Chapter 118
Nora's POV
An hour passed quickly with easy conversation. Freya complained about the travel time but was quickly distracted by debating potential island activities. Emily kept the group engaged with stories about the wedding planning disasters they'd narrowly avoided. I found myself laughing more than I had in weeks, the tension from Julian's abrupt departure gradually loosening its grip.
When the yacht's engines changed pitch, signaling our approach to the island, everyone moved toward the windows.
The private dock came into view first—pristine white wood against turquoise water. Beyond it stretched white sand beaches lined with palm trees, and further inland, I could see modern buildings with clean lines and glass facades.
"Wow," Freya breathed. "I remember when Zachary first bought this place. It was practically deserted. Can't believe he got it looking like this in just over a year."
"There's a professional airstrip on the north end," Emily explained, moving to stand beside me at the window. "Zachary's planning to develop it into a high-end resort destination."
"And anyone who submits a suggestion that gets implemented," Zachary added with a grin, "gets a lifetime VIP pass to the island."
That sparked immediate interest. Suggestions started flying—a spa built over the water, adventure tours, stargazing platforms.
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The resort staff guided us to our accommodations. My room was a beachfront suite with a sitting area separated from the bedroom by an elegant partition. The bedroom itself made me pause.
A king-sized bed dominated the space, dressed in crisp white linens. On top of the pillows, two swans had been folded from towels, their necks curved together in an embrace.
I stared at them longer than necessary, my mind wandering to places it probably shouldn't. If Julian were here, would we have shared this room?
The thought sent heat flooding my face. We'd technically been dating for less than forty-eight hours. Sharing a bed seemed—
But he slept in the room next to yours last night, my brain supplied helpfully. And you wanted him to stay.
I shook my head sharply, trying to derail that train of thought. The sitting area had a three-person sofa. If—when—Julian came back, he'd probably insist on sleeping there. That was just like him, putting my comfort first even at the expense of his own.
"Stop it," I muttered to myself, dropping my bag on the luggage rack. "You're being ridiculous."
But the image lingered: Julian in this room, close enough to touch, that warmth I'd come to crave within reach instead of hundreds of miles away in Silverton.
I changed quickly into white athletic shorts and a breathable short-sleeve top, pulling my hair into a high ponytail. The wide-brimmed hat completed the look—practical beach wear.
Grabbing my camera bag, I headed outside. Work. I needed to focus on work.
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The beach was even more stunning up close. Fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and the gentle sound of waves created an almost meditative atmosphere. I spotted Zachary and Emily near a cluster of palm trees, lounging on beach chairs.
Zachary was applying sunscreen to Emily's shoulders with careful attention, his movements gentle and unhurried. Every few seconds he'd pause to press a quick kiss to her neck or shoulder, making her laugh and playfully swat at him. Their ease with each other, the unguarded affection—it was magnetic.
I raised my camera before thinking better of it, capturing several shots of them backlit by the afternoon sun.
"Caught red-handed," Zachary called out, having spotted me despite his apparent focus on Emily. "Secret photography?"
"Sorry," I said, lowering the camera but not particularly embarrassed. "You two just looked so perfect together. Professional habit."
Emily sat up, pulling a coverup over her swimsuit. "If you got any good ones, you'd better share them with me."
"Careful," Zachary warned with mock seriousness. "I charge royalties for unauthorized photo shoots."
"If you promise not to sue, I'll send you the files for free," I offered, and Emily laughed.
"Deal. Come sit with us—there's plenty of shade."
Zachary headed off to get drinks, leaving Emily and me alone under the palms. She gestured to the chair beside hers, and I settled into it, grateful for the reprieve from the sun.
"These are beautiful," Emily said, leaning over to look at the camera's display screen as I scrolled through the shots. "You really captured something special here. We look like we're in a movie."
"That's the goal," I said. "Good photojournalism should feel cinematic."
Emily was quiet for a moment, studying the images with genuine interest. Then she looked up at me, her expression shifting to something more businesslike.
"Nora, can I ask you something? And feel free to say no—I'm not trying to put you on the spot."
"Sure," I said cautiously.
"Would you be interested in a partnership? Not right away," she added quickly, seeing my surprised expression. "But Zachary and I are planning to officially launch this island resort, and we'll need serious media exposure. You have connections at NPR, you understand visual storytelling, and honestly, you're someone we both already trust."
I blinked, processing the unexpected offer. "I—that's generous of you to even consider, but—"
"Think about it," Emily interrupted gently. "No pressure. But from one woman to another? Having your own business venture, something that's yours, makes a huge difference. Financial independence is security."
Her words hit closer to home than she probably realized. I thought about my bank account—considerably lighter after months of medical bills. The loan from Benjamin still unpaid.
"What would this partnership look like?" I heard myself ask.
Emily's face lit up. "You'd handle media strategy and PR in exchange for equity stake. When we start booking guests, you'd get a percentage. Plus access to the island for personal use, obviously."
The practical part of my brain immediately started calculating. This could be the safety net I'd never had. The kind of opportunity that didn't come around often.
"I need to think about it," I said carefully.
"Of course. Like I said—no rush." Emily reached over and squeezed my hand. "Just promise me you'll consider it seriously. You're talented, Nora. Don't let that talent go undervalued."