The Love Island Bookshop by Kate Frost (ebook reader with internet browser .TXT) 📕

‘It’s quite something, isn’t it?’ Mia said as they gazed out at the ocean stretching to the horizon. The mesmerising colour of the shallow lagoon emphasised the darker patches beneath the surface which teased hidden wonders of the house reef. Freya imagined shoals of fish darting about in the water.

‘I saw a ray swim past this morning while having breakfast.’ Mia wedged her sunglasses into her hair. ‘I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to get to stay somewhere as magical as this. There have been plenty of perks to being a bestselling author, but this beats everything hands down, so thank you for inviting me.’

‘I’d love to take the credit, but I don’t think it had anything to do with me. I’m pretty certain Zander had his sights set on you long before I came on board. He’s pretty definite about what he likes and how he wants things run.’

‘Well, either way, I’m very glad a member of Bloom & Cole got this opportunity. I’m only here for a couple of days, but my God, this place, I mean... I’m so jealous you get to spend months here.’

‘I’m not getting to stay in a place like this though.’ Freya swept her hand around them. ‘But, yes, I get to spend all day talking about books by the ocean. It’s pretty special.’

‘I’d say. Beats London hands down and I’m a city girl at heart. So, tell me, what’s the plan for the next forty-eight hours?’

Freya talked through the next couple of days while they floated in the infinity pool. She didn’t want to leave but with the morning marching on she couldn’t be late to open the bookshop, so they had to drag themselves out of the pool. Mia towel-dried her hair while Freya put on her skirt and sleeveless top over her wet bikini. It would dry out soon enough and only the ends of her hair were damp. She’d embraced the laid-back beach look and loved not having to spend time straightening her hair.

‘Is this suitable?’ Mia reappeared in a floor-skimming dress with a colourful flower print.

‘Wow, absolutely.’

‘And you have captured that beach-goddess look perfectly.’ Mia put a straw hat on and headed for the door. ‘Barefoot chic, eh?’ She wiggled her red-painted toes and they set off together, back over the lagoon along the sun-drenched walkway.

Chapter Thirteen

Freya took Mia the picturesque way along the beach and they chatted about Bloom & Cole, Freya’s boss Esther – Mia’s editor – and about the introduction Freya was going to give that evening. They passed the beach villas, their cream walls and thatched roofs camouflaged by the screen of lush trees, their inviting pools hidden from sight, although Freya wasn’t convinced the pool she’d just swum in at Mia’s could be beaten.

‘Oh, it’s stunning,’ Mia said as they left the beach and entered the bookshop clearing.

The midday sun slid through the gaps in the foliage and cast patterns of light on the sand-covered ground. The bookshop itself was bathed in honeyed sunshine. It resembled a glowing beacon surrounded by the luminous green leaves.

Freya set Mia up at a table inside the bookshop with a pile of her books next to her. She wedged the large windows open to let the breeze in and threw open the bookshop doors. There was no immediate stampede of people like there would be in London; Loabi Fushi was far too laid back for that. Instead, a steady trickle of couples dropped by all afternoon, eager to see the bookshop and get a book signed by Mia, or to browse then sit and read out on the deck with a cold drink. It was a relaxed few hours and Freya revelled in talking books.

Zander strolled by just before they closed. ‘I’ve heard chatter all afternoon about how much people are enjoying the bookshop,’ he said, leaning on the counter. ‘One lady was delighted at your recommendation, Freya – she started reading it on the beach this afternoon.’

‘And I’ve spent a delightful afternoon signing books and chatting to interesting people from all over the world.’ Mia left her table, now almost empty of books, stretched and came over to them.

‘Hungry?’ Zander asked.

‘Absolutely starving.’

‘Freya, do you want to join us for dinner, or do you have things still to do?’ Zander put his hand on Mia’s back but looked in her direction.

Freya faltered, uncertain if he was just being polite. ‘Thank you, but I’ve still got stuff to do before tonight.’

She really did, plus she was too nervous to eat and didn’t fancy feeling like a third wheel at dinner with Zander and Mia. They made quite the couple as they strolled away from the bookshop, laughing together – Zander tall and handsome, Mia petite but striking.

Freya did pop back to her room to get changed though. Her strapless maxi dress was as dressed-up as she got but at least she wouldn’t feel too out of place alongside Mia and the guests. She got a big thumbs-up and a wolf whistle from Drew as they passed each other in the corridor. With the heat, the sand, and the barefoot ethos, it was a joy to be make-up free, her skin sun-kissed and healthy. A feeling of joy and lightness washed across her as she made her way back to the bookshop. The sun was setting, the lanterns lining the clearing were glowing, fairy lights decorated the edge of the reed roof and the waiters and bar staff were milling around, preparing the drinks and trays of canapés.

Zander and Mia arrived with the first guests, a couple who’d been in the bookshop earlier chatting to Mia about writing while she’d signed a book for them. With the waiters and bar staff taking care of the food and drink and Zander and Mia mingling with those who’d arrived early, Freya was able to spend time greeting guests. When it got to eight and she thought most people had arrived, she made eye contact with Zander