by Lucia Franco
We come up for air, both of us smiling. I reach for James and wrap my legs around his waist. He automatically tugs me closer. I can reach the ground, but this is more fun.
"I caught you," he says, his voice low.
My heart does a little flip. He caught me the moment we met in Bryant Park. We both know that.
"You did," I say.
"If I didn't already set up a full day of sightseeing for us, we'd be making our own waves right now."
"Real suave, James. That might be the most cliché thing you've said yet."
"I have my moments," he says. "I can cancel…" He lifts a brow in suggestion.
I almost want to say yes, but I don't. I playfully slap his shoulder. I know he's not serious. When we're on vacation, we make the most of it and see and do everything we can.
"No! I want to see the waterfalls, and snorkel with the fish. I want to feed the sharks and stingrays. I want to do couple’s massages with you, and after dinner I really want to see the Polynesian dance. You're taking me to do all of that." I try to be firm, but he can see right through me.
James is smiling from ear to ear. He moves the wet hair stuck to my cheek and leans in to place a kiss on my neck.
"Okay, okay, okay. Whatever you want to do, I want too." He lifts his wrist and checks the time. "We have about an hour before we have to be at the dock for the boat I chartered. As much as I want to make love to you again, I think we should eat and get one more drink. We have a full day planned."
"And change my suit. I want to grab some shorts too."
"We'll get your shorts but don't change the bathing suit. You're fucking smoking in it."
"You don't care?"
One corner of his mouth turns up. James has that sexy, quiet confidence that makes him secure with who he is.
"No, sweetheart, I was just playing. Let people look at you. I want them to. I know who you'll be coming home with at the end of the night."
"Damn straight, big daddy."
James lets out a raucous laugh then pulls us under water to kiss me.
Cardi B’s "Money" starts blaring in our bungalow.
I frown as I look around trying to uncover where I placed my purse. I know that's my phone, but I don't remember setting that ringtone for anyone.
"Who's that?" James asks as he buttons his shirt.
"No idea."
I grab my cell phone from my clutch and read the screen.
"Real slick, Natalie." I shake my head as I answer the phone.
It takes her a second to comprehend what I'm talking about, then she bursts out laughing. "I forgot I did that!"
"Now your dad thinks you like to fuck in big tall heels, but you don't really need the D because you just really want the money."
She's still laughing. "Oh my God! I'm dying!"
I turn to gage James's reaction, but he's not paying attention to my conversation anymore. He's slipping on his Tag watch and rolling up his dress shirt sleeves to his elbows. I love this look on him. The distressed jeans and partially buttoned shirt. The way the tattoos tease his arms and chest works well with who he is. We'd been sightseeing and snorkeling for most of the day. Now there's a golden tint to James's cheeks.
I can't believe I snagged myself a fucking hot silver fox.
I still can't believe he's my best friend’s dad either.
"What's my ringtone when I call you?"
"'Milkshake' by Kelis."
The beginning of the song begins to play in my head, and I smile to myself. Natalie is hysterical.
"What's up, bestie?"
"I hope not my dad's—"
"Nat! Stop it."
She sighs dramatically and chuckles. "When do you two lovebirds get back? I have breaking news."
I frown. "Are you all right? Is everything okay?"
James looks at me with concern. He lifts his chin, wanting to know what's going on.
"Everything's fine," she says. "I just have something I want to talk to you about in person."
"You're pregnant." I deadpan, and James's eyes widen.
"No, you raging lunatic." I shake my head at James so he knows she's not pregnant. "I'm living my best IUD life. If I could find a doctor to perform a hysterectomy on me now, I would. No little monsters for me. I plan to spread myself thin."
I shake my head, laughing under my breath. James still doesn't know Natalie is the one who got me a job as an escort at Sanctuary Cove, and he never will. I'm happy she hung up her knee pads and isn't hooking anymore.
"But are you okay?"
"Yes, I just want to make sure I see your face when you get back."
