‘Well, at least you’re being honest about it.’
He shrugged, breaking into a smile. ‘We’re smart people, Ally. We’ll figure it out. But you still haven’t answered my question. Do youwantto?’
I looked into Tommy’s eyes, seeing right into his soul, the soul of a man who had been my everything – my love, my best friend, myhome. And I saw what I’d longed for – possibility and hope and dreams coming true.
But most of all, I saw love. True, happily-ever-after, Hollywood-ending love.
I was overcome with choking sobs and tears filled my eyes, spilling onto my cheeks. With a vigorous nod, I barely managed to gasp, ‘Yes.’
‘Oh, thank god.’
Then he captured my face in both hands and kissed me. And it was the most perfect, passionate, pure kiss that ever was.
I’m serious – Westley and Buttercup hadnothingon us.
EPILOGUE
NINE MONTHS LATER
Thought of the day…
Trust your heart. It’s almost always right.
And if it isn’t,then at least you won’t spend the rest of your life wondering,
‘What if…?’
‘Well, this doesn’t suck,’ I say, turning my head towards Tommy. He’s stretched out on a sun lounger, a twin to mine, his eyes closed behind his sunglasses.
He lifts my hand to his lips and gives it a soft kiss. ‘It decidedly does not.’
I look down to the beach where aquamarine waves lap at the purest white sand I’ve ever seen, and palm trees sway gently in the breeze. Seriously, this view is ridiculous. It looks like a screensaver. On cue, a squadron of pelicans flies overhead, and I chuckle to myself.
‘What’s funny, my love?’
‘Nothing. Just a pinch-me moment,’ I reply, looking over.
He lifts his sunglasses, and we lock eyes, sharing a smile before he slides them back into place and continues soaking up the sun. My gaze drops to his chest, then to the ridges of his stomach, then lower where a muscular V points to his groin.
I look in all directions. The beach in front of our bungalow is technically private but the staff are never far away, always at the ready to meet any request we might have. Still… wecouldchance it. I scooch down my lounger and roll onto my side, then slip my hand from Tommy’s grasp and lightly trail my fingertips over his pecs.
‘Mmm,’ he murmurs.
I follow the contours of his abs with whisper-soft touches, then slide my fingers under the waistband of his board shorts. He grabs my hand with a laugh, halting my seaside seduction.
‘Oh,please,’ I beg, and he looks over. I stick my bottom lip out, pouting dramatically.
‘There is nothing I would enjoy more than making love to my beautiful wife on this beautiful beach, but you know we’re waiting on a call. It could come any time now.’
‘Icould come any time – if you’dmakeme.’
‘Ally…’
I huff with frustration. ‘What if we’re quick?’
‘I’d rather not rush it,’ he teases with a wink.
I snigger, conceding. Besides, pent-up sexual energy makes for wonderful foreplay.
