Page 106 of Risky Move

“You bet.” She took Tom’s hand as she exited the car, then turned in a full circle to take in the resort's beauty. The valet encouraged them to check-in while the porter transferred their luggage to their villa. Tom handed off the keys, and Cassie pressed against his side as they walked to the front desk.

Opulent beauty greeted her eyes at every turn in the lobby. The lobby was an open-air structure on both sides, and if she listened carefully, she could hear gentle waves, tree frogs, and other nightlife chirping. Tom retrieved the keys to their villa, and she could see the Gulf in the darkened skies thanks to a full moon. “So peaceful,” she whispered.

“Agree…Enjoying the tree-frog symphony?”

“Love it. I think I heard an owl—or my imagination heard one.”

“Maybe we’ll hear it again on the way to our villa—I hope it meets expectations.”

“Will you stay in my room?” Cassie tried to resist a grin.

“Plan to.”

“Thatexceeds my expectations. Lead on, doctor.”

* * *

Following the map of the resort, Tom and Cassie slowly walked to their building—the one closest to the Gulf. She saw the beautiful white sand reflected by the moon and noticed a few white-tipped swells heading for the sand.

“I think we arrived in paradise.” Cassie looked up at Tom and pointed to the beach. “Beyond perfection.”

Tom drew her closer to his side and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Anywhere with you feels like paradise.”

She blinked back a sudden wave of emotion. “Thank you for this.” She managed a smile while struggling to control her tears. Tom pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her securely. She welcomed the scent of his cologne, the soft cotton pressed against her face, the security promised by his protective embrace. She reveled in the sudden tranquility that flowed through her soul before reluctantly pulling away.

“You always know just what I need.”

“You’rethe only thing I need.” He grasped her hand and showed the entrance to the group of villas. “If I listened to the instructions, I think we enter here. Our room’s on the top floor.”

“Perfect that it’s not a high-rise; just a few stories. Penthouse, eh?” Cassie teased.

“Not promising that, babe, but hopefully a five-star experience.”

* * *

Cassie sat on the deck directly facing the Gulf while Tom accepted their luggage from the porter. Thousands of stars sparkled in the sky, a masterpiece no human could hope to duplicate. Tom handed her a glass of champagne before he sat beside her.

“Compliments of the house.”

Cassie tipped her glass against his. “To a magical week.”

“To a magical week and making forever memories,” Tom added.

Cassie sipped the glass flute, flavor bursting inside her mouth. “Oh, wow…never guessed champagne could awaken every single taste bud in my mouth. Heavenly.”

Tom laughed quietly. “I love experiencing new things with you, Cassie.” He leaned toward her for a kiss. “Delightful,” he murmured.

Cassie moved beside him on his chaise lounge. “You’ve exceeded all my dreams. I love that we are here, together, gazing at this perfect sky, Tom…It makes me think of that song…you know, ‘starry, starry night,’” she sang, her voice a near whisper.

“Another golden oldie,” he said. “I’d say our parents had good taste…Shall we tour our accommodations?”

* * *

Every room in the villa provided breath-taking water views. The modern kitchen included every convenience—plus a stocked refrigerator and pantry.

“When did you have time to plan this?” Cassie asked.

“My secret. We can sit at the counter and see the beach.” They walked through the living area to the enormous master suite.

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