"Ah, okay. We'll be back late the day after tomorrow."
"I'll be there the next morning with bells on bright and early equipped with guava and lime mimosas."
"Oh, what are we celebrating?"
"My vagina's freedom. I gotta run, Ram Jam, and don't forget to make sure he wears a rubber. You can't trust anyone these days."
Natalie hangs up, leaving me laughing at her sarcastic, vulgar sense of humor. Nothing she says shocks me anymore.
"What's the ringtone when I call you?" James asks.
A huge smile lights up my face. "Call my cell and find out for yourself, Big Daddy."
James retrieves his phone and dials up my number, then meets my gaze when "Doin' It" by LL Cool J blares from my phone.
"That's what plays when I call you?"
I nod proudly.
"Every time?"
I nod again.
"I fuckin' love you," he says, and plants a kiss on my lips, then takes my hand and guides us to dinner.
Five
"Thank you for this, for tonight."
James has his arm around me and I drag my nails back and forth over his forearm. We're sitting on our deck under the night sky sipping Remy Martin. James ordered a special bottle for us, and just like in Aureole, he says we have to finish it. We're about halfway through, but neither one of us is drunk. It's a soothing, warm body, relaxing high when sipped slow.
After a romantic dinner with the full moon slipping behind the darkening ocean, we walked a short distance with my high heels hooked on two of my fingers and James holding my other hand. I could walk the streets of Manhattan in five-inch heels, but on the soft sand I basically had two left feet.
We watched the Polynesian dance show. I was entranced the entire time, and I think James was too. They thumped the tops and the sides of the barrel drums with their thumbs and heels of their hands, then they blew into conch shells to produce a sound I'd never heard before. James said if you hold a conch shell to your ear, you can hear the ocean. Mini tiki torches were posted every two feet or so in the sand. The flames were small, but enough to come together to create a sultry mood and color the women's exposed skin in a coppery radiance. The best part was the large, colorful feathered head pieces they wore that I imagine are heavier than they look. Matching straw skirts that sat extra low on their hips and a basic triangle bathing suit top finished the ensemble. Every time the skirts swayed, a rustle blew in the air. I've seen some pretty eclectic dancers on the subways in New York City, but the precision and speed these girls popped their hips and rolled their bellies was fascinating to watch. I swear they hit every beat and didn't stop until it was over. They encouraged the locals and tourists to go on stage to dance with them toward the end and managed to carouse James up. I wish I'd brought my cell phone to dinner to video record him to show Natalie. The way he was smiling from ear to ear, how his eyes glittered with delight as he danced in the sand barefoot with the girls made me so fucking happy inside. James Riviera makes me high on life and it made me realize just how much my love for him grows by the minute.
"For what, sweetheart?" he asks.
I look at him. Our eyes lock and I hope he feels what I say.
"For bringing me here. For noticing when I'm stressed and trying to help. For being you. For having a big heart. This might be my favorite vacation we've taken yet. You're so good to me. Sometimes I
feel like I don't deserve you."
James doesn't say anything. He reaches for me, cupping my cheek, and kisses me softly. My eyes close and I draw him in. His lips are pressed between mine, but we don't move our mouths. We just hold steady, like we're cherishing the other’s touch. It's a simple kiss but makes my heart feel the most because it's James who's giving it to me. When he kisses me, he always makes me feel like I'm the only person who matters to him.
Breaking the kiss, James's steel eyes search mine. He's breathing a little deeper, heavier. "I was going to tell you I want Valentina tonight." Excitement sparkles in my eyes, but he shakes his head. "But I don't. I just want you. Always and forever, just…you, Aubrey."
Does he not comprehend what his words do to me? He takes my breath away and makes my heart rush faster at the same time. I swallow hard, feeling my pulse in my damn throat.
"Come on, I have something planned for you."
James takes my hand and walks us to our bungalow about twenty feet away. We step through the French doors and my jaw drops in surprise. My eyes widen as I take in the moment, wondering how he made this happen while we were sitting on the front deck.
