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After Dane introduced Allyson to the villa’s housekeeper and the chef who came in for the day, they ate a quick breakfast and then headed down to the golf course.
He’d wanted to bring her to the beach to see the beauty of the view and how amazing it was, but the golf course was almost just as breathtaking. He watched her face as she took the place in. In front of them stretched the magnificent green of the course, while the side of the course sloped down to white sand and the crystal-clear blue waters of the ocean beyond. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was warm, but the cool breeze from the ocean cooled the temperature perfectly.
Allyson was wearing tennis shoes and a bright orange dress that stopped right above her knees. It wasn’t exactly golfing attire, but she looked so sexy he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
She flashed him a dazzling smile. “It’s so beautiful here. I could stay here forever.”
“I told you that you can stay as long as you like.” He winked, and couldn’t help but wish that they would stay here forever, together.
“You really know how to tempt a girl,” she said with a laugh.
The caddy behind them handed them each a Prescott Global-made golf club.
She held the club in her hands, weighing it, trying to get comfortable. “Okay, just as a warning: I’ve never played golf. Ever.”
“Well, you’re good at softball so you’ve got a good arm,” he pointed out. “I can show you how to swing.”
He motioned to her and she approached him. Allyson watched him intently as he started to swing the club, demonstrating the technique to her. Then he hit a few balls down the course, showing her how to follow through on her swing.
She tried swinging awkwardly on her own. “I don’t know if I’ll get the hang of this,” she said.
“Here, let me show you.” He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist so he could take her hands in his and demonstrate the technique. He tried to ignore the fact that her ass was pressed up against his crotch, but became so turned on that he had to suppress a groan.
“Real smooth,” she said with a giggle and wiggled her derrière.
He smiled, and held her tighter while he tried to show her what to do. “You keep doing that and the caddy’s going to get a show of a different club and balls.”
She stepped away and covered her mouth to try to stop the loud laugh that escaped. “Seriously?”
“Little inappropriate?”
She grinned. “Just a little.” She straightened her shoulders and tried to look serious. “I think I’m ready. Let’s have a go at this.”
“Sounds good to me.”
She stared down the course where they were going to tee off. “I wonder if I’m good enough to beat you.”
He chuckled. “I’m being merciful today. This is a par three course.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means it’s a course for beginners.”
Her eyes widened. “There are bigger courses than this?”
He laughed wickedly. “Prepare to lose, Smith.”
“I don’t think so,” she said, pulling her sunglasses down. “I’m going to crush you with your company’s golf clubs.”
She was bringing out his competitive side, which meant he wasn’t going to back down from her challenge. “I’d like to see you try.”
They started playing. Dane hated to admit that she was damn good for a beginner. Her time playing softball had probably prepared her well. She wasn’t down by much, and he could feel the end of the game coming on. When he stepped up to the ball to take a swing, she raced over to him and pressed her lips to his. He was so distracted by the kiss he almost dropped the club.
Holding her soft, curvy body to his, he kissed her back. Her soft lips yielded to his and his tongue slipped inside her mouth, tasting her. She ended the kiss and slipped out of his grasp.
A saucy smile played on her kissable lips. “Don’t get distracted.”
If her intention had been to distract him from the game, it had worked. His swing went wide. By the end of the game, it was clear Allyson had won. Even bending over to set her ball down distracted him, or leaning forward to select a club, giving him a view of her supple cleavage, worked. “You’re playing hard-ball, girl,” he muttered, but the smile on his face probably told her something completely different. As did the hard-on in his pants.
“I hope I wasn’t too much of a distraction,” she said innocently, playing with the pendant on her necklace.
He blew his last short putt that should’ve easily gone in.
She started running up and down the green, pumping her fists in the air. “I won!”
He was too smitten with her to be annoyed at the outcome. Seeing her so carefree, so totally outside of work, thrilled him. It had been that way when they had fooled around by the pool last night. When she had been vulnerable enough to give herself over to him.
