What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3)

by Lauren Hawkeye

“Next stop, sting rays,” said Mr. Rene.

  They stood in chest deep water with their feet spread apart, allowing the rays to glide between their legs. At least twenty stingrays swam gracefully around them with ghost-like movements, almost as if they danced to ballet in slow motion. The stingrays loved Mr. Rene, encircling him and fluttering their wings to swim up on his chest, so he could pet and kiss them. Their dark gray skin felt like rubber as their wings fluttered against Tess and Tom’s chest, so they could give the stingrays kisses, too.

  Mesmerized in the moment, Tom rambled on enthusiastically as they headed for their next location. He rested his warm hand on her shoulder, stealing the air from her lungs as a tingling sensation swept over her skin. “You were right, that was incredible. I’ll admit, I was chicken at first, but once the sharks started to come in, I completely forgot about being nervous. I think I liked the sharks more than the sting rays.”

  Guilt crept into her heart for enjoying herself. Tess didn’t come here for fun. It almost felt like she was cheating on Richard to notice another man. She hardly ever noticed other men before, and never cheated, not once in all the years they were together.

  Tess still hadn’t done what she came there for. She considered asking Mr. Rene to drop her off at a separate motu while they ate lunch, but doubted he would leave her by herself.

  “Here, just like I promised,” she handed him the camera.

  “I’m sorry. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just…”

  “Really, it’s okay. I understand. It must be hard not knowing who you can trust. I don’t know how you do it. I’ll give you my address, just make sure you send me copies of photos you want me to have, okay.”

  Mr. Rene interrupted. “Don’t put your camera away, Mrs. Blue Eyes. We are going to snorkel a large coral reef after lunch.”

  “I thought we were doing a half day tour.”

  Tom smirked. “You were, but I booked the full day. Is that all right or do you need to get back?”

  “No, that’s great.” She paused for a moment before laughing aloud. “Did you steal some other unlucky couple’s afternoon appointment?”

  His dark brown eyes flirted mischievously. “No! I did not. Not that I know of. Maybe.”

  They laughed together now. Tess relaxed, knowing she had more time to figure out how to be alone with Richard.

  Tom lay on his back stretched out on a bench with his sunglasses on, one hand propped behind his head and the other rested casually on his hip with two fingers tucked into the band of his trunks. She needed to plan a course of action to get away by herself, but Tess could barely even think straight peering at his lean sculpted physique from behind her sunglasses. I wonder how old he is? I bet he runs. Maybe he swims. He has to be in his late forties. He definitely takes care of himself. Is he flexing? He’s doing that on purpose to torture me. Tempted to reach out and touch the muscular cords running down his arm, she finally forced herself to look the other direction.

  At last, the motu appeared in the distance. Tess couldn’t wait to jump into the water to cool off. Her mind raced in all different directions. Pushing the image of Tom lying on the bench out of her head, she moved on to the task that lay before her. This was it. Tess would be able to do what she came here for.

  “What’s going on?” Tom asked lifting his head.

  “Lunch, it’s time to eat.” She smiled.

  Mr. Rene handed each of them a coconut with a straw and a lovely purple flower sticking out the top. “I will get lunch ready. You can swim or relax on this beautiful motu. I will set up a table in a moment.”

  Tom held his mask and flippers in his hands. “I’m going to go snorkel, do you want to come with me?”

  “No, thanks. I’m going to chill out for a bit.”

  He headed for the water. Tess waited until she saw his snorkel sticking out of the water before she grabbed her snorkel gear and proceeded off the boat.

  Mr. Rene stopped her, “You are going to go snorkel with Mr. Tom?”

  “Actually, do you remember what I told you I came here to do?”

  “To say goodbye,” he whispered sadly.

  “Can you please keep Mr. Tom busy, so I can have some privacy on the other side of the motu?”

  “By yourself?” he asked hesitantly.

  “I promise I’ll be back in an hour.”

  He nodded reluctantly.

  Tess intended on spending the morning reminiscing of their time spent together in Bora Bora, but the day turned out very different than she planned. She wasn’t going to be disappointed though. Maybe it was better this way. Richard wouldn’t want her to be heartbroken in a place this beautiful.

