Emma averted her eyes for a moment and swallowed. Her libido had spiked seeing him, and she was a little embarrassed about it.
“Come sit with me over here.” He waved her over to the double lounger that was nestled in the trees below his deck.
She paused for a second, thinking that she really should be getting back to Pete so they could figure out breakfast. But then she chastised herself. It was only seven in the morning, if that, and chatting with Antonio wasn’t a crime.
“How are you?” he asked jovially as she took a seat next to him. “Isn’t this wonderful?” He gestured out toward the ocean and the sun, which was still near the horizon, coloring the sky in warm tones.
“Yes, it truly is. I’m in awe. It’s perfection, really. I wasn’t expecting it to be so lovely.”
“This resort has quickly become one of my favorite places in the whole wide world to visit. The best part about it is that most people have no idea it exists, and I find that enchanting.”
Emma asked, “How come we didn’t see you guys at the airport to catch the connection over here? I thought I dropped a big enough hint that this was our final destination. Did you end up taking a later plane?”
He laughed. It was a deep, throaty sound, and it made Emma swallow. The guy was instantly magnetic, there was no denying it. “You did drop some hints, but I wasn’t sure if you were really coming here or not. There are so many islands in the Bahamas with small resorts. This place is secret for a reason, and I like to keep its integrity. And, no, we weren’t on a later plane. We came by boat.”
“Boat?” she commented. “I didn’t know you could charter something here. I should’ve thought of that. I bet it was a pretty ride.”
He laughed again. “It was a gorgeous ride, but I didn’t charter a boat. I used my own. I have a slip near the airport on Nassau. When I come to the Bahamas, I visit islands and travel by boat. My dream is to actually make it to Cuba someday. My mother is Cuban. My father’s an Irishman from Detroit.”
“Wow,” Emma said. “Having your own boat sounds amazing. What do you do for a living, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I own my own company.”
It was her turn to laugh. “Yes, I figured that. I’m assuming your boat is actually a yacht, not a schooner. What does your company do?”
He turned and gazed at her. His eyes were a very light amber, and striking, especially with the sunlight directly on them. “My company started as an evolution, like many do. I designed my first rocket when I was in college. I’d always had a passion for all things aerospace, and somehow that process morphed into a satellite-launching business. Now we resupply space stations. It’s a very lucrative business.”
“It sounds like it.” Emma nodded. “That’s very impressive. Doing something you love and being able to experience the world on your own terms is a wonderful thing.”
“I think so, too.” He gave her a broad smile. “The world is a beautiful place to explore. Hey, do you guys want to join us for breakfast? We usually eat something at The Mayfair, since it’s on the other side of the resort near the marina, and then we head out on the boat.”
“They have a marina here?” Emma said. “Damn, I really need to take a look at a map.”
“They do,” he said. “It’s tiny, not more than ten slips. It’s mostly for boats that bring in supplies, but guests can also reserve a space for the time they’re here. A few of the regular guests have boats, but not many that I know of. Come on, have breakfast with us, and then I’ll take you and your husband for a ride. What is his name again?”
“Pete,” she said, standing. “And I really should be getting back. He’s probably up by now. I’ll talk to him and see what he wants to do. What time are you thinking?”
“How about eight thirty?”
“Okay, if you see us, you see us!” Emma said as she began to walk back to her villa.
“I’m sure I’ll see you, even if I don’t see you!” he called. “The island’s not that big.”
13
__________________________
____________
Pete and Emma walked into The Mayfair at eight twenty-five. Meeting the guy and girl they’d run into at the airport for breakfast hadn’t been Pete’s first choice this morning, but Emma wanted to do it, so he was game. After their discussion last night, he was happy Emma had been in a good mood after her run and had wanted to interact with others. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know some people here.
“This is so cute,” Emma said as they entered the restaurant.
