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thought. “There are plenty of possibilities in a garden centre. You should have a good hunt round. You’ve already experienced the handle of a garden trowel, haven’t you, darling?”
Gemma wanted to sink under the table. “You said you wouldn’t humiliate me!”
“Did I? Sorry, my love. A jape too far?” He patted her hand.
“A garden trowel? Really?” Andrea’s hand drifted to her mouth to suppress a giggle.
“Yes, it’s amazing what will fit up a well-trained bottom,” Jason added. “I did say endeavour, babe. I didn’t promise, so don’t pout, you know it pisses me off. You should be pleased your brother and his fiancée look much happier.”
“At my expense!” said an indignant Gemma.
“Naturally, you’re the sub.” Jason tossed his napkin on the table, concluding the meal. “It’s getting hot. I suggest you join us on the sundeck. There is a small outdoor spa pool to recline in, and the breeze is fresher up there. Just buzz when you’re ready to join us.”
He rose and offered his hand to Gemma. Pausing, he turned to face his guests.
“By the way. Don’t go trying what we mentioned yourselves, will you? You need to be trained.” Jason wagged his finger at Andrea as she blushed.
As they strolled towards the stairwell, Jason lay his arm across Gemma’s shoulder. “There. That broke the ice didn’t it?”
“Yes, rather,” laughed Gemma. “I take it you are going to hold me to the anything?”
“Naturally, but later. Wouldn’t let that one go.”
He paused at the bottom of the stairwell and entered the key code. He leant down to kiss her cheek. “I wouldn’t want to be accused of being humdrum. So, perhaps a change of scenery as requested.”
***
“Anyone fancy jet-skiing on the water?” asked Jason coming back up from the lower deck, having spoken to Ted. “There’s enough time for a run out.”
They went out in pairs, men in front steering and their girls clutched tight behind. A terrified Gemma had imagined it would be thrilling, not scary. Jason set off at pace, and she nearly fell off the back with the acceleration. For an hour, they chased each other around Sublime, sped off closer to the distant shoreline before returning to the yacht.
Gemma held Jason’s padded waist tightly. The salty seawater splashed into her face, stinging her eyes and skin. From time to time, he would ease up on the throttle and ask if she was all right.
“Yes!” she shouted over the engine.
She managed to be both elated and petrified. Life with Jason was a continuous stream of adrenaline-pumped excitement. Nothing ever seemed to perturb him or, if it did, he portrayed little excessive emotion. When they climbed back onto the yacht, he helped her aboard, and she caught ecstatic delight written over his face, teeth bared with a grin and his blond hair bright yellow with the spray. Water dripped off him, pooling at his feet, and his skin glistened as if it was sending out a signal to her. All she wanted was him inside her, there and then, and the waiting game felt eternal and protracted.
Life vests peeled off, they sat in the lower pool to recuperate. Soft drinks appeared, and their thirst was quenched. The sun beat down as Sublime headed towards the southern end of Italy. After the near-disastrous events of the morning, the two couples relaxed in each other’s company.
Jason played with her, quietly and selectively. Nothing overt or unpleasant, they kept it in the realms of subtle and low-key. She remained attentive to his wishes, making sure when he asked for anything, a towel, drink, or a simple kiss, she gave it to him promptly and gladly.
She doubted her brother could hear her say the quiet “Sir” or see Jason’s seductive, clandestine nibbling on her earlobe or lips. If she winced or flinched, their guests seemed impervious. The bizarre spectacle on the sundeck had been filed away, confined back to his correct place in the private world of their host and his wife, and it wasn’t up for discussion or comment.
“Let’s move up to the sundeck. The view is better up there,” suggested Jason.
They rested against the handrail as Sublime cruised ever closer to the shoreline, and the pretty towns and villages became clearly visible. Gemma rested her head on Jason’s chest, and his arm draped over her shoulder. For a while, she was at peace and content.
***
Later, with their luggage packed, clothed in their travel attire and with sombre faces, John and Andrea stood on the main deck and watched Sublime approach the marina to the west of Naples. Their weekend of adventure was coming to a conclusion. Gemma stood alongside them with Jason.
“Please, make use of the sleeping cabin if you want on the jet,” Gemma told her brother.
John’s eyebrows rose. “There’s a bed? I didn’t notice on the way over. Too busy looking out the windows.”
“Yes, of course there’s a bed, for long-haul flights and other things.” She ran a finger along the railing, remembering many escapades had on that bed. John blushed.
He shook Jason’s hand vigorously. “Thank you for the offer of help. The gardening thing. I’m so pleased you haven’t changed your mind.”
