The Love Island Bookshop

by Kate Frost

  ‘Are you kidding me? Any excuse to come out here.’ She ushered Freya into the villa. ‘And I brought Blake with me this time.’

  A tall man with a beard and dark hair peppered with grey was standing on the threshold of the bedroom looking out at the view. He turned and smiled as they walked across the dark-wood floor.

  ‘My husband, Blake. Blake, the lovely love island bookseller, Freya.’

  He reached out his hand and she shook it.

  ‘Mia persuaded you to join her this time then?’ Freya asked.

  ‘Actually, not much persuading needed. The UK at the end of January... I was happy to escape.’

  ‘Zander gave us the choice of a beach villa or one of these again – I had to show Blake the magic of waking up in the morning and literally being able to slip into the water and snorkel the reef from the doorstep.’

  ‘Talking of which,’ Blake said, flinging a towel over his shoulder. ‘I’m going for a swim. I’ll let you two talk.’

  Freya turned to Mia. ‘We’re doing things slightly differently this time. We’re going to open the bookshop at six for book signing and then the launch party starts at eight.’

  ‘Does that mean what I think it does?’

  ‘That you get the rest of the day to yourself?’

  Mia grinned and nodded.

  ‘Wander down at about five and I’ll be there to set you up.’

  After chatting a little more, Freya left Mia to enjoy her day sunbathing and swimming and made her way to her next stop along the beach. Having spent most of Christmas working and celebrating with Drew and the rest of the staff, Freya was revelling in having friends staying on the island. Zander had been away over Christmas, travelling to see old friends in the UK and then a brief stop to visit his parents in Antigua. It had been the first time Freya had ever been on her own at Christmas – long gone were family Christmases with her parents, those had ended when they moved to New Zealand, but she’d always spent the holidays with either her brother in France or Amber and her family in the UK. Her heart faltered as Amber entered her thoughts. She touched the heart necklace around her neck. Those days with Amber and her parents were gone forever too, so perhaps it was for the best to be somewhere completely different that didn’t remind her of times she could never recapture. Experiencing a Christmas somewhere hot and so far removed from Christmas in the UK had been just what she’d needed, and she knew Drew was made-up to have had her company.

  Freya spotted the wooden sign for villa #4 and left the glare of the sun for the narrow sandy path that cut between the trees. Sunken into the sand and screened by the lush undergrowth, the pool looked cool and inviting with swaying palms casting dappled shade around the edges.

  Like everywhere on Loabi Fushi, the front of the villa, nestled in its own tropical garden, was open, allowing Freya a glimpse into its cool interior – all natural materials and cream and taupe colours to blend in with the surroundings.

  Aisha smiled and waved from where she was lounging on the daybed on the deck in front of the villa. Her feet were curled beneath her, and she rested a book on her bump.

  ‘Don’t get up,’ Freya said as she reached her. She perched on the edge of the daybed and kissed Aisha’s cheek.

  ‘I’m not sure I can anyway. Apart from this cumbersome thing.’ She stroked her hand across her swimsuit-clad stomach. ‘I’ve eaten far too much and done too little since being here. Don’t regret it one bit though.’

  ‘You going to manage to drag yourself to the bookshop later?’

  ‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

  ‘I’ve just seen Mia – she’s going to be a hit tonight, just like she was last time.’

  A feeling of contentment washed over Freya as she rested back on her hands next to Aisha. It was secluded and peaceful sitting outside the villa in the shade with the pool sparkling in the sunshine. A white-breasted waterhen scuttled out from an overhanging bush on the other side of the pool, pecked at the sand and dived back beneath the leaves.

  ‘What you thinking, Freya?’

  ‘Sorry, I was miles away. I was thinking that today is a good day. A really good day.’ She smiled at her friend. ‘It’s so good to have you here.’

  ‘I’m over the moon to be here; totally making the most of our last holiday without a screaming baby in tow.’

  ‘Where’s Tom?’

  ‘Gone for a dive.’

  ‘Have you booked yourself in for a massage?’

  ‘I’m not sure if I fancy one,’ she said, pointing to her bump.

