Page 26 of Pursuing Desire

These people are like little ninjas popping out of nowhere. Everyone seems to know our names before we say a word.

“We’d love some recommendations,” Jess replies.

“Of course. We have a variety of activities in and around the hotel, including a spa, private beach access, and several restaurants. We also have a nearby golf course and yacht club if you’re interested,” Isabella offers. “I’m happy to make reservations for you. I’ve been informed that all charges are to go to the show. You may use all of the facilities free of charge, and all food is included.”

I put my arm around Jess. “In that case, my fiancée and I would love dinner reservations. Maybe something with seafood,” I suggest.

Jess plays her part by snuggling close and laying her head against my arm.

Isabella smiles warmly at us. “We have a lovely on-site seafood restaurant. I’m happy to make those reservations for you.”

“Thank you,” Jess says. “That would be great.”

Isabella hands me her card. “Anytime you need something, just text me at this number. For reservations, I just need about thirty minutes’ notice, and I can make it happen.”

“I think we’re going to hang at the beach for a little while,” Jess says. “If you could make the dinner reservation for around eight o’clock, that would give us a little time to relax?”

“Certainly. Consider it done. You will find beach towels in your room, and we have servers and beach chairs available right on the beach. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to make your stay more comfortable.”

We thank Isabella and then step into the elevators. I push the button for the eighteenth floor. I still have my arm comfortably around Jess as the elevator ascends. Belatedly, she notices and pulls out of my arms.

“All-inclusive everything. I didn’t expect this,” Jess says. “It’s a nice hotel. Do you think any other contestants are here?”

I think about that for a moment. “Yeah, I bet second place is here. Maybe a smaller room or something. Luckily, we won’t ever have to find out what second place gets. I intend to be first each time,” I boast.

The elevator stops at our floor before Jess can respond. She has the resort map in her hand and points to the left. “Our room is right over here, room eighteen-eighteen.” She points to the double doors just a few feet from the elevator.

I use my key card to unlock the door. As I swing it open, I hear Jess gasp beside me. “Oh my gosh. This is awesome.”

Huge windows make up the back wall, and we have a perfect panoramic view of the white sandy beach and the beautiful blue waters of the ocean. The room is decorated in soft, neutral tones and includes a spacious seating area with a huge television, a fully stocked bar area, and a separate bedroom. Jess walks around, admiring the colorful paintings on the walls.

“So, wanna hit the beach?” I suggest.

“Yeah, let’s do it. I’ll change first if that’s okay?”

“No problem,” I agree. “I’ll wait out here.”

Jess changes quickly, and I’m disappointed to see her come out wearing a short black cover-up. I can only assume she’s wearing a bathing suit underneath, since her shapely legs are the only thing not hidden from my curious eyes.

“Your turn,” she says.

Determined to make the most out of what’s left of the day, I waste no time changing into swim trunks. Then we grab some towels and sunscreen and head out to the beach.

Most of the day is already gone, but there is still plenty of sunlight as we make our way through the warm sand. The sun