‘So…the last hurrah.’ Despite his smile, his voice is wistful, solemn almost.
‘And what a hurrah it’s been.’ My gaze falls to his full lips. The memory of the pleasure they’re capable of bestowing swirls in my stomach like a swarm of excited butterflies.
‘You ready?’ He offers his hand out to take mine.
‘Give me one second.’ I nip back inside, grab my lipstick, phone, and the last remaining condom and stuff them into my small purse. Better to be prepared, just in case we decide to have dessert alfresco—again.
We stroll through the gardens of the resort towards the beach. California catches my hand, and a hot burst of electricity fizzes through my fingers as they entwine with his. The resort is drenched in that honey-dipped glow that only appears in the moments before sunset—when the whole world pauses, suspended between day and night.
Palm trees sway lazily overhead, whispering in the warm breeze. Lanterns flicker to life one by one as the sky shifts from molten gold to soft blush pink. The scent of frangipani blooms thickens in the air, mingling with the salt of the sea. Somewhere, faint music drifts from one of the bars. The white phalaenopsis orchids catch my eye. I slow to a stop, and bend to sniff one.
California brushes his finger over a petal. ‘You like?’
‘I love.’ I stand and slip my hand back into his as we continue to the beach. The sun dips lower on the horizon, sinking into the Caribbean Sea like a burning coin. The waves catch the light and scatter it in glittering shards across the shoreline. And there, nestled on the sand a few metres from the water, is our table.
A private canopy has been erected just for us. The whitefabric is tied back with braided rope, the breeze tugging playfully at the edges. Inside, a round table draped in crisp linen awaits, illuminated by a circle of candles that glow warm against the encroaching dusk.
Tate lingers beside the setup, arms folded, his silhouette tall and alert against the pastel sky. He gives me a small nod, reassuring me everything is secure.
California hesitates for half a heartbeat, taking in the scene. He scrubs a hand over his jawline, like maybe he’s wondering if this is too much.
‘I’ll give you some privacy.’ Tate breaks the silence between us.
‘Thanks,’ I nod, and he backs away.
My bottom has barely touched the seat when a waitress glides towards us, balancing a chrome cooling bucket between her palms. Nestled inside, a bottle of Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage sweats delicately against the ice.
‘I thought you might like one for the road.’ California lowers himself into the seat opposite me.
‘One what, exactly?’ I fire him a wink.
A slow smirk curves his lips. ‘Whatever you want, Irish.’ Those cool blue eyes darken to two twin pools that a weaker woman might drown in.
The waitress pops the cork and pours two flutes. Bubbles race to the surface in a rush of rose-gold foam.
‘It really will only be one. We’ve only got one condom left,’ I tell him the second she leaves us alone.
Horror hijacks his face. ‘How is that possible?’
I shrug. ‘We’ve been busy.’
‘Oh well,’ his jaw juts out. ‘Either I fuck you bareback, or I fuck your ass. The choice is yours.’ He shrugs casually. ‘I saw the packet of pills in your suite though. And I’m clean. I promise.’
The thought of having him bare inside me sets a freshwave of arousal flooding through me. ‘I’m on the pill,’ I admit, ‘But, I might let you fuck my ass anyway.’ His eyes flare as I reach for my glass; the cool chill kisses my fingertips.
‘You, Irish, are a fucking goddess. It’s been a pleasure getting to know every inch of your incredibly sexy body.’ He clinks his glass against mine.
‘What shall we toast to?’ I ask him, the same way I asked him at the start of the holiday.
He grins, not missing a beat. ‘To holiday flings and carnal things.’
‘Amen to that.’
We order the fresh lobster—caught that morning. When it arrives, even the sea air can’t compete with the scent.
‘Wow,’ I murmur. ‘That smells incredible.’
‘You smell incredible.’ He leans over the table to brush his nose over my neck. A shiver races down my spine. ‘I might have to buy a bottle of your perfume and spray it on my pillow.’
