Blake
The next twenty-four hours passed in a blur of luxury and constant contact. We'd had dinner at an amazing Japanese restaurant, we'd had sex on every available surface in the suite, and I'd had more orgasms than I could count. And we hadn't stopped touching each other. We'd even showered together, making love with the hot water pouring over us.
And I'd told Lucas that I liked him, idiot that I was. It was the truth, but in this case, the truth hadn't set me free. It was like a vise-grip around my heart. I was suddenly aware that our fake relationship seemed awfully real and important to me.
Still, I didn't seem to be alone in wanting to always be touching. Lucas held my hand on our entire private flight to our honeymoon destination. I'd caught him looking at me several times, tracing the planes of my face with his eyes, as if he were memorizing me.
I had no idea where the plane was headed. "Where are we going?" I asked. "Maine?"
"I'll take you to Maine later this summer," he said. "We're going to an island first."
"Oh." I attempted to sound casual, as if island-hopping was something I did all the time.
"You'll like it. I promise. There's food. And pools." He smirked at me but then reached over and pulled me against him, kissing the top of my head. He'd said he didn't like to be close to other people, but ever since we'd opened the floodgates, he'd been nothing but affectionate. I hated to admit it, but I loved it; I felt as though I was blooming underneath his attention. I laid my head against his chest, loving the feel of his muscles, his warmth. It felt so good to relax and be held by someone I genuinely liked. It was the first time I'd ever experienced anything like it.
I peered out the window at the turquoise water below. "Okay, we're definitely going to the Caribbean."
He smiled at me indulgently, making my heart flip. "For a blonde, you're actually pretty smart," he teased.
"Ha ha," I said. "Did you ever hear this one? What's black, blue, and brown, and lying in a ditch?"
"No."
"A brunette who's told too many blonde jokes," I said. "You'd do well to remember that."
Lucas smiled at me, his dimple flashing. "I like it when you're feisty."
"That's probably good. You seem to bring it out in me. Now, will you please tell me where we're going?"
"No." He playfully pulled me onto his lap. "Do you need me to say that more slowly because you're a natural blonde?"
"This could be a very long trip," I deadpanned.
Eventually, the flight attendant came out. She raised her eyebrow when she saw me nestled on Lucas's lap. "We'll be landing soon. Please fasten your seat belts."
I felt my face flush as I scrambled back into my seat and secured my seat belt. Properly chastised, I went back to looking out the window. I traced the outline of the island below with my fingertip. "Turks and Caicos," I finally said, triumphant.
"How did you know?" Lucas asked.
I pointed out the window. "Because I can see it."
"Have you been here before?"
"Never," I turned back to the window and stared out at the turquoise water. "But I've always wanted to."
"Then this is even more perfect." Lucas linked his fingers through mine. "It's one of my favorite places."
A driver was waiting for us at the airport. "Mr. Ford, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Davian. Nice to see you."
I shot him a look. "You have a regular driver on an exotic island?"
"I own a home here," he said without looking at me.
"You what? When were you going to surprise me with this one?"
"Today," Lucas said. "So are you? Surprised?"