Allyson raced into his arms, excitedly raining kisses across his face.
In this moment, under the tropical sky, she seemed completely alive. Completely unafraid. Like she could finally be all that she was without anyone distracting her. She was radiating the happiness he had always wanted to give her, and he never wanted it to end.
“You do realize that there’s going to be a rematch,” he said.
“And I’ll win again.”
“Are you going to use the same technique next time?”
“Is kissing against the rules?” Her tone was innocent, but her green eyes twinkled mischievously.
He started laughing. “No, but it ought to be. Along with your sexy body on the course.”
Her lips found his again, and their tongues met. His tongue swirled in her mouth as he showed her all the passion he had for her. All his love and desperation to have her were fused into the kiss.
When he pulled away, he grinned at her. “I take it back. Kissing should definitely be part of the rules.”
She laughed, the sound thrilling him more than anything. “What should we do now?”
“We can go get a drink and head down to the beach. Or the swimming pool. There are some nightclubs and casinos around, too. It’s up to you.”
“I don’t want to go to any clubs or casinos,” she said. “I just want to spend time with you. I want you all to myself.” Her face clouded for a moment. “Sorry. Does that sound selfish?”
He nodded, and let a smile break onto his face. “It’s about time you were selfish, Allyson. About time.”
* * *
THEY WALKED BACK TO the villa, holding hands. She felt so safe with her hand in his. So safe and held and wanted. Dane’s decision to stay here with her without any expectations touched her deeply. She vowed that the minute she thought they should end things for good she’d tell him and send him home. Or she would leave. It wouldn’t be right to string him along; she was going to protect his heart, even if it broke hers.
But she didn’t feel like ending things with him. Even after she had broken off the engagement in the hospital, her heart hadn’t wanted it. No part of her really wanted it. The truth was, she had broken things off because she believed she had to, not because she wanted to. She had believed that her love for Dane was getting too self-absorbed. Too selfish in the face of everyone else’s unhappiness over their relationship. But just minutes ago, at the golf course, Dane had told her that it was time to be selfish.
“You don’t think I’m selfish?” she blurted out as he guided her back into the villa.
He stopped to give her a hard stare. “What? You’re the least selfish person I know.”
“I just feel like I’ve put people through so much pain and heartache.”
“You’ve put them through pain by daring to be happy.” He shook his head. “Sounds like the problem is them, not you.”
It sounded so simple when he put it like that. So simple and so damning. The people around them who objected to their relationship didn’t seem capable of being genuinely happy for them. But Holly hadn’t been one of those people. So why should her sister-in-law have to suffer the most? “It wasn’t fair what happened to Holly.”
“She’s okay,” he continued. “Holly’s okay. I told your family to contact me in case something goes wrong, and they haven’t.”
A lump formed in her throat. He seemed to understand what she was thinking without a word. And he’d done so much for her family, even though some of her family members had disrespected him terribly.
“I love you,” she breathed. “I love you so much I can hardly contain it.”
“Then don’t,” he said. “I know you’re scared of this thing between us. It’s okay to be scared. But you don’t have to contain your feelings out of guilt. We shouldn’t have to feel guilty about loving each other. You have the right to be happy, Allyson. I know your family hasn’t always made you feel like you’re worthy, but you are. You’re more than worthy.”
Her heart warmed and she smiled. “How about we get changed and head down to the beach?”
He planted a quick and tender kiss on her lips. “A day on the beach with a beautiful woman? How could I say no?” He opened the door to their place and motioned for her to head to the bedroom. “Get ready, and I’ll meet you down by the pool. Take your time. I promise I’m not going anywhere.”
“How did I get so lucky?” she asked quietly.
“Pardon?”
“Nothing.” She waved her hand. “I’ll see you down by the pool.”
