the solitude of their individual reflections. They spent the next hour musing over the incredible food and enjoying the music played by the jazz quartet.
Marshall was pleasantly surprised to find Deandra quite informed on a number of topics. They chatted about the local and national political climate and a few of the local politicians. She was also up to date on the current national and international golf and tennis tournaments and players. A lively debate ensued over who was the best in women’s tennis, past and present. Deandra mentioned she’d won a few local tournaments.
“Do you play?” she asked.
“Not for competition. My schedule usually doesn’t permit me to commit as much time as a tournament generally requires. I play golf and tennis for relaxation or the occasional business meeting,” he replied.
Deandra was more impressed by Marshall than she expected. He wasn’t stuffy like many men of similar stature. He was really laid-back and appeared easygoing. She liked that about him. The fact he was single and unattached was a special bonus. She’d grown a bit weary of married men who didn’t want to be seen in public places with her. They were more than willing to spend time with her in out-of-the-way restaurants or hotel rooms, and to lavish her with expensive gifts and money in exchange for her company. Yet, she knew they offered no future or security, because they were already committed to someone else. Tonight, staring across at Marshall, she became abundantly aware she wouldn’t be able to trade on her looks forever. Eligible bachelors like him were few and far between. Perhaps it was time to think about a long-term relationship.
While Marshall wasn’t thinking long-term commitment, he was considering the possibility of spending more time with Deandra. She was lively and vivacious. He surmised it was time for a little fun. He’d been working steadily for the past several months and just decided a mini vacation might be in order.
“Do you have any plans for tomorrow?” he asked as he finished his drink and watched her face closely for a reaction.
Out of force of habit, she almost wanted to say she had plans for the weekend. She didn’t want him to think she was not invited anywhere. Most socialites were always occupied on the weekend. However, logic told her this might be her only opportunity to spend more time with him. The evening was ending and how she answered might determine the outcome tonight. If she said she was unavailable, chances were he would sleep with her tonight and she would quickly fade into a distant memory. Or, if she was available, even if he slept with her tonight, he would have committed to seeing her again tomorrow. All these scenarios danced around in her head delaying her response.
“You must have a very busy schedule. Pardon me for being so presumptive,” he said, and signaled for the check. It was a calculated move on his part, because he could clearly see she had no plans for the next day. He knew by indicating the evening was over, it would force a truthful response from her and not allow her time to calculate her next move. She reacted as he expected.
“Nothing so pressing I couldn’t put it off to a later date,” she replied easily.
He smiled before continuing. “Your company this evening has helped me to realize I am in need of a little break. Care to join me for a quick trip to the Bahamas?”
Unabashed surprise and glee registered on her face. Without hesitation, she replied, “I’d love to.”
“Great,” he replied, and placed some bills along with the check in the black folder on the table. “Excuse me for just a moment,” he continued, and disappeared into the lobby for a few minutes. When he returned, he assisted her from her chair and escorted her out toward the lobby.
As they exited the hotel, Deandra’s mind was in a whirl. What should she pack? Should she ask him how many days they would be gone or just stay quiet and not interrupt the mood? Excitement raced through her body and her eyes sparkled in anticipation. She looked across at Marshall standing next to her while they waited for the valet and shivered.
“Are you cold?” he asked once more.
“No, just excited,” she said, and smiled up at him.
He took her hand in his and gave it a brief squeeze. He released her hand as soon as his car was brought around and he opened the car door for her. Marshall got into the driver’s side and put the car in gear and drove off.
Her mind was so filled with thoughts of what she should take with her to make the best impression on him that she didn’t pay attention to where they were going. After fifteen minutes it occurred to her he might need to know where she lived, so he could drop her off.
“Are you taking me home?” she asked.
“Not yet, unless you’re ready to go home?” he replied, and continued on his course.
“Oh,” she answered, and sat quietly back in her seat. She said nothing for a few more minutes and then noticed they were approaching the local marina. She looked across at him quizzically, but declined to ask any more questions.
He pulled into a parking space at the marina and alighted from the car. She stayed in her seat unsure of why they were here. Suddenly her door was opened and he offered his hand to assist her out of the car. He took her hand and guided her along the walkway toward a huge white boat.
“Good evening, Mr. James,” an old man called from the deck of a sleek Sea Ray Sundancer, and climbed down to the dock and began walking toward them.
“Hey there, Sam, everything in order?” he asked.
“Yes, sir, just like you requested.”
“Fantastic,” Marshall replied, and tossed his car keys to the old man.
Deandra stopped in her tracks as it dawned on her. The trip to the Bahamas was now, not tomorrow. “Marshall, are we leaving now?”
“Yes, I thought it would be a nice surprise,” he replied.
“But I didn’t pack anything,” she wailed as she realized the only makeup she had was a tube of lipstick in her evening bag, and surely this cocktail dress would be out of place on a beach. She didn’t even have a decent hairbrush.
“Not to worry,” he said, and tilted her chin up with his hand and kissed her briefly on the lips.
His kiss was as unexpected as it was sweet, and she melted instantly. Still in her high heels, she allowed him to guide her along the wooden planks of the dock. She watched each step to prevent one of her two-hundred-dollar Jimmy Choo pumps from slipping through the cracks in the wood.
Marshall assisted her onto the deck of the boat and handed her his suit jacket before he turned to have a few more words with the old man. Deandra stood in the cockpit and took stock of her surroundings. From what she’d seen so far, the boat was immaculate, with a U-shaped comfortable seating area complete with wet bar and sink. She lifted his jacket to her nose and inhaled deeply. It was warm from his body and his cologne lingered in the fine wool threads. She ran her fingers across the expensive material and smiled. This was all too good to be true.
The old man gave a brief wave from the dock before he climbed into Marshall’s Mercedes and drove out of the marina. Marshall bounded back onto the deck and joined her in the cockpit. He wasn’t quite ready to set sail. With his shirt collar undone and sleeves rolled up, he looked every inch the rich playboy. He reached for her hand and easily pulled her into his arms.
She offered no resistance and slipped her arms comfortably around his waist. Her body tingled in response to the close proximity of his. She explored the solid muscles of his back and shoulders with her hands. His waist was slim and she resisted the urge to run her hands south of his waistline.
He brushed her hair from her neck and kissed the soft skin below her ear. His lips blazed a hot trail from her jaw to her lips before he captured her mouth in a rapturous kiss.
Her knees grew weak as his assault on her senses continued. She eagerly responded as he slipped his tongue deep into the sweet corners of her mouth. Heat rose between her thighs and she ached in anticipation.
Marshall’s