Her tummy fluttered. “We are?”

  “Oh, hell yeah. I’ve been fantasizing about that shower since I read about it.”

  She shook her head, still smiling. “I’m just wondering what other surprises you have in store for me, Rodeo.”

  He took her in his arms and settled his forehead against hers. “I have plenty, don’t worry. There’s a reason I didn’t let you see the brochure. I wanted to tell you about everything when we got here.” He turned and pointed to the thatched-roofed cabana next to the pool. “Couple’s massages every day for six days. We’re going to be so relaxed when we leave here, we’ll barely be able to walk.”

  Then he started counting off on his fingers: “One: We’re going to have a completely private day trip with a gourmet picnic lunch out on a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Two: We’ll have a bespoke, private-island picnic—that’s four hours with the island all to ourselves. The champagne is guaranteed to flow, and we’ll have all the specially chosen food we can eat. Three: We’ll also have cocktails on the Cloud9 floating bar with a four-hour lunch. Four: I’ve scheduled a one-hour personal photoshoot with one of Fiji’s best lifestyle photographers. He’ll capture the essence of our memories here at Tokoriki. Five: For our last night, I’ve booked a private, moonlit dinner out at the end of the jetty. They’ll serve Moёt et Chandon champagne throughout the experience.”

  He grinned. “The rest of the time, we’ll be taking romantic walks on the beach, and spending time in bed, and going down to the cocktail bar, and spending time in bed, and swimming in our pool here and—”

  She chorused, “Spending time in bed.” She cracked up. “I get the picture, Rodeo. That all sounds incredible.”

  He took her in his arms and moved to the edge of the pool, leaning back against it. “This is nice.” He kissed her slowly, caressing her lips with his tongue, then delving inside.

  She shivered at the intensity of pleasure sweeping through her. She caressed his broad shoulders. God, she loved how well-muscled they were.

  Footsteps sounded, and a young man appeared. “Here are your drinks, Mr. and Mrs. Weller.” Dane had set his wallet by the edge of the pool, and he waded over and tipped the young man before taking the drinks from him.

  The guy smiled and said, “My name is Jesoni. Just call if you need anything else, sir.”

  Dane nodded and waded back to Alexis. “Just what the doctor ordered.”

  She took a long swallow and smiled. Man, how she loved Lagavulin. “Thanks, honey. This really hits the spot. Did they have your Maker’s Mark?”

  “No, but they had a good Tennessee whiskey that I like. This is fine.” He set his glass on the edge of the pool and drew her into his arms. “I can think of something that tastes better, though.”

  She smiled. “You can?”

  “Uh-hmm.” He kissed her lightly, then nibbled her neck, slowly moving to her shoulder. Goose bumps rose on her arms. It tickled so deliciously.

  She slid her legs around his waist and clasped his shoulder with one arm.

  “Now that’s more like it.” He moved his hands under her butt, holding her weight as easily as he would a toddler’s.

  Sighing, feeling relaxed and so very happy, she took another sip of her scotch.

  He took a drink of his bourbon, holding her with just one hand, making her feel petite and feminine.

  Feeling weightless and carefree, she relaxed, her mind drifting from thought to thought. For the first time in a long time, nothing of importance weighed her down.

  Dane kissed her between her breasts, and sensation returned, desire stirring inside her. “Hey, Cowboy, I thought we were relaxing.” She grinned and tightened her legs, her bottom rubbing against her favorite part of his anatomy.

  “Ahh,” he sighed. “Not like that, we aren’t.”

  She chuckled and relaxed her legs. “Just checking.”

  “I think I told you about the dining plan we’re on, right?” he said and pulled her against him again.

  “Yeah, but refresh my memory.”

  “All our meals are included, and at breakfast there’s free flow, which I think means all-you-can-drink sparkling French wine with our meal. Imagine that.”

  She raised her eyebrows.

  He went on. “We also have a two-course lunch, afternoon tea, and a three-course dinner. The chefs here are supposed to be great.”

  “Oh Dane, that’s amazing. I never dreamed we’d have such a fabulous honeymoon.” She kissed him softly. “Thank you for making this so special for me.”

