earlobe into his mouth, causing every bone in my body to liquefy. I fell out of lotus position and wilted against him, uttering a little moan. This wasn’t doing much for my complexion, but my hormones were having a field day.
“Would this be a good time to discuss your retirement plans?” I heard myself say in my erotic delirium.
“Bella, bella, wouldn’t you rather hear how much I love you? Or how turned on I am right now? Or what indecent plans I have for these beautifully long legs of yours?”
That was the other thing about men. They always changed the subject when you mentioned something they didn’t want to talk about. “How indecent?”
“Obscenely so.” He laughed as he rained kisses on my neck. “Ti amo, bella. Sposiamoci.”
I sighed my frustration. “What does that mean?”
“Marry me, Emily.”
“I’d seriously consider it if we could talk about—”
“Shhh. I’ve arranged a package deal. Would you like to hear the details?”
I tried to look nonchalant as a ranger traipsed past us with another small group of tourists. “I’m listening.”
“What do you love most about your job?”
“Being curled up on the beach with you.”
“Besides that.”
“My paycheck. Did I tell you Mr. Erickson gave me a three percent raise last year? That’s pretty kick-ass in this economy.”
“How would you react if someone offered you twice your current salary to do exactly what you’re doing now?”
“What?” I nearly snapped my head out of joint as I twisted around.
“I’ve purchased a tour company, bella. Deluxe accommodations for the senior traveler at discount prices. I’m gearing up for your American baby boomers. When they retire and start traveling en masse, I’m going to dazzle them with travel packages they won’t be able to pass up. Exclusive hotels. Exotic destinations. Gourmet cuisine.”
It took a moment for his words to register. “You bought a tour company?”
“I did, indeed. All that’s missing is a catchy name…and you. Come work for me, Emily. I’m going to need a small army of people to fill positions like yours, and I’d like to begin by hiring you.”
“At double my salary? Are you kidding?”
“Double isn’t enough? You drive a hard bargain. All right, triple.”
“No, I’m not questioning your generosity! I’m just amazed that you decided to do something so unpredictable. This is so unlike you.”
“You inspired me.” He nuzzled my neck. “You’ve shown me that with a little vision and a great deal of enthusiasm, anything is possible.”
Bless his little heart. He was evolving. That was so sweet!
“The Swiss are much too enamored of predictability,” he continued, “so I’m cutting loose, taking a walk on the wild side, going where no Swisser has ever gone before. It’s clear to me now, Emily. The world is our—” He paused. “Our—”
“Oyster.” We needed to have a serious talk about this new dictionary of his.
“Oyster. Of course. I was going to say clam, but I was sure the word had more than one syllable. So what do you say, bella? Have I convinced you?”
“I’m…I’m speechless. What you’re offering me is so incredible, Etienne, but how can I abandon my seniors? I’d feel so disloyal. Who’d chaperone them around the world if I left the bank? I adore my job; I’ve gotten good at what I do. Mr. Erickson praises me for being organized and cheerful, and I’ve become so patient dealing with people that I’m not even tempted by sharp objects when I’m around Bernice and the Dicks anymore. I’d love to come work for you, but how can I turn my back on Mr. Erickson when he was so kind to offer me the position in the first place? I know you’re offering me an opportunity of a lifetime, but what am I supposed to do about—”
“Emily,” he said, sounding distracted, “did the park ranger warn guests about standing too close to the sea lions?”
“He sure did. Why?”
“Some of your group seem not to have heard.”
I glanced toward the ferocious Southern Ocean to find sea lions dipping and bobbing in the surf before catching waves that launched them onto the beach like fired torpedoes. Bernice paced at the water’s edge, trudging left and right in her stiletto boots, shooting closeups as they landed. “The ranger said to stand no closer than four meters. What’s that in feet?”
“About twelve.”
I stood up and let fly my signature whistle. “Bernice!” I whistled again and cupped may hands around my mouth. “BERNIIIIIICE!”
She turned around, looking annoyed at the interruption.
“Get out of there!”
She angled her hand behind her ear and shrugged at me.
“It’s twelve