The lights are turned down low, and there are white candles lit along the walls. There's usually a tropical aroma that follows us on the island, but in our room, there's something deeply seductive and alluring about the scent that pulls me in.
My eyes land on our king-size bed. I shoot a quick glance at James who's watching me.
There are white feathers and red rose petals sprinkled on top of the down comforter. I’ve never seen a blend like that on a bed before. It's beautiful but more sexy than anything else. My heart is rushing so fast against my ribs that I can't process what’s happening in front of me.
"When did you do this? When we came back, none of this was here."
He turns to face me and steps closer until he's an inch away. "I had the resort set it up for us. I gave them instructions and told them when to come. I shut the door so you wouldn't hear them while we sat outside together."
I shake my head, blinking a few times. I can't believe how thoughtful he was to set this up.
"Really? This may be the most romantic thing you've ever done."
He cups my cheeks and gazes into my eyes. "I told you, Aubrey, you're my world. You make me feel young and what it's like to be happy again. You're my light, what I look forward to every day I wake up. There isn't a thing I wouldn't do for you."
Emotions well in my eyes. James can be a total mush ball, but he never gets this mushy and deep into his feelings like he is right now. I can feel them striking me all at once. I know James loves me and he'd do anything to see me smile, but tonight makes me think he's hiding something…like he's sick, and doesn't have much time left.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
My lips form a thin flat line and my jaw trembles. He grabs my arms, frightened eyes look back at me.
"Tell me what's wrong."
"Are you sick? Something that you're afraid to tell me? Is that why you're being sweet to me and had this set up?" My voice shakes, and I feel so stupid saying what I did, but I can't think straight now that my heart's a frantic mess. "Because I need to know if you have a terminal disease and need to buy two caskets because I can't live without you, James. I just can't."
James stares back at me in complete silence. His jaw is hanging open and his blue eyes are unmoving. I knew it. I guessed and he didn't expect that.
My stomach is in knots. Now I'm always going to associate Tahiti with James telling me he's sick.
"Uh, Aubrey?" he says, scratching the side of his head. "There's nothing wrong with me. I don’t know where you got that I was sick from, but I'm not. I’m healthy as a horse."
My eyes shift back and forth between his. "What?"
"I'm not sick." He drops his arms and I suddenly feel bad. "I just want you to know how much you mean to me and that I really just fucking love you so much. I can't believe you thought I was sick."
I roll my lips between my teeth and cringe inside. My eyes drop to the floor as my cheeks bloom with embarrassment. I feel like a moron now. A small giggle makes it past my lips. Closing my eyes, I laugh at how dense I am sometimes. Natalie likes to say it's a good thing I'm pretty when I say something really ignorant. I bet if she were here, she'd say it again.
"Baby, I'm so sorry." I put my hand on his chest. "I feel terrible."
"And that's why you laughed," he says with zero emotion. No smile. No personality.
Oh, no. James is hurt and that makes me feel like shit. I hate that I sometimes laugh at the wrong moments.
"I laughed because I'm dumb. I'm really sorry, James. I never once doubted your love for me, so when you started talking, I thought you were preparing me for something bad."
He doesn't say anything, and it causes my pulse to spike. God, I fucking ruined it.
"James? I really am sorry."
"I guess my emotions are a little more hands-on this trip." His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. "But that's because I'm so proud of you after watching how hard you've worked these last couple of years. I love you. I know we've been together a while now, but I've never felt like this. Like you hold all the power inside of me, and I can't do anything about it. Like my fucking heart won't stop burning at the sight of you. If this is what real love feels like, then I never want to have the chance to experience it with anyone else ever again. What I feel for you scares the shit out of me. Every move I make, everything I think about, it involves you in some way. I guess the way you make me feel turns me into a sap, but that's what you do to me, Aubrey." He pauses. "I can't turn off what I feel for you, and I won't."