  When they’d finished their drinks, Dane said, “We’d better rinse off and dress. We need to get to lunch.”

  “Damn! My hair!”

  He laughed. “Just put it in a ponytail. You look fabulous that way, darlin’.”

  “Oh, you!” She splashed water at him and grinned.

  After lunch, which was marvelous, she said, “Why don’t we go explore the beach? It looked so beautiful when we came in—so pristine and perfect. What do you think?”

  “I’m ready if you are.”

  She’d bought a sun hat at a boutique at the harbor in Fiji and put that on with her shorts and tank top before they left. Although it was only May, the tropical sun was already hot. They sprayed sunscreen on each other and then headed barefoot down the steps to the beach.

  She led the way once they arrived, and they walked ankle-deep in the water as each wave rolled up on shore. Holding hands with her lover as the cooling breeze swept in off the ocean was like a dream; one that she’d never thought would come true. She leaned against Dane’s shoulder. No words were necessary. He always seemed to know what she was thinking.

  He put his arm loosely around her waist, staring off across the waves into the far horizon. “We’re a long way from home, sweetheart.” He kissed her temple. “But then, I’m home wherever you are now. You’re my anchor, my place where I need to be.”

  She stopped and put her arms around his neck. “That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me, Dane. I love you, honey, and I feel the same way.”

  There were few people on the beach. The whole resort, when full, only hosted about seventy people, and it wasn’t nearly up to capacity yet. Everything felt exclusive and private and so very luxurious. She clasped Dane’s muscular arm, feeling his natural strength. She’d never again feel lost and alone, vulnerable and scared. With Dane at her side, she could handle anything.

  They walked arm in arm for a long time, enjoying the sun and the breeze and the perfect solitude.

  So this was what it was like to be married. Quiet walks, easy silences, companionship, and the knowledge that the night brought lovemaking with the man who’d stolen your heart. She never wanted to be single again.

  That evening, Dane followed Alexis outside to the shower. His pulse had sped up as he’d walked down the steps. The sway of her hips, the curve of her waist, the beautiful line of her neck; these simple things had his heart singing as he anticipated what was to come.

  Once inside, their shower was actually quite beautiful, made of indigenous rocks and hung with native ferns. He’d never imagined that an outdoor shower could be this charming. And the eight-foot-tall walls would protect them from the island breezes and prying eyes.

  He couldn’t keep his gaze from Alexis as she stripped off her clothes. Her gorgeous, toned body drew him like a bee to honey. He kicked off his shorts and joined her at the showerhead. “I believe I promised to wash your hair, beautiful.”

  “And so you did.” She smiled and handed him her shampoo. “Let me get it wet, and then you can have at it.”

  As she stood under the stream of water, she closed her eyes. Her breasts, rounded and firm, swayed with the movement of her arms. He’d rarely seen anything so sensuous. He cupped one in his palm, and she smiled, her eyes still shut against the streaming water.

  He measured out shampoo into his palm and drew her to him. Her breasts touched his chest, and he felt himself harden. She leaned her head back as he rubbed the shampoo into her hair, adding water and working up a rich lather with slow movements of his hands.

  “Mmm, that feels good.” She held onto his shoulders, her eyes closed, a tiny smile on her lips.

  He leaned down and kissed her, unable to resist. She opened her mouth and deepened the kiss. He slid his soapy palm to her behind and pulled her to him, rubbing her with his rock-hard shaft.

  “Hello there, Cowboy,” she said and enclosed him in her fist.

  He took a deep breath and focused on her hair, determined to keep his promise. “Hey, Cowgirl, be careful what you start. I’m not done here.”

  She knelt in front of him, and he groaned. “Oh God, you’re gonna ruin your shampoo, baby.”

  She laughed softly and took him in her mouth.

  All thoughts of washing her hair were lost as she slid her mouth up and down him, her suction so tight a loud moan escaped him. “Baby, you feel so good,” he said in a quiet voice.

  After several long moments of incredible pleasure, he feared he’d lose it. He raised her to her feet and kissed her deeply, his tongue caressing the inside of her mouth. “I love you, sweetheart. More than you’ll ever know.”