The place looked like a café on the outside, whitewashed wood like the intake area, with shuttered windows open to the elements, but once inside it had a sports bar vibe. There was a big bar separating the two spaces. To the left were booths and various TVs mounted on the walls. To the right there were small, cozy round tables with lazy ceiling fans oscillating overhead. Big double doors were open to a covered veranda, which continued the café feel.
Most of the patrons were on the deck having breakfast.
“We’re out here!” a voice called.
“They’re on the porch,” Pete said as he placed his hand on the small of Emma’s back and steered her toward the doors. A few couples were seated around tables inside, but the restaurant wasn’t full by any means.
Once they reached the table, Emma pulled out a chair. “Thanks for inviting us,” she said as she sat. “This is lovely. The view is fantastic.”
Pete sat in the other chair. Antonio reached over to shake his hand. “Nice to see you, man,” Antonio said. “Glad you guys could make it.”
“It’s good to see you guys, too,” Pete said as he gazed out over the railing. Docks and a little marina sat about thirty feet from the restaurant. Right next to it was the beach. “This place is ridiculously nice.”
“Right here is the tip of the island, and the resort takes advantage of all the angles,” Antonio told them.
“How was your first night here? Did you guys sleep well?” Charlotte asked.
Emma cleared her throat. “I did. The beds are so comfortable, I almost didn’t get up for my run this morning.”
“We got in late last night,” Antonio said as he leaned back, draping his arm over the back of Charlotte’s chair. “So we’re a little tired. But I’m a natural early riser. No matter what time I go to bed, I always get up close to dawn.”
“He does.” Charlotte nodded. “And I’m just the opposite. I could sleep all day.”
“And sometimes you do,” Antonio kidded.
“How long have you two been together?” Emma asked. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
“We’ve been dating about eight months,” Antonio replied. “Give or take.”
“Yeah, this dude is hard to pin down.” Charlotte gestured at Antonio with her thumb. “He goes through his share of women, let me tell you. I’m hoping to last for a few more months, at least, but we shall see.” She laughed, her voice easy and content. “I’m enjoying the ride while I can. Isn’t that right, Tiger?”
Antonio laughed along with her, both of them seeming at ease with their relationship.
Pete was astounded. He appraised Charlotte. She was beautiful, more so than he’d thought at the airport when he was half-asleep. She had long brown hair with gold accents, eyes rimmed with naturally dark lashes, and an easy smile. She appeared to be athletic, and if he had to guess he’d venture to say she was a volleyball player, having met more than his fair share growing up in Southern California. It was clear she was confident, which he appreciated. But knowing her relationship with Antonio was short-lived had to suck, no matter how confident you were.
Antonio grinned. “Just to be clear, so you two don’t think I’m a heartless asshole, Charlotte knew I wasn’t in for a serious relationship, so she’s painting me a little dark. But I’ll forgive her. We’ve been friends for many, many years. Dating me has a lot of perks, so it’s not too much of a hardship on her.”
“Indeed, it’s not a hardship
,” Charlotte replied playfully. “But he’s right. I knew exactly what I was getting into. It was hard to pass this up”—she waved an arm out toward the marina—“especially since I’d been after him for years. He’s fabulous in bed, by the way, and has scads of money he spends generously. The bottom line is he’s a really nice guy. What more could a girl ask for?” There was a wistful tone in her voice. “I wish there was a way to snare him for life, but since there’s not, I’m happy to take what I can get.”
Antonio seemed very comfortable and matter-of-fact with the direction the conversation was going, nodding along to what Charlotte had been saying. “Yes, I’ve found it hard to find women who are open to living the lifestyle, so I date very sporadically. But Charlotte and I have worked the longest, so who knows?” He shrugged. “Maybe this relationship will stand the test of time. I’m up for anything. How about you two? How long have you been together?”
Before either of them could answer, the waitress showed up with menus for Pete and Emma. “Can I bring you coffee, tea, or juice?” she asked.
“I’d love a grapefruit juice,” Emma said.
“I’d like one, too,” Antonio added.
