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Never Say Never

Page 96

by Brittany Holland

She made all my dreams come true in a couple sheets of linen paper.

The sound of water lapping against the boat feels my ear, as happiness feels my heart. I put the note away for safe keeping. Jazz! My sister, butterflies fill my stomach at the possibility of seeing her after all these years. For now, I leave my past behind and focus on my future.

Closing my eyes, I let her words sink in. Everything she said about finding someone has come true, Cohen is everything she said I would find and more. Everything I never thought I would find, or deserve. Now I truly believe it was written in the stars for us to find each other.

The spray of the warm salt water mixed with the dark ocean sent that is Cohen washes over

me. Everything about him surrounds me even from across the deck. I feel his eyes on me as I stand.

My navy and gold swimsuit hugs my body like a glove beneath my cover and his eyes remain glued on me as I walk towards him.

“Hello sleeping beauty.” He smiles at me.

“Hello, sexy pirate.” I reply, wrapping myself around him as he steersthe boat.

“We’re nearly there.” He explains as he slides me in front of him, steering with one hand, while the other pulls gently on my hip and his solid chest slams into my back. “It seems someone is still earning her sea legs.”

“Well, in my defense, it’s only been three days and you’ve kept me on my back for a good portion of the trip.” I reach behind me, gripping his solid body to steady myself as the boat rocks.

“Guilty, as charged.” His tongue trails up the curve of my neck, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

“The view in incredible.” A sign escapes my lips as I stare out at the tranquil blue waters of the Almafi coast.

“Yes it is.” I look over my shoulder, to find his eyes on me.

“You really need some new material.” I tease him.

“You will always be my favorite view, ocean or mountain. Nothing compares.” I melt at his words, however over the top they may seem, I feel the same about him.

“Here we are.” He gestures to a serene inlet that has views of private white sandy beaches and breathtaking mountains in the distance.

He steps back and I miss the warmth instantly. He proceeds to take off his shirt, letting the white fabric flutter to the teakwood deck as he secures some ropes.

“Show off!” I call as he prepares to drop anchor.

“You want to grab the picnic basket?” He replies, running his hand down his washboard stomach that’s golden from the sun. “I’m starved.”

Insatiable. I mutter under my breath as I run down to the ultra-modern galley to grab the picnic basket for our sunset picnic, the smell of fresh fruit and local cheeses is mouthwatering. Reaching into the stainless wine cooler, I take out a bottle of white and grab two glasses, then the opener, setting them carefully in the dark, wicker basket. Looking around the galley, I love how his boat is a blend of old world charm and modern luxury.

When I climb back up, ready for our sunset picnic, I see he is waiting for me, relaxed on a large fluffy white blanket, with pillows scattered around. There is soft music playing in the background.

Very romantic.

“Dinner is served.” I smile, walking towards him, relishing the way his eyes feel on me, like he can’t get enough.

“I wanted to ask your opinion on something first.” He starts as I began to unpack the meal and he uncorks the wine.

“Anything.” I smile as I pop a grape into my mouth, it’s sweet juice refreshing.

“Well, I know you are my favorite view, but I think the view is missing one tiny detail.” His tone is very serious.

“Who’s cheeky now?” I pop another grape into my mouth and lean over to kiss him.

His tongue invades my mouth and some of the juice from the grape drips down my chin. Cohen laps it up and sets the wine aside as he leans back with me in his arms.

“I was thinking this might help.” He takes my hand and slides something cool on my finger.

Lifting my hand, my breath is stolen as I see the fading sunlight glinting off of a stunning cushion cut diamond surrounded by a halo of tiny black diamonds and set in a smooth platinum band.