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“It’s about this man who moves to Africa to go into the diamond business, but ends up falling in love with this woman and they become diamond thieves.”
His eyebrows rose. “That’s what you’re reading.”
“From legal reviews to diamond heists.” I dragged my teeth across my lip.
He leaned down for another earth-shattering kiss. “I could see you as a sexy diamond burglar.”
I laughed. “I don’t think so.” I eyed him cautiously.
He quickly changed the subject. “I found something for you.”
“You did? Out there?”
He reached into the pocket of his board shorts. “It made me think of you.” He patted a piece of coral into my palm.
“I’ve never seen one with so many colors. Thank you.”
He moved over to the empty chair next to me. “I’m glad you like it. It’s not a stolen diamond.” He winked before sliding on a pair of sunglasses.
“What do you think your family is doing today?” I looked at him. He was seemingly relaxed. He had been the entire vacation.
“Probably playing football, watching football, and talking about football.”
“I’m guessing they are a big football family.”
“Yes. Are you thinking about your family?” He rolled on his side to face me.
“It’s hard not to. It’s Thanksgiving. It doesn’t feel like it. We’re on a tropical island. It’s hot and the sun is blistering. But everywhere else but here that’s what people are doing. They’re sitting down with a turkey and all of the sides. They have on sweaters and boots. Not bikinis and sunscreen.”
“Do you miss them?” he asked.
“I can’t believe it after everything that has happened with them this year, but yes—I do. That’s what happens at the holidays, right?” I paused. I didn’t want to hurt him. I’d made my choice. I chose him over them. But at what point did what I share become too much?
“And you’re wondering if that will ever be us?” He cut right to the point I hadn’t been brave enough to make.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Will it?”
Was today the first break in traditions I had honored my entire life? How many times after this would I disappoint my mom or Garrett? Was every birthday or Christmas missed the last chip to unravel my brother?
“We can sit and have turkey. Do you want turkey today? I can make that happen. I will order a huge turkey for you. Is twenty pounds enough? What about mashed potatoes?”
I laughed. “It’s not about turkey or potatoes.”
The sun sparkled on the horizon. I didn’t think I had ever seen water this blue before. There were sailboats with tall white sails billowing over the waves. This vacation had been a complete picture of paradise. Vaughn had spared no expense. Our tickets were first class. Our bungalow was ocean front. We had fresh fruit and chilled champagne in the room twenty-four seven. I was living out an unbelievable fantasy with an unbelievable man.
“If it’s not about the turkey, what is it, Em?”
“Will I ever take you home for the holidays? Will we ever have that awkward first night at my mom’s house when she gets all weird about us staying in the same room together? Will I ever meet your football obsessed family?” I looked at him. “Do we ever get to have any of that?”
“I don’t know how to answer that.” He reached across the chair and placed his hand on my thigh. “I can tell you that this is only the beginning.”
I put my hand on his. “The beginning?”
“The beginning of us.”
I leaned into the chaise. God, I loved how that sounded, even more because Vaughn was the one saying it.
One of the waiters passed by our cabana and Vaughn stopped him to place an order.
