by Jamey Moody
“How about one of those exquisite kisses of yours,” Riley demanded.
Alex laughed and looked at her, then leaned over the bar and gave her what she wanted.
Riley said, “I’ve always loved the service in this bar.”
Alex shook her head. “Did you and Kara get moved into your new hotel?”
“We did. Thanks for arranging all that for us.”
“You’re very welcome. We take service seriously here at Peaches,” Alex played along.
“I know you do,” Riley said rather seductively.
“Okay, okay, that’s enough from the hot lovers. This is a business, if you’ll remember, and we do have other customers,” Liz said playfully.
“And all of those customers are enjoying their drinks if you will notice, Liz.”
Ignoring Alex, Liz said, “Riley, Alex said you and your friend moved over here for the rest of your stay and she is adding tour guide to her duties.”
“I hope that’s all right, Liz. Kara and I were looking forward to Alex showing us around. You know, giving us a look at real island life.”
“Uh-huh, I’m sure that’s what you were looking for, Riley,” Liz said with a smirk.
“Where is Kara anyway?” Alex said, changing the subject.
“She met up with Mandy when she finished work this evening, so it’s just me tonight. I would be glad to help out around here.”
“That’s nice of you, but we have plenty of help. Sunday night is usually quiet because the vacationers have gone home and the next groups arrive on Monday. I’ve got an idea: have you been for a sunset walk on the beach since you got here?” Liz asked.
“You know, I haven’t.”
“Well, tonight would be the perfect night for that. Alex, get out of here.”
“Wait, Liz,” Riley objected. “Alex was off last night for the wedding. I was going to hang here until she was finished tonight. I don’t want to get in the way.”
“You’re not in the way. It’s a beautiful evening, and there’s going to be a spectacular sunset. You two go! For me.”
“Don’t try to argue with her. When she makes up her mind it’s done,” Alex said coming around the bar. “I’ll be right back.” She disappeared through the door to her place upstairs.
Liz grabbed a small insulated bag and put a few beers into it. She came around the bar and put the bag on Riley’s shoulder. “This will make it a lot more fun!” she said and winked at Riley. “Just so you know, Alex doesn’t do this. I mean, she never walks on the beach with someone. I think you have charmed her, Riley, and hope you continue to do so. Don’t you worry about her taking time off, I’ll take care of it.” Liz put her arm around Riley and squeezed her shoulder. They looked at one another, nodding as if an agreement had been reached.
Alex came in with a small bag over her shoulder. “Ready to go?” she asked, offering her hand to Riley.
Riley took her hand. “Lead the way.”
Liz watched them leave, smiling and thinking to herself that Riley was just what Alex needed. Somehow they were going to find a way to be together. She knew that as sure as she knew that sunset was going to be beautiful. There was no way she was going to let Alex mess this up. She was even determined to work a little island magic if needed. Liz had known her for a long time now, and she’d never seen her look at another woman the way she looked at Riley.
They walked hand in hand along the beach away from all the bars and people. Alex stopped at a little place where the beach began to curve. It was a small shelter, more like a three-sided lean-to, that had seen better days. Alex spread a towel out in front of it, making a perfect spot to watch the sun set. As night fell they would be secluded from anyone walking this far down the beach. Riley set the bag down with the beer, and Alex began to bring out cheese, bread, and fruit for an impromptu picnic.
“Have a seat. I threw a few things together, but I’ll take you on a real picnic soon,” Alex said sitting next to Riley.
“This is perfect,” Riley said opening each of them a beer. The sun was just above the horizon, beginning the show. The fiery orange gave way to muted reds, and as it inched down the sky, it turned from the most beautiful purple to deep violet. They were afraid to look away in case they missed another color. A few early stars were coming out above them.