“Coffee for me,” Pete said, “along with an orange juice.”
“A mimosa for me,” Charlotte replied. “We gotta start this party off right.”
“Got it,” the waitress answered. “I’ll be back soon to take your order.”
They picked up their menus. “So what’s good here?” Pete asked conversationally. “The food we had last night was fantastic. I’m assuming breakfast will be just as delicious.”
“Just about everything is superb,” Antonio said. “You really can’t go wrong. They have two very coveted chefs from the States here. They come out to the pool once in a while, so we’ve gotten to chat with them. Any place in New York would kill to have these two. But they get paid extremely well here. Plus, they get free plane rides anywhere they want on their days off. It’s hard to argue with that.”
Pete set his menu down, deciding to go with the special, which was some kind of egg hash concoction. “So Emma tells me you’ve been to the island a few times before,” Pete said, addressing Antonio.
“That’s right.” Antonio nodded. “The first time was about two years ago. A friend recommended it—and me. I’d come back more often, but leaving my company for too long is hard.”
“I can imagine,” Pete commented.
“What do you guys do for a living?” Antonio asked.
“I’m a creative director at an ad agency, and Emma is a dancer.”
Antonio’s eyebrows shot up as his gazed snapped to her. “You dance?”
Emma took a sip of her water, dabbing her napkin against her lips, appearing a little embarrassed. “I only teach dance now, but I will always consider myself a dancer. It was my life for many years. All through high school, college, and a few years after.”
“Ballet?” he asked.
“All kinds, but yes, ballet was my main passion. I danced with a troupe in Chicago up until Pete and I were married.”
“Why did you quit?” Antonio asked, leaning forward.
Pete noticed Antonio’s gaze was extremely focused on his wife.
Emma laughed, her voice clear and high. “Because I was getting older. My joints and muscles weren’t cooperating well either. I kept getting stress fractures. Plus, I’d always wanted to teach. That had always been my end goal.” She glanced over at Pete and smiled, setting her hand on top of his. “And that someday came at exactly the right time, if you ask me.”
“I love ballet. Going to the theater is a passion of mine,” Antonio said. “It’s so majestic and beautiful. I’d love to see you dance someday.” He sat back, assuming his casual pose.
Pete cleared his throat. Antonio was too focused on Emma, so it was time to change the subject. “Emma tells me you have a boat.”
“I do,” he answered. “It’s a Marquis 660 Sport. You can’t see it from this table, but it’s out in the marina. It was a huge splurge, but I adore it. I keep it parked down here most of the time. I’m a novice captain, but I’m learning fast.”
“Is your company headquartered in Madison, then?” Pete asked, hoping like hell it wasn’t. “You flew out of there, so I was just wondering.”
“No, I live in California. I was just in town visiting my mother.” Antonio grinned. “My parents divorced when I was eighteen. I grew up in Detroit. My mom moved to Madison about a year ago when she realized she wasn’t getting grandkids anytime soon. It’s a nice town, and we have extended family there. I’m actually thinking of investing in some local businesses. If I’m going to be spending time visiting my family, it makes sense I would mix it with business.”
At that moment, the waitress came to take their order.
Pete sat back, crossing his arms, studying Antonio.
This was going to be a very interesting day.
* * *
The yacht was absolutely stunning. It was like nothing Emma had ever seen before—at least not up close. The girls at home were going to die when she told them where she’d been and what she’d done.
“This is the main deck,” Antonio announced, ushering them through the boat on a tour. “This is where the helm is located, where we entertain. I drive in here if the weather sucks. Above us is the flybridge. That’s where we’ll spend most of the day, and the lower deck houses a small living room and three bedrooms.”
“Three bedrooms?” Emma asked. “Wow.”
“Actually, there are two bedrooms, a master and a guest, and then a small bunk room in the back.”
The main deck was covered in gray, highly polished wood that gleamed in the morning sun. There were three immaculate, white leather couches, a big-screen TV, a built-in bar, and an area where you could lounge next to the captain as he drove.