  ‘You could just have a shoulder one; my friend Drew gives amazing massages.’

  ‘Your friend Drew, like your friend Zander.’ She nudged Freya. ‘What’s going on with you two?’

  ‘We like each other, that’s all.’

  ‘Oh you’re such a tease.’ Aisha shook her head. ‘I’ll just have to ask him myself...’

  ‘Don’t you dare.’

  ‘Fifteen-year-old me would be so jealous of you.’ She sighed. ‘And yes, I’m teasing you. I’ll meet him tonight and make up my own mind about the two of you.’

  ~

  Freya got déjà vu as she gazed across the bookshop clearing. There were people everywhere. Smiling sun-kissed faces sipped book-themed cocktails as laughter and chatter filled the air. Decorated with fairy lights, the newly built bookshop was the backdrop. Mia had signed dozens of books, the speeches had been made, Mia captivating everyone with an exclusive reading from her soon-to-be-published thriller, while Annie had taken shots throughout, capturing the evening.

  The bookshop was the same and yet better. From the outside it didn’t really look any different with the large windows making the most of the view, and the wood-clad walls and thatched-reed roof blending in with the surrounding trees. Inside, Zander and Freya had created a reading corner with two comfy armchairs much like the ones Freya always loved in dark cosy bookshops with hidden corners perfect for whiling away a few hours. The love island bookshop was flooded with light and warmth, and yet it managed to capture the feel of a cosy reading nook.

  ‘I think tonight’s been another success.’ Zander slipped his arm around her waist.

  They were in full view of everyone and it spoke volumes that he was comfortable making such a gesture, and Freya also felt comfortable with him doing it. More than comfortable. She leaned into him, the feel of his hand on her waist, tickling her bare skin beneath the edge of her top, the contentment she’d felt earlier talking to Aisha returning. She put her arm around his waist and held on to him tight.

  ~

  The celebrations continued back at Zander’s villa with a select group of people, a few of the island’s guests including Aisha and Tom, Mia and Blake, photographer Annie, Maryam, and a handful of staff, Meena and Drew among them. Freya had never seen the place filled with so many people. To begin with it felt at odds with the Zander she’d got to know who craved peace and privacy after more than a decade in the spotlight, but she also knew he revelled in entertaining people. He was good at it. She’d seen this with the opening of the bookshop and the cocktail evenings when he’d charmed the guests. She watched him now, taking the time to speak to everyone he’d invited. The waiters took round trays of drinks and canapés and everyone relaxed, lounging outside on the deck or chatting on the sofas inside. Freya revelled in the evening too, getting the chance to spend time with friends old and new, chat to Maryam and Annie, a couple of the guests and of course Zander.

  The pool glowed a deeper blue in the darkness, and with Mia and Drew encouraging her, Freya followed their lead, peeling off her maxi skirt and top and slipping into the tepid water. It was revitalising after the night-time heat. Drew’s laughter echoed across the pool. Freya swam the long length of the pool, passing Mia floating on her back gazing up at the millions of glittering stars. She swam back over to Aisha and Tom who were lounging on chairs with Zander. Even in the subtle light, Freya could see Aisha’s flushed cheeks as Zander talked to her.

  ‘Aisha’s
just admitted to being my biggest fan.’ Zander winked at Freya.

  ‘A long time ago,’ Aisha said with mock indignation.

  Freya leant her elbows on the edge of the pool and looked up at her friend. ‘It’s actually thanks to Aisha that I applied for this job; she talked me into it and made me see how good it would be for me. Although the thing that made her most excited was when she saw your name in the post.’

  ‘I have a lot to thank you for then, not to mention you know every word to every One Love song.’ He winked at Aisha and turned as someone called his name. ‘Excuse me.’ He headed across the deck.

  Aisha grinned down at Freya. ‘That’s a total dream come true.’

  Tom rolled his eyes and laughed. ‘You’d never believe a thirty-three-year-old pregnant woman could get as giddy as a teenager.’

  ‘I am not.’ Aisha laughed so much she had to cross her legs and hold on to her bump.

  ‘You might be making Freya jealous though.’

