Page 109 of Redemption
“Agreed,” Graham said.
“And Jasper,” I said, “when I get back, I want to sit down with you to brainstorm some ideas on how to improve the employee experience.”
“Of course,” he said. “I’ll let Halle know.”
“Thanks.”
We ended the call, and I stood and stretched. I turned to Jackson, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“You okay?” he asked.
I considered it a moment. “Surprisingly, yes.”
The situation with Sheldon was disappointing, but it reminded me how fortunate I was to have so many people in my life who loved me. I had my family and Greer. My health. I had Jackson. Those were the things that mattered.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Ifidgeted with my bracelets, but it did nothing to calm my nerves while Jackson and I waited at the airport for Greer to arrive. I would’ve sent the private jet for her, but she’d booked the tickets before telling me of her plans. She waved as she rode down the escalator to where we were waiting, her eyes hidden behind her sunglasses.
“Oh my god. Look at you.” Greer pushed her glasses back on her head and gave me a hug. She pulled back, grinning at my flowy and colorful caftan. “You look so tan and relaxed and happy.”
“I am. Hudson caught the person behind the threats.”
“They did?” When I nodded, she sagged with relief. “Finally. Oh, I’m so glad. I knew my brother would keep you safe. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that.”
She gave me another hug then turned to Jackson and smiled. “Hey, Jackson.” She hugged him, and then he took her bag. “So who was it?”
I gave her a quick rundown.
“I’m so glad it’s over. And this is so great.” She hooked an arm around each of our waists. “All of us together.”
I smiled brightly at Jackson, and he gave a subtle shake of his head. We’d agreed to tell Greer during her visit, and I was already dreading the conversation.
“What do you want to do first?” I asked. “Settle in? Go to the beach? Tour the old fort?”
“I hear they have good rum here.” She waggled her brows.
Jackson and I shared a look. “Isn’t it a little early for alcohol?” I asked.
“Not if it’s part of a rum distillery tour. Come on.” She linked our arms. “We’re on island time now.”
A muscle twitched in Jackson’s forehead. “We can’t just?—”
“Oh, it’s fine.” Greer pulled me along with her. “We’ll be safe. You’ll be with us.”
I glanced at Jackson over my shoulder as Greer dragged me through the airport. Greer had always liked to party and have fun, but this seemed out of character, even for her. She seemed…desperate for a distraction or something. Not simply eager to have a good time.
“It’s your call, Sloan,” Jackson said, deferring to me.
“You don’t want to go back to the hotel and freshen up first?” I asked Greer. “Maybe visit the spa or hang out by the pool?”
“If we go to the spa, what will he do?” She hooked her thumb at Jackson.
I lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. That’s new territory for me. Jackson?”
His mouth was set in a line, and I knew he was scanning the airport for any threats. Even if it hadn’t been part of his job, it was a skill that was deeply ingrained in him after so many years. And I wondered if he ever relaxed. Truly relaxed. Apart from our time on the Athena with no one else in sight, I doubted it.
He pulled Greer’s suitcase behind him. “I’ll wait outside the treatment room.”