horizon. "I've traveled extensively for work, but few places match the Yucatán for natural beauty."

"I've heard the snorkeling is amazing."

"It is. The Mesoamerican Reef is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia." His expression softens slightly. "I remember my first time seeing it. I was about your age, on a business trip that I extended into a vacation. The colors underwater... they stay with you."

It's the most personal thing he's ever shared with me, and I want to hear more.

"How did you find your villa?" I ask.

"Pure chance. I was looking for investment properties and stumbled upon Casa Azul during a tough time in my life." He glances toward Kay, who's now chatting animatedly with Jack across the cabin. "It became my sanctuary," Clive adds, his voice dropping lower. "Sometimes we need places that are just ours."

I nod, understanding completely. "I have a reading nook in my apartment that serves that purpose. Nowhere near as glamorous as a Mexican villa, but it's mine."

He smiles—a real one that reaches his eyes and transforms his face. "Size doesn't matter. It's the feeling of peace that counts."

From across the cabin, Jack calls out, "Bec! Come here. Mom is talking about tomorrow's plans."

I feel annoyed at being summoned like a pet, but I smile apologetically at Clive. "Duty calls."

"Of course." He stands as I do—an old-world courtesy that Jack has never displayed. "Enjoy the rest of the flight, Rebecca."

Rebecca.Not Becca.When he says my full name, it sounds right.

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