by Sierra Rose
I clutched Jake’s arm and gasped. Pulling my legs up as high as I could, I blinked.
“Keep swimming!” Jake said. “Get to the kayak.”
A large dorsal fin passed just inches from my feet. I shuddered as the shark glided through the water like a torpedo.
SMACK!
When the shark hit, I felt a crushing blow to my chest, like getting sacked when I played football with the guys. I sank a few feet beneath the surface. Sharp pain radiated through my body, and it wasn’t until a salty rush of water gushed into my mouth that I jerked back to reality and began kicking and flailing my arms. I emerged, sputtering water.
“Ashly!” Jake shouted, his lips pressed together in a hard line.
My chest heaved, and I sucked in giant gulps of air. I touched Jake’s chest gingerly. “I-I think I’m okay,” I said, still stunned.
With a giant kick, I took off through the water. As I did, the shark rose out of the water and swam toward me, filling my vision with its beady, black eyes, huge fin, and flared gills. Its giant tail sliced the water with slow, side-to-side strokes. I had planned on getting up close and personal with numerous sea creatures on our vacation, but a close encounter with nature’s most efficient killing machine wasn’t exactly on my ten most wanted list.
Terrifying jaws stretched open, revealing three rows of razor-sharp teeth. My heartbeat doubled, maybe even tripled, as I stared helplessly, right into the creature’s jaws. My eyes widened as I let out a long, piercing scream. The beast’s body arched upward, then slammed fiercely back down into the ocean. Spirals of water shot high in the air, then rained down over me. The deluge of water created intense waves that rocked me back and forth. I gasped as the monster disappeared into the ocean depths.
A blue-gray flash glided under me. I leaned forward in the water, scanning the depths. With great speed, a massive and distorted image shot toward me. My heart lurched. Death was imminent. This is it! The shark’s huge mouth was agape, exposing those terrifying, sharp, fatal teeth. Its mouth was so big that it wouldn’t even have to chew; I’d be eaten in one gulp.
Suddenly, a blue-gray creature popped its head out of the water, sprinkling droplets on my face. It opened its great mouth and emitted a squeak and a series of rattling sounds, like someone clicking their tongue. Instantly recognizing the beast as a friendly one, I let out the breath that had frozen in my lungs. “A dolphin!” I screamed. “A bottlenose!”
I smiled as more of the beautiful, brave creatures breached, jumping high out of the water like acrobats performing a show. A large adult dolphin squeaked louder than the rest. It slapped the water with its tail and urgently nudged us. I felt a shove on my arm, as if I’d bumped into a wet inner tube, followed by a gentle poke in the side. The dolphin seemed to be smiling at me, trying to get my attention. Unlike the mouthful of menacing teeth on the shark, the dolphin donned a big, goofy grin. It was as if the friendly dolphins knew we were in trouble and needed help. Several of them drew closer, pushing us toward one another. Slapping their tail flukes against the surface of the water, the creatures swam in tight circles, closing us off from the shark and creating a defensive barrier, like offensive linemen protecting their quarterback. The sea bubbled and splashed as more clicks, whistles, and squeals filled the air. I threw up an arm to shield my face from the spray of saltwater.
My mouth dropped as I watched the scene unfold before my eyes. Other dolphins made clapping sounds with their jaws and ganged up on the shark. Repeatedly, they used their long, pointed snouts to ram the shark, poking them in their gray gills and massive, white bellies. A wave of relief swept over me as the shark turned and swam out of sight. I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart.
Without a second thought, we swam for the kayak, which wasn’t too far away. Jake hopped in, then pulled me up. The boat wobbled, but I made it safely aboard. The dolphins squeaked and leapt high in the air, then somersaulted and dived back into the sea, splashing the warm, salty water over my entire body, as if I had a front-row seat at Sea World. As beautiful as they were, we didn’t stick around; we quickly started paddling toward shore. I was a little uneasy that we’d see more sharks swimming beneath our transparent boat, but I couldn’t help but smile as the dolphins swam circles around us like sentries, making sure we were safe before then vanished beneath the surface of the water with a few farewell squeaks and squeals before vanishing into the distance.