  On the other side of the motu, Tess found a magnificent white sand beach. Tall palm trees swayed in the sultry breeze and a coconut lay in the sand split open with a palm tree growing out of it.

  Tess plopped down on the soft sand with her box in her hand, gazing around at the dreamlike surroundings. Richard would’ve loved this beach. She always believed everything happened for a reason, and she thought of that now, staring out over the lagoon. If she would’ve done the half-day tour by herself, she’d be on a different motu now and this spot was perfect. She wouldn’t want Richard to be anywhere else.

  Looking down at the hand carved box, she reflected to the time Richard bought it. They’d tried on several occasions to snorkel with the giant manta rays. Every time, the manta rays were a no-show. On their last trip to Bora Bora, Richard found the carved box while shopping at the market. He’d said, “Well if I can’t snorkel with them, I’m going to take one home with me.” Tess had even taken a picture of him holding up the box, pointing to the manta ray lid and pouting his lip out because they eluded him once again. Tears spilled down her face as she chuckled remembering the moment.

  Memories replayed through her mind like a movie. The passion they shared still filled her heart. She missed him, his touch, his kisses, his smell, the feel of his hand in hers and his arms around her. She wanted to hear his deep voice and feel the warmth of his body next to hers.

  Relieved to finally be there in the moment, but overwhelmed with sadness, Tess wanted closure yet didn’t want to let him go. Allowing him to slip out of her hands would feel so final, as if she were letting him slip away from her forever. Richard wouldn’t be at home with her anymore. I can do this. I need to do this. I have to do this.

  Tess waded into the lagoon with Richard for the last time, talking to him aloud. “I miss you so much, baby. You were the best husband, lover and friend I could’ve ever asked for in life. I know everything happens for a reason, but I don’t understand why you had to leave me.” She opened the manta ray box, scattering his ashes into the gentle surf.

  She sat in the warm sand, sobbing while the waves washed over her.

  Gazing out over the ocean, serenity and peacefulness fell over Tess, certain Richard would be happy here. She stood up, forcing herself to leave. She blew a kiss toward the lagoon. “I love you and I miss you, Richard. Have fun here, baby.”

  Mr. Rene’s face showed relief to see her trudging down the beach. “Come eat. Please, Mrs. Blue Eyes, lunch is delicious. I have a fresh drink for you, too. Come, come, sit,” he said with a tender smile.

  She tried to eat, but wasn’t hungry, so she laid a towel down on the sand and nodded off. The sound of Mr. Rene’s guitar woke Tess. She sat up wondering how long she dozed off for. It wasn’t Mr. Rene playing the guitar; it was Tom. Mr. Rene touched her shoulder. “Are you ready to go, Mrs.?”

  “Umm hum.”

  Tom handed the guitar to Mr. Rene and followed behind Tess as she climbed back on the boat.

  Tess sat dazed and numb, watching the scenery pass by. Tom joined her on the bench, tears immediately rolled down the tip of her nose as she tried to hold back sniffles. She couldn’t bear to look at him, so she bowed her head clasping her hands between her knees.

  He rubbed his hand across her back. “I’m sorry Tess. Mr. Rene told me about your husband.�
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  “Thanks.” Without thinking, without hesitation, and without explanation, she leaned back resting her head against his shoulder and the tears came again. Tom didn’t move. He kept his arm around her, softly stroking her shoulder, holding her fingers with his other hand.

  They stayed that way, not saying a word, until they reached the coral reef. “We don’t have to snorkel here. I’ll understand if you want to go back to your bungalow. You probably need some sleep.”

  “I’m fine, really. Go ahead.”

  She appreciated his kindness, but didn’t want to ruin his adventure. Tess lay numb on the bench, attempting to pull herself together while Tom and Riatia snorkeled. She wondered what amazing creatures Richard would see on his journey. Have you found the manta rays all ready? Are you swimming alongside the boat right now? Sitting upright, she leaned over the edge of the boat, peering into the lagoon. Are you right here with me now?

  Mr. Rene blew his conch shell. It was time to go.

