Page 23 of Never Leave Me
Ellen peeked inside the door of their suite and then gasped. The elegance was more than even he’d expected, especially with the white lace curtains blowing in the breeze that came from the enormous open fourth wall that had a panoramic view of the Piton Mountains and Piton Bay.
She rushed across the room, past the raised whirlpool and the private infinity pool built half in the room and half outside, tothe stone balcony complete with leather lounge chairs, towering potted ferns, and vases of white orchids.
“The view is gorgeous, Harrison!” She stood at the deck rail that overlooked the lush foliage of the rain forest. The twin volcanic peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton rose majestically, their cone shapes covered in dense green.
Even though the sight was every bit as stunning as Ellen claimed, even more stunning was the view of her standing against the backdrop.
“Come see!” Her eyes were as wide and bright blue as the bay that spread out before them. She leaned forward into the railing, the late afternoon sunshine turning her hair into golden silk.
He could hardly breathe, much less move, but somehow he managed to walk until he stood beside her, fighting the urge to slip his arm around her. For a moment, they stood silently side by side, taking in the magnificence. He had no doubt she was too awed to speak, while his silence had more to do with his inability to form coherent thoughts around her.
“This is the perfect place.” She smiled, her eyes shining, her cheeks already taking on a healthy flush.
“I’m glad you like it, love.” He returned her smile, forcing himself into the friend role he’d always played. “I thought this place would give us ample opportunity to tackle the ‘Always Wanted To Do List.’”
“What are we going to do first?”
“Whatever you wish.”
“What doyouwant to do?”
He didn’t dare tell her that all he wanted to do was hold her, even though that was the truth. “What don’t I want to do? Where to start? With a swim in our pool? With snorkeling? Or kayaking and paddleboarding? Maybe bike riding or a walk on the beach barefoot? I’m most definitely hiking Gros Piton all the way to the top of the volcano.”
At his enthusiastic list, she laughed and reached for both his hands. “Let’s do it all.”
“I agree.” He let his fingers intertwine with hers.
She glanced at the pristine water of their infinity pool, the blue tile making it as bright as the bay. “I say we try out our pool first, and then the hot tub, and then a bite of everything on that tray.” She nodded inside the room toward the platter of fruits, cheese, and pastries on the coffee table in front of a low sofa.
He watched the delight ripple across her elegant face. He didn’t need to do anything else for the entire trip, and he’d end it satisfied. He’d made her happy. And that was all that mattered.
Harrison led Ellen up the stone path to the flat roof of the resort. Even though the sun had already begun its descent, the evening was still warm.
As they climbed, he held his fingers lightly at the small of her back and tried to keep his gaze from straying to her form-fitting red dress that didn’t reach her knees and showed off her legs. A strap wrapped around one shoulder, but the other shoulder was bare. She’d gone with an understated elegance by wearing Marian’s pearl necklace and matching pearl earrings. Her hair was pulled up into a twisted French knot, revealing the smooth beauty of her neck.
“Are you sure this is where we need to go?” she asked again.
“Trust me, love. This is what the concierge recommended.”
They’d spent the remaining hours of the afternoon alternating between swimming in the pool and lying on the deck chairs and napping. Although his physical therapist had often used a pool for conditioning and muscle strengthening, he’d never been able to swim with such effortlessness.
In England it was past midnight, but they hadn’t wanted toturn in. So they’d dressed for the late dinner—which was on the sky deck and included stargazing.
As they ascended the last step, Ellen gave a low murmur of appreciation at the sight of the vista that opened before them. The rooftop view of the bay and mountains in the fading light was postcard perfect, surely a reflection of heaven on earth. The two dozen or so tables were lit by elegant glowing centerpieces as well as white lights strung from the trellises surrounding the rooftop. A small band played in one corner while servers mingled around the tables, pouring wine and carrying hors d’oeuvres.
A butler approached and escorted them to their table for two, introducing them to the couple at the table closest to theirs. Harrison pulled out the chair for Ellen, helped her sit, and then situated himself. Although he knew he should pretend interest in the scenery, he couldn’t tear his gaze from her wide-eyed amazement.
As though sensing his attention, she shifted to face him. Her face alight with an adoration he loved, she reached across the table for his hand. “Have I thanked you yet?”
He had the urge to bend in further and claim a kiss. After working all day to keep his thoughts under control, he wanted to throw away caution and go with his impulse—just this once.
But suddenly, he was conscious of the couple at the table next to theirs watching them. He tore his sights from Ellen and nodded at them again, an older couple who looked to be in their sixties, both slender and tanned and smiling widely.
Their accent was American, and the butler had introduced them as Dr. and Mrs. Fletcher. Mrs. Fletcher had carefully curled auburn hair and had likely come directly from the salon. The artificial color contrasted with her husband’s full head of silver hair. They both exuded an air of worldly wisdom, as though they made a regular habit of traveling to exotic locations.
“Young love is so precious.” Mrs. Fletcher’s gaze bounced between him and Ellen.
Young love? What was she talking about?