They nibbled on the snacks and finished their beer as they sat in comfortable silence. It seemed they were always touching, whether it was hands brushing while they shared the food or legs touching while they sat and soaked up the beauty. As night began to fall, Riley sat back on her elbows and looked at the stars above them. The water gently washed ashore in a quiet melody accompanying the show above. Riley thought this was the most romantic moment she’d ever lived.
She sat up and put her arm around Alex’s waist and her head on her shoulder. “This must be what heaven is like.”
Alex smiled. “It is beautiful. I’ve lived here a long time, but this is one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. I think it’s because of who I’m with.” She turned and looked deeply into Riley’s eyes. She took her face in her hands and kissed her. When their lips met Alex felt her heart open and a flood of emotions came rushing out. Riley deepened the kiss, taking the emotions that flowed from Alex. The feelings slammed into Riley’s heart, taking her breath and jolting her heart into overdrive. This was different. This wasn’t a kiss filled with lust and sex to come. This was a kiss full of hope, as if their hearts were exchanging the feelings they were afraid to admit with their heads simply because it was too soon.
They pulled back and looked into one another’s eyes. Alex gently ran the backs of her fingers down Riley’s cheek and sighed. Right now words were not needed. They both felt the shift from “just enjoy it” to something more between them.
Riley was trying to process what had just happened but ended the moment by whispering, “I told Kara I would see her at the hotel tonight.” Even though she said it, there was such longing in her eyes.
Alex nodded. “That’s actually a good thing. You’ll need a good night’s sleep to be ready for the adventure we’re planning tomorrow. And you won’t get much sleep if you stay with me.”
Riley arched an eyebrow while putting her arms around Alex’s neck. “Is that so?”
Alex chuckled. “You know it is. I can’t keep my hands off of you either.”
Riley agreed and said suggestively, “But I don’t have to go back just yet. Sitting on the beach, making out with a hot bartender after a killer sunset sounds like a nice night.” She pulled Alex close and kissed her. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of kissing these lips,” she said her lips on Alex’s.
“Then don’t stop.” And they didn’t.
Alex walked Riley back to her hotel, hand in hand.
“What exactly are we doing tomorrow, tour director?”
Alex laughed. “I’m not exactly a tour director, and I say that now because I don’t want you to expect too much. We may not exactly do what tourists do; however, tomorrow we’re going out on the boat Mandy works on to snorkel and kayak.”
“That’s like tourists.”
“Yes, but the rest of the time probably won’t be, if that’s all right.”
“That’s fine. I want you to show me your island, your paradise.”
They’d reached Riley’s door. Alex turned to her and said softly, “I’d love for you to be part of my paradise.” She leaned down and kissed her softly.
“Mm, are you sure it’s a good idea for me to stay here tonight?” Riley moaned.
“No, but I think you’d better,” Alex said, her forehead on Riley’s. “You and Kara meet me at the restaurant across from the bar for breakfast, and we can walk to the boat. Wear something to swim in and don’t forget sunscreen. I can’t have this beautiful body of yours burned.”
“Burned? You keep me burning all the time!”
Alex smiled and placed a chaste kiss on Riley’s lips. “Good night, Riley. See you in the morning.” Alex started to walk off.<
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“You know how to break a girl’s heart, Alex Adams.”
“Aww, don’t say that,” Alex said, stopping. “I’ll mend it tomorrow.”
Riley grabbed her hand, gave her a gentle kiss, and said, “You just did. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“My pleasure.”
Riley opened the door and winked, “See you tomorrow, beautiful.” Alex smiled and walked away. Riley watched her as her heart swelled with affection. Sure, she liked Alex, but she also knew it was much more than that. She had that fluttery feeling in her stomach. She knew what it meant but was afraid to admit it just yet.
On the walk back home Alex didn’t know when she’d felt so light and happy. It had been quite some time—in fact, she couldn’t remember when the last time had been. Not that she was unhappy, but here she was, walking home, smiling for no reason. Well, she knew the reason, Riley James.
