Under the soft glow of lights, the private jet soothed us both as Jordan sat close, wrapped in my arms and sleeping like an angel. I soaked her in, her breathtaking beauty and auburn hair spilled

“I love you,” I whispered, the words pouring out with ease after all the years of loneliness and pain. I still felt the past anguish filling me with regret. I’d thought I lost her forever, and the thought cut right through me. I was more afraid than I’d let on, but being vulnerable and opening my heart was the only path towards her.

I could have had this years ago. We had lost too much time; time we couldn’t get back. For whatever reason, I hadn’t even tried. I had denied my heart, pushed aside those feelings, and buried them so deeply that it took almost losing her to finally act. Now I wanted nothing more than to make it real, and make her mine.

I realized I should let the past and the what-ifs go, and focus on the moment and the future, which was suddenly filled with such promise.

A voice came from behind the pilot’s doors, announcing our decent. His voice was loud over the sound system. Jordan’s eyes fluttered open and she looked around, assessing her surroundings, then turning to look at me.

“Are you awake?”

“Uh-huh.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

We got an early start. My plan had been to arrive before darkness blanketed the tiny island. The fourteen-acre private estate presented many luxuries, but it didn’t offer a landing strip.

The boat dock was consumed by the locals and the privately chartered yachts, and everyone worked in organized chaos. Our representative greeted us and led us to the concierge service, where we were handed over to the captain. The seventy-foot Mistress Luxury Motor yacht would escort us to the island.

“Come aboard!” the captain invited us, as we took in every sight.

“Are you serious?” Jordan whispered.

“Afraid so.”

We cruised through the waters in the lap of luxury, and several staff approached us, accommodating our every need. The forty-minute ride passed with ease.

“It’s going to be hard to top this, Ben.”

“You just wait.”

Once docked, there was a UTV waiting, a glorified four-by-four golf cart. The driver loaded our suitcases in the cargo bay in the back and pointed ahead.

“Follow the path ahead,” he advised, and boarded the yacht.

“Are we alone, alone?” Jordan said.

“There are morning drop-offs. They replace linens and food, but they arrive early and are done within an hour, so we won’t even notice them.”

Stopping at the iron gate flanked by two stone pillars, I scanned the card that accessed almost everything, and entered the epitome of world-class charm.

“I can’t help but feel like we just stepped out of a Monet painting,” she said, passing the lily ponds, manicured lawns, and lush, tropical fruit gardens.

Reaching the grand entrance, our gaze locked. Her brows were raised in delight.

“I’ve never seen such beauty in my life.”

Her hand slipped through the crook of my elbow as we toured.

The interior’s chic style, with billowing white fabrics, rich woods, and beaming floors were seamlessly designed to capture the indoors seamlessly to the outdoors.

“Very Zen-like, or it might indeed be heaven.”

Jordan’s playful tone was contagious. I had underestimated her reaction, suddenly realizing how differently we had grown up. I had been exposed to luxury and privilege. Compared to my upbringing, hers was a simple life, but filled with love and warmth. If I had the choice, I knew I would choose the love and warmth. Money only allowed you the freedom of not worrying about money.

“We have a private chef on call, and I’ve arranged for him to prepare a candlelit dinner at sunset overlooking the ocean.”

I snaked my arms around her, pulling her body into my chest, her delicate floral scent maddening me. Then I kissed the beautiful landscape of her neck, my warm breath on her ear. “So beautiful.”

I felt a building and gripping sensation below, but I wouldn’t fly apart just yet. I wanted more than a quick release. Tonight, I wanted to go beyond sex.

“That’s romantic. I’d like to freshen up before dinner.”

“Take your time. I’ll find a bottle of wine, and once the chef leaves, we can gather dinner from the oven’s warming tray.”

We sat at the round table draped in white linens. The spectacular view overlooked the ocean. The sky was streaked with shades of orange and red. It didn’t outshine her beauty in that sleek black gown, which dipped low on her ample breasts and billowed up, exposing her creamy flesh. I deliberately attempted to focus on dinner; there would be plenty of time for that later.

“The steamed lobster is perfectly cooked,” she said as I watched her dip into the crock of drawn butter.

“The wild Mexican shrimp cocktail had some punch. That was my favorite. How’s the wine? Martin Codex, Albarino.”

