It’s never that easy

Chapter Three

It was the day of the treasure hunt. This is the one I have been waiting for. We were in our own groups this time. We were all given a map and compass. We all had one clue to start with which would lead us to a certain place in the resort. It would either be a riddle or coordinates referring to the map. The first one was a riddle, ‘to beat the heat you come in here, the water is cool and very clear’ which obviously referred to the swimming pool. So, we all headed down to the main pool in which we found another clue. This time with coordinates. We had to use the map this time, which lead us into the forest behind the resort. It was so fun having to find these clues within the resort.

But as usual, nothing is ever that simple. We also had to do challenges to get the clues, such as climbing one of the trees in the forest and having to go underwater in the waterfall. There was also a team challenge about an hour into the hunt, in which we all had to do the challenge together. I was the last one to follow them all and they didn’t realise I had fallen down a ditch. It was horrible. There was no way back up. I couldn’t breathe from panicking too much. I tried to shout but nothing came out. It felt like hours before someone showed up. It wasn’t. It was only half an hour, but it did feel like forever. When they did find me, I was bunched into ball, holding my knees to my chest.

“Keira! I’m coming.”

Suddenly these big arms picked me up and passed me to Nathan who was waiting at the top of the ditch. Nathan grabbed me and held me in his arms on the floor.

“Hey. We’ve got you.”

I saw Jamie’s head pop up from the ditch and he came towards me when he got up. He held my face and looked into my eyes.

“You need to stop being a damsel. I can’t keep being your knight in shining armour.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at him. Nathan let me go and I stood up to brush the mud off me the best that I could. Jamie asked if I could carry on, in which I said yes. I wasn’t going to miss winning this thing. Which is exactly what we did. We ended up winning a mini-break away that we have to use within the next year. We didn’t want to spend dinner with everyone, so Jamie went to get some food for us all while we went back to the villa. We found a film to watch and sat beside the fire huddled together. It was a wonderful night. Just the five of us.

I woke up, resting on Jamie who was laid on the settee. Nathan and Steph were on the other settee while Gemma was laid on the floor. I got myself up and took myself to the bathroom to pamper up. When I got out of the shower, everyone else seemed to of woken up and started to get ready for breakfast.

I wasn’t really that hungry when we did end up going down for breakfast, but just to show I had something, I just had a banana. At least today is a gorgeous day. I was looking out to the water while all the lads put the volleyball equipment together. I turned around and saw they were nearly done, so I walked back to my new group. I can’t complain, they are all lovely people and the best thing was that not one of them asked me about the paintballing incident, which was perfect.

I look up to find Jamie surrounded by at least six lasses. Who wouldn’t? I don’t blame them. What a lovely specimen of a man he is. You can tell he works out. A six pack you can definitely admire, biceps which are the right kind of firmness and his chest. I just can’t describe. He’s stunning. No wonder he flaunts around the way he does. With a body like that, who wouldn’t. Whereas me, looking at the other girls it does make me feel a little insecure about myself. They’ve all got these size zero model bodies and I’m not even average.

Jamie spots me and comes running to me. “You’re going down Dixon! By the way you look incredible,” he smirked running back to the other girls.

            As if he ran away before I could give a comeback. I don’t believe a word he says. I know he is trying to distract me, put me off my game, but it is not going to happen. I am so competitive, he’s the one going down.

The rounds were great. My team won every game by a landslide. The final ended up being between me and Jamie in the end. The game was back and forth until it was match point for the both of us. The next point would win the game and the whole tournament.

            Jamie gestured to me by pointing down to the floor, I just smiled at him. I wanted to torment him more, so I pushed my boobs together in my bikini. Now that certainly did something to him. He raised his eyebrows at me in surprise then had a massive smirk on his face. It was his serve and it went back and forth for at least ten passes, when suddenly Lacey hit the ball hard and it came towards me, ending up hitting me in the face, causing me to fall on my arse. I couldn’t react quick enough to get out of the way.   

Jamie’s team all cheer and hug each other for winning the point, while Gemma, Nathan and Steph ran to me to make sure I was okay.         

“I’m fine guys. Head hurts a bit but that’s all. That’s what you expect after being hit by a ball.”

“Jamie, you knobhead! She’s hurt, never mind you’ve won. Come and check on her!”

“Gemma, I’m fine. Let him celebrate!”

“No, it’s not fine!”

I got up, losing my balance a little. Gemma quickly came to my aid. I pushed her away, telling her to come for dinner. I didn’t really feel like eating much again so I just picked up an apple to eat. We all finished up, refreshed and headed towards the tennis courts.