After changing into a bright red two-piece and grabbing her beach bag, she met up with Dane by the swimming pool. He was mouthwatering, the muscles of his bare chest rippling with power. His blond hair fell over his gorgeous blue eyes, and his golden tan made him look absolutely god-like.
He wolf-whistled when she approached. “You know, the view is pretty amazing.”
That made her face flush with heat. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
They walked down to the beach, and she set her bag down on one of the large beach chairs that sat under a huge umbrella. The ocean before them was such a breathtaking shade of blue that it was impossible to tell where the ocean ended and the sky began. The water was so crystal clear she could see down below the surface, even at this distance. Gentle waves rushed to the shore, the constant roar of the ocean calming her nerves. Palm trees swayed all around them, providing ample shade. She inhaled deeply, allowing the salty smell of the ocean to reinvigorate her.
It was as beautiful as any postcard. Everything about the beach was inviting, heavenly. Including the man who was there with her. She turned to him and smiled. “I’m going for a swim. You want to join me?”
“How about you go on ahead and I’ll stay back to get on some sunscreen and enjoy the view?” He gave her a lopsided grin.
She kissed his lips gently and then turned to face the ocean. Quickly, she kicked off her flip flops and raced across the soft, warm white sand until her feet touched the water. The cool water of the ocean lapped at her feet, cooling her. She waded into the water until the salty water reached her chest and she let herself lie back and float on the gentle waves. As the cool water caressed her skin she felt weightless, free of everything that had held her down. She floated around for ages, enjoying the sensation of being partially submerged. Finally, when she started to feel hungry, she stepped out of the ocean and walked back onto the soft, hot sand.
Dane presented her with a huge coconut with a straw sticking out. “Coconut water. Courtesy of some local coconut farmers,” he said. “After we have our drinks, we can eat lunch on the villa’s back patio.”
“Oh wow, that’s so nice of them. Thank you.” She held the coconut and took a sip. Allyson had never had coconut water before, but after one sip she already loved the refreshing taste. “This is amazing.”
“I knew you’d like it.” He smiled and wrapped a towel around her.
She sat down on the beach chair beside him and lay back, cradling the coconut in her hands. “How many times have you been down here?”
“Not often enough,” he admitted. “Before this, I’ve probably been down about three times. All of them were business trips.”
Her eyes widened. “You paid money for a villa you’ve been to only a handful of times?”
He laughed. “Allyson, I own properties all over the world. I haven’t stayed at most of them.”
“How could I work for you and not know this?” She laughed nervously. “I’ve probably freaked out about your money a lot, haven’t I?” She swallowed a large sip, realizing how crass it must sound to someone like Dane to talk about his money like that.
“You remind me how lucky I am.”
“You don’t think spending all this money is a bit...much?” She took another sip of the coconut water. “I mean, it’s your money, but I can’t imagine owning so many places that I’d never visited.”
“Well, hopefully, that might change.” He stared at her for a moment too long, making her heart flutter at the prospect of travelling around the world with him. “Besides, it’s convenient. If I have to make an unexpected stop while travelling, or need to impress some busy executive, it helps to have a property to go to. Plus, they’re a worthwhile investment.”
“I’m so hopeless when it comes to money,” she said. “I’m not like my siblings. Somehow, they managed to figure it all out. Probably because they had the confidence to believe they deserve it.”
“Why did your parents let that happen?”
She shrugged. “I’m the middle child, so I guess I got lost in the shuffle.”
He frowned. “No disrespect to your parents, but you deserve better than that. I’m not going to raise our kids that way.”
“Our kids...?”
Dane grimaced. “Sorry, that just slipped out. I’m not trying to pressure you, and I didn’t mean to presume—”
“That’s okay,” she said softly. “It would be nice to have kids of our own and not make our parents’ mistakes.” She reached for his hand. “Honestly, Dane, I can’t imagine having children with anyone but you.”
“I feel the same way.”
