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."