  It was Freya’s turn to blush.

  ‘He thinks the world of you,’ Aisha said, nodding in Zander’s direction. ‘You should do something about it.’

  ~

  Maryam handed some big fluffy towels to Mia, Drew and Freya as they came out of the pool. Freya caught Zander’s smile as he looked in her direction. She wrapped the towel around her and he continued talking to a couple of guests.

  People began to drift away, with Annie the first to call it a night, heading only as far as one of Zander’s guest rooms, followed by Maryam to her bedroom, and Aisha and Tom leaving not long after.

  ‘I want all the gossip in the morning.’ Aisha raised an eyebrow and kissed Freya’s cheek. Freya watched them go; Aisha’s hand on her bump, Tom’s arm protectively around her waist as they walked across the sand.

  Drew was less subtle, pulling Freya into a bear hug and hissing in her ear, ‘Do it!’

  Freya laughed as her friend left with a wave. Meena went a little while later with a couple of guests who’d been coming to the island since it opened.

  The bar staff who’d been working at both the bookshop launch and back at the villa started clearing away, silently working around the remaining guests, leaving the place as spotless as they’d found it. Mia and Blake were the last to leave. They hugged Zander and then Freya. Mia kissed Freya’s cheek and gave her a wink before they walked hand in hand across Driftwood Cove to the hidden path through the trees.

  Zander joined her on the edge of the deck and put his arms round her. They gazed out at the beach. Freya was still damp from her dip in the pool, her top and skirt clinging to her wet bikini.

  ‘Don’t go, Freya.’ Zander took her hand firmly and turned her to face him. ‘Not tonight.’

  She met his eyes. ‘I wasn’t intending to.’

  Drew’s plea from that morning about acting on the sexual tension that had been bubbling away for weeks, still rang in her ears. She’d played this moment over and over ever since their first kiss, knowing she wanted more. If ever there was a right time it was tonight; the perfect way to end a perfect evening.

  Freya reached up and kissed him. She’d stopped herself so many times over the past few weeks from taking their relationship further, but tonight she didn’t care. It felt so right. Zander kissed her back, his hands slipping beneath her top, smoothing across her back and beneath the string of her bikini. Freya didn’t hesitate. She dipped her hands beneath his linen shirt and across the firm and tattooed chest she’d seen many times in pictures but had yet to see in real life.

  They pulled away, looked at each other and laughed.

  ‘The best thing you did was turn me down that night.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘I was caught up in the moment,’ he said. ‘It had been so good to talk to you and I felt you understood... We had a connection... I hadn’t intended to kiss you, and I certainly hadn’t meant to suggest you stayed the night. It was impulsive and probably a little reckless. I’m glad you said no. It would have been too much, too soon.’

  ‘I’m not saying no now.’

  ‘You’re really not.’ His eyes lit up.

  Even though they were on an island filled with other people, it felt like they were the only ones for miles and miles. The ocean stretched to where the moon pooled in its depths and a million stars twinkled down on them and only them.

  Freya led Zander into the refreshing coolness of the villa. This time it didn’t feel reckless or too soon. There was not a hint of uncertainty in her heart, only a longing that had been building day by day as they slowly got to know and understand each other. It crossed Freya’s mind as they reached the top of the stairs that they’d needed everything to have happened with Aaron, the bookshop and the fire to make them realise their true feelings.

  ‘I don’t even know which one’s your room.’ Freya paused on the landing that overlooked the open-plan downstairs.

  Zander led her this time, stopping before he reached the room she’d stayed in on the night of the fire. He pushed open the door and let her in first. The bedroom was dark, lit only by the moonlight flooding through the open doors that led to the balcony. It made sense him being at the heart of the villa. On the night of the fire, she’d slept in the room next to him but hadn’t realised. Her heart fluttered.

