Page 95 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

As they drove along the winding resort paths, Lila felt a curious lightness in her chest. Not the absence of awareness about their limited time, but a decision to value that time precisely because of its scarcity.

The golf cart hummed along paths that wound through parts of the island Lila rarely visited. They passed the main resort area and continued beyond, following a narrow trail that climbed gradually upward. Dense vegetation crowded both sides, creating a green tunnel occasionally punctuated by glimpses of the ocean far below.

"Should I be worried that you're taking me to some remote spot where no one will hear me scream?" Lila joked as Serena navigated a particularly steep section.

"If I were planning your demise, I'd have chosen something more efficient than a glorified lawnmower as my getaway vehicle," Serena replied with a straight face that cracked into a smile seconds later. "Besides, I'd never harm the woman who finally taught me the difference between a sun salutation and a downward dog."

"Ah, so I'm safe purely for practical reasons. Good to know."

The path crested a small hill, then opened suddenly onto a clearing that made Lila gasp. They'd reached one of the highest points on the island, a natural plateau that offered a panoramic view of the entire resort, surrounding ocean, and neighboring islands dotting the horizon like emerald stepping stones.

"Oh my god," Lila breathed as Serena parked the cart. "This is incredible."

"You've never been up here?"

"No." Lila stepped out, turning in a slow circle to absorb the 360-degree vista. "I knew there was a lookout point, but I've never taken the time to visit." She shot Serena a curious look. "How did you even know about this place?"

Serena shrugged with uncharacteristic modesty. "I asked Maika about hidden spots on the island. Turns out our gardener friend is quite the local expert." She reached into the cart and pulled out the small backpack. "Come on, there's more."

She led Lila across the plateau to where a narrow path disappeared into dense foliage. Unlike the manicured resort trails, this looked barely maintained, more animal track than human pathway.

"You're not serious," Lila said, eyeing the overgrown route.

"Trust me," Serena replied, offering her hand. "It's worth it."

The simple confidence in her voice convinced Lila more than any elaborate persuasion could have. She took the offered hand, and they plunged into the greenery together.

The path twisted downward, requiring careful footing on rocks slick with tropical moisture. Serena moved with surprising sureness for someone who'd spent most of her adult life in Manhattan skyscrapers, occasionally pointing out hidden footholds or offering a steadying hand when the route steepened.

"Almost there," she promised as the sound of rushing water grew louder ahead of them.

The path made a final turn, and the vegetation parted to reveal a sight that stopped Lila in her tracks. A waterfall cascaded down a rock face perhaps thirty feet tall, emptying into a perfect circular pool surrounded by moss-covered stones and flowering vines. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, creating dappled patterns across the crystal-clear water.

"Welcome to Hidden Falls," Serena said, squeezing Lila's hand. "According to Maika, it's the island's best-kept secret."

"It's magical," Lila whispered, the beauty of the place creating a tightness in her throat. "How are we the only ones here?"

"I may have arranged exclusive access for a few hours." Serena set down her backpack on a smooth boulder. "Being an obnoxiously wealthy CEO occasionally has its perks."

Lila laughed, the sound echoing against the rock walls. "I should have known. Did you buy the waterfall outright or just lease it for the morning?"

"Just a rental agreement. I'm trying to be more fiscally responsible." Serena's dry delivery made the joke even funnier.

"Well, I'm impressed." Lila moved toward the pool's edge, kneeling to trail her fingers through the cool water. "And also wondering when I should expect the string quartet to pop out from the bushes."

"Tuesday," Serena deadpanned. "Today, I thought we'd make our own music."

The unexpectedly flirtatious comment brought a blush to Lila's cheeks. This playful, spontaneous Serena was yet another facet of the woman she was discovering.

"Swim first, then... music?" Lila suggested, already reaching for the hem of her sundress.

Serena's eyes darkened as Lila slipped the dress over her head, revealing the swimsuit she'd worn underneath in anticipation of whatever aquatic adventure might be planned.

"You came prepared."

"I'm learning to anticipate the unexpected with you," Lila replied, stepping onto a flat rock at the pool's edge. "Coming in?"

She didn't wait for an answer before diving into the clear water, the coolness enveloping her in a refreshing embrace after their humid hike. She surfaced to find Serena already shedding her outer clothes, revealing a smooth one-piece that somehow managed to look both elegant and seductive.

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