I watched her spin the liquid as it swirled around the sides of the glass.

“Amazing. Do you have a sweet tooth? I noticed several assortments. I’m curious about these smaller details about you. Do you mind?”

“You mean like twenty questions?” I smirked playfully. “Ask away.”

She had a point. It occurred to me that we knew each other well, but in some ways, not at all. This had to be the first time I’d seen her drink, and I found myself curious as to why.

”And no, sweets are not my downfall. A salty bag of chips, maybe.”

“I’ll start,” she said. “Read or watch TV?”

I considered the two. I liked both for different reasons.

“Buzz. Time’s up, Storm.”

“I wasn’t aware of the rules,” I said, chuckling. “Books.”

“What about you?”

“Is that your question?”

“Wait, no, another rule? We take turns, one question each? Fine, I plan to make mine count. What sexual activities do you enjoy the most?”

Hell, she had that one lock and loaded.

“My turn,” she said with a wide grin on her face. “Do you worry about getting old?”

That one was easy.

“No, as long as I’m not alone.”

“PDA. Yes or no, with an explanation.”

I was beginning to like this game.

“Yes, to PDA. I feel that if you’re afraid to show your affections openly, you can’t live an authentic life.”

I was proud to show my love toward Jordan. In the past, my answer would have been very different.

“Your turn,” I said, tossing it back to her.

“What sexual activities do you enjoy the most?” she asked, tripping me up with my own material.

“Oral sex, on the giving side.”

But in reality, the answer would be everything. Her laugh was sweet and endearing, with a dusting of something dirty underneath just for me. I was up for a little dirty.

“Morning person or night?”

“Morning, without doubt,” she answered.

“Your turn.”

“Why do you want to be with me now?”

Well, fuck. I thought that had been was crystal clear.

“Besides the fact that I’ve loved you for the past ten years, I’ve never wanted anyone else. Maybe I just grew up, or woke up, and I’m finally following my heart.”

“That’s beautiful, Ben. Thank you.”

With only one strike of the long match, the outdoor fire pit blazed and flickered to life. And with a press of a button, music floated on the air. The song “When a Man Loves a Woman” began to play, as if I’d planned it.

“Dance with me.”

She accepted my hand and we moved to the stone patio. My fingers gently slid down her bare arms, every caress slow as I pulled her in.

I wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her body closer. I held her in a proper stance, leading, my leg slightly between hers as our hips swayed back and forth to the slow beat of the melody. Her tender but raw sexuality pressed against my body, which was now molded to her every curve.

“I could lose myself in you,” I whispered in her ear, my warm breath expelled against the tender flesh. I nipped at her tender lobe, pulling a moan from deep within her. As the heat rising between us invaded our bodies, I had never felt more alive.

The firelight casted shadows as we swayed to the rich sounds of the ballad. The breeze shifted suddenly, and her hair floated around her face, the light illuminating her exquisite features. Within her eyes, I saw newfound feelings filled with desire, propelling me closer with a desperate need, I couldn’t seem to stop. I didn’t know if I wanted to even try.

“Do you have any idea how much I’ve wanted this?” I asked her.

“I know exactly how much.”

Her voice softened as she rested her cheek on my chest, and I knew I’d found my second chance. This time, I’d never let her go.

Every emotion burst free in me as I captured her mouth. She was kissing me back as passionately as I gave it. Once I heard her moan against my lips, it only fueled my need. As the kiss burst into flames, her mouth accepted my tongue as a mating call of sorts. It drowned out the world around me.

More. I needed so much more from her as I dragged my mouth away for a moment. I took one step back, drawing away from our warm embrace, only to lead her down the long hall toward the bedroom. My mouth watered to taste her flesh, but this was more than physical. So much more. It was my soul grasping for everything I ever wanted and needed.

We had been starved for years, her love stolen from me, but now we had found what had been rightfully ours all along.

She stared at me, the look in her eyes intense.

They hit me full force, bringing out emotions in me I’d long buried.

Darkness master suite with sultry shadows. I adjusted the sconces to a dim light, as softness spread across the room. The bed was dressed in luxury whites, as the light flooded the room with a romantic glow.