I'm speechless.
I'm also a fool.
I definitely didn't know he felt like that. Like how I feel about him.
A very small smile curves my full lips. My eyes drop to his throat where his pulse hammers away in his neck. I lean in, pressing my lips over it, and allow my tongue to do a lap. I find the buttons on his shirt and begin to slowly undo them. James's hands slide onto my hips and he gives me a little tug.
Without lifting my head, my eyes shoot to his. I'm a little nervous, but I want him to know his feelings are not one-sided.
"Tomorrow," I say, and my voice takes on a velvety smoothness, "you and I are going to this little tattoo shop here we passed a few times when we were strolling. I'm going to get my first moment. I've been waiting for the right time, and it's now." I swallow and lick my lips. "When I say I love you more, it's because I can't imagine you can feel more than what I already do." Sudden shyness attempts to pull at my lips. My cheeks are a little flushed.
His hands roam my loose and flowy dress, inching it up with the tips of his fingers. The need in his touch and the way his fingers leave a trail of heat in their path rocks me down to my core. It makes me fall harder for him more, if that's even possible. To be loved so profoundly and manage to still give it in return is a feeling one would never understand unless they lived it fully. This is what life is all about and the meaning behind why we're here.
I can tell James all night long that I love him, but I'd rather show him how I feel.
Six
My hands move to his shoulders to slide his shirt off.
It falls to the floor in a heap. I lean forward and press my lips to his chest and inhale the cognac and crushed cigar scent clinging to him with my eyes closed. He smells like money and masculinity. His hand cups the back of my head as my fingers reach for his belt buckle to loosen it. James pulls down the straps of my dress and I slip out of my high heels as my dress joins his shirt on the floor. I'm above average height for a woman, but I feel small in comparison to James.
"Never doubt what I feel for you." My voice drops to a throaty whisper as I look at him. "Never doubt it's any less than what you feel for me. You're it for me, baby."
Rising up on my tiptoes, I palm his cheeks and bring his kiss to me. One hand finds my lower back, the other is threading through my ha
ir, holding me to him. The way James kisses me this time, while it's the same, it's completely different. It's deeper, harder, more intense. Like he's not holding back anymore and showing me how he truly feels.
He tears his mouth from mine. "Do you trust me?"
I nod without hesitation. "Of course."
"Lay on the bed facedown."
I do as he says and lay on the feathers and petals. I hear him rustling behind me and turn to watch him over my shoulder. James in a designer suit is heart-stopping, but James naked is ovary combusting. He's a big man all over, strapping and brawny. He's not cut with definition, but it's clear he has it and that he's strong enough to hold both of us up.
James picks up one of the many candles in the room and climbs onto the bed. He straddles my legs. His heavy, thick cock grazes the back of my thighs.
"This is going to be hot for a second, but it won't hurt you." James blows out the flame. "The wax turns into massage oil."
"Are all the candles like that?"
"Yes."
I nod in eager excitement and wait. Hot oil is drizzled down my spine and I hiss and fist the sheets, my hips rising back of their own accord. It doesn't last long, just long enough to spread a soothing warmth over me.
"Does it hurt?" James stops pouring.
"No, not at all. I just didn't know what to expect the first time. It feels good actually."
"I wish you could see yourself like this," he whispers, then places the candle down on the bed and begins to massage my back. "You look… I have no words." Fingers spread out, he applies pressure and glides up my back to my neck. He gives my shoulders a good squeeze before moving back down. The tips of his fingers browse the sides of my breasts, over my ribs, to my lower back.
"Oh, wow." I nearly purr, my hips moving again. My toes curl. "James, this feels incredible."
"I'm going to do your entire body."
He applies more oil to my back, then moves down to my ass and pours some on it. Wide hands palm my cheeks as he caresses me in slow circles. He takes his time, dragging his thumb from my pussy, up the inside of my ass, before moving in an outward circle and repeating the motion.