  After letting the sexual tension between them build for weeks, they wasted no time. Freya peeled off Zander’s shirt and got her first proper look at the chest she’d admired in magazines. He’d grown into his handsomeness, his boy band good looks had aged well. He’d gained a maturity in his appearance as well as his outlook on life. Zander didn’t hesitate either, making light work of removing her thin strapless top and skirt, leaving them on the floor. She slid on to the bed after him, pulling off his shorts and leaving a trail of kisses across his chest and up to his lips. The bed sheets had the same floral freshness she’d noticed when she’d first stayed, mixed with the rich spiced scent of Zander’s aftershave. Zander freed the bow tying her bikini and slowly pulled it down. It was his turn to leave kisses across her hot damp skin. Freya closed her eyes and wrapped her legs around him.

  ~

  Morning was a magical time on Loabi Fushi, before the sun got too high and the heat too intense. Dusk was filled with the chatter of fruit bats in the trees, while the morning felt peaceful with most of the guests on the island still asleep and only the occasional call of a bird and the gentle swoosh of the ocean lapping the white sand beaches.

  Freya hadn’t had much sleep, but what sleep she did have had been deep and satisfying, wrapped in Zander’s arms, the air conditioning cooling their hot skin. They’d woken early, had made love again, and then covering themselves in a bed sheet, went outside to the balcony, giggling.

  They lay curled together on the daybed overlooking Driftwood Cove. The sun was rising on the other side of the island, but the silvery pink tinge had crept across the sky making the ocean shimmer.

  ‘What if I told you I don’t want you to leave?’ Zander trailed his fingers through Freya’s hair.

  Lying against his shoulder, she glanced up at him. ‘You want to keep me on at the bookshop after the nine months is up?’

  ‘I mean, I don’t want you to leave. Ever.’

  Freya swallowed hard, the meaning of his words hitting her. He wasn’t just talking about the bookshop.

  ‘I don’t know what to say... me and you, it would never...’

  ‘What? Work?’

  ‘I’m not from your kind of world.’

  ‘And that’s exactly why I want to be with you.’ He took her face in his hands. ‘You don’t even realise how amazing you are, and grounded and kind, thoughtful, intelligent. My past is behind me and I don’t want to fall into the trap of fame and money and possessions being more important than anything else ever again. I live a charmed life; I’ve built a business I’m passionate about which has soul and integrity and gives back to the local community while offering people the chance to experience a holiday of a lifetime, but I want to share it
with someone who cares more about books than celebrity and would rather chat into the early hours than go to a premiere and be photographed by paparazzi. Someone who makes me happy. I want to share it all with you.’

  He kissed her. Pressed against him, she could feel his heart pounding. He leant his forehead on hers.

  ‘I want you to live here, Freya.’

  ‘Here?’

  He nodded and laughed. ‘Yes, here, with me. I want to wake up with you every morning, because I love you.’

  His words filled her with joy. She didn’t need to think about a reply, the words were out of her mouth before she even realised. ‘I love you too.’

  ‘You do?’

  She took his hand and kissed him. ‘I really do.’

  She really did. She snuggled back against him and he encircled his arms around her, warm against her bare skin. She touched Amber’s pendent and slid her fingers between Zander’s, tracing the outline of the ‘W’ on his ring. Heartache and loss, disappointment and loneliness had brought her to the island, family and hope, a soulmate and love would keep her here. A wave of absolute contentment swept over her, echoing the gentle way the waves lapped the sand below. That loneliness and heartache that had consumed her back home had slowly been chipped away, first by new friends and then by Zander, a man she’d assumed so much about, but who had ultimately captured her heart.

  Join Kate Frost’s Readers’ Club

  If you’d like to be one of the first to find out about new releases and special offers then please join my Readers’ Club, and as a thank you, you’ll receive Mine to Keep, the prequel novella to my Greece and north Norfolk set book, The Butterfly Storm, for free. It’s a perfect romantic escape!

  I hope you enjoyed The Love Island Bookshop – if you did, please consider leaving a review. Reader reviews are essential for authors to gain visibility and entice new readers.

  ~

  Have you read the other books in my Romantic Escape series? They all feature different characters and can be read as a standalone book. The Baobab Beach Retreat is set in Tanzania and Zanzibar, A Starlit Summer in Cornwall, and The Greek Heart on the islands of Santorini and Paros, while The Amsterdam Affair has a winter and Christmas setting.