Page 62 of Forbidden Vows

He says this, as if he’s said he’s eaten all the flavors of chips. A secret bowling alley? Kids movies? Could Blaze Bachman be a secret dork? All my hobbit girlies, cross your fingers for yes.

“Awesome. I like you even more.” I grab his hand, tugging him towards the boat. “Let’s go! Time’s a ticking!”

He quickly shows me around before we head to the bow to watch the boat depart from the dock. He wraps his armsaround me, giving me a Titanic moment that any romantic movie lover would envy. I rest against his warmth, letting the breeze caress my face as we smoothly navigate the breathtaking waters. In the distance, the snowcapped mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

Magic. Pure Magic.

The boat chooses a cozy cove to anchor in, embraced by lush greenery and the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore. A lively group of staff in cheerful blue polos and white shorts moves about energetically, setting up an inflatable dock tied to the boat and two jet skis that I’m sure Blaze will look like a god on, and I'll have no idea how to operate.

We go back inside to put on our suits. He’s thought of everything, packing for me to keep the trip a surprise. He’s chosen several outfits and accessories from the closet he and the Beauties had outfitted for me.

“Dang. The student has surpassed the teacher. Your folding is on point!”

He puffs up his chest. “Thanks. I try.”

“You’ve thought of everything. I can’t express how nice it is not to have care in the world!” I carefully move the neat piles of clothing aside, looking for a swimsuit. I hope for a nice one-piece with maximum coverage, preferably in black. He’s been so meticulous with his packing that I can’t imagine he forgot the bathing suit.

Finally, I come across some slinky, bright royal blue fabric at the bottom of the suitcase.

Umm…

My carefree spirit dissolves. Does he think my body is going to squeeze into this? I lift it in the air, staring. “Are you sure this is a bathing suit?” I hold up a few strings and triangles.

“Sexy, right?”

“Yes. It’s beautiful.” I pinch the material. “And so silky. I’m just not sure it’s…me.”

“It’s just you and me, baby, and I’ve already seen you the way I like you best. Absolutely naked.” He takes what he considers a bathing suit from my fingers. “Want help putting it on?”

I know where that will lead. Time is ticking.

I take the suit back from him. “Thank you, but I’m changing alone.”

I leave him, a wake of his chuckles behind me. In the privacy of the bathroom, I take a deep breath, undress, and strap myself into the tiny, bright blue bikini. When I look in the mirror, I know I don’t look anything like the girls he’s used to. So why do I feel cute? Pretty? Sexy, even?

He wants to see me in this; he bought it, he packed it, and he seems to be into my curves.

He’s put in so much effort. I can, too. I’m going to wear it.

But I’m going to put a robe over it first. I grab a big white fluffy terry cloth robe, wrapping myself in its warmth and coverage. After carefully wrapping my hair into a low bun with a fabric scrunchy the way the hairdresser taught me to extend my blowout, I step out of the bathroom. Blaze sitson the edge of the bed, expectantly, looking like a surf ad in his teal and blue board shorts and flat abs.

He eyes the robe. “You good?”

“Yep! Let’s go.” I turn towards the door, hurrying before he can untie this robe. He totally would. I do the hobbit hurry, scurrying down the hall and out into the sun before he can catch up and demand I remove my safety blanket.

I reach the lower deck, where the toys have all been set up. There are two chairs on the deck, overlooking the water. I sit safely away from the water, crossing my legs neatly under the robe. I gaze out over the scenery. “This is gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.”

Watching me with a funny look, he approaches the metal ladder that dips into the water. Holding on to the bars, he goes down a few rungs till he’s submerged up to his knees by water.

“You gonna get in? The water is nice.”

“In a minute,” I sniff.

“It’d be a shame to waste that beautiful bikini.”

“Would it?” I pull the robe tighter around me.

“Tell you what.” He sinks into the lake, his long, muscled arms gliding over the water’s surface as he talks to me. “I’ll turn around and face the mountains. You take your robe off and slip into the water. Tell me when you’re in, and I’ll turn around.”

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