When Octavia opened the front door, Jonathon stood in black jeans that complemented his muscled thighs, a thick blue sweater that sat comfortably on his broad shoulders. In his hand, he held a single long-stemmed red rose to his lips and a growing smile spread across the excellent structure of his face.

Octavia couldn’t help but smile in return.

“Hello,” his deep voice beat.

“Hey,” Octavia responded.

“Are you ready, my love?”

Octavia’s smile extended. “I am,” she said, dizzy with his endearment. Octavia crossed the threshold, pulling her mini rollaway suitcase with her. Jonathon’s hand covered hers as he relieved her of the luggage, wheeling it to the side and pulling Octavia in for a warm hug. Octavia sank into his warm fragrance; spicy and pumpkin scents were daring. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and they held there holding each other with a soft sway.

“You smell so good,” Octavia said.

“As do you,” Jonathon responded.

“If I had of known you were so comfortable to be under all this time, I would’ve cuddled into you a long time ago,” she added.

Jonathon peered back to look in Octavia’s face. “I was always willing to show you, but you seemed to prefer being friends.” He watched her for another second. “You want to tell me what that was all about?”

Octavia averted her gaze.

“Look at me,” Jonathon requested. Octavia met his probing stare. “I would never do anything to hurt you. You don’t have to withdraw from me. Everyone needs someone. Whatever you’re dealing with, we can tackle together. I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a pretty strong guy.” He smirked and Octavia laughed.

“If it were a physical strength I needed, you would be the first I asked,” she said.

Jonathon’s gaze clouded over. “Have you had any more dreams?” His somber tone was expression enough of his worry.

“Not since you’ve been here.” Octavia’s face fell, and Jonathon pressed his lips against her forehead. “I don’t know what that means,” she continued.

Jonathon pulled back to stare at her. “Means I’m never leaving.”

Octavia’s heart swelled and her body heated. She leaned on the tips of her toes and kissed his soft warm lips.

“Grrrrr…” he growled and quickly Octavia’s lips spread into a smile. Jonathon ran his mouth down her face and neck.

Octavia was nuzzled in his love, and she could stay right here for all time. “Let’s get going,” Jonathon said, gathering her to stand at his side. He reached for the door and closed it then turned the key and handed them back to Octavia. In a calm bliss, Jonathon and Octavia were chauffeured to the airport in the back seat of his Rolls Royce.

When the vehicle took a left turn and pulled into a hangar, Octavia turned her face and joked, “Pulling out all the stops, aren’t ya?”

Jonathon moved in and kissed her lips. “Only for special occasions,” he said.

Octavia blushed and turned back to snuggle closer to him. Her fingers trailed up and down his arm as it lay surly over her shoulder. It had only taken fifteen minutes to park, board, and be comfortably in mid-flight.

“You still haven’t told me where we’re going,” Octavia said. She thought for sure once they made it to the airport she would find out their destination. But taking the private jet allowed Jonathon to keep her in suspense. Sitting on an all-white clean lined sofa, Jonathon reach for Octavia’s hand.

“Must you know? I would like to keep it a surprise.”

“Aww.” Octavia pouted.

Jonathon smiled and wrapped her up, placing soft kisses against her neck. His nearness always made Octavia warm like the thick heat from a fireplace.

“I want you to trust me,” Jonathon said.

Octavia turned her face up to meet his. “Why do think I don’t trust you, Jonathon? You’ve said that more than once. What gives?”

Jonathon accessed her. “You didn’t tell me about your dreams, and I have the feeling you kept it to yourself because you didn’t want me to find out. Don’t hold out on me, baby.” He kissed her forehead. “You can tell me anything.”

Octavia’s heart ached. She’d mistakenly made Jonathon feel like he wasn’t important enough to reveal her darkest moments. And that wasn’t the case at all.

“I’m sorry. I…” Octavia let out a breath. “Jonathon, you are the only one who knows about my parents. Everyone else just knows that they died when I was young. I’ve dealt with this over the last fourteen years on my own, and I’ve figured out a way to make it through this season unscathed.” Octavia shrugged. “Maybe not without a few bumps and bruises, but you have to understand. Although it feels like we’ve known each other forever, our friendship is fairly new, so it’s not easy even now for me to let someone in when it deals with my parents.”

“I understand. But I’m not someone, Octavia. I hate that you didn’t think to come to me when you started having the dreams, but I understand. Will you come to me from here on out?”

Octavia stared at him. When her nightmares kicked in, sometimes they were gruesome. Each one gave her a viewing from a different angle, and instead of being able to contain them like she’d done in the past, they seem to go on until she woke or her thoughts shifted to Jonathon. He would probably think she was mad if he witnessed one of her episodes.

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

Octavia rested her head on his shoulders and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. Hopefully things would stay as they were and the dreams wouldn’t resurface. It would be too much like right, Octavia thought, but hey, here’s to hoping.

