body against his.
Dana looked around over her shoulders, “Cody, someone will see us.” She kissed his lips, salty and soft.
“Dana, there’s no one around us,” his hands caressed her skin. She felt his touch go through her.
She leaned in closer wrapping her legs around his waist. “I can’t tread water that long…”
“I’ve got you,” he said smiling, “and I can stand.”
He kissed her hungrily, Dana feeling every bit of his intensity. He reached his arms around her back and untied her bikini strings. Her top immediately rose to the surface. She felt the warm water against her body and then his hands. She responded, bringing her arms around his strong back then down slowly, loosening his bathing suit, feeling his desire. He pulled her even closer until they were one, riding the rhythm of the waves to its intense crest, then melting downward, spent in each other’s arms.
They floated for a while, hearts racing, then made their way on shore.
Their snorkeling gear and bathing suits had washed up on the hidden beach. After dressing, they sat on the warm sand watching the waves roll in and out.
“I could stay here forever,” Dana said.
“Me too. We could leave the world behind,” Cody said wrapping his arms around her.
Dana smiled, “And eat Beef Wellington.”
“…and pizza and chocolate cake!” he finished holding her tight.
The sun started its lazy descent. They gathered their things and swam back, wanting to return before dark.
“Well, that was awesome,” Dana said as they walked out of the ocean.
“Understatement,” Cody said pulling her close to him for a kiss. “I’m having an incredible time with you.”
“And you...” Dana’s voice trailed as she gently stroked his face.
“So we’ll have dinner?”
“Yes.”
“And then...”
“And then.”
A promise for later was made.
They returned to the room to get ready. Cody showered first, quickly, to give Dana the most time to get ready.
He emerged, clad only in a towel from the shower. “It’s all yours.”
Dana showered with Cody on her mind. Her skin was tinged with red from the sun. Every drop of water made her body tingle. She lathered her body with lavender soap luxuriating under the hot steamy water thinking of their afternoon rendezvous and the words he said to her last night, words she never thought she’d hear again. He loved her. She could feel it in his touch, in his kiss. She could not believe the depth of her emotions for this man, this incredible man. Dana stepped out of the shower awash in happiness. She pulled on a thick terry cloth robe and brushed out her hair. She felt clean and refreshed. Dana blew out her mane then slipped into a form fitting white sundress. Her long black hair framed her narrow face, curling slightly around her shoulders. A pair of strappy white sandals completed the look. She was ready.
Cody was waiting for her on the white couch. He stood when she entered the room looking amazing in dark blue jeans and an untucked button down black shirt.
“Hey beautiful,” he said.
“Hey yourself.”
They took each other’s hands feeling the perfect fit of their skin. Walking down to dinner they talked and laughed like old friends.
They arrived at Tropical Nights restaurant and were surrounded by an island fantasy world. The wood plank floor was sprinkled with sand. Tall palm trees rose from the floor adorned with coconuts and bright yellow flowers. Torches were scattered throughout the restaurant, their orange flame was the only light in the room. The restaurant’s back wall was a huge open-air window overlooking the ocean. In the dark, the deep blue waters crashed foamy white waves along the shore. The roar of the sea echoed an enchanting melody through the restaurant.
Cody and Dana sat at a table for two next to the window. They dined on blackened mahi mahi with sweet plantains. The dish was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The mahi was encased in a bright green banana leaf resting on a colorful black bean mango salsa.
“The fish is delicious.” Dana pulled her fork slowly from her mouth savoring every bite.
“Fantastic.”
“So tell me, what’s with this obscure president game you started to tell me about once upon a time?”
Cody laughed. “It all started in a little restaurant in Gainesville. The guys and I were all sitting around talking about what it would be like to be famous...you know, having a tour bus, throngs of fans...all that fun stuff.” He gestured with his hands. “Then Alex pipes up and says that when fame hit