Turning her in my arms, I slid her hair over her right shoulder, leaving her neck exposed. A slight tilt of her head invited my mouth to drag along her soft skin. I let my tongue linger over her creamy skin, which was pale as porcelain. Her scent was intoxicating, shooting straight to my groin.

Desperate to touch her, I slowly dragged the zipper down her dress.

From behind, I lifted her straps down her bare arms, allowing it to free fall at her heels. The puddle of silk was discarded beneath her, leaving her only in black panties, thigh-high stockings, and very high heels. The sight nearly brought me to my knees.

She boldly turned in my arms, and her fingers slithered and coiled in my hair, pulling me close.

“It feels so right,” she whispered against my mouth her lips reached for mine, raw with need. My mouth crashed against hers, the bold caress of my tongue meeting hers. We teased and tasted, finding new places yet to be explored.

Her hands traveling, she wasted no time unbuttoning and dragging my shirt over my shoulders and down my arms, where it now lay on the floor.

A low pulse ignited in me, and my fingers grazed her arms as sparks shot between us. Our gazes drifted over the obstacles that remained. With passion, she pulled me in and lowered my mouth back to hers as her greedy hands worked on my belt and pants. Shoes kicked off, our lips fused as one, and my tongue slipped between her lips and flirted with hers.

My hand clutched her covered breast and molded it, squeezing her nipples until they peaked as my hand flipped the clasp, freeing her beautiful breasts from their restraints.

I took one in my mouth, licking, sucking, and teasing as my free hand cupped the other. I was eager to sample the soft roundness of the other as I switched, and her fingers tangled in my hair.

The sensations fluttering between us felt electric as I hooked my fingers under the band of her panties and slid them down. Followed by her sensual moan, which caused my cock to twitch. I gently placed her against the wall as my fingers played in her wet folds, my knee nudging her legs apart.

How gorgeous she looked. I dragged my hand over her fevered skin and found her bundle of nerves at the peak of her sex. I circled her clit with a rhythmic pace.

“That’s it,” I coaxed her.

Her hips began to rock against my hand. Then her fingers snaked around my neck, holding on, swept up in the moment and trusting me with every touch.

My lips found her neck warm and waiting, and I placed kisses behind her ear. I dragged my tongue, leaving wet tracks down her neck. It was then that I pushed a finger inside.

“Do you like the way that feels?” I asked as I withdrew and penetrated her wet core once again.

“God, yes.”

Groaning with need, I increased the rhythm as I slipped a second finger within her. My lips closed around her nipple as my finger traveled back to her clit. Together the sensations grew, ripping through her body as a consuming climax rocketed through her.

“You’re so fucking sexy when you come,” I whispered.

I wrestled off my immediate desire and laid her out on the bed, stripping off any reaming garments. I wanted no barriers between us, nothing but raw flesh rubbing against each other.

Fully aroused, the wildness in me was brewing beneath the gentleness as I kneeled on the bed. Her eyes were blazing with desire as she parted her thighs, never relinquishing the locked gaze of fire between us. I kissed, licked, and nipped her inner thighs.

I could taste her arousal as I drank freely from her wet core. My tongue was buried within her folds, circling her clit, drowning in her scent. Her hands fell on the mattress, tangling her grip within the sheets. I couldn’t stop my tongue flicking her clit, and I felt her about to explode again. I was a greedy bastard, and I wanted to own her in every way. She was mine, her pleasure was mine. Her heart, body, and soul were mine.

I heard an anguished cry escape her as I gazed up to witness her pleasure as she melted before me, her frantic hips slowing as I climbed her body.

The hard length of my erection nudged at her entrance as I entered her slowly, building with each stroke as her body closed tightly around mine.

“Fuck Jordan, you’re so tight.”

Linking more than just our bodies, I needed to touch her soul. Feeling myself moving deep inside her wet, slick heat, I grew harder. She wrapped her legs around my hips as her eyes owned me.

The driving force of my kiss landed hard against her lips, and my tongue invaded her mouth as she opened willingly, twisting together as one.

“Let me love you this way, Jordan. Forever,” I pleaded as I climbed higher, ready to jump.

“Forever,” she whispered. “Harder. I need you harder, Ben.”

Christ.

Rough with aggressive need, I drove deeper as I slammed back in with great urgency. Then I powered faster and fiercer as the frenzied race to fulfillment climbed my body. I felt Jordan tighten gripping my cock as I slid in, then out of her wet pussy.

