Swept Away (Wildfire Lake #3) - Skye Jordan Page 0,60

it. But if she doesn’t break ties with those kids soon, I’m going to be getting a call from the jail—or worse. I appreciate you watching out for her.” I curl my hand over hers and pull it to my mouth for a kiss. “Now, where were we?”

15

Chloe

I wander back to my boat from morning yoga and meditation, disappointed Xavier won’t be there waiting for me today. I shower and dress for the day in shorts and a tank top, looking forward to connecting with my online students and getting some words in on my book.

But first: coffee.

I slide into my flip-flops and start toward the market. One of the perks to living here—aside from the freaking perfect weather—is that I can grab coffee or a snack whenever I need one. Today, Piper’s working, so coffee is also my excuse to drop in and say hello.

The morning chill is melting away with the sun, and the first sounds of fun on the lake touch my ear. As gravel crunches under my flip-flops, I pull out my phone and text Laiyla and KT.

Sure could use some girl time at Rainbow Falls today. Can you break away this afternoon?

I pocket my phone and tune in to my body, which is sore and sated, both a direct result of Xavier. My hand rises to touch the three circles of the necklace he gave me, and I smile. He’s even more amazing than I already knew, and I’m well on my way to falling head over heels for him.

KT and Laiyla have suspected, but I’ve never told them exactly how hard I’ve been crushing on him. Who would admit something like that when the guy you’re crazy about is dating all over town? It’s always been safer to categorize my feelings for Xavier as friendship, because that kind of relationship fits easily into my broken world.

But from where I stand now, looking back…I can’t lie to myself anymore. I’ve been in love with him for a long damn time. And admitting that feels a lot like parachuting when you’re afraid the chute won’t open.

I have to admit that the insight I got from Laiyla about dealing with Levi’s ex’s and KT about her previous player tendencies gave me a whole different perspective. Maybe, like KT, Xavier just never stayed with one woman because he hadn’t found the best fit, or because it wasn’t the right time or place.

The real possibility that I might be the right fit for Xavier makes me smile so big, my cheeks hurt, and I let out a giggle.

As I approach the market, I say hello to the retreat attendees. On the patio, I see Bodhi talking with a group, but continue toward the front door.

“Chloe?”

My feet stop, my eyes close. Dammit. The joy I was feeling just seconds ago drains, and apprehension fills the space.

I release a breath and turn. Bodhi’s wandering toward me, hands in his shorts pockets. His smile is…authentic, I decide. Half real, half guarded.

“Hi,” he says.

“Hi. Did you need something?”

He shakes his head and looks at the ground before meeting my gaze again. “I need to tell you—again—that I’m sorry. Sorry for what happened in the past and sorry about how I came for this retreat, without giving you a heads-up. I was definitely leaning too heavily on ego, sure you’d be glad to see me.”

I step aside to let a few women into the market. “I’ve found myself leaning a little too heavily on ego lately as well.”

“I sincerely hope you’ll accept my apology and maybe someday find a way to forgive me.”

I think about all the good in my life—Laiyla, KT, Levi, Ben, the girls, my studio, my students, my purpose, my peace, and, of course, Xavier. Who the hell am I to be angry about something in the past when that past led me to such a perfect present and promising future?

“You’re forgiven.” The offering lifts an invisible weight from my chest and lets me breathe easier. The tension in my shoulders and chest dissolves. “I wish you the best.”

His smile is filled with as much gratitude as his body language, and I step in and hug him. He hugs me back.

“I didn’t realize how badly I needed this,” he says with tears in his voice. “Your forgiveness is precious to me.” When I pull away, he lets me go easily, and I find his blue eyes glistening. “Thank you.”

I’m grateful as well. Who knows how long it would have taken me