When I turned to face Jake, his smile said it all: Against all odds, we’d survived—again. He gave me a hug and kissed me.
Relief flooded through me. “I owe Flipper a huge debt, because gazing down his nasty Uncle Jaws’s throat wasn’t on my to-do list for this trip, that’s for sure.”
Jake frantically paddled us to shore. “You know, there are stories of dolphins rescuing humans going clear back to the times of ancient Greece. No one knows why they protect us, but for some reason, they do.”
* * *
When we got back to the hotel room, I took a hot shower. As the hot water beat down on me, I thought about the shark and shook away the memory. Then a new memory quickly took its place: Jake’s mind-blowing, intoxicating, awesome kiss. I smiled as I thought about our wonderful kiss in the bioluminescent water. Wow! I slipped into a nightgown, closed the drapes, and shut out the lights. I climbed into bed and crawled into Jake’s strong arms. He kissed my head and embraced me tightly. I felt so secure, so safe.
“Some adventure, huh?” he joked, trying to calm my nerves.
“All adrenaline,” I said.
“I don’t know about the rest of it, but my adrenaline is still pumping from that mind-blowing kiss.”
“It was just as good as I remembered it,” I said. The truth was, it was the moment I’d been waiting for my entire life, like the most romantic moment in a movie, a kiss in the rain or a blizzard or under some giant, towering waterfall on a tropical island. It was that kind of awesome
He captured my lips in a soft kiss. “Goodnight, Ashly,” he said, then got up to go to his bed on the floor.
“Hey,” I said, “we just survived a shark attack. I might have a nightmare or something. I think you should sleep up here.”
“So it takes a close encounter with an aqua demon before I’m allowed to sleep next to you?” he said, quite amused.
I chuckled as I met his gaze. “C’mon.”
He climbed in the bed and turned the other way. “Goodnight.”
“Jake?”
“Yeah?”
“I won’t get mad if you decide to hold me tonight. I mean…if you want to.” Instantly, I felt his chest against my back, and he flung his strong arm over my waist. It felt so good to be held by him, and he made me feel safe. I’d never felt like that before about anybody. When he kissed me, the world stopped. The kiss and everything about him seemed perfect in every way—everything except what he’d done to me in the past. When we looked at each other, we couldn’t help wearing dopey smiles. I was safe and comfortable in my ex’s arms.
* * *
The next morning, my lawyer called to inform me that he’d made a mistake. We were supposed to be going to Provo, an island in the Turks and Caicos, but something about our itinerary was screwed up, and we had to hurry back to the States in time for Mardi Gras.
“That doesn’t make sense,” I complained to Jake. “We’re way closer to Provo than to New Orleans.”
“Does it really matter?” he asked.
“Yes! How can things be so out of whack? What was he thinking? I could’ve planned this trip perfectly, but he wouldn’t let me help. I would’ve done everything in order.”
“It had to be hard to organize the trip and make all the reservations and order plane tickets. You should give the guy some credit.”
“I like order,” I said.
Jake met my gaze straight on. “No, what you like is to be in control, and you can’t stand the fact that you’re not.”
“Fine. So my perfectionist side is kicking in…and now I’m tr
ying to pick a fight with you, because I don’t like feeling out of control.”
“Take a deep breath, Ashly. Everything is gonna work out fine.”
I sighed. “I can’t stand being told where to go and what to do,” I admitted. “It’s driving me crazy. Even after she’s gone, my mother’s still calling the plays.”
“We’ll be fine,” he said, gripping my hands.
I placed a slow, passionate kiss on his lips. “You’re right. I’ll just let it go. As long as I’m with you, I don’t mind.”
* * *
While Jake took a shower, I decided to call Nadia.
“Hi, Ashly!”
“Guess what.”
“What?”
