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An hour later, he glanced down at his sleeping beauty and sighed.
“Lillian.” He woke her gently. “I don’t want you to miss this. Look at the view. It’s worth it.”
She blinked and glanced out the window, then stuck her nose against the pane, gazing at the expanse of turquoise water.
“The color is incredible.”
After they landed, Steve grabbed her carryon and his briefcase. She threw the strap of her bag over her shoulder and carried her beach bag. He led her over to the rental car agency.
A few minutes later, they settled into a black Toyota and he drove over to the marina. On the way, he described the scenery as they passed.
“See the buildings on your left? That’s the clinic, lab, and adjacent motel, restaurant, and shops.”
“Wow, it’s right on the shore.”
“Now, look on your right. Can you seeMy Dream?”
She focused and blurted, “The third one from the right?”
“Exactly.”
“It’s anchored off-shore. Are we supposed to swim to it?” she giggled, her eyes brimming with excitement.
He parked in front of the lab, collected their limited luggage, and walked her to the dock.
“Umberto,” Steve hollered, and a dark-skin man rushed toward them.
“Hello, Doc. You’re bringing a guest this time.”
“My lady friend, Ms. Lillian. She’ll be staying with me on the boat. Can you give us a ride?”
“Sure.”
Steve jumped down into the rowboat and leaned forward, his hand gripping her waist and lifting her down next to him.
She laughed. “Next time, I’ll do it on my own.”
Umberto dipped the oars into the water and started pulling them.
***
From the moment she stepped into the rowboat, Lillian couldn’t stop smiling and giggling. The bright sun and the turquoise ocean colored her horizon in joyful hues. Ten minutes later, Steve helped her climb up the ladder hanging down the yacht’s side.
“Thank you.” Steve took the luggage from the man and tipped him. Umberto waved and rowed away.
Steve turned to her and pulled her into his arms. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”
“Oh my God, pinch me. I must be dreaming.”
“I’ll do better.” Nothing could beat the searing first kiss he gave her on the deck of his yacht, her new home.
“Let me show you around.” He took off his shoes, and she did the same, determined to learn about life on a boat as soon as she could.
He unlocked the door and ushered her inside the small ultra-modern kitchen. “This is the galley, in seaman’s terms.”
“It’s so shiny. I’ll bet you’ve never cooked here.”
“Not yet. You can do the honors if you want to.”