  He lifted her to his hips and guided himself inside her, slowly, knowing how tight she was.

  She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “God, you feel good. You fill me up, Rodeo.” She kissed him, hard and long, as he thrust into her once and then again.

  She moaned. “You hit me just right, Dane. Just exactly right. Do it again.”

  He held her up and began his rhythm. She threw her head back, her eyes shut, her lips forming a smile of sweet pleasure.

  After a moment, she said, “Put me down, honey.”

  Loathe to, he said, “You sure?”

  She smiled. “Oh yeah, baby.”

  Then he grinned, knowing what she wanted. He set her on her feet, and she turned to the wall, backing up a pace and raising up her gorgeous butt to him. “Hurry, honey. I’m so ready.”

  “God, sweetheart...” He clasped her hips and slid inside her, his rhythm quick as he thrust deep.

  “Harder!” she cried and pushed back against him.

  Damn, he was going to lose it. She was so sexy, so damned amazing. He closed his eyes and slammed into her, the sound of their bodies colliding making him want to shout his love. He forgot there might be others listening, forgot the outside world existed. There was only Alexis, his sweet lover, and her beautiful body.

  She cried, “Oh God, Dane!” and he felt her body clutch him. He threw his head back and let go, soaring to an awesome shuddering ecstasy. His thoughts fragmented as her body spasmed around him, their bodies climaxing together in wonderous harmony.

  His legs finally found their strength again, and he drew her to his chest. “Happy honeymoon, sweetheart.”

  She chuckled. “Oh yeah, lover. Now, about my hair...”

  He laughed and patted her butt. “Come here, you.”

  It was their last evening on the island, and Alexis couldn’t bear for their adventure to end. This morning they’d had a floating breakfast in their private pool. It had consisted of all their favorite items, served on a large floating tray and completed with a carafe of coffee and glasses of fresh-squeezed juice. They’d lounged in the pool for hours, eating and drinking and feeling slightly sad at the idea of going back home.

  They’d talked about what they’d enjoyed most about their stay. For Dane it had been their private island picnic, where they’d been the only people on the whole dang island. They’d made love on the beach, and the freedom of that would stay with them forever.

  For her, it had been so many small things. The moonlit walks on the beach, swimming in their private pool where they could kiss and snuggle with no prying eyes, and the cool, fresh feeling of the lovely cotton sheets when she crawled into bed at night. Her favorite outing, though? She’d decided that it was their time spent on the Cloud9 cocktail bar out in the calm waters of the bay, browsing the food and drinking and laughing with Dane for four wonderful hours. The cool ocean breezes had kept her comfortable, and she’d completely lost track of time.

  Tonight was their very special moonlit dinner on the jetty. She wore a black, low-cut, strapless sheath that came to mid-thigh. It was the most daring dress she’d ever worn. She’d paired it with the heels she’d bought for Vegas. The diamond studs in her ears were a wedding gift from Dane. She’d bought him gold-and-onyx cufflinks for his tuxedo.

  Dane wore a white linen shirt with khaki pants and tan leather slip-ons with no socks. He looked very island-casual, yet dressed up and sexy too.

  He glanced at his watch. “Ready? We should probably head down there.”

  She took a last glance in the mirror. She wore her hair up in a French twist and hoped that the ocean breezes wouldn’t tear it apart. “Let’s go, handsome.”

  The soft glow of lanterns drew them to the end of the jetty. Two comfortable rattan armchairs and a round, linen-covered table faced out to sea. Places had already been set, and their waiter arrived just as Dane seated her.

  “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Weller.” He poured wine into their glasses. “I’m Esava, and I’ll be serving you tonight. Your meal will be served in five courses. Just let me know when you’re ready to begin.”

  “Thank you, Esava,” Dane said.

  The young man moved slightly out of earshot.

  She took a sip from her glass. “Oh, this is very good.”

  “Uh-hm,” Dane said as he sipped from his. “There’s a reason this is their primo experience.”

  She looked out to sea, where the water rippled in a long path to the horizon. Gray and purple clouds threatened to obscure the moon. “Lord, it’s gorgeous here,” she said and leaned back in her chair.

