Rico reduced the throttle as they approached then they rode the gentle waves toward the shore.
Asia, captivated by the picture-perfect scenery, could only stare. It was like a postcard from paradise. The white sand of the beach glistened in the sunlight as if a million tiny diamonds had been scattered all along the shore. The translucent blue sea licked gently at the sandy beach, the water so clear that as it touched the sand it seemed to disappear. As the sea breeze blew inland, the coconut palms bordering the sand waved and bowed as if in greeting.
“Wow,” Asia whispered, never taking her eyes off the scene, “it’s beautiful.”
“Glad you like it,” Rico said. “Welcome to my own little island paradise. It’s where I go to get away from my world.”
Rico directed the boat toward a tiny dock then jumped out and secured it before turning to her. He reached out a hand to help her out of the boat. Gingerly, she stood up as the boat rocked gently in the water, then she put her hand in his and he pulled her toward him. She hadn’t expected such a powerful tug and she toppled forward, almost knocking him over.
Rico laughed and pulled her into him, crushing her against his strong, lean body. “Trying to knock me into the water, are you?” he growled playfully. “That calls for punishment.”
Asia’s head snapped up. “I wasn’t. I just tripped.”
That was as far as she got. Rico’s head descended, blocking out the rays of the sun, and then his mouth was on hers, punishing her with a sweetness that left her wanting more.
When he raised his head to look down at her she moaned. If this was the type of punishment he meted out for bad behavior she would have to misbehave more often.
He gave her a crooked smile. “Great way to start the day,” he said and then he let her go.
As he stepped away, Asia sighed. It had felt so good to be in his arms, even for those brief seconds. And that kiss. It had left her wanting more. But there was hope. He’d said a great way to start the day. Did that mean there was more to come? She could hardly wait to find out.
It was funny how the simple fact that Rico was no longer her client had made such a difference for her. Okay, she’d be the first to admit that she’d been attracted to him from day one. But still, there had always been that barrier, that one thing that stopped her from giving in to her desire.
But now? She dared not even think about it. She would have to tread very carefully. She wanted him and that was dangerous.
Rico had retrieved the picnic basket and a bottle of wine. He even had a rolled-up blanket tucked under his arm. “Come on,” he said with a jerk of his head. "Let’s go stake out our turf."
Asia giggled. “As if there's anybody else to fight with.”
“Well, you never know.” He cocked an eyebrow. “There may be some wild beasts who don’t appreciate our company.”
That brought Asia to a sudden halt. “Are there wild animals on the island?”
Rico looked amused at her sudden fright. He shook his head. “Don’t worry. The biggest beasts you’ll find are probably birds, turtles and conch.”
“Oh,” she said, feeling stupid. Of course he wouldn’t have taken her to an island with dangerous predators. She knew that.
Rico set off with his load, leaving Asia to follow. She had to practically run to catch up, his long strides giving him a distinct advantage. When she got close she pulled the blanket from under his arm. She could at least help him carry that one thing.
They set up camp in the shade of a low almond tree that had spread its arms far over the sand, creating an oasis of cool, crisp air. There they spread the blanket, using rocks to secure all four corners before the wind whipped it away.
Rico plopped down on their makeshift bed and reached out to drag the picnic basket toward him. “Snack time,” he yelled as he lifted the lid and began to offload its contents.
“But we just got here,” Asia protested. “I want to explore.”
“Sit, woman,” Rico growled then he grinned up at her. “I’m starving. I’m not going anywhere until this beast is fed.” He rubbed his stomach and, as if on cue, it growled.
“You’re hungry already? But we just got here. It’s not even eleven o’clock.”
“Ten twenty-one, actually,” he said, glancing at his watch. “Perfect time for a snack.”
Asia could tell it was no use arguing. When she saw that Rico had already placed half the contents on the blanket and had even started munching on a bread roll she gave up the fight. He was obviously hungry and how could she blame him? He probably hadn’t even stopped growing yet.
She chuckled at that thought. Here she was acting like Rico was way younger than she, when they were actually the same age. Outside of the office environment though, she just couldn’t see him as twenty-five.
But after the meal Asia was left in no doubt that Rico was no boy but a mature and virile man with not an ounce of shyness about him.
They’d dined on crispy fried chicken with bread rolls and a salad then lounged on the blanket, drinking a light wine cooler. Rico had packed away the basket, saving the potato salad and half of the chicken for later. Then he’d told her he was ready for dessert. And it wasn’t the sweet and delicious kind.
She’d lain back on the ground - her stomach comfortably full, her eyes barely open as the hypnotic sound of the wind in the trees threatened to slide her into slumber - when she’d felt his closeness.
As she lifted her heavy eyelids he leaned over her, the red, green and gold of the leaves forming a colorful background behind him. He dipped his head but instead of aiming for her lips this time he went lower, nipping at her right nipple as it peaked in her halter top.
Asia gasped in shock and pleasure. He’d gone for that oh, so sensitive part and it left her panting. But he was just teasing, playing and it was driving her crazy. She wanted more.
Boldly, she raised one hand to cup the back of his head and with the other she lowered the top, exposing the turgid nipple to his gaze. “Suck on it,” she ordered.
His eyes went to hers and Asia could see his surprise at her demand. Then his lips curled in pleasure and he lowered his head to obey her command. He nuzzled the nipple then slipped it into his mouth and sucked softly and sweetly until she arched her back in ecstasy or agony. Asia couldn’t tell which. All she knew was that the caress of his tongue was turning her insides to lava.