“I did what you told me to do. When I felt your arms around me, I felt safe and protected. You didn’t seem to have any problem jumping off that platform at all.”
He shrugged. “That wasn’t high. I had to jump out of planes in the Army, so being able to see the ground while attached to a line was a walk in the park.”
“You never talk about what you did in the service. I never knew you had to skydive.”
He grinned at her reference. “I went to Jump School to become aparatrooper. But that was a long time ago. Nothing to talk about now.” He quickly dismissed the subject, regretting bringing it up, while also wishing he could tell her everything about his life so she’d better understand his position.
“What’s on the agenda for tonight?”
“I thought we’d spend some time enjoying the privacy of our suite before our dinner reservations. Then maybe a romantic walk on the beach, find a quiet spot, enjoy more privacy, and start all over again tomorrow.”
“Enjoy the privacy, huh?”
“Yep, and by that, I mean we’ll explore every inch of each other’s body. I can’t wait to strip you down and taste you all over again.”
“Maybe we should skip the dinner reservations completely and just eat in tonight.”
“Don’t think the thought hasn’t crossed my mind a dozen or so times. But, with only having two weeks and so much I want to experience with you, it’s best we go out. Besides, I want to show you off without the paparazzi around us.”
“Fair enough. But only because I’d hate to deprive you of showing me off tonight.” She tried to keep a straight face while teasing him, but she was unable to hold the expression when he stared at her suspiciously. “Especially considering you won’t even be seen with me any other time.”
“That’s it. I’m spanking that ass tonight.” His sly grin covered his face, the mirth of his words gleaming in his expression. “Keep talking to me like that. I’ll come up with more punishment that’s exciting to dole out.”
“Promises, promises.” She stepped out of his arms but held on to his hand. “Let’s head back to the privacy of our room and begin that thorough exploration you mentioned.”
Hours later, they emerged from the suite for dinner.
“I love how you have that just-thoroughly-fucked glow. I love even more that I’m the only one who knows what it looks like. It makes me want to take you back to the room and start all over again.”
“You can after you feed me.”
“Oh, I’ll feed you all right.”
“I need actual food for energy to keep up with you.” She walked faster toward the restaurant before he changed her mind. Again. “We’re already almost late. If they give our table away…” Her words trailed off, but the warning had been appropriately issued.
His responding chuckle left no doubt of how scared he was in the face of her threat. The deep timbre of his laugh rumbled through his chest, reverberating through her body and leaving tingling chills from the sexy undertones of it. She was forced to acknowledge part of her attraction to him was his dangerous and mysterious air. It only added to his appeal and her inability to resist him.
The open-air restaurant overlooked the mountains and ocean, giving them an incredible view of the moon shimmering off the surface of the calm water. The exclusive resort attracted the type of traveler who preferred privacy and offered it to others. Elle’s presence didn’t cause the slightest stir, giving them at least the illusion of anonymity during their meal.
“Today has been perfect,” Elle gushed. “I’ve loved every minute of it. We should’ve done this long ago.”
“I agree, so we’ll have to make it a standing date. A yearly escape to a remote location.”
“Absolutely.”
“Great. Then you agree to let me kidnap you and take you away whenever I want.”
“Well, I won’t object, but my director may if I’m filming at the time you decide to kidnap me.”
“Technically,” he quipped, “I can find ways around that inconvenience.”
“You have so many talents, I can’t say I doubt that at all.”
“To us.” He raised his wineglass. “And to our lifelong commitment of standing dates in hidden locations.”
“To never having to worry that a date with you will be boring or awkward.” Elle raised her goblet and giggled during the clinking of glasses.
After dinner, they took a stroll along the shore, the gentle waves lapping at their feet. The ocean breeze kept them cool in the tropical heat, though Elle could’ve sworn she saw sparks arc from the heated glances Devon shot her.
“We’re all alone out here,” he whispered. “I can do anything I want to you, and no one would be the wiser. It’s so very tempting.”
“That goes both ways, actually.”
His dark blue eyes flashed with a mixture of desire, admiration, and amusement. “Just when I think I have you figured out.” He pulled her into his side, his big arm wrapped securely around her, and they walked back to their room with their bodies stuck together.
Their remaining time on the island was spent in much the same manner. By day, their exciting excursions took her to places she never would’ve dared or dreamed of going without Devon. Perilous journeys to volcanic peaks. Dizzying heights of rock climbing expeditions. Day-long hikes deep inside the rain forest. Underwater excursions to a beautiful coral reef.
Nights were spent in their open-air suite with room service delivering their meals more times than not. The in-suite infinity pool provided all the privacy they needed while allowing them to enjoy the moonlit views. Wrapped in a sensual embrace, they made love nightly, with one waking the other for a second round at some point before the morning sun lit up their room. The closer they were to the end of their two-week escape, the more desperate they both became for one more touch, one more embrace, one more kiss.