“So goddamned good.”

She erupted, taking me with her. Waves rippled through me as a powerful force took over my body. We were slick with perspiration as we rode out the spasms of pure unadulterated pleasure. I cradled her face and pressed a tender kiss to her mouth, no words were needed.

I felt the rise and fall of my chest as her head rested upon it. Her breathing was slow and steady. My touch upon her hair provoked a slight moan of contentment.

“Tired?” I asked.

“Uh-huh.”

“Okay. Lights out. Love you.”

“Love you too, Ben.”

Tonight, I had been shown the true meaning of love. As we lay intertwined as one, sleep came easily.

I woke to the sun slipping through the white shutters, flecks of tiny particles floating in the air. The smell of the ocean and the floral landscaping drifted into our room. Jordan’s arm was draped over my chest, her face pressed against my shoulder.

I gently caressed her skin with the lightest of touches. Her lashes fluttered, then her eyes slowly made their way to mine. The way she looked at me caused my heart to swell.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Side by side, I pulled her in closer, capturing her in an embrace. Absolute joy spread through my body. I thought about the surprise I had in store for tonight.

“I had a dream about you.”

Her words were drawn out and raspy from her night’s sleep.

“I can’t wait to hear this.”

“If I recall, it was…”

“A sex dream?”

She giggled

“Something like that.”

“Continue.”

“I remember I was back at home, my house, when suddenly the front door opened. It was windy and cold, causing the door to slam against the wall. You were standing there. I looked over, waiting for you to walk in or say something. But you did neither. I could see the wind rushing past you, your clothing all wavering. I called your name, but you didn’t hear me. I ran to you, throwing myself in your arms. Finally, you acknowledged my presence, and I felt the warmth we shared as you lifted my legs and wrapped them around your body. I felt safe and protected, but you cautioned me, and told me never to let anyone get close to me, besides you. Then you made me promise to never leave you, which I did. You would keep me safe, but only you. Then you ripped my panties off and pressed me against the wall. You pushed your hard length into my body, and it was so vivid. As if you had to prove something or prove to me the power you held. The sex was on the edge of violent, yet I knew you wouldn’t hurt me, because you loved me.”

I saw a nervous look cross her face.

“Odd, huh?”

“A little, but babe, it’s only a dream. It doesn’t mean anything, although wall sex is definitely now on the table.”

Rolling her eyes, she started to rise. I pulled her in and tickled her sides as she squealed out of my grip.

“I’m starving. Let’s stalk the kitchen.”

I was still unsettled by the dream, but I wouldn’t share that with her.

“I have an idea. I want to fix you breakfast and enjoy it on the two-man lounger, sitting on the white sandy beach down by the water.”

“That sounds incredible. What can I do?”

She found her robe and made her way to the bathroom, only to appear moments later in that orange bikini she famously wore.

“You gather the beach supplies and head down first. I’ll follow with breakfast.”

She kneels on the bed to kiss me, then quickly starts to gather the items. Her beach bag is stuffed as she approaches.

“Okay, I’ll meet you down there.”

She looks over her shoulder with a knowing nod.

“Okay, I won’t be long.”

Finding endless supplies to create something unique, I decide on omelets with bacon and cheese, a side of fresh fruit, and croissants. With the addition of two orange juices and coffee, the picnic basket was complete.

As I began down the long trail to the beach, thoughts flooded my mind. For a split second, it occurred to me that this was real, not some fantasy I conjured up. My fantasies didn’t even come close to this reality. I was so fortunate to have her with me today. All those lonely nights, where images of the two of us played out in my mind, I craved to touch her, hold her freely, and just be with her. Every hope and dream I had centered around this one woman.

I was certain I was a walking contradiction. The lingering guilt of the past was hard to shed. I had put her through hell. Maybe I didn’t deserve her. Years of avoiding any emotion that would expose my true feelings had cost me. I had misled her heart, when it wasn’t her burden to carry, but mine. Just the thought of it caused my gut to twist. A rush of memories flooded in, and within them, I still managed to hold on to the good ones. The slightest smile from her would always be my undoing.

