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Kyle laughed. “Like I said, tactical driving.”
“Whatever,” Damian muttered. “What else are we doing?”
“We’re taking a short hop over to one of the private islands to do some snorkeling,” Troy answered.
They were shuttled to the dock area, where Troy had chartered a boat. The ride lasted less than an hour, and Damian could only stare at the island’s lush beauty—endless blue sky, powder-white sand and warm turquoise water. “This is amazing. How did you guys find out about this place?”
“My old buddy from the force, Joshua, told us about it,” Kyle answered. “He came with us four years ago. Troy and I come back every time we cruise this way.” He gestured around. “See all this beauty you’ve been missing?”
He surveyed the area again. “Yeah.” Four years ago would have been the first time they invited him to join them on the cruise. Back then nothing could pull him out of the deep funk he’d been in. The only thing he had wanted was to make it through the day.
Troy seemed to sense what was going though his head. “You’re here now, so let’s have some fun.”
They headed over to one of the three buildings on the beach, where they were outfitted with snorkeling equipment. For the next two hours, they explored the depths of crystal-clear waters and saw a variety of plant and animal life. Once they finished, the three men returned the equipment, showered and ate lunch at the small beachfront grill. There were about a dozen people inside, so it didn’t take long to get their food. Damian took his friends’ suggestion and ordered the steamed fish, baked macaroni and cheese, and potato salad. Troy ordered a side of johnnycake—a slightly sweet flavored bread. Lifting their glasses of planter’s punch, they toasted to friendship and dug in.
“Oh,” Damian said, “this is good.”
“Told you,” Troy said around a mouthful of macaroni and cheese. “This mac and cheese is better than my mama’s.” He glanced up and pointed his fork at Damian and Kyle. “And if either one of you two clowns mentions that to her, I’ll kick your asses.”
Damian grinned. “Man, I’m three inches taller, outweigh you by a good thirty pounds and, unlike you, work out regularly. It’ll be no contest.”
“Hell, I’ll just shoot you,” Kyle tossed out with a shrug.
They looked at each other and laughed. The trash-talking continued throughout the meal, and Damian realized how much he had missed hanging out with his friends. He downed the last of his drink, wiped his mouth and tossed the napkin on his empty plate. Leaning back in the chair, he groaned. “I haven’t eaten like this in ages.”
“Me, either,” Kyle said. “Let’s snag one of those loungers or a hammock and let this food digest.”
The men dragged themselves over beneath large palm trees. Troy collapsed onto a lounger, while Damian and Kyle chose hammocks. The temperatures hovered near eighty, and the peaceful surroundings immediately relaxed Damian. His mind automatically shifted to Karen. He wondered whether she was still on the island or back on the ship. He continued to be in awe of their chemistry in and out of bed. He would love to have her next to him cuddled in the hammock. His eyes slid closed, and with a smile on his face, he drifted off.
Troy’s voice startled him and interrupted an incredible dream he was having about Karen.
“Damian. Wake up.”
His eyes popped open, and he ran a hand over his face. “What time is it?”
“Five.”
He sat up so quickly he almost tumbled out of the hammock. Coming to his feet, he glared at Troy and Kyle. “What?” His heart started to pound in alarm. “The ship is supposed to leave at five.”
Kyle climbed out of the hammock near him, yawned and stretched. “We know. We’re staying overnight and catching up with the ship tomorrow in Key West.”
Damian cursed. “Why didn’t you tell me that?” he roared.
“Man, calm down. We just wanted you to experience a little Caribbean nightlife before we head back,” Kyle said.
Troy frowned. “We didn’t think it would be a big deal.”
“Well, it is a big deal,” Damian said through clenched teeth. “I told Karen we’d have dinner tonight.” He paced back and forth, imagining what kinds of thoughts would run through her mind when he didn’t show up at her door as promised. He stopped pacing, dropped down in a nearby lounger and cradled his head in his palms. All his plans...gone.
