“Oh, for the love of all things holy. Go, Emma. If not for me, do it for McConaughey.” Leah says. “You gotta keep on livin’.”
I leave Leah with everything she needs for a day of being sick. Her iPad is plugged in. She has the hotel phone on the end table in case of an emergency. A glass of water and a trashcan are by her side, as well as the remote, a bottle of soda, and her binoculars. I didn’t really see the use for the spyware, but she wanted them near by.
Leah promised she would contact the front desk if she felt dizzy. I stop by the concierge and place a room service order for her. Even if she didn’t eat, I knew someone would be there to check up on her.
After making arrangements for my sister, I head toward the lobby in anticipation for another day spent with Asher. As I walk through, I spot the woman I bumped into two days ago. She is seated in a large wingback chair, reading a magazine. Her large hat covers her face as bright red nails flip the pages. I look down at my casual outfit and wonder if I should be wearing more day-dresses like the pretty striped one she has on. It’s a mix of colors, most of them primary and dark.
I shrug my shoulders and walk out the lobby doors and down the stairs toward the marina.
Asher told me to meet him by the Marina. Growing up, I never went on boats. Once or twice we went fishing with my uncle on the lake, and there was that family cruise to the Bahamas. But other than that, I may have been on five boats my entire life. It’s fascinating I’ve been on six since we landed in Italy, and I have no idea what we’re doing today.
I’m carrying the note Asher left at the hotel. I really like that he leaves hand written notes. With the age of cell phones and emails, there is no use for the old paper and pen method. Then again, I don’t have a phone with me anymore as it’s at the bottom of the ocean. So, this morning, the concierge handed me a note from Asher with the location I should meet him. I was also surprised it came with a yellow rose with red tips.
I’m walking along the steps to the Marina Grande, my rose in my hand and the card in the other. The sun is hot and it’s not even noon. I am just about to step onto the final stair when a body rounds the corner and almost slams into me. I take a step back and, just when I’m about to be upset, I find myself breaking out into a huge grin.
“I thought I was meeting you at the boat?” I ask, but my words are swallowed up when Asher snakes his hand around my neck and pulls me into a kiss. I don’t know what to do with my hands, but my mouth knows exactly where it needs to be.
When Asher finally pulls away he gives me a kiss on the nose. “I couldn’t wait any longer.”
If I had a mirror I’m sure I’d see dimples on my face.
Asher takes the note card from my hand, slides it into his back pocket and grabs my free hand. He guides me along the marina, and I check out my date for the day. Leah would say he looks edible and I would agree. It’s not so much what he’s wearing but the way he wears it. His navy shorts showcase his strong legs and the polo he has on accentuates the broad shoulders and narrow waist.
“You’re wearing flip flops!” I say, completely surprised. “I thought you hated them.”
He flashes a grin. “I’m doing a lot of things these days I thought I’d never do.”
We walk to the dock where the same boat Asher had the other day is waiting.
“Does Devon mind you taking his boats out all the time? Won’t you get in trouble?” I ask as I climb onto the boat. I turn around and he’s looking at me like I have an orangutan sitting on my head. “What?”
He walks forward and kisses my lips. “Nothing. You’re cute.” Asher must catch my eye roll because he adds, “Don’t tell me you’re one of those girls who hates to be called cute?”
I cringe at the word. Saying a girl is cute is like saying she’s your little sister or some small thing that needs care. I much prefer being called bold, accomplished, or successful. Not cute.
I scrunch my nose and shake my head.
He laughs. “You’re not helping your case.”
I lean my weight onto one foot and give him a stare-down. Asher stops laughing. His tongue skims his lip as he places his arms around my waist and pulls me back into him.
“I take it back. You’re not cute.” His eyes looking directly into mine. “You’re talented. You’re feisty. You’re mesmerizing. You’re captivating. And you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my entire life.”
Yeah, those words will do.
With a soft kiss on my neck, he releases me, leaving me breathless and brimming. I set my rose down and watch him untie the boat from the dock. His shirt is clinging to him, showcasing the deep curvature of his muscles and the two divots at the bottom of his back.
I am staring at the perfection that is Asher when he turns around and stops, looking startled. “Wait. Where’s your sister?”
“She’s not coming.”
It must be the thing he wanted to hear because he gives me a smile the size of Ohio.
“Lucky boy,” he says, starting the engine while the boat drifts from the dock.
I take my place, standing in front of the chair I sat in last time. We’re not going fast at all so I choose to stand up and hold on to the panel in front of me. I love being on the island of Capri but not as much as I love looking at it. I know we have “mountains majesty” back home but this place is just surreal.
Asher grabs my arm and pulls me into the spot between his legs and drives holding on to me. This isn’t a lesson in driving like it was the other day. This time, it’s out of pure need to be next to me. I settle in as the boat skips over waves and sea spray mists around us.
