“I could easily get recognised,” he says when I raise my eyebrows. “Believe me, Ella, I don’t want that. I don’t want a hoard of paparazzi at the gates, and people out to take a snap of me wherever I turn. It’s one thing in London, but out here…”
“You could go in disguise,” I say. “Nobody would have recognised you yesterday, not a chance. You barely even looked like you.”
He smiles. “That was at a vineyard in the middle of nowhere with about ten members of staff present. Not in town on a Friday night while the masses are out to play.”
I look at Josh. He has pitted brows, staring at Heath as though it’s a travesty.
“Ells and I can head out to a fancy restaurant and a club whenever we want to, Heath. And I don’t want to sound ungrateful, not at all, but we’re here foryou. We want to be withyou.”
I nod along, because Josh is spot on, and I couldn’t emphasise that enough. I’d adore a night out in swanky Cannes, don’t get me wrong – strolling hand in hand with my boyfriend. Eating fine cuisine, and dancing the night away. But we get the opportunity for that kind of thing plenty in London. We could fly out wherever we wanted for a luxury retreat, just the two of us. Just not with Heath.
The idea of being away from our amazing client for the evening tears at my heart strings. It actually hurts.
“We’ve only got two nights left,” I say. “Then we’ll be back on a flight without you. Please, just think about coming with us. Downgrade the meal to somewhere more obscure, pick a nightclub that isn’t so prestigious. Whatever, Heath, just come with us!”
Heath looks torn. “I wanted to give you the chance to experience the incredible vibe of Cannes at night. You deserve it.”
“And we thank you for that, so much.” I reach over the breakfast bar to grip his hand. “But honestly, we’d rather spend it with you.”
He smiles. “Thank you, that’s a lovely sentiment.”
“It’s true,” Josh says. “Come on, Heathy baby, take a risk for once, will you? Are we not worth it? Stick on a cap, and we’ll play it down. You’ll just be a guy out with a regular couple. No big deal.”
My stunning idol laughs at that.
“Joshbaby, have you seen your girlfriend lately? You may be able to play down your incredible physique, and tone down your hair a little, but Ella? She’s never going to be able to shield her beauty from the public. The tour guide was eyeing her up all the way through the vineyard yesterday.”
I blush at his words. The way he looks at me with such adoration gives me a fresh lurch.
He raises my hand to his lips and kisses it.
“You two go. Have a wonderful evening.”
He grabs his orange juice and wanders out towards the terrace in his swim shorts, but I hold Josh back before he has chance to accompany him.
“We’re not going,” I say, with a shake of my head. “No way, Josh. I’m not going out and leaving Heath here, not while the clock is ticking so fast.”
His eyes lock on mine, and he ruffles my hair.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’m not intending to. We have plenty of hours left before the booking, just let me lead, ok?”
I don’t know what plan Josh has up his sleeve, but I’m prepared to trust him on it. He knows Heath far better than I do.
We all relax together with pastries and banter, like usual, and I take a dip in the pool as the guys sunbathe. Wow. This place truly is fucking amazing.
I fold my arms on the side of the infinity pool, and look out onto the sea, and the gorgeous sandy beach down below. Bright blues, and creamy whites. Such beauty with the full beam of the sun overhead.
I’d love to feel the sand between my toes, but more than that, I’d love to have Heath’s feet walking along beside me. His toes in the sand along with mine.
If only we could break him out of his reservations, just for a while. I suspect there’s more to Heath’s fears than I know about, and Josh will never share that information with me. It will come from Heath, and Heath alone, when the time is right. If it ever is.
I get a horrible, horrible pang at a fresh realisation that nothing whatsoever is concrete with Heath Mason. He’s a client. No matter how much I crave him, and want him, and adore him, he’s just a client.
I try to push that thought aside as best I can.
We haven’t been down through the gate to the beach yet, at the bottom of the villa grounds. It’s been on my mind for a few days now, but the desire has been surpassed by a whole host of otheractivities.Maybe now could be the time?
I swim back to the other side of the pool to suggest a saunter, surprised to see both guys sitting upright on their loungers, their hands expressive as they engage in some kind of serious conversation. I almost turn around and swim away again, but they see me coming.
