“We’re coming too,” Summer said. “I’m the official photographer. We’ll take casual shots of the beach. I take a great photo. Besides, I could sell one or two to a ladies’ magazine and put our kid through university with the proceeds.”
“He’s not even two yet,” Josh protested.
“Pre-planning never hurt,” Summer said.
“Excellent strategy, sweetheart.” Nikolai chuckled. “Having an in with the prime minister might prove beneficial.”
“Bah! You’re all talk,” Ashley said. “But we’d love photos to share. I have to put something on my social media page. After we call the parental units, I mean.”
Ashley toed off her shoes, took Josh’s hand, and meandered along the beach. The fine sand massaged the soles of her feet while a local waved and cried, “Bula.”
“Bula!” Ashley returned the traditional Fijian greeting, a multi-purpose word used to say hello.
Summer snapped photos during their walk—informal and full of smiles.
“You’ve made me very happy, Prime Minister.” Josh cradled her face and stared into her eyes. Her heart beat extra fast, and confidence settled over her plus excitement for the future. In the background, the click and whir of Summer’s camera continued.
“Don’t go formal on me,” Ashley said. “That’s work. This is you and me. Ashley and Josh. The couple who eloped to avoid a huge, fussy wedding. We’re the wild ones.”
“I love you, Ashley.”
“I know.” Her voice thickened with emotion. This attractivehe-manloved her and showed her in a dozen little ways each day. She’d been so wrong in restricting her dating pool to intellectual men. She cleared her throat. “What say we drink champagne, eat delicious food, ring our parents then celebrate in private?”
“Works for me.” Josh swung her into his arms and spun them around.
Later that evening, after they’d rung their parents and confessed their elopement plus promised a family party soon, they settled into their room, showered and relaxed.
“Josh, I’m so happy. Before you charged into my life, I lived by schedules and lists. The accident changed me—made me wary and over-controlling of what I did and didn’t do. I prefer how I am now—a mix of the two Ashleys. More relaxed because I’m not at war with myself. I can be myself with no apologies. You helped me blossom.”
“You’re too hard on yourself, sweetheart. The accident was simply that. An accident. A set of unfortunate events that created havoc for Jess’s family, for Stephen Blackwood and his family, and for you. You were as much a victim as the others.”
“My head knows this, but it’s so sad. His pain. Suicide rates are climbing amongst young people,” Ashley said.
“Use your power for good. Make it one of your priorities or part of your particular portfolio of responsibilities. You could even name your plan or scheme or whatever you parliament types call them after Blackwood. Make him matter.”
“Something to consider when we arrive home,” Ashley said.
“Enough talk.” Josh stood and strolled over to her, his gaze remaining fixed on her face. Her pulse jumped until it raced, then he gripped her hips to hold her in place. He kissed her and slipped off her robe, leaving her naked. “Better.” His eyes glowed with love and emotion as he ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms. He scooped her off her feet and lowered her onto the bed.
He grinned at her—a wide and devastating grin—while yanking off his boxer-briefs. It made her glad she was lying down because her knees would’ve failed her for sure. “Ready to celebrate?”
“Bring it,” Ashley said with an answering laugh. He made seduction fun, and she was eager to sample more of his expertise, his teasing, his touch.
He leaped at her with a mock growl, trapping her within his arms while smothering her face with kisses. Gradually, the kisses deepened, and his hands wandered. He shaped her breasts and nibbled her neck. Ashley sighed against his mouth, allowing her tongue to tangle with his and thought how lucky she was to have this strong, wonderful man in her life. Her power didn’t threaten him or cause resentment, and she treasured his support. She tried to show him with touch, with actions, and later, she’d confirm it in words, so he’d know she valued him and his contribution to her mental wellbeing.
Ashley nipped a spot low on his neck and soothed the sting with her tongue. He growled, and she smiled so wide, her facial muscles protested. And when he parted her legs and filled her, she rocked with him, her heart full of joy. She watched him as pleasure darkened his eyes.
“I love you, Ashley.”
“I love you right back, Josh.” She shuddered and surrendered to the passion storming her body. “My husband.”
She fell asleep with his scent surrounding her, the taste of him on her mouth, and her happiness overflowing.
The next morning, after lazy sex, the phone rang. Josh reached out for the cell phone and answered it.
“Yeah.” Sleep wove through his husky voice, and she suffered a similar lethargy. Then, he stiffened. “Frog.”
“What are you doing answering Ashley’s phone?” Matt roared loud enough for Ashley to hear.