I was told I couldn’t play with my head injury. So, I decided to sit on the side-lines and watch. I was sitting just outside of the courts. As they lost their games, they all came and sat outside of the courts too. I’m surprised but Jamie was out by the second round. I’ve always thought of him as the sporty type who never fails.

As soon as he walked out of the courts, he was swarmed by the girls. I feel sorry for the other lads, not getting any attention. There may only be three of them who are single, but it’s still not nice for them to be ignored. I couldn’t help but watch them from the corner of my eye. They had the worse fake laughs I have ever heard. Stood googly eyes, twisting their hair while listening and admiring him.

The final ended up being Nathan and Lacey, the one who hit me with the ball. Nathan got the first set by 3-0, we’re playing first to three sets. Lacey then pulled it back by winning the second set 3-2.

“Keira! Are you okay?” Gemma asked looking worried.

“Yeah, I just need to sit down.”

Suddenly, I could feel my legs give way and I fell to the floor, unable to stop myself, hearing my name being shouted faintly in the distance. Next thing I know, I wake up in a hospital bed.

“Ow!”

“Don’t get up!” this husky voice demanded.

I opened my eyes to find Jamie sitting next to me. He stood up and sat on my bed.

“You had me worried.”

“How long have I been out?”

“About three hours.”

“Really?” I asked looking out the window nearby, realising it had turned dark outside.

“You scared me. I was talking to the girls when I heard Gemma screaming your name. I rushed over...seeing you lying there on the floor. It was horrible and when you weren’t responding, I rang an ambulance. Work has made sure you’ve got the best treatment and got you a private room.”

“What did the doctor say?”

“They said you have a concussion. You hit your head hard when you fell. They also said you fainted from your injury this morning and they said it didn’t help from the lack of food you’ve eaten today.”

“Oh.”

“You need to look after yourself Keira!”

“Sorry. I just haven’t been that hungry.”

“Please don’t tell me it’s about this weight nonsense!”

“Well...I can’t help it when I’m surrounded by size 8s!”

“What did I tell you? You are stunning the way you are. For me personally, I don’t like those girls. Not my type. Way too skinny for me.”

“Yeah right!”

“Honestly! Now stop being silly please. You are beautiful,” he said holding my chin up high, so I had to look into his eyes. “The doc said they are going to keep you in for observation, then you can come home tomorrow morning.”

“Okay. Where’s Gemma?”

“Just outside. Do you want me to get her?”

“No, I’m pretty tired. Can you just tell her I’m fine and she needs to go get some rest back at the villa? That includes you too!”

“I can do that but I’m not going anywhere. Not until I know you are out of the woods.”

I couldn't argue with him, I was just too tired, so I just nodded my head to him. I saw him head outside and then it all went black.

“No... No... Nooo!” I screamed waking myself up, sitting up as quickly as possible. I had this feeling of anxiety, like I feared something.

The next thing I know, Jamie’s cuddling me. “It’s okay,” he reassured me, rocking me back and forth.

I couldn’t help but put my arms around him. He leaned back, putting my face into his hands.

“You okay?”

I just nodded to reassure him I was okay. He started to move off the bed, when I grabbed his arm. I needed him.

“Stay?”

He hesitated but I think he could see the worry in my face. He climbed over me and laid next to me, hugging me. I melted into his arms and drifted off again. When I woke, Jamie was nowhere to be seen. I sat up and saw Gemma sat in a chair in the corner of the room.

“You and Jamie looked cosy when I walked in this morning.”

“It was nothing. He was calming me down after I woke up in the middle of the night from a bad dream.”

“Oh really? If so what was this dream?”

“It’s silly.”

“Tell!”

“The girls at the villa were all ganging up on me again. They all started chasing me, with knives might I add, and then Jamie was there laughing at me.”

“Wow! Yeah don’t tell him if he asks. He’s worried as it is.”

“Why?”

“He thinks it’s all his fault. He knew you were hurt badly and he thinks he should have gotten you here sooner.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s just gone to clean up in the toilets.”

“I’ll speak to him. It’s not his fault. It’s my own.”

Speak of the devil he walks in right on cue. Gemma stands up to let us to talk.

“Hey. Better?”

“Much. Can I go home?”

“I’ll go ask,” Gemma said standing up.

“Thanks Gem,” I said winking at her.

As she moved towards the door she mouthed to me to talk to him. I smiled at her to show I acknowledge her. I patted the bed next to me when she’d left.

