Page 10 of Island Love

My heart swells, tears pricking the backs of my eyes.

He smiles, soft and sweet, and kisses me with a tenderness that steals my breath.

I lay my head on his chest again, listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart.

Whatever this is between us, it feels right

Kai holds me close, his warmth seeping into my skin, and in this moment I feel safe and cherished. Like I belong here in his arms.

How is this possible? We only just met. Yet being with him feels as natural as breathing.

As if sensing my thoughts, Kai murmurs, “You’re thinking too much, sweetheart.” His lips brush the curve of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “We have all the time in the world. I promise.” He kisses my forehead tenderly.

I close my eyes and focus on the sensations flooding my body—the beat of his heart against mine, the slide of his giant hands over my skin, the tender press of his mouth.

Kai’s awakened something inside me, a hunger I never knew. A craving for passion, for intimacy. For him.

How did this happen? Kai stormed into my life, capturing my heart with his warmth, his kindness, his passion.

I lift my face for his kiss, drowning in the sweetness of his embrace. Ready to take whatever comes next, as long as we face it together.

Epilogue

Palm tree leaves whisper against the window, rustling in the sea breeze. Rolling over, I stretch out my arm, but Kai’s side of the bed is empty. The house is quiet except for the distant crashing of waves on the shore.

He must’ve gone for his morning swim.

I throw off the covers and pad across the cool marble floor to the balcony. And there he is, a dark figure slicing through the turquoise water. His strokes are sure and strong, arms gleaming under the rising sun.

After five years together, the sight of him still makes my pulse jump.

Kai emerges from the sea like a magical being, water streaming down his broad shoulders. He looks up at the villa, shielding his eyes, and grins huge when he spots me. I wave at him, heart fluttering.

“Morning, baby.” His deep voice carries up to me. “You coming down?”

I lean on the railing, smiling. “Depends if you got coffee.”

He laughs, his gorgeous eyes crinkling at the corners. “Coffee, fruit, pancakes, whatever you want, love.”

My stomach rumbles.

“Get your sweet ass down here.” Kai’s gaze burns into mine.

Heat blooms under my skin as I grip the railing to steady myself. “Be right there.”

After all this time, he still makes me weak in the knees. And I know this is where I’m meant to be - here in paradise, with my man.

I toss on a sundress and hurry downstairs, following the smell of coffee and Kai’s pancakes.

He’s standing at the stove, boxers hanging low on his cut hips, flipping pancakes on the griddle. The muscles of his back flex as he works, tanned skin gleaming. I come up behind him and wrap my arms around his trim waist, pressing a kiss to the center of his back.

“Smells delicious.” I run my hands over his hard abs, relishing the feel of his body. “And not just the pancakes.”

Kai turns in the circle of my arms and pulls me close, his full lips curving into a sexy smile. “That so, Mrs. Lee?” His large hands slide under my sundress, gliding up my thick thighs. “Trying to distract the chef?”

“Maybe.” I tiptoe to kiss the hollow of his throat, nipping at his skin. “Is it working?”

“Fuck, yeah.” He tilts my chin up and kisses me, slow and deep. The pancakes sizzle, forgotten. “Breakfast can wait.”

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