She’d always been the one I’d desperately wanted, the one who occupied my thoughts as far back as I could remember. The universe was clearly giving me the second chance I was unworthy of. I drew out a long breath as I continued down the path to meet her.

I spotted her on the beach and smiled, making my way down the final steps to join her. I sat the basket on a nearby table. I quietly approached her. Stopping short, I slid my hands in the front pockets of my cargo shorts, admiring the view.

“Breathtaking, isn’t it?

“More than that. It’s spiritual,” she said, without so much as a look my way.

“Everything all right, baby?” I asked quietly.

But her gaze remained focused on the ripples of the turquoise waters.

I approached, and her eyes were red and puffy.

“I can tell something’s wrong. Talk to me.”

“It’s silly, really. I was reminiscing about my mother.” Her words squeezed my heart. Her gaze rose and locked on mine. “I’ll never have the opportunity to share the milestones with her, and she’s missing the best parts to come. Meeting you, sharing the happiness I’ve found.”

Her amber eyes caught the sun and sparkled with flecks of gold. I didn’t have a clue how to fix that for her. I searched for something, anything to say to ease her pain.

“Jordan, do you believe she’s somewhere out there watching you, looking down from heaven, or a place where she’s able to see your happiness guiding you through life?”

“Yes, I do believe that. I’m just selfish.” Her gaze drifted up to meet mine again. “I want her with me.” She attempted a smile, but it was forced. “This will pass. Don’t worry, Ben. I’m fine.” She glanced over her shoulder. “What do you have there? I’m famished.”

“Breakfast, specially made by moi.”

I sat the basket between us and sank into the large cushion, which swallowed me in comfort.

“This is nice.”

We enjoyed our breakfast mostly in silence. The soft, white-sand beach, the turquoise water, and the shallow waves quietly rolling in. The peaceful cove we’d settled into healed her. And the beauty undisturbed by man, the calm serene setting pulling us both into tranquility.

I removed all evidence of our breakfast when we were finished.

“Thank you, that was incredible.”

Her smile lit up her face. She was insanely adorable, and oh so sexy. I took my cargos off, revealing my swim shorts, and once I was settled in beside her, it sparked the craving to have her—all of her.

I turned to face her as the gentle tropical breeze flowed through her hair. She was stunning. I lifted her chin with my finger, as she tilted her face up to mine. Placing a sensual kiss on her soft lips, I was swept up under her spell. I wanted to take her slow and sweet, but I heard a sigh slip from her full lips, and then all my resolve flew straight out the window.

“Can I help you?” she asked, one sly eyebrow arched.

“You most certainly can. I want to enjoy your body on the beach, in the sun, and in the ocean.”

“Is that so?”

She pushed me on my back as she climbed onto my body, straddling her legs over my hips.

Then she rose and pulled the strings of her bikini top away, one by one, removing her top and tossing it carelessly as her gaze fell upon me. She had exposed all her creamy soft skin and her rounded breasts, waiting my touch.

“It would take a saint to resist that invitation.”

I was graced with a cheeky grin.

I reached out to touch temptation as her nipples hardened under my palms. I inhaled a deep, dark breath. As I pulled the remaining strings, they released the final scrap of fabric. The vision before me stole my breath as her busy fingers slid my swim trunks down. Then I only had to kick them away.

I rose, capturing a nipple in my mouth as my hand moved her ass over my newly found erection. Her wet heat slid over its length.

“Fuck, Jordan.”

I felt her sliding back and forth, over my cock.

“You’re right. You’re no saint.”

How right she was. A chuckle escaped from deep within me, but it was stifled as her warm heat slid down, capturing my aching cock.

“Christ, woman.”

She began to rise and fall, and I felt completely out of control, buried in her sweet pussy. My pulse beat so hard, but it barely registered as her brazen hands pushed me back.

Now pressed into the cushion, I was thoroughly enjoying all her hard labor, as the erotic show played out, I could see her tits bouncing while the view of my cock entering her pussy, was about to unman me. Her thighs spread open to accommodate my size.

I reached to circle her clit, causing her to moan, and she tilted back, changing he angle.

“Oh fuck. baby.”

She rode me harder and faster, and I felt so alive and loved as I watched her let go.

“Oh, God, Ben, I love you so much.”

Her inner walls were like a vise calling me home. The brutal strength of my climax hit, allowing my release to flood her.