What had started out as a vacation fling with a nice person had somehow morphed into more than that. She wasn’t ready to actually say the word or believe what was happening, but when she thought back to that kiss on the beach, the one where she felt like she was being transported straight into Riley’s heart, it was like she could see something forming in the distance, a glow gathering brightness that was filling Riley’s heart and spilling out, searching, until it found Alex. It slammed into Alex’s heart and filled her to overflowing. She couldn’t think, see, or hear anything but this wonderful warmth surrounding her heart, holding it close and not letting go. When the kiss had ended and they’d looked into one another’s eyes, it was as if their hearts were speaking to one another in a language only they knew. Their hearts already knew what their minds were afraid to believe.
Alex took a deep breath, feeling as if she’d just run a marathon. That was a lot to take in to think about and work out. She decided not to, not right now anyway. All she wanted to do was soak up the warmth that Riley had surrounded her with and give it right back to her. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
After breakfast Alex, Riley, and Kara were on their way to the dock when Kara asked, “So, what do you know about Mandy, Alex?”
“What do you mean? Haven’t you spent the last two days with her?”
“Yes, but you know what I mean. Is she a serial killer or anything like that?”
Alex laughed. “What is it with you two and serial killers?”
“I asked Alex the same thing when I got stuck over here that first night,” Riley explained.
“Mandy comes from a good family,” Riley said. “She grew up here in the islands. She went off to college and came back. She loves what she does on the tour boat, and I don’t think it will be long until she’s running her own. Let’s see, as far as I know she has not killed anyone and is a nice person.”
“What do you care anyway?” Riley asked. “I thought you were having a vacation island fling.”
“I am, unlike two people I know holding hands as we walk to the boat,” Kara said looking at Riley, then Alex with humor in her eyes. “I know she’s younger than me, and I guess I was just wondering about her. Does that make me a cougar?”
“Of course it does! You’re the hottest cougar in Florida, so why wouldn’t you be in the Virgin Islands, too?” Riley said.
Alex laughed. “No offense, Kara, but I might have to disagree with that statement.”
Riley looked at her and said, narrowing her eyes, “Just how old are you, Alex?”
“I’m forty-six, Riley, your age! I was just kidding.”
“How do you know how old I am?”
“I heard you tell one of your friends you were turning fifty. And I didn’t believe it, by the way.”
“Well, thank you.”
“Hey, look, there’s Mandy,” Kara said, excitedly waving to her. “I think we’re about to get the VIP treatment. Look at that boat! This is going to be great!”
Mandy welcomed them all onto the boat. She introduced them to the captain and other mates. They walked around checking out the boat while the other people boarded.
“Come with me, I’ll show you a good place to sit because we’ll be shoving off soon,” Mandy told them. She led them to a good spot where they could see the mates working the sails. The captain told stories as they sailed out into the aquamarine sea. The sails filled with wind, and they flew across the water, the wind whipping through their hair.
The first stop was in the Caribbean Sea for snorkeling. Mandy was the first mate on this voyage and gave everyone instructions on how to use the equipment, clearing their masks, using the snorkel and fins, so that even a beginner would feel comfortable.
“Let’s pair up, and I’ll help you descend to the water,” said Mandy. “Once we’re all in the water I’ll show you some great places to explore.”
After following Mandy they were given free time to explore on their own. Alex took Riley to an area full of brightly colored fish, and they even saw a sea turtle.
“Don’t forget to watch out for jellyfish,” Alex reminded Riley. At one point Alex looked ahead, and a jellyfish about the size of her hand was floating her way. She simply swam to the right and let it go by. It didn’t try to bother Alex, and she certainly didn’t want to bother it.
Alex watched the jellyfish as it continued past her and was struck by the fact that, in the last eighteen years, this was how she treated most people. The people she came into contact with were beautiful to watch passing through her life, but she always got out of the way, afraid they would sting her. All these years she had kept a secret inside, afraid to tell anyone, because of shame and the fear of disgust if they knew what she had done.