  Silence filled the boat ride back to the resort. Not an awkward silence, but an exhausted silence. The lagoon reflected a mirror image of blue glass, as motus passed them by. Tom lightly stroked her shoulder. The feelings that had stirred within her earlier subsided and it was nice to have his arm around her for comfort. It wasn’t the day she planned, but it was a beautiful day.

  As they approached the dock, Tess didn’t quite know what to say. In a strange way, it seemed as if they’d been on a bizarre blind date. “I hope I didn’t ruin your day. I’m sure this wasn’t what you bargained for on your first snorkeling trip. A complete stranger breaking down crying all over your shoulder.” She smiled apologetically.

  “Oddly enough, I feel like I’ve known you for years. Women don’t usually yell at me until they’ve known me a few days.” He joked, making her burst out laughing.

  “Seriously, Tess, I really need to apologize. I hope I didn’t ruin your moment. I feel horrible. If I’d known, I would’ve stepped aside and let you take the tour by yourself. I’m truly sorry.”

  “If you wouldn’t have stolen my tour, you mean.” She poked him in the side. “I’m just kidding. Actually, I’m glad you were here. It helped me in an odd way.”

  His long tapered finger brushed her hair out of her face, tucking behind her ear.

  “I owe you an apology, too,” she admitted.

  “Apologize to me, why?”

  “You’re not what I thought you’d be,” Tess confessed.

  “Am I supposed to take that as a compliment?” His lip curled into a gorgeous grin.

  “Yes. Yes, you are. You were fun today and very charming. I enjoyed your company. I didn’t expect you to be so laid back, and you did let me cry on your shoulder.”

  “Honestly Tess, I would’ve never gotten into the water with sharks if you weren’t here. I’d be left with only a very boring story of how I observed sharks from the safety of a boat. If you leave me your address at the front desk I promise to send you copies of the pictures.” He chuckled reaching down to hug her.

  Tess’ heart began to thump erratically as she wrapped her arms around his waist, not wanting to let go of him.

  “Don’t stay gone for so long, Mrs. Blue eyes.” Mr. Rene patted her back.

  Tess went to her bungalow, lay across the bed, and cried herself to sleep.

  Chapter Four

  Tess’ cheeks were red from sunburn, eyes puffy from crying, and hair untamed and wild from salt water. Her stomach growled with hunger, but she couldn’t go to breakfast like this. She dragged herself into the shower outside on the deck, letting the cool water sooth her warm skin.

  Tess heard someone knocking on her door. She didn’t want to be caught naked in the shower by housekeeping, so she grabbed a towel and tiptoed over to answer the door.

  She cracked open the door expecting to see housekeeping.

  “Good morning.” Tom’s irresistible grin broadened, taking in her towel-clad body. “Did I catch you in the shower?”

  Heat immediately rippled through her core. “No, I always look like this when I answer the door in the morning,” she replied with a sarcastic smile. “What’s up?”

  “Can I come in? It’ll only take a minute, or…I could come back.”

  “Come on in. Have a seat. Just give me a couple of minutes to rinse the conditioner out of my hair.” She tiptoed back to the shower.

  Tom followed her to the deck, taking a seat on the chaise. The open-air shower consisted of no more than three teakwood walls. Tess could barely see over the top without standing on her toes. She felt exhilarated standing naked with only a small wooden wall between them. She peeked over the wall to see him grinning at her, looking hotter than ever in flip-flops, khaki shorts, a black T-shirt and dark sunglasses.

  “How are you this morning?” he asked sincerely.

  “I feel…peaceful actually. Thanks. What brings you to my door this morning?”

  “I have a proposition for you, Tess.”

  She liked the way he said her name, kind of slowly and drawn out. “I don’t have to steal anything do I?”

  “Ha, ha very funny. I booked another tour today with Mr. Rene to see the manta rays. I wondered if you’d be interested in joining me. I’d like to make up for interfering with your tour yesterday. And for the record, I didn’t steal a tour from some unlucky couple today. Mr. Rene assured me his brother-in-law would do their tour for him.”

  “I don’t have to pay for it, do I? Because I’m sure it’s going to cost double the normal tour fee.” She laughed aloud.

  “Nope, it’s on me.”