What was supposed to be an eight-hour flight turned into six. Octavia and Jonathon had watched a marathon of The Jeffersons, laughing and impersonating some of the TV show’s most famous scenes. When they arrived at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Octavia brightened.

“We’re in Hawaii?” she asked, excited.

“We are,” Jonathon said, claiming her hand and exiting the aircraft. They were met with sunny skies and mild temperatures.

“It never goes under eighty degrees here,” Jonathon offered.

“It must be amazing to deal with summertime all year long,” Octavia said.

“Ah, but they have storm season, and it can get pretty bad at times.”

“Oh yeah, that’s one reason I marked Florida off my list as one of the places I would live.” She chuckled.

They climbed into the backseat of a limo and was chauffeured to the Hilton Hotel. When they entered the suite, Octavia turned to him. “What, no adjoining rooms?” she asked.

Jonathon leaned a shoulder against the wall. “If it would make you more comfortable, I can get adjoining rooms.”

Octavia was warmed under the thrum of his easy grooving voice.

“I just figured,” he continued, “since we are together that we would stay with one another.”

Octavia folded her arms and leaned into a hip. She held Jonathon with a serious scowl before turning her lips up into a smile. She released a simple chuckle followed by full out laughter. “I’m just messing with you. I wouldn’t want to be without you for a second.” She sauntered up to him, and he swept her up in his arms.

“Why must you continue to play with me, woman?” he asked.

Octavia shrugged. “It’s becoming one of my favorite things to do, and you fall for it so easily.”

Jonathon growled some more and nudged her nose with his. “Are you calling me easy?”

Octavia giggled and draped her arms across his shoulders. “You make it sound so nasty.”

“Un huh.” He kissed her lips. “Are you up for a challenge today?”

Octavia peered at him. “What type of challenge?”

“Shark diving?”

Octavia gasped. “As in get in the water with sharks?” She shook her head. “I don’t think so, and frankly I’m shocked that you would, sir.”

Jonathon laughed. “It’s not as bad as you think.”

“I couldn’t possibly consider a scenario where diving with human-eating animals is a good thing. I’m trying, too, but it’s not coming to me.”

Jonathon laughed again. “I assure you, it’s not what you think. Go with the flow, my love, I promise it will be the experience of a lifetime.”

Jonathon was right. They left North Shore on a power boat with Octavia in her one piece off the shoulder swimsuit and Jonathon in shorts with a thin T-shirt tossed over his brawny shoulder showing ripped abs and a mountain of muscle. As they sailed, Octavia, Jonathon and their captain watched on as gray fins floated to the top of the water and Dolphins flipped before diving back in. The sea creatures fascinated Octavia, and she stared on, hoping for another show from them. They’d sailed two miles on the sapphire blue waters when they arrived at their destination.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Octavia chanted. She reached out for Jonathon’s hand, and he pulled her trembling body to him.

“If you don’t want to, say the word, and we’ll leave,” he said.

Octavia took quick breaths. “I’m good,” she said. “As long as I’m with you.”

Jonathon’s heart tugged against his chest. Octavia had no idea how her words affected him, and he could only hope she meant every one of them.

“I got you, baby. On my life, I would never let anything happen to you.”

And she believed him. Her shivers toned down as she melted against his skin. The cool waters were not frosty enough to pull the heat that surrounded them. Octavia glanced to their guides.

“We’re ready,” she said.

Octavia adjusted her snorkel and the mask across her face, and all at once she and Jonathon were dropped down into the sea secured by a large gray cage. They dived, holding hands as they swam to the bottom of the cage. The light on the mask gave off a shadowy glow, and for a second she could only see deep blue waters. Octavia turned to glance at Jonathon, and he smiled and winked at her.

When she turned back a huge gray shark passed by, and her eyes widened. She gripped Jonathon’s hands tighter and he squeezed back, reassuring Octavia that she was okay. Another shark passed by, but it circled the cage, interested in what was inside. Octavia’s heart thumped and for some strange reason she waited for the music from the movie Jaws to begin playing. When the shark bumped the cage, Octavia shot up to the surface and removed her snorkel.

Following her, Jonathon also pulled off his snorkel.

“You’re okay,” he said, pulling her over to him.

Octavia’s heart rocked. “That was a little freaky,” she said.

“But not so bad, right?”

“They just seem curious, some are minding their own business.”

“Mmhmm,” he said. “Are you done?”

“Would you be upset if I were?”

Jonathon grinned. “No, my plans were to take you deep sea diving after this.”

Octavia gasped again. “In these waters?” she yelled. “For heaven’s sake are you trying to give me a heart attack?” She was aghast with the most stricken look on her face.

Jonathon doubled over in laughter. “I’m yanking your chain, my love,” he said.