  “It is that, for sure.” He reached for her hand. “I’ll never forget this week, honey. I’ve grown closer to you every day.” His smile was so tender it brought tears to her eyes. “Sweetheart, I love you so much it hurts.”

  She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tight, too overwhelmed to speak. After a moment, she said, “You’re more precious to me than anyone or anything in the world, Dane. Don’t ever doubt that, even when we have hard times, which we will.”

  When she was seated again, he said, “Honey, keeping our hearts true to each other is something that’s important to us both. Promise you won’t ever question my love for you.”

  She clasped his hand and gave him the best smile she could muster. “I promise not to doubt you, Rodeo.”

  He grinned. “That’s better.”

  By the time they’d made it through all five courses, she felt ready to burst. Dane had insisted that she try everything that was offered, and she’d indulged him, even though her hunger had vanished after the third course.

  Esava had kept their wine glasses full, and she was feeling a bit dizzy when she stood up from the table. She glanced at the young man, who stood not far from them. “Thank you, Esava, for your wonderful service. Tonight was such a pleasure.”

  “You’re welcome, Mrs. Weller. I’m glad you found everything to your satisfaction.”

  She’d noticed that Dane had tipped him well, preferring not to add it to his room charge.

  Dane said. “Good night, Esava.”

  He slipped his arm around her waist as they slowly made their way back to their room. She sighed. It was an ending, and yet tomorrow would be a beginning too. It was the start of their married life together, and she was more than ready for that. They’d talked to the builder just before they’d left, and their new house on Dane’s ranch was on schedule to be completed by the first week of September, timed perfectly to coincide with Dane’s retirement from the circuit. She couldn’t be happier.

  Dane kissed her temple. “Mrs. Weller, how are you feeling?”

  She leaned her head against him. “Like a million bucks, Rodeo.”

  He chuckled. “Me too, Cowgirl. And that’s good news, because I have some big plans for you tonight.”

  Her pulse sped up. Did he mean...? “You do?”

  “Oh, yes, ma’am. Tonight’s all about my woman.”

  Tingles of excitement raced through her. “I may have something to say about that, mister.”

  He laughed. “We’ll see, sassy.”

  “Shall I get a bottle of champagne from the bar?” he asked.

  “Oh, not for me. I’ve had more than enough to drink already.”

  His arm tightened around her. “I’m fine too.”

  In their room, his fingers found her zipper. “Let me help you, sweetheart.” As he slowly lowered it, goose bumps rose on her arms. He nibbled where her neck met her shoulder. “God, you’re gorgeous, honey. I’ve wanted to kiss you all evening.” He drew her dress down, and she stepped out of it.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, “Hey, beautiful.”

  She ran her fingers through his hair, something she knew he loved. “I couldn’t keep my eyes off you tonight. Do you have any idea how handsome you are? I see other women staring at you, and I think, “He’s all mine, ladies. Every inch of him.”

  He laughed and kissed her behind the ear. “Every inch of me?”

  She giggled. “Now you’re just being naughty.”

  He unhooked her strapless bra. “And I’m fixing to get naughtier, sweetheart.” He let it drop to the floor.

  She turned to face him. He’d been the first to undress, and she ran her fingers across the hard ridges of his muscular chest. “You’re so incredibly strong. You make me feel small.”

  He began removing pins from her hair. It tickled deliciously. Soon, her thick curls fell around her shoulders. He ran his fingers through them. “God, I love your hair, honey. It’s so beautiful.”

  She brushed a kiss across his lips. “You always make me feel attractive. Thank you, Dane.”

  He picked her up and carried her to bed. “I’m going to make you feel more than that, wife.”

  She smiled, looking up at him, unable to believe that he was hers forever. He turned out the lights and crawled in beside her. The moon was a bright disk in the dark sky, and the ocean ran all the way to the distant horizon. Their big glass doors stood wide open to let in the breeze, and she could hear the faint sounds of the surf. The air smelled of fresh blossoms and of the sea. She’d never forget that scent. It would always remind her of how her life with her sweet husband began.

 

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