“I kissed him,” I said, excitement flooding my voice.
She squealed. “Really? Well, kiss and tell, girl! How was it?”
“Mind-blowing.”
“I said you should be friends, not friends with benefits.”
“It’s not like that. I tried not to let it happen, but one thing led to another, and—”
“And now it’s Ashly and Jake, together once again.”
“Not officially,” I said.
“Is he still hot in bed?”
“Nadia!”
“What? You’ve seen the guy, right? He looks like he could—”
“We haven’t slept together on the trip.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’re taking things slow.”
“How boring. Do you even know how much fun you could be having?” She paused. “Wait…maybe it’s best that you don’t sleep with him.”
“Why?”
“Because once you do, you’ll never wanna leave that hotel room. I know I wouldn’t! Then you’ll never get those photos.”
“Listen, I gotta go. Jake’s coming.”
She laughed. “Apparently not yet.”
I chuckled. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Heh. I’ve been trying to, but it kinda likes it down there.”
“Bye, Nadia,” I said, then hung up with my friend and prepared to move on to our next adventure.
Chapter 12
We checked into The Omni Royal Orleans, only twelve miles from New Orleans International Airport, a four-diamond, luxury, seven-story wonder located in the historic French Quarter. It was beautiful, with an old Southern charm that took my breath away. It was an older building, so the rooms were somewhat small, but it was quaint and cozy and comfortable. Sitting on the table was a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice, along with a plate of chocolate covered strawberries.
Jake picked up a strawberry and held it near my mouth.
I took a bite. “Mmm. Delicious.”
He grinned. “I agree.”
“So what’s on the agenda?” I asked.
“Do you wanna go take a walk, order room service, hit the rooftop pool, or rent a movie?”
“I definitely want to get some shots of the French Quarter from the rooftop terrace.”
“How about a bite to eat first? There’s the Rib Room, Johnny Po Boys, or we could try the Royal Oyster House across the street. If you really want to be adventurous, we could have a New Orleans favorite, boiled crawfish.”
“I’ve never had that before.”
“It’s a favorite down here. You’ve gotta suck the head to get all the juices and flavors, then grab the tail with two thumbs, break it apart, and pull out the morsel of meat.”
I winced. “Uh, New Orleans cuisine classic or not, I think I’ll pass.”
“But you love trying new things.”
“I do! But biting off the head of tiny, little creatures is where I draw the line.”
“If you’re scared, guess we’ll miss out then.”
“Hey! Are you accusing me of being a wimp or something?”
“I’m just sayin’—”
“Just for that, I’ll try it. I’ve survived lions, a crocodile, and a shark. I’m not gonna let a freakin’ little crawfish make a wus out of me,” I said.
“Good. Then I’ll try it too.”
I gazed into his eyes and cupped his face. “Can you believe we’re here for Mardi Gras? I say we celebrate!”
He smiled and popped open the bottle of champagne.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler!” I shouted.
He cocked a brow.
“Let the good times roll!” I translated.
He poured a glass for each of us and handed one to me.
I raised my glass and made a toast. “Cheers!”
He clinked my glass with his. “Cheers!” Jake then walked out on the balcony, and I followed along behind him. “So…what exactly is Mardi Gras?” he asked. “Isn’t it just a huge parade where everyone wears crazy, gaudy, outrageous costumes? Oh, and there’s that thing about people going topless when you give them some beads, right? I’d like to get you a strand or two of those, if that’s the case.”
“Jake!” I said, slapping him playfully. “It’s more than one parade. There’s all kinds of parades, private parties, and masquerade balls during the twelve days leading up to Mardi Gras.”
A cool breeze blew through my hair. I tapped my finger on the railing to the tunes drifting up from a street band playing lively music. I sipped my champagne as I peered out at the Mississippi River.
“Wow,” he said. “Sounds like quite the party. I’m glad I’m spending it with you.”