Octavia swatted him. “That is not funny,” she exclaimed.

“Well, I figured you’re always messing with me, so it was time I returned the favor.”

“Oh, is that what this is?”

Jonathon shrugged. “That and I wanted you to experience something you never had before.”

Octavia pushed her lips out in a pout. “I guess,” she said. “Okay, one more time. You’re right, this is a bucket list experience. At least for me anyway. I’ll go one more time.”

“You don’t have to, and for the record, if you ever want to come again, we will. It doesn’t have to be a bucket list experience at all.”

Octavia pursed her lips and readjusted her snorkel. Once again, they dove under the waters and came face to face with a pack of sharks that had surrounded the cage. Octavia couldn’t believe it. The dark gray and white tails looked just as she’d seen them in movies and instead of rocking their cage the sharks merely coasting around them. Octavia glanced to Jonathon with a wide smile. He was already looking in her direction, hoping that she felt the same exhilarating thrill he felt in his heart.

For another thirty minutes, the two swam around the cage, watching the sharks move about. When they were done, they dried and headed to Lanikai Beach.

“We have to make sure to come here before we leave tomorrow. I need to see these waters one more time,” Octavia said.

Octavia and Jonathon sank their feet into the thick sand while they waited for their food to arrive. The makeshift dining experience gave the couple a private oceanside view as they sat at a table elegantly transformed into a romantic setting. Expensive china sat in front of them, and gas torches were lit and planted in the sand on either side of them. Aqua blue waves rushed the shoreline and the sun sat mid sky. Octavia crossed her legs and relaxed against her chair.

Jonathon took in her natural appearance and didn’t mistake the tug of his heart as a mishap. He loved that she could do so little to her look and be just as striking as if she were modeling for a fashion show. Jonathon sat back and crossed his legs at the ankles.

“Who said we were leaving tomorrow?” he said.

Octavia’s lips parted as she thought for a second. “Considering the time it took to get here, we don’t have much of a choice if I want to get back to work on time.” Octavia pulled her bottom lip in with her teeth. “I don’t want to leave the girls hanging.”

“If you wish,” Jonathon said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I would love to stay,” Octavia backtracked. “In fact, I want to thank you for bringing me here. I don’t know where you got the idea to shark dive, but it was a memorable experience. I’ll never forget it.”

“There’s no thanks necessary, O. I’ve always wanted to take you away.”

Octavia blushed. “I never knew that. I know you have other friends, so I’m just thankful to you for thinking of me.” Octavia reached and lifted her wine glass to take a sip.

Jonathon stared at her for long, considering minute. “Who are these friends you speak of?”

Octavia replaced her glass and sat her hands in her lap. She cleared her throat, wanting to make sure she didn’t sound like a jealous Nancy when she spoke next.

“I know you are good friends with Mia, and I’m not sure if you know, but I called your phone Sunday morning, and one of your other friends answered.” Octavia fought hard to keep her face neutral, but unbeknownst to her, Jonathon was smiling inwardly.

“If you want to know who the woman was that answered my phone, why don’t you just ask, baby?”

Octavia shivered at his words. “It’s none of my business, but I…”

Jonathon’s invasive stare was making her anxious.

“I just wanted to say thank you is all.” She reached for her glass again.

“It was Mia that answered my phone, not some other woman,” he said, which didn’t make Octavia feel better. If anything, it only tightened her gut that he and Mia were close enough that Jonathon spent a night with her or vice versa. While Octavia was knocking at his door desperate for him to answer, Jonathon had been with Mia.

“Oh…” was all she said. Octavia took a deep swig of her wine and opted to hang on to the sour liquor instead of replacing it on the table.

“After leaving your place, she called and invited me over. You know I’ve never hidden anything from you. I won’t start now. Nothing happened between us.”

Octavia’s eyes lifted from her glass to his face.

“In fact, from the moment you and I met, I haven’t been with anyone.”

To say Octavia was surprised was an understatement. “Why?” she asked.

“Because all I’ve ever wanted was you.”

Octavia’s heart sailed and heated spikes like rockets shot through her. She sat the wine glass down and stood strolling slowly around to stand before him. Jonathon moved with her, sliding his chair back from the table. Octavia maneuvered between his outstretched legs, and Jonathon sat forward reaching out to rotate his fingers in circles on the back of her legs. Turning his face up at her, Jonathon felt a shiver run through Octavia and the look of adoration on her face was immense.

“I’ve always wanted you, Jonathon,” Octavia said, looking down at him. “I just didn’t know if we should, or if I should be involved with anyone.” Octavia sighed and twisted her fingers as she fought for the right words to say. Words that would make him understand the longing she’d felt their entire friendship.