She felt her heart swell, like it was overflowing with emotions. Emotions that she hadn’t fully allowed herself to feel back in New York. Back in New York, she had discovered that she loved Dane with all her heart. But here in the Bahamas, she was starting to learn just what her heart was made of. Maybe it was more resilient than she realized. Maybe the depth of feeling she could contain in it was far greater than she had thought possible. Dane might be on a flight back to New York any day now. All they had was today. And, right now, she never wanted today to end.
Once she finished her coconut water, they headed back to the villa for lunch on the back patio. They sat across from each other in the dining area and the chef, Joseph Durand, appeared. As the food was laid out, Dane started to regale her with stories about Chef Durand, how renowned he was, and not just in his native Bahamas. How hard he had to fight to get the chef to work on call at the villa.
Chef Durand was all smiles, chatting with them about local cuisine, the weather, and his work at other villas where he cooked for everyone from prime ministers to sports stars. After serving them their first course of conch soup and fruit juice, he ducked back inside.
Allyson took a spoon and dug into the conch soup in front of her. Divine. “I think this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Dane smiled. “You’ll say that with each new dish Chef Durand whips up.”
“I think I see why you don’t know how to cook,” she said with a laugh.
“Would you still cook if you had the money to pay for a chef?” He teased.
She suspected it was his sly way of asking if she wanted to cook if they ended up together again. Allyson didn’t blame him for asking in a roundabout way. He probably didn’t want to scare her off, but with her putting their relationship in limbo he had the right to wonder. “I think I would. But only sometimes. I definitely wouldn’t do any housework, though. If I were rich, that would be one of the things I wouldn’t miss.”
They chatted as Chef Durand brought out other dishes: shrimp pasta, baked crab, and finally, rum cake and handmade ice cream for dessert. Everything was delicious. Allyson made sure to compliment Chef Durand profusely before he left for the day. After their meal she relaxed in the living room with Dane while they watched television, chatting about everything and nothing. Soon, after the housekeeper, Mrs. McKenzie, headed out, they were alone at the villa.
Dane reached for her hand. “How about that swim I owe you?”
With a smile, she let him take her hand and lead her back down to the beach. The sun was beginning to set, looking like it was dipping below the ocean waves. The view of the sun spreading pink, orange, and gold bands across the expansive sky was magnificent.
“With clothes or without clothes?” Dane asked.
Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“Should we swim naked or not?” He flashed her a wolfish grin.
She laughed. “You’re insatiable.”
“Guilty as charged. But you can’t really blame me for wanting to see your beautiful body, now, can you?”
Her cheeks heated. “You want us to go skinny dipping in the ocean?”
“Yes.” He paused. “Wait. You’ve never gone skinny dipping, have you?”
“No. What if someone sees us?”
“It’s a private beach,” he pointed out. “But if you’re shy, I totally understand. I mean, you had no problem showing your assets on the golf course... but, if you’re scared—”
“If we’re both going to be naked, then I won’t be shy.” He had a way of making her feel so desirable. So special. Even if her heart was hammering in her chest at the prospect of being naked outside, she still felt sexy somehow.
“I can help you out of your bathing suit,” he offered.
She smiled coyly. “I’d like that.”
He reached behind her for the string at the back that was holding up her bikini top. With one flick of his wrist the top slipped off, exposing her breasts. She blushed under his intense scrutiny. Something wild but oddly tender flashed in his eyes. Like he couldn’t wait to have her, but would somehow find a way to wait just to please her.
“You are the most beautiful thing in the world,” he choked out. He leaned down to plant an eager kiss on her lips. She shivered.
Finding courage in his words, she slipped off her bikini bottoms. “Your turn.”
He was out of his shorts before she got the chance to blink. Her mouth watered at the sight of his growing erection. She bit her lip to keep herself from moaning. He was so gorgeous, so perfectly masculine.
“Ready?” He glanced down. “I apparently am.”
She giggled, and followed him across the sand.