“Sit!” He sat down, looking at me seriously. “It’s not your fault. Stop blaming yourself okay?”

“Gemma! It is my fault. I’m your manager. I’m the one who has to look after you while we’re here. I’ve failed you twice now.”

I made him look at me, and I finally got it into his head that none of these are his fault. I told him that he may be my manager, but it is my responsibility to look after myself not his. I hugged him though, thanking him for looking after me last night. He did ask me about what I dreamt about, but I just explained that I couldn’t remember it anymore.

“You can go home!”

“Yes! Get me out of this place.”

“They just said no strenuous activities.”

“That’s sorted. Boss man has these last two days as leisure days. I had already booked us all into the spa this afternoon, so why don’t we got back and chill at the main pool with everyone before we go to the spa later?”

“Sounds relaxing and non-strenuous to me,” Gemma hinted, raising an eyebrow at me.

“Yeah, sounds perfect!”

We headed back to the villa where I was greeted very warmly. They were all worried about me. I’m just glad to be out of the hospital. I just want to go and sit by the pool to work on my tan. What’s the point in coming to a place like this and have nothing to show for it.

We all made our way down to the main pool and noticed a few of our co-workers from the other shops were there. They had taken over half of the pool, so we decided to join them. Gemma and I sat at the sun loungers straight away. Steph and Nathan put their towels onto some of the beds next to us and went to get some drinks. Whereas Jamie, he threw his towel at me, winking, and dived into the pool. Two girls waved at him as he swam near them. He went to them, leaning on the edge of the pool with his elbows and started talking to them.

I thanked Nathan when he handed me my cocktail and put my sunglasses on as I laid there watching people for a while. I started to get a little too hot, so I decided to sit on the pool edge with my feet dipped into the pool to cool myself down. I was looking up into the sky when I felt a sudden presence in front of me. I looked down to see Jamie had swam to me.

“Hey you. How’s the head?”

“To be honest, I feel perfectly fine. I feel a lot better.”

“Good. Why don’t you join me then?”

“I’m okay here.”

“Come on, have some fun,” he said splashing me.

“Hey!” I shouted splashing him back using my feet.

Next thing I know, he’s got hold of my legs and pulled me in. That was it, he’s unleashed the monster. He won’t know what’s hit him. We started to splash each other, laughing. I jumped onto his shoulders and dunked him into the water. As he came back up, he grabbed hold of my waist and came closer to me.

“It’s like that is it?” he smirked.

I knew something bad was about to happen, so I just swam back to the sun loungers. Jamie followed, blocking the sun from me.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“Keira, come on. It’s me. Talk to me.”

“I just wanted to lie down for a bit. That’s all.”

“Okay. We shall do that for a while then.”

“But there’s no free beds for you!”

“That’s okay. I’ll share yours.”

He sat on my bed and placed himself between my legs, resting his head on my stomach. It was nice, I wasn’t going to say no to him. A hot guy leaning on me with no hesitation. I’ll take that. I was just nodding off when I felt Jamie sit up. I looked at him.

“I’m off for a drink. You want one?”

“Sure.”

“Anything in particular?”

“Surprise me,” I grinned.

As soon as he stood, Gemma was in his place.

“So, tell! What’s actually happening between you two?”

“Nothing’s happening!”

“Well, saying you two hardly spoke at work, you’ve got awfully close over these past few days.”

“What’s wrong with that? He’s probably being protective over me with all the things that have happened to me. That is all.”

“If you say so.”

“I do say so, so drop it!”

Jamie walked up with two drinks in his hands.

“Hey Gem. Did you want one?”

“No, I’m okay thanks,” she said standing up to go to her sun lounger.

Jamie sat on my bed again and handed me my drink.

“s*x on the beach.”

“Oh, I wonder why you picked that one,” I laughed, raising an eyebrow at him.

We both laughed for a while.

“A few are going to be playing water polo. I was wondering if you would be my partner. I know how competitive you get. I don’t want to be on the wrong side again.”

“Sure, sounds like fun.”

I put my drink down and headed towards the pool with Jamie. We ended up having two teams of six. What he forgot to mention was the girls would be on the boy’s shoulders. Don’t get me wrong, it was fantastic being on Jamie’s shoulders, feeling his chest under my feet. The downfall was having some of the girls giving me daggers, but I ignored them after a while and played the game.

I had a lot of fun. It was definitely something I needed. We won but it was hard work. Jamie kept dropping me into the pool when he went for the ball, but then again, I didn’t help him either when I leaned too far back, but we laughed so much.