Jonathon’s hands roamed up the back of her legs to her thighs and a stirring in Octavia’s center made her pussy throb. Octavia was still dressed in her one piece off the shoulder swimsuit. A small sheer wrap covered her waist and derriere but stopped mid-thigh. She placed her hands on his shoulders and sizzled at the meet up of his warm skin. The tank top Jonathon wore outlined every muscle he owned, and every second Octavia stood there she wanted to jump his bones.

“Why don’t you feel you should be in a relationship?” Jonathon asked.

“My dreams are not the average bad dreams. I imagine it can be pretty disturbing for anyone on the outside looking in.”

“Octavia, if the people in your life only want to be there when things are looking up, then you deserve better, sweetheart. I would never abandon you for any struggles you may have. I’d like to think that you know I’m a better man than that, baby.”

He pulled her hands to his mouth and kissed her fingers one by one. Octavia didn’t know if her heart could beat faster than it was now. Jonathon was a dream come true. The way he cared for her was so unreal that she decided she must’ve been in a coma, and this blissful time with him was all in her mind. Octavia stretched her legs over his and sank to straddle his lap. Words evaded her and really there wasn’t much she wanted to say besides I love you, so why did she hesitate? Jonathon leaned in and kissed her lips just as three men approached their table with dinner. Standing to his feet, Jonathon lifted Octavia and placed her in his chair. Walking around the table, he readjusted their seating, grabbing Octavia’s unoccupied chair and planting it on his side of the linen covered table.

“By all means,” Jonathon said, speaking to the servers as he claimed his seat.

The waiters approached, circling them as they announced their food and set the table. Black angus filet mignon, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and another round of wine was placed before them. The aroma from the delicious meal fled into the air.

“Enjoy,” the servers sang before turning and walking off. Jonathon slid his hand into Octavia’s and linked their fingers as they bowed their heads to pray. The sounds that echoed around them consisted of the waves rushing to shore and Jonathon’s grooving voice as she petitioned God. They ate in silence while watching each other, both digging through their own thoughts.

Jonathon was relieved that Octavia’s feelings were mutual, to an extent. She didn’t know that he loved her with all the strength in his soul. How could she? He hadn’t told her so. A part of him felt like this moment in time was just too good to be true. It seemed as if Jonathon waited a century for her to open up. Telling Octavia he loved her was monumental for him. Partly because Jonathon had never uttered those words to anyone. Ever. But mostly because if she didn’t feel the same it would tear him apart. Octavia held that power now. The deep intoxicating fire that burned inside Jonathon for Octavia was downright incinerating. Even now sitting there watching her eat was more of a highlight than she knew. Each time the sterling silverware lifted to her lips, her luscious mouth would cover the utensil and she’d practically moaned as she dined. Or, at least Jonathon thought he heard her moan. Shit. Damn, he was in love with her, and Jonathon felt in his heart that Octavia was perfectly created to be his wife.

A smile stretched across Octavia’s face as she ate and stole a peek at Jonathon. He’d been watching her since she’d taken the first bite. Octavia didn’t mind. Jonathon just didn’t know that she loved the look of his dark brown eyes, curly lashes, and thick brows. The eloquent structure of his nose, and delicious lips. Jonathon’s dark brown skin was so milk chocolate that the sheer thought of tasting him gave her a sweet tooth. It didn’t help that the perfectly groomed beard added a dangerously sexy undertone to his look. And his strong neck and thick Adam’s apple made her want to pounce on him, hard. It was incredible that she’d loved him all this time but held back for reasons that to her were justifiable. Now Octavia wanted to tell him everything, but she didn’t. Instead, she reached for her glass of wine as two Polynesian women approached.

“When you are done with your meal, can we have a moment of your time?” one lady asked Octavia.

“Of course,” Octavia said, rising to her feet. She dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “Is there a problem, can I help you with anything?” Octavia asked.

“Yes, yes,” the women said, “Come with us.”

Jonathon stood to his feet and covered Octavia’s hand with his. “What seems to be the problem?” his deep voice barked.

“No, no,” the first lady said. “You wait here.”

A frown covered Jonathon’s face and Octavia looked at him. “Babe, I think they have something they want me to see and not you. It’s okay, I don’t think it’s something bad.”

Jonathon wasn’t so sure.

The women laughed. “We promise to take care of her,” one woman said. “She will be back in a blink.”

Octavia turned her hand up to squeeze Jonathon’s fingers. He glanced at her, and she gave him a reassuring nod. Octavia turned to follow the women, but Jonathon held on tight, causing Octavia to bounce back to him. With an open mouth smile, Octavia slipped her free hand up Jonathon’s chest.

“I promise I’ll be back.”

A growl fled from Jonathon’s throat. “Five minutes, woman, or I’m coming to look for you.” He was still unsure about their reasoning for pulling her away.

“You got it.” Octavia winked, and Jonathon released her hand reluctantly. He watched as she sauntered off to a hut that sat not too far from where they dined and anxiously waited for her return.