“I love you, Jordan.”

As my final spasms slowed to a steady pulse, she collapsed on my chest. Our breath started to settle as her hair fell around her face. My heart didn’t slow. Its rhythmic beat continued at a fast pace as she burrowed into my warm body. The umbrella shaded us as we drifted into sleep.

I was awoken by the serene sounds of nature: the rolling waves, the smell of the ocean, the sounds of the swallow tail humming bird, Jamaica’s national bird. Not to mention the warmth of the beauty beside me.

“Wake up, love.”

“I’m awake.”

“You don’t look awake.” My hands rubbed her back. “I have a surprise for tonight.”

“A good surprise?”

As if there would be any other.

“I’ll let you be the judge of that.”

Her eyes looked both happy and groggy, but we managed to gather every last item and trek up the pathway. With each new step, my excitement grew, as well as my nerves. I gazed over my shoulder at Jordan, who was wrapped in her beach towel. Her gaze found mine, and she gave me a heart-thundering smile.

Man, oh man. I was in so deep. I had fallen so hard. There’s no doubt: I was a goner. It was as simple as that. She owned my heart, and tonight there would be no questioning it.

“Jordan.” My hand on her arm stopped her, and she turned to look back. “Dress for dinner, baby. The chef will be here soon.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’m going to shower in the master.”

I kissed her cheek, sending her on her way.

Everything was under control, I told myself. I used one of the many other suites to shower and dress. I gave myself one final look in the full-length mirror. I was decked out in my black suit, white button-down with two buttons left open, and my jacket.

Beach formal?

My phone chimed, alerting me that the chef was thirty minutes out. I crossed the rooms leading to the kitchen, peering into the subzero refrigerator for the perfect wine.

Then Jordan cleared her throat, and I spiraled around to greet her. My jaw dropped, and with it went the ability to breathe, speak, or swallow. She posed herself in the doorway, one hand raised high on the frame, the other on her hip.

My gaze tracked over her body slowly. The silver, shimmering minidress was cut high on her thigh, and way too low in front. The fabric looked like steel covered in sequins, and her matching shoes tied up her mid-calf.

I was unprepared when I saw that her waves were arranged loosely on top of her head, with wild single strands falling and framing her face. Her eyes were smoky, her skin sun-kissed, silky, and smooth. And covering her full mouth was blood-red lips. I didn’t know whether I wanted to kiss those lips or push her to her knees and fuck them. She left me undone.

“I’ll take that as approval?”

I watched as she crossed the kitchen. I’d never seen her like this, ever.

“Remarkable. Uh, stunning.” I managed to utter a few words. Oh, but she wasn’t done with me yet. The best was yet to come. I should’ve seen it coming, but like a fool, I was still drooling over the sight of her. Her presence was close, suspiciously close as she took my hand, guiding it between her thighs.

“Fuck. Me. Ben.”

My fingers played in her bare wet pussy. Jesus the cook would be here in minutes.

Fuck him.

I couldn’t stop, and she knew it, the minx.

“You’re so goddamned sexy.” My arms snaked around her waist, holding her firmly in place. “Don’t move, Jordan.” My fingers slid within her folds. “Stay still.” Finding her entrance, I inserted a finger and thrust it in and out, my thumb grazing her clit.

“Ben.”

“Is this what you wanted, Jordan?”

Tilting her head, she nodded as her climax grew under my hand.

My phone chimed. The chef had arrived.

“Come now, baby.” I maximized my efforts. “Or you’ll have to wait.”

The only evidence were the shudders I felt gripping my fingers.

“My sultry femme fatale, you are certainly full of surprises.”

I placed a slow sexy kiss on her lips.

“Mr. Storm, Miss Lancaster, are you ready to dine? Please have a seat, and make yourselves comfortable on the veranda.”

“Thank you.” I said, but I couldn’t drag my eyes from her. And I wasn’t the only one. The chef took a second look as well. I couldn’t blame him. After all, she was breathtaking.

I poured wine as the chef rolled out a cart and placed it within several feet of our table.

“In Japan, Teppanyaki refers to cooking on an iron plate. We have an assortment tonight: beef filet, shrimp, and scallops. Accompanied with rice, egg, and chopped vegetables.”

