Page 50 of Keeping Skylar
After months at sea, it feels great to finally be working in a proper restaurant—cooking with the freshest local ingredients and seeing new faces walk through the doors each day.
I’ve just wrapped up my induction at the Marina View Bar & Grill, where I met the team and got a quick tour of the place ahead of my first shift this weekend. I’m still a little worn out from the move last night, but there’s something comforting, almost grounding, about returning to a routine and reclaiming a bit of normalcy.
With the rest of the day free, I decide to head down and explore the local beach. It will also give Skylar a bit of time to herself at the apartment. She’s still getting used to the idea of living with a stranger, and the last thing she needs is someone invading her personal space 24/7.
I stroll along the beach, the air crisp and invigorating with the tang of saltwater clinging to the breeze. Spotting the empty jetty in the distance, I make my way towards it, pausing every now and then to greet passing locals with a nod or a smile.
When I reach the weathered boardwalk, I wander halfway out before stopping to take in the incredible view. No matter where life takes me, the ocean always feels the same—vast, beautiful, sometimes turbulent, sometimes soothing, but always magical. It feels like home.
As I watch the waves crash against the shore, I silently thank the universe for all that life has given me—family, friends,health, a fulfilling career, unforgettable adventures, and now, the promise of a new home.
It’s something I still can’t quite wrap my head around—living in a beautiful apartment with the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I haven’t been able to get her out of my head. In just twenty-four hours, my thoughts have been completely consumed by my gorgeous roommate.
The moment she opened her door it felt like the wind was knocked right out of me. Even in a plain white t-shirt and a pair of faded blue jeans, with her hair tossed up in a messy bun, she looked absolutely breathtaking.
It’s been too long since I’ve been in the company of a beautiful woman, and probably even longer since I’ve been intimate with one. Not that I’m planning on sleeping with Skylar—though let’s be honest, I wouldn’t exactly turn her down if she offered. Still, that’s beside the point. I’ve been single for too damn long, and already I’m acting like a total creep for even thinking about my roommate this way.
Thankfully, the sound of my phone ringing in my pocket snaps me out of my thoughts involving a certain brunette. I glance at the screen and see Hannah’s name flashing. Instantly, a smile tugs at my lips. “Banana!”
“Shut up, Heath!” she quips.
Oh, how I missed her fieriness.
“So, how did it go with your move? And what do you think of Skylar?” she asks, cutting straight to the point.
“Move went smoothly, thank you for asking. The apartment is perfect—spacious, clean and has everything I need. As for Skylar—how on earth did you leave out the part where she’s absolutely fucking gorgeous?!”
“Oh, God. Here we go! Don’t you even think about it!”
“Relax, baby sis. I’m not planning on doing anything,” I say, trying to sound casual. “I’m just saying—I was blown away byhow beautiful she is. Any guy would have to be blind not to notice.”
“Well, don’t get any ideas, okay? She just got out of a really bad relationship and doesn’t need you making things complicated for her,” she warns me.
I frown, my curiosity piqued. What kind of idiot would let someone like Skylar slip away? “Why? What happened?”
“Look, it’s not my story to tell. But all you need to know is that Skylar is off limits, especially to someone likeyou.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means, you’re the quintessential womaniser, Heath. You’ve only had one relationship in your entire life, and it barely lasted a year,” she deadpans, her voice laced with disapproval. “And must I remind you how you mentioned not once, but twice, that you’renotthe relationship type?”
“Gee, Hannah. I was young and stupid. Cut me some slack, will ya! I’ve had time to mature since. And for your information, I haven’t dated in a while because my job kept me away for long periods of time, and I haven’t met the right woman yet. But just to ease your worried little heart, I’m not going to do anything that would make my roommate uncomfortable. So, you can relax. I just want to get to know her better since we’ll be living together,” I gently clarify to her.
“Well, as long as it’s done with good intentions, and you’re not leading her on, then I approve of you wanting a friendship with her.”
“I didn’t think I needed your approval, but good to know, thanks sis!” We chat for another twenty minutes about my new job and how I’m adjusting being back in the area. When I glance at the screen and see that it’s nearly 4:30 pm; I quickly wrap up the conversation and promise my sister we’d catch up next week before hanging up and ending the call.
Skylar mentioned she’d be heading to the gym at five, and I’m planning to surprise her with a home-cooked meal as a thank-you for welcoming me into her home. But before I do that, I think I’ll swing by the farmers market to grab the freshest, finest ingredients I can find—only the best for a meal fit for a duchess.
It’s just after 6 pm when I hear the front door open. Moments later, Skylar walks into the kitchen, and the look of surprise on her face says it all—she clearly hadn’t expected to come home to me cooking up a storm in her kitchen.
Tonight, I decided to make one of my fan favourites—Brioche-Crusted Atlantic Salmon, served fresh with crispy leafy greens, mango and avocado salad. I also prepared some classic mojitos for us after Hannah mentioned that it’s Skylar’s favourite drink.
“What in the heavenly kingdom am I breathing in right now? It smells amazing!” Her face lights up as her gaze sweeps over the dining table, taking in the spread of food and cocktails I had just finished setting up.
I walk over to the table and pull out her chair, motioning for her to sit down. “Your dinner is served, your highness.”
A wide smile spreads across her face as she shakes her head in disbelief, making her way towards the chair. She sits down and watches me for a moment, her gaze warm and lingering, before shifting her attention to the spread of food and drinks in front of her—her expression a blend of curiosity and intrigue.
