Maria stood at the railing of the cruise ship, staring out at the endless expanse of the Caribbean. Less than twenty-four hours ago she had exchanged vows with Cameron King in a New Year’s Eve candlelight ceremony, with both families in attendance along with many of the staff at Della’s. Maurice had surprised everyone when he cut his hair, removed the garish color, and put on an expertly tailored handmade Brioni suit. Most of the single women took one look at him, quickly abandoned their demure demeanor, and flirted shamelessly with him.
Maria had handed in her resignation and when she and Cameron returned from their honeymoon they would meet with a contractor to begin construction for her full-service salon and adjoining supper club. Cameron had suggested a location where the diners would have a view of the water from a rooftop garden restaurant. She had not planned on opening her salon on Long Island, but relented after she found the perfect location on the North Shore.
She closed her eyes, a sensual smile parting her lips when she felt the heat of her husband’s body sweep over her back. His hand curved around her waist, moving up until it rested over her left breast. She felt him shudder as he drew in a sharp breath when her nipple swelled against the delicate silk dress.
Relaxing, she sank back against his cushioning embrace. Her hand moved and covered his, the eerie light of a full moon glinting off the brilliant blue-white diamonds circling her wedding band.
“The sky down here is beautiful, isn’t it, Cameron?”
His warm breath swept over her ear. “Not as beautiful as you are.”
Opening her eyes, she turned in his loose embrace. Her gaze caressed his face, committing each feature to memory. “I love you,” she whispered reverently.
“And I, you,” he confessed. Lowering his head, he kissed her mouth, giving in to the sweetest surrender he had ever known.