We both enjoyed watching the skilled maneuvers of the chef preparing the food, the stainless-steel spatulas thrown in the air only to be caught at the last moment. Stacking the onions to produce a flaming onion.

“For the beautiful lady.”

His eyes traveled to her exposed breast, and lingered a second longer than necessary.

I leaned into her and whispered in her ear, “See what you started?”

She could bring any man to his knees. Her beaming smile toyed with my need to possess her.

“It’s possible you’re his type, not me.”

I scoffed.

“Highly unlikely.”

She dismissed my rebuttal and yanked me closer for a demanding kiss. The stupid smile on my face reminded me of what’s to come.

Once the cooking was complete, we neither saw nor heard the chef other than the speedboat roaring away. We finished our dinner, and then had some more wine.

“Dance with me.”

I clicked on John Legend’s “All of Me” as I fully embraced her and moved our bodies to each beat. Each word was meant only for us. Then I tenderly pulled away, only to see curiosity flash across her beautiful face.

“Jordan, the day we finally found our way back to each other, my heart felt like it grew, mending the scars of the past. Now we have promises of a future filled with hope.”

I let out a long breath, blood pulsing through my veins at a rapid rate.

Still, she waited.

“What I felt in my soul was peace, mixed with joy, happiness, and freedom to love the woman who was meant for me, and only me.”

A single tear trickled down her face, and I reached to wipe it away.

“Look toward the sun, Jordan, and the shadows fall behind you.”

As I dropped to one knee in front of her, reaching into my pocket, her hands flew to her mouth.

“Ben.”

A strangle cry followed.

“Will you let me be the one, Jordan? Will you marry me?”

Her excitement was tangled with hope, desire, and love—everything I’d fantasized about.

“Yes, Ben. God, yes!”

With shaky hands, I slid the white-gold, three-carat, emerald-cut diamond on her finger.

She gasped.

“Oh, my God.”

I pushed up and embraced her close. She wrapped her arms around my neck as my arms reached around her waist, lifting her and swinging her around several times before landing her on her feet again.

She tugged me down to kiss her, as I fanned the flames down a notch, wanting this night to be about celebration, love, and commitment.

The passion and tenderness that followed was about discovering this incredible connection that we’d been deprived of for so very long.

“I’ve wanted you for a very long time.”

“I’ve waited, too,” she said, blinking back tears. “I would lay awake at night knowing I didn’t just lose you, I lost the dream of you.”

“But now, Jordan, we’ve found each other.”

And in that moment, I knew I had it all.

Leading her past the bed and heading straight toward the en suite master bathroom, I noticed that the free-standing marble soaking tub certainly was the room’s focal point. But I reached into the shower, instead, turning the water on and allowing it to warm.

She moved toward me and I felt her touch reverberating through my body, and for the first time since we’d become a couple, we connected on a higher level. Our steamy shower filled with gentle touches, tender kisses, and promises of our future. We exposed the raw sensitive emotions of the past, shredded the layers down to each other’s soul. Then we built them up again with new possibilities.

Excitement and fatigue finally came over us, and we climbed in bed. I pulled her warm body close, until her flesh touched mine, drifting peacefully into sleep.

Finally, my world had stopped spinning. As sleep took us in each other’s arms.

 “The water is perfect,” she said, looking over her shoulder at me.

The crystal clear turquoise waters rolled in as waves licked at her feet. I took in the beauty surrounding me, and it was unlike any dream I’d conjured up. Making her way in the water, I watched her graceful movements as she walked deeper as the water color darkened. Waist deep, she turned, and my gaze strayed to her breasts, which were glistening with oily sunscreen, the cool water causing her nipples to peak.

“You’re perfect.”

Unable to resist her glow, I stalked my way toward her like a moth to a flame.

“No fair, Jordan.”

She flashed one of her adorable grins my way.

She was all mine, and I quickly reached my arm around her waist, pressing her wet body against me. My gaze dropped to her lips, and my body responded accordingly. I felt the heat, and the undeniable chemistry.

She saw the way I responded to her, and felt my erection pushing against her body, her legs naturally opened, then wrapped around me. Finding her mouth sweet like strawberries, I savored her lips, capturing her mouth in a smoldering kiss.

