Page 197 of Hell Hath No Fury
“This is too much,” she’d insisted at check-in.
“I have strict instructions to make sure that you enjoy every last second that you’re here,” the tall, willowy brunette behind the counter responded. Her name tag read Maeve, and Ashbycouldn’t help but think that the name seemed fitting for a gal with such a sweet smile. “Also, these are for you.”
Reaching below the counter, Maeve pulled out a small box with a clear top, passing it over the counter to Ashby. Three chocolate-covered strawberries sat on ocean-blue tissue paper. They looked both gorgeous and delicious, making her mouth water. Flipping open the little card taped to the corner, Ashby couldn’t hide the grin taking over her face.
JUST A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME…
-Carlos
Ashby’s heart squeezed, her eyes glued to Carlos’s all caps handwriting on the card. She should have known when he said he wanted to make her last night on the island memorable that he’d pull out all the stops.
“I…I…” she started, unable to find her words.
"It’s called Cherish for a reason,” Maeve answered with a wink.
It sure was…
Inhaling deeply, the salty ocean air filling her nostrils, she continued on toAlmost Paradise, the open-air relaxation room that was listed as her last stop. She had no idea what waited for her there, since the treatment column next to the location was blank. But based on how her afternoon had gone, her mind was running wild with possibilities.
“Hey there, beautiful,” Carlos greeted her.
The deep rumble of his voice gave her goosebumps, her body coming alive at the sound. It had quickly become one of her favorite things, like hearing the opening notes to your favorite song. Familiar, comforting, and exciting all at the same time. His smile was much the same. It made her feel all sorts of things she wasn’t aware a person could feel. All sorts of things she was going to miss desperately after tomorrow.
“Hey there yourself,” she returned, stepping up into the room.
The beautiful free-standing room had floor to ceiling windows facing toward the ocean, overlooking the beach. The late afternoon sun had started to set, sending a glow inside that seemed magical, like candles flickering in the glittery light. Carlos wasted no time in wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into his hard body and kissing her as if he hadn’t seen her in months, rather than just a day. She kissed him back, returning his efforts with her own, so happy to see him she felt like she could burst. Maybe it was because she knew these were their last moments together, or maybe it was because she had started to fall more than she was letting on, but either way, there was an intensity to the moment she hadn’t been expecting.
One that she wasn’t entirely prepared for.
“Thoroughly relaxed?” he asked, pulling back from the kiss.
“I don’t know that I have ever been this relaxed in my life. I kinda feel like I could just melt into a puddle right now.”
“If you’re going to melt, the only place it’s going to be is into my arms.”
“Is that so?”
Carlos nodded, taking her hand and guiding her over to a pair of loungers pushed together, covered in rose petals. In one swift move he sat down, pulling her into his lap. His arms surrounded her, the heat radiating off him making her want to snuggle into him and never let go.
“I know there is a lot going on in your world right now, and that things are…well…busy,” he whispered, placing a kiss just below her earlobe. It sent a shiver through her, goose bumps appearing once more. “So I figured that the best thing to do tonight was just be. You and me, the sunset, and the sound of the waves. Nothing else. One last night to remember for all our lives.” He paused, placing another soft kiss on her neck, thisone right on the slope that met her shoulder. “And maybe a chocolate-covered strawberry or two.”
“Those were delicious, thank you.”
“Anything for you, Ash.”
“And I like the idea of just being.”
Of spending tonight forgetting this is the last time we’ll be like this…
Settling in, Ashby leaned back against Carlos’s chest, enjoying the feel of him. It was easy to be comfortable in his presence. Easier than with anyone else, even her best friend.
“Do you have any idea what’s next?” he asked after a long silence.
“Nope. Which isn’t unusual. Unless I’m going directly there, rather than stopping back in Portland, I generally don’t. I'll spend a couple of weeks at home, doing laundry, catching up with friends, all that. And then it’s off to the next adventure.”
“And you love it?”
“I do,” she answered, her stomach flipping slightly at her answer. She did love it. She always had. She’d wanted to be a traveling vet ever since she’d heard about the idea in high school. But suddenly, the idea was sounding less fun, ripping her away from something new she had come to love. “It’s been great to see so many new places, meet some amazing people. What about you?”