He pulled me close and placed a long, passionate kiss on my lips. Then he led me back inside our room, set his champagne glass down, took mine from me and set it down as well, then threw me on the bed and kissed me again with an undeniable hunger. He moved slow and didn’t push for more than I wanted.
We ended up talking all night long and sleeping in till noon the next day. We had so much to catch up on, and we had a blast doing it. Talking to Jake was so easy, so natural. I had never felt so close to anyone. It was as if he was the only person who’d ever really gotten me.
* * *
After dinner, while I was getting ready for Mardi Gras, a knock on the door startled me. When I answered it, I found a hairstylist and makeup artist from the same company where I’d rented the dress. My lawyer had paid for the entire package.
“I’m Tina,” she said, smiling. “I’m here to make you look beautiful, but I can see that won’t be too difficult.”
“Thank you. I’m Ashly.”
Tina winded the curling iron around my hair, adding loose, flirty curls, then used her fingers to break them up a bit so they’d look more natural. “I’m gonna sweep some hair up and back, while still showing off those long gorgeous waves. You’ll look soft and casual, just beautiful.” She teased my hair and smoothed it back, securing it with bobby pins at the crown of my head. After applying a liberal amount of hairspray, she spent forever applying my makeup, then met my gaze. “All done! You look fantastic, if I do say so myself.”
“Let me see,” I said, smiling.
“Nope. No peeking.”
“What?”
“It is best not to look upon a masterpiece until the finishing stroke has been made,” she said, as if she was some sort of Maybelline Michelangelo. “Go in the bathroom and put the dress on…and no peeking in the mirror.”
I did as I was told, then came back out so she could help me with the buttons. I had selected a long, white dress swirled with silver. The scooped neckline, flowing layers of lace, and ethereal, billowing sleeves were amazing. The silver corset covered in beaded lace, beaded trims, brooches, and other delicate notions took my breath away.
“Are you ready to have a look at yourself now?” my miracle worker asked.
“Yes!” I said excitedly.
“All right. Go ahead.”
I slowly spun around, and when I caught my reflection, my jaw dropped. I looked elegant and feminine, bold and daring. I had smoky eyes, simple eyeliner, eyelashes lengthened with designer mascara, and fire-red lips. Endless rows of spiral curls cascaded from the top of my head into tiny ringlets, one of the
most sizzling up-dos I’d ever had.
“You may think this date is no biggie,” she said, “but it will help you determine if he’s worth all the trouble and worry.” She smudged my cheek, making sure to fix every last detail. “There. A work of art.”
I couldn’t stop gazing in the mirror. Sweet, romantic waves of hair fell past my shoulders and were topped off with a cute, teased crown that was elegantly pinned. My skin looked flawless, and the dark circles under my eyes had vanished. She’d done such a brilliant job with my makeup that my lashes looked long and lush, and the eyeshadow made the color in my eyes pop. “Wow,” I said. “It doesn’t even look like me.”
“It’s all you, girl.”
I let out a long breath, barely able to recognize the reflection staring back at me. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
She met my gaze and smiled. “You look like a princess.”
“And I feel like one,” I said, smiling back.
“Don’t go getting your heart stomped on. I’ve been there and done that, and I know how much it hurts. Just take your time.” She picked up her bag and collected everything, then headed toward the door. Before she walked out, she glanced over her shoulder. “Good luck. I hope you find the fairytale ending you deserve.”
I grinned, flashing her the biggest smile ever.
“Oh! Almost forgot. I brought some heels in your size. I’m sure you’ll love them,” Tina said. “They’re authentic Christian Louboutin Cinderella heels.”
“That’s nice of you, but I already picked some out, and I love them.”
She smiled. “You might just change your mind.”
“Nah, I’m sold on the others.”
“Okay. Well, if you don’t want my glass slippers, I’ll just hand them off to one of your evil stepsisters.” She dug in her bag and pulled out a pair of heels that were designed to look like a modern-day Cinderella slipper. The Swarovski crystals and lace detailing were to die for.