We all said goodbye and headed towards our villas to get ready for lunch. We all took it in turns to have a shower. I took a while in the cold shower to cool me down. While I was stood there though, I couldn’t help thinking about how today has been with Jamie. There was a sudden knock on the door that got me out of my trance.

“Hey Keira, you nearly done?”

I poked my head out from the shower. “Yes Jamie, I’ll be out soon.”

“Okay,” he said lingering.

“Anything else?”

“No.”

“Go then so I can get out!”

“Oh. Yeah. Sorry.”

That was strange. I wonder what’s on his mind. I got out of the shower and went to get dressed into my red bikini and shawl.  It must of took about an hour before we were all ready to disperse to the food hall. It wasn’t much for lunch though, just a continental one with us having a massive dinner later. Our last big sit-down meal with tomorrow being our last day here, and I believe Mr. Daniels has organised a party of some sort on the beach, something about having a barbeque. Now that's what I’m looking forward to. Before we have the party though, we’re off on an off-road safari with quads and archery.

But never mind tomorrow, we’ve still got the rest of today to look forward to. Nathan wasn’t up for the spa, so he and Steph went back to the pool, Steph didn’t want to leave Nathan on his own. This meant Jamie, Gemma and I had the spa to ourselves for a couple of hours as Mr. Daniels hired the spa for the full day for the shops to share throughout the day. Jamie sorted it all out for our slot.

It was so relaxing. We started off with a mud bath, then went for a mani-pedi. For the finally, we had a full body massage and to top it all off we had a couple of bottles of prosecco throughout the whole experience. We headed back to the pool to find Nathan and Steph, but they weren’t there. Jamie walked next to me and whispered in my ear “now I am envious of the guy who got to give you a massage.” I couldn’t help myself and I pushed him into the pool. He stood up holding his arms out. “What was that for?”

“What do you think?” I said winking at him as I strolled off.

I walked back towards the villa slowly and dazed after that massage. It was exactly what I needed after the last couple of days I’ve had. When we arrived at the villa, Nathan turned around to us and said “you guys look incredible by the way. Certainly look relaxed.”

“Oh, it was amazing. It’s a shame it’s not your type of thing Nath.”

“Yeah. I don’t really like that type of things. People touching me that I don’t know.”

We all couldn’t help but laugh at him. We all sat in the lounge and chatted for a while before we headed down to dinner. We had to dress a bit more formal for this one with it being a ball. I also believe it is the last one with Mr. Daniels as he’s heading home tomorrow. I was right from the speech he made.

“Thank you all for coming. I hope this experience has helped you all grow closer to each other,” I couldn’t help but look at Jamie when he said that. I knew Jamie saw me as he gained a massive grin himself on his beautiful face. “It has been a pleasure to get to know you all a little better and I know now that I need to visit you all more often,” I hope not! “I hope you enjoy the beach party and safari tomorrow. It’s a shame I have to be back tomorrow. Now less chat from me and I hope you all have your dancing shoes on for tonight. Have a safe journey home.”

We all clapped as he finished and headed towards the dancefloor as the music started playing. Wherever there is a dancefloor, you can count on me and Gemma being on it. We were dancing away, when from the corner of my eye, I could see the gang watching us. I waved for them to join us. They headed towards us when Lacey stopped Jamie in his tracks. They talked for a while, Jamie pointing towards us a couple of times. He laughed a bit with her then put his arm around her shoulders and brought her to the dancefloor.

“Hey. Hope you don’t mind me bringing Lacey along?”

“No, not at all,” I said giving a false smile, but I don’t think he believed me by the way he was looking at me.

All I wanted was a night with just the gang and he had to bring her along. I ended up staying well away from them both. They were all over each other, Lacey more than Jamie. She also loved to show that he was hers. Hugging him all the time and laughing louder than normal so people would look at them. She is an attention seeking b***h. I can’t stand girls who just throw themselves at a guy. Have more dignity. Before you think I am jealous, I am not.

I couldn’t stand anymore, so I went and sat back at our table. After about ten minutes of sitting, Ben, one of the guys from another shop in our city, sat beside me.

“Too much for you too?” He asked staring at Jamie and Lacey.

“Yeah, a little, can you tell,” I giggled.

“Hey, want to make him jealous?”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Come on, you like him?” he stated with us both looking at Jamie.

I looked at Ben amazed. “That obvious huh?”

He just nodded at me.

“What’s the plan?”

