Page 101 of The VIP Package

“Whatcha thinking?” she asks as we stroll up the path.

A smile tugs the edge of my mouth. “You know, four months ago, I would have been terrified by that question.”

“And now look at you.” She squeezes my hand. “Going to therapy, expressing your feelings, sharing your thoughts and your fears?—”

“Don’t forget fucking you senseless each night.”

She laughs. “My knees are still shaky from sex in the shower this morning. Trust me, I’ll never forget.”

She allows me to steer her past the gate that leads to the front of our property. We take this route sometimes when we’d likea long walk, but tonight there’s a reason I’m guiding her to the back of the house.

A reason she’ll see momentarily.

“Are you dodging the question?”

“Question?” I’ve already forgotten she asked one, thanks to the distraction of my surprise. “You asked what I was thinking. I was fondly recalling making love to you on the beach last night.”

“Mmm, that was lovely.” She tugs at the back of her dress with only the slightest wince. “Worth getting sand in my snatch.”

“Sorry about that.” Perhaps not as sorry as I should be. It really was fantastic. “Next time I’ll bring a bigger blanket.”

“I can always count on you to look out for my coochie.” She gives a satisfied sigh, swinging our hands as we walk. “Did you mark yourself out of the office next week?”

“What for?” I wink when she looks up and glares. “Of course I remembered. I wouldn’t miss Sara and Trent’s bachelor and bachelorette party weekend for anything.”

“Good.” Worry lines wiggle their way through her brow. “I still think something’s up. Trent hasn’t said anything to you?”

“Not a word.” I’ve grown oddly close to the rugged young SEAL over a few dozen visits with Camille’s friends. We flew Sara and Eve and their partners to Italy last month to celebrate Kit’s birthday. I’ve enjoyed spending time with them all, but I’ve clicked most closely with Trent. He reminds me of Logan in a way, what with the military background. I imagine the two would get on swimmingly if they ever were to meet.

But back to Camille’s question. “Maybe Trent’s just nervous about the wedding? I can understand not wanting to be the center of attention.”

“Could be.” She doesn’t sound convinced. “I just hope he doesn’t break Sara’s heart.”

“He won’t.” I hope I’m right. He’s a good man, even if he has issues.

Don’t we all?

We walk for a while in silence, bathed in saltwater breeze and the perfume of tropical flowers. It’s become our routine a few days a week, taking the yacht to the resort for a meal. Sometimes we’ll spend time with Sybil and Kora or grab burgers with Logan or Zane or Nico or other consorts whose company we enjoy.

Afterward, we’ll return home for a walk or a swim or a kayak paddle in the cove of our own private beach. I never thought I could be this happy. I only hope I’m giving Camille even a fraction of the joy she’s brought me.

“I’m almost embarrassed by how much you’ve been spoiling me.” She smiles like she’s just read my mind. “The home office is incredible.”

“Glad you like it.”

“I still can’t figure out how you kept a whole freakin’ construction project a secret.”

“It wasn’t easy.” It helped to time out the bulk of construction with one of our visits to Portland. “I knew how important it was that you have a dedicated space for your telehealth patient consultations.”

“It’s a palace in there, Ash.” She’s glowing with gratitude, so I know she doesn’t object to the opulence. “Most therapists just run a white noise machine outside to muffle sound.”

“I thought having your own waterfall would be soothing.” I also made sure she can switch it off easily if it’s ever distracting. “And the sea view from that space is my favorite in the house.”

“It’s amazing, thank you.” She shoots me a teasing look. “Who knew Squirrel Appreciation Day was a gift giving occasion?”

“One that requires no involvement from squirrels.” God, I love making her smile.

“Almost as meaningful as the time you insisted we celebrate National Eggs Benedict Day by going down on me for an hour.”

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