  Tess stepped out of the shower with her towel wrapped around her. “Can I eat first?”

  “Sure. Mr. Rene should be here in thirty minutes, but if you need more time we’ll wait. Take your time.”

  Tom stood to leave. Tess sensed his eyes on her. She automatically straightened her back, pushing her ass out. Tom smiled from ear to ear.

  “What?” she asked shyly.

  “Nothing. I’ll see you in a few minutes. I’m glad you said yes, I wasn’t sure if you’d be up for it.”

  “Of course I’ll go with you. Thanks for thinking of me. I’ve never gotten to see the manta rays. Hopefully they won’t be a no-show.” She wanted to ask about his girlfriend. “Just the two of us, right?”

  “Yep, just the two of us.”

  “See you in thirty minutes.” She peeked her head out the door to watch him mosey down the pier. Holy crap!

  Tess slipped a sheer white bathing suit cover over an electric blue bikini. She hit the buffet and made it to the dock in thirty minutes.

  Mr. Rene sang to her as she strolled down the dock. “Ia Orana, it’s a beautiful day, Mrs. Blue Eyes.”

  “Ia Orana. It is a gorgeous day. Hopefully the mantas will show themselves. Mr. Tom isn’t here yet?”

  “He forgot something. He will be right back.”

  Sure enough, Tom strode down the dock. As he stepped onto the boat, Tess fought back the urge to throw her arms around his neck and hug him hello. What the hell is wrong with me?

  “That was fast. I thought for sure I’d be waiting at least thirty minutes for you.” He sounded exceptionally cheerful.

  She exhaled heavily to release the breath she’d been holding. “It doesn’t take me very long to get ready. I’m easy.”

  “Really? I would’ve never guessed.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” Heat rose to her cheeks as she poked him in the ribs.

  “I’m only teasing. I ran down to the front desk and got another underwater camera.” Tom reached for her hand and slipped the camera around her wrist. “With any luck, we’ll get to use it today. I brought my regular camera, too. It won’t bother you if I take pictures, will it? I’ll make sure you get copies and…I asked the nice lady at the front desk to leave me your address.”

  “She’s going to leave you my address?” Tess’ mouth hung open in shock. “Did you have to pay her for it or did you use that voice you use on her?”
/>   “I’m not sure what you are referring to, but no, I simply asked nicely.”

  “I’ll bet.”

  The bright blue sky made for a magnificent day. The motion of the boat on the water relaxed Tess as they chatted about their excursion from the day before.

  “So Tess, where are you from?”

  “I live in Las Vegas.”

  “Really?” he said in surprise.

  “Yeah, why? Does that shock you?”

  “Well, kind of. I’ve been to Vegas, and you don’t look like the typical Vegas-type girl.”

  “I’m not a Vegas-type girl. Vegas isn’t just about gambling, nightlife and clubbing. Regular people live there, too,” she explained, unsure how to take his comment. “Where did you think I lived?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, you look like a California girl, very natural.” Beneath his sunglasses, Tom’s eyes wandered from her head to her toes.

  Knowing Tom fully enjoyed toying with her, Tess stared him straight in the eye. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I am all natural.” She liked her shape and didn’t feel the need to surgically enhance her body or face. Everything was still where it was supposed to be.

  He grinned in a way that made her blush. “Oh, believe me, I meant it as a compliment.” Tom snapped a picture of her fiery cheeks.

  “Where do you live?”

  “I have a couple of houses, but I don’t really have a permanent residence. I work a lot, so I’m not home too often. I’m trying to slow down so I can have more time off,” he paused for a minute. “Do you have kids?”

  “Three kids. JC is eighteen and starting her first year in college. Tracy’s twenty-one, in her third year of college. And John’s twenty-three. I’m lucky. They’re good kids. We’re close.”

  “Where does your daughter go to college?”

  “UNLV, but both my girls are going to Colorado College this fall. Tracy did her first year there and loved it. She decided to go back and JC wanted to go with her. They love to snowboard.”

  “I have a cabin about an hour from there. If your girls like to do anything outdoors, they’ll love it.” Tom hesitated. “How long were you married? I don’t mean to pry. I’m just curious.”