Taunting her pink morsels, I lightly pinched them as each nipple peaked to hard buds. As she began rubbing against me, shackled between her thighs she found her sweet spot and rubbed against me harder as I swallowed her sexy little moan.

I reached below the water’s surface and easily untied her bikini bottom, tossing it on a nearby rock. Then I lowered my trunks, freeing my hard length and pressing it between her thighs.

“I need you this way, Jordan. Please don’t confuse my constant desire to have you physically with just sex. It’s so much more.”

I felt the brush of her lips, then heard her soft-spoken words.

“I understand. I want in the same way, Ben.”

My body was begging to be deep inside her. It was aching for her. I reached down and stimulated her, preparing her body to accept mine.

Once wet, my erection pressed against her folds, capturing her slick heat, allowing an ease when I pushed deep inside her. Then I stilled, the throbbing pulse felt by us both as I buried myself deep inside her.

I gently pressed my forehead against hers, relishing in the connection. Every nerve ending was on fire, ready and waiting. Pulling my hips back only to thrust back in with force, her head fell back as her lips parted. She gripped her legs harder, urging me on, and I was eager to please. It only made me harder, with a wild and primal force as I gave her everything I had to give.

My love was on fire, the flames brewing within me as my climax snaked up my spine, so close.

“Come with me, Jordan. It’s so fucking good, baby.”

Her wet pussy gripped me like a vise. We erupted together, reaching our peeks in sync.

“It feels so good with you. So right.”

I walked us both out of the ocean and placed her gently on our lounger, wrapping a towel around her. Then I made my way to my side, toweling off.

“So, it looks like we’re having our honeymoon before the wedding.”

I was curious to know what kind of wedding she would want. I hadn’t thought as much about our long-term plans in comparison to the short-term, which were more about making her mine, claiming her by putting a ring on her finger, and using the time here to get to know her in a much deeper way.

“Jordan, I’ve wanted you for so long, why wait? We could elope anywhere you like. Or, if you want a big church wedding, I’ll give you that. Most important to me is that we are finally together. The wedding can be wherever and whenever you want.”

She rolled onto her side, and my gaze instantly searched hers. Then she reached out and grabbed my hand.

“You’re right. It’s not about the time or place. It’s about what we share in this exact moment. We have crossed over the threshold of friendship and hidden desire to a genuine, romantic love, and that should be enough. I guess.”

She gave me a squeeze and released my hand.

“You guess?”

“Ben.” Her eyebrows slightly bumped together. “There’s still a little girl inside that has dreamed of a white dress, my prince, the vows, all of that. Time went by slowly when I was waiting for my prince to show up, and now that I’ve found my you…”

“You want it all.”

“Yes, I want it all.”

I was surprised by my own joy in knowing she wanted to do it right and do it all with me.

I picked her up from her lounger and carried her to the water.

“Then, milady, you shall have it all.”

I dunked her with me as I fell into the water playfully. She pushed away and retaliated with a dunking of her own. The sweet sound of laughter and fun-loving playfulness caused a calm within me, a foreign happiness unlike the times when I thought I was truly happy. I had been wrong. This was where my heart had landed safely, in her hands.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the house and its grounds. We stumbled upon a well-hidden natural spring, a secret paradise all its own. Completely out of sight, surrounded by four small waterfalls, a lagoon nestled in the lush tropical vegetation. It was heaven on earth.

The rest of the week went by quicker than I could have imagined. We adventured out in our deluxe golf cart, driving over ivy-covered bridges and exploring secluded places to make love, unable to satisfy the insatiable appetite we fueled in each other.

There seemed to be endless activities, we tried them all. And if I never see another oceanic-related jet sky, surfboard, or any water related sport, it would be too soon. Our nights we spent dining on scrumptious, decadent meals. Jordan’s beauty only increased with each passing day, with her sun-kissed skin darker and her hair slightly paler framing her beautiful face.

With each fading sunset, the colors disappeared as the water glistened from the moon. Each night, glancing over at her, the dim light flickered between us as if I was living a dream.

And last, but not least, we christened each of the eight spacious bedroom suites in the house. The time we’d spent together here had solidified our relationship as a whole. Although it had not been enough, as we left paradise, we felt confident in the bubble we had cocooned ourselves within.

We weren’t prepared for the world to shatter before our eyes.