He suddenly stood up and held his hand out. “Dance with me?” I hesitated, holding my hand just above his. He swept my hand into his and dragged me onto the dancefloor. Luckily, it was a fast tempo song. I don’t think I would feel comfortable with a slow song with Ben.

After a couple of songs, I realised it wasn’t working. The plan wasn’t working, so I was about to turn to go back to my seat when a slow song came on. But Ben held out his hand for the dance. “This will get him, I promise.” I was about to take his hand when I felt a presence behind me.

“May I?” Jamie asked with his hand held out towards me.

I looked at Ben, who smiled and nodded to Jamie for approval. I took Jamie’s hand and he held me close to his chest, holding onto my waist. The smell of him was devouring. Ben walked by, but before he left, he whispered to me, “he likes you. Told you it would work.”

It was so nice to be in Jamie’s arms. It felt right.

“You looked like you needed rescuing.”

“Nope. I was perfectly fine with Ben.”

“Oh. I’ll go then,” he declared starting to move.

I grabbed hold of him. “Don’t. Thank you for the thought.”

“Well, you just looked uncomfortable that’s all.”

“Well, maybe a little when the slow song came on and he wanted to dance with me.”

“I knew it. Don’t look any further, your knight in shining armour has arrived!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his silliness. “Thanks, but I might be able to do better.”

“Not a chance!”

“Mister over confident, are we?”

“Well, all I can say is once they’ve had this, they don’t want anything else.”

“Oh, you are kidding, right?” I laughed.

“Anyway, I should be thanking you.”

“Why?” I asked looking puzzled.

“I needed to get away from Lacey. She’s too clingy for my liking. That’s when I saw you, so I made an excuse that you needed me.”

I just couldn’t hold it in anymore and started laughing.

“What the biggest player I know, doesn’t want someone who is slinging themselves all over you?”

“Yeah thanks. It’s not how I wanted my night. I wanted to spend it with you guys. With you. I’ve missed you.”

“Well, you should’ve told her that from the start. We’ve only been apart from each other for a couple of hours.”

“I know that, but we’ve gotten closer these past couple of days and I’ve liked it. Besides none of these guys make me laugh the way you do.”

“Aww, thanks.”

“I mean it. I hope we can be like this when we get home.”

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”

“Friends?”

That hurt me a little. After all we’ve been through he still only sees me as a friend. Is that all I am to him? But I couldn’t let him see that I was upset by his words, so I smiled nodding at him.

“Friends,” I replied.

The music finally stopped, and we moved apart from each other. I made an excuse of me needing the bathroom and I grabbed Gemma on the way there. I checked all of the cubicles to make sure no one was there to listen in to our conversation. Luckily there wasn’t anyone.

“What’s wrong?”

“I nearly made a fool of myself, that’s what’s wrong!”

“Tell me what’s gone on. Jamie?”

“You guessed it. He was saying all these lovely things, like how he misses me because I’m not like the other girls then he brings it all into perspective by calling us ‘friends’. Yeah, I know nothing could come out of us, but it still hurt when he said it. Especially after the kiss the other day.”

“Well, all I can say is...It’s Jamie. The biggest player that we know. At least you know where you stand with him and you can move on. You have that guy back home that wants to take you out. Go and have fun with him. You never know, something may come out of that.”

“Yeah you’re right Gem. Why should I waste my time on him when he clearly doesn’t see me that way? Thanks,” I surrendered, hugging her.

We enjoyed the rest of the night with the guys and headed back to the villa around two in the morning. I was knackered and headed straight to bed, I think nearly everyone followed suit. But I was tossing and turning most of the night. Still fuming with myself for getting wrapped up in Jamie’s charm. I can’t lay here any longer. I got up and went to the kitchen to fetch a bottle of water from the fridge. I opened the door and jump the living daylights out of myself.

“s**t Jamie! What are you doing sitting in the dark?”

“Can’t sleep either?”

“Nope.”

“Want to sit?” he pointed to the seat next to him on the settee.

“Nah… I should go back to bed and try get some sleep.”

“Come on Keira.”

“Only for five minutes.”

I sat down beside him, and we chatted all night. Next thing we knew, the gang were getting up.

“You two are up early,” Nathan stated.

“We never went to bed!” Jamie replied.

Gemma gave me a disgusted look as Jamie spoke.

“Oh, I?”

“Nothing like that!” Jamie declared, throwing a cushion at Nathan.

“I’m going to get ready.”

As I stood up Jamie grabbed my wrist. I looked down at his beautiful blue eyes.

“Thanks for tonight.”

I smiled and walked away.