But Alex felt different now. She didn’t want to always be swimming away. What if she took the chance and told someone? What if they didn’t sting her and didn’t feel disgust? Liz was always telling her to give people a chance; after all, she still loved her and she knew. Alex decided right then that she was going to tell Riley what she’d been keeping inside all these years. She didn’t know when she’d tell her, but before Riley left to go home, Alex was going to take a chance.
“If you would make your way back to the boat, please,” Mandy shouted to the group. The boat was noisy as everyone excitedly shared with their friends what they had seen. After putting the equipment away and settling in for the next sail, Alex got them all a drink and sat next to Riley, grabbing her hand. Riley smiled at her as just this simple touch made her heart swell.
Mandy told them facts and stories about the islands and pointed out landmarks as they made their way to a small, uninhabited beach and lowered the anchor. The water was shallow, and as they left the boat they waded ashore where a lunch feast awaited them. There were several kinds of fish, fruits, and other treats, as well as plenty to drink.
Alex, Riley, and Kara filled their plates and found a place on the beach to eat and relax. After all the passengers had their food and were seated, Mandy came and joined them.
“This is incredible,” Kara told Mandy as she sat down beside her.
“I’m glad you’re having a good time.”
“I couldn’t believe all the fish we saw,” Riley said.
“Are those pirate stories that you were telling on the way here really true?” asked Kara.
“Of course they were. Do you think we would make up stories just to keep the adventure interesting?” Mandy answered with a twinkle in her eye.
“I’ve heard those stories since I came here, so I know they’re true,” Alex added.
“Right,” Riley said, not believing either of them.
“We’ll hang here for a bit and let people wade and swim before we get into the kayaks,” said Mandy.
“That should be fun,” said Riley.
“I’ll give everyone a tour around the island and tell you a little about the ecosystem and history.”
“I had no idea these tours were so educational,” said Kara.
“We’re proud of our heritage and try to maintain and preserve our treasures,” explained Mandy.
“Isn’t that right, Alex?”
“It sure is. Most of the natives want tourists to get to know our islands and treasure it the way we do,” said Alex. “Let’s go wade a little,” she added, getting up and taking Riley with her.
It wasn’t long until the kayaks were unloaded, and everyone that wanted to grabbed a boat with a partner and followed Mandy around the island for the ecosystem tour. Kara was particularly happy because she was in the boat with Mandy.
After that, they lounged and played on the beach until it was time to board the boat and sail back to where they started. The trip back was quiet and peaceful. Riley sat between Alex’s legs and leaned back, enjoying the ride. What a perfect end to this first adventure.
When they got back, Kara decided to wait until Mandy was finished unloading the boat, so Riley and Alex left to go to Alex’s apartment. She told Kara that she wasn’t going back to the hotel that night and the room was hers.
Alex and Riley strolled into Peaches hand in hand to find Liz at the bar and Beverly and Max taking care of the few patrons.
“Well, you two look like you just came in from the sea,” Liz said.
“We did, and what fun it was,” Riley told Liz. She went on to tell Liz what all they did for the day and what all she saw snorkeling.
When she stopped, Liz looked at both Alex and Riley but didn’t say anything.
“What?” Alex asked.
“You two look so happy,” Liz explained. “Before you say anything, Alex, I’m not teasing you like I usually do. You look happy, and so does Riley. This day agreed with both of you.”
Alex looked at Riley and smiled. “It’s okay, Liz. I know I give you a hard time because you are always teasing me, but you’re right. We had a great time today, and I know I look happy because I am.”
“Do you usually not look happy?” Riley asked. “Because you’re always happy with me.”
“That should tell you something right there!” Liz answered for them all.
Alex said, “Well, I’m not an unhappy person, but you’re right, Riley. I am always happy with you.” She felt herself waver then, as though she might spill all of her secrets right there in public, so she took a minute to compose herself and change the subject. “And what would make me happy right now is food! Adventuring and happiness make me hungry!”