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“Is it really a vacation if you’re not sure you’ll enjoy it?”
He didn’t say anything, just continued to stare at me.
“Sorry,” I laughed lightly. “That was a little too much information.”
“I understand the feeling well,” he said, surprising me. “I’m James.”
I stared at his outstretched hand, the sinewy muscles of his forearms and the rough pads of his hands. God, what I wouldn’t give to be touched by a real man, not just someone that wore a fancy suit and wore a pretentious smile. I wanted to take his hand. I wanted to feel the strength of his hand enveloping me, but that was dangerous ground.
“I’m…not available,” I said sadly.
“It wasn’t an invitation,” he said sincerely. “Just a stranger exchanging names as they share a cab.”
I considered telling him my name, but then we pulled up to the hotel and the cabbie turned around, telling me how much I owed. Snapping my gaze from the handsome stranger, I reached inside my purse, but before I could pay, the man handed over my fare.
Then he was opening the door and pulling my luggage out of the trunk. Setting it on the ground, he gave me a real smile. “I hope your vacation turns out better than you think.”
“I’m sure it will, as long as no one else tries to steal my cab.”
His eyes lit with amusement for just a moment before he got back in the cab and rode off. I stood there, watching the cab leave the circle drive and pull out onto the street. Once they were gone, I finally grabbed my luggage and wheeled it inside.
* * *
Walking into my private cottage,it was everything I dreamed of when I looked online at the website. There was a small kitchen off to the left as I walked in, all with brand new appliances that gleamed in the sunlight streaming in. To the right was a sitting area with a perfect view of the resort gardens. I could imagine myself drinking my morning coffee here or reading a book at sunset. That is, if I wasn’t sitting out on my front porch. With large fans overhead, I would be able to keep cool even in the oppressive heat.
I left my luggage at the front door as I walked through the cottage, taking in the living room with the oversized chairs and the large tv. French doors opened up to my own personal walk to the beach, along with a sitting area outside with a table and umbrella. I smiled as I looked out over the ocean, closing my eyes as I took in the salty air.
The bedroom was simple and beautiful. I had an enclosed porch right off the bedroom and an elegant bathroom that screamed luxury. I only had two weeks here before I returned home. I could have stayed longer, but I had booked late and was only able to get this cottage for two weeks. Once I was through with my getaway, I would return home to the mundane life I led. There were certain things that were expected of me, both by my family and society. This was my small reprieve, my escape from the life I hated. I’d never gotten away by myself and just enjoyed the quiet. My whole life was mapped out for me, every day filled with society and charity events, each one more ridiculous than the last.
I opened the doors leading out of my cottage and strolled down to the beach, slipping off my sandals along the way. They dangled from my fingers as I walked into the surf. My white sundress swayed in the breeze, cooling me down as the water rushed over my feet. Smiling, I dug my toes into the wet sand and stared out at the beautiful ocean. I felt at home here. Just one look at paradise and I knew I never wanted to leave.
I walked up and down the shoreline for so long that the sun started to set. It must have been hours, though it felt like only minutes. I walked back to my cottage and closed the doors behind me. I needed a shower to wash off the beach, and then I would find someplace to eat dinner.
The shower felt good, the hot water relaxing my muscles and eating away at the tension in my shoulders. I could stay under the water for another fifteen minutes, but my stomach wouldn’t allow it. I quickly dried off, letting my wet hair hang down my back as I quickly pulled on another dress. I didn’t often get to wear what I wanted, so I was taking advantage now with loose clothing that was comfortable and fun.
I grabbed my purse and headed across the resort courtyard that led to the town. I could grab a cab, but I wanted to walk and take in the area at night. I walked for a while before coming across a tiki hut with loud music and twinkle lights. Palm trees surrounded the hut that was filled with high tables and chairs. I was immediately seated and handed a menu, but I couldn’t stop taking in the sights around me. Sitting right on the ocean, from my chair I could see and hear the waves rushing to the shore.
“Do you have room at your table for a cabbie thief?” a low male voice asked.
I was so caught up in the sights that I hadn’t even heard him approach. But a smile filled my face at the sound of his voice. I looked up at him and smiled, motioning for him to take a seat.
“I hope you don’t mind. I came for dinner, and it’s no fun to eat alone.”
“It’s fine. I was just enjoying the view.”
“I could tell. You looked happy.”
“Well, maybe that’s because I’m in paradise.”
He grinned at me, his perfectly straight teeth filled his beautiful smile, making me wish I was single. “You know I’m a cab thief, but I still don’t know your name.”
“Rose,” I answered, feeling my face flush.
“What are you having?”
“I haven’t looked at the menu yet.”
“What about a drink then?” he asked, raising his hand at a passing waiter.