It was the epitome of luxury.
Pete gave a low whistle. “This is killer. Very nice.”
“Let’s head up top to the flybridge, then we can be on our way.” Antonio led them up an interior staircase by a small galley kitchen, which was decked out with top-of-the-line appliances made to fit the small space. “The roof is partly open, so there will be shade or sunshine, whichever you prefer.”
As they climbed the steps, Emma asked, “Why bother renting a villa? Why don’t you just stay on the boat?”
“Can’t. It’s against the resort rules. People come to socialize with other couples here, and they want to make sure everyone is entitled to the same amenities. But that’s fine. I love the villas. They are done perfectly, and it’s easy to get to meals and head to the beach.”
The flybridge was just as beautiful as the main deck, with the same wood floor. The couches were sleek and stylish. A partial cover on top looked to be a rolling canvas skylight. There were two different tables to sit at, one with chairs and one with a couch.
“This is so amazing,” Emma commented. “Thank you for inviting us to join you. We feel very pampered.”
Before Antonio could answer, there was a loud “Hello!” from below. “Am I too late to catch the wind in my hair?” Mallory’s head popped into view as she ascended the stairs.
Emma was surprised to see her, but it wasn’t unwelcome. Emma had no hard feelings about last night’s interactions with the beautiful model. In fact, Mallory had been likable, down-to-earth, and accommodating. There was nothing not to like.
“Not at all. You’re just in time,” Antonio said jovially, walking over to greet her with a kiss on each cheek. “We weren’t sure if we were going to see you today or not.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. You know I love seeing you and your swanky-ass yacht.” Mallory leaned around his shoulder. “And I see you’ve already found the hottest couple on the island to bring along with you. Man, you’re fast,” Mallory teased. She was dressed in a flowing, gauzy cover-up with nothing much underneath, big sunglasses, several bracelets and adornments, and a big pink floppy hat. She looked like a movie star, or
the supermodel she was soon to become.
Antonio grinned. “So you guys have already met, then? I’m not surprised in the least. It seems you work quicker than I do, my dear. Shall we go?” He leaned over the side and called to Charlotte, who had stayed below. “Untie us. We’re all set!” Then he sat in the captain’s chair and turned on the engine.
Within a few moments, they were motoring out into the clear blue waters.
Emma and Pete sat on one of the long couches near the back, Mallory sat across from them at the table, and Charlotte was sprawled on the couch next to Antonio.
Everyone was relaxed.
Emma took in the sights with Pete’s arm slung casually around her shoulders. The greenery around the resort was very lush, but as the yacht made its way along the coastline, the vegetation was sparse, just like she’d seen on the other side. But the white sand and crystal-blue water were out of this world, something out of a fantasy. After a while, Emma stood and walked to the railing, loving the feel of the wind and trying to spot some sea creatures in the rolling waves.
“We’re coming up to what I like to call Private Beach,” Antonio called. “It’s a small, sheltered cove that you can only get to by boat.” He swiveled around to face them as Emma walked back to the couch where Pete was sitting. “Do you guys want to anchor for a while?”
“Sure,” Mallory answered first. “I want to catch some sun on the bow. I only do morning sun. Once it’s past noon, I’m out.” She smiled affably at Emma and Pete. “I get to see the sun, mostly because I get hired for that natural, sporty look, but also because I’m a rebel. Some models are like mole people and never let a ray of sunshine hit them, and if it does they bitch and moan to high heaven. Those are the haute-couture girls. I figure if I get hired for couture at this point, they can just Photoshop the hell out of me and make me as pasty white as they want to.”
Emma chortled at Malloy’s open honesty. “Well, it’s not just couture models. If I laid out in the sun with you, I’d be a lobster in about three minutes. I lathered on a bottle of sunscreen this morning, but it wouldn’t matter. I’m too neon white. A beacon to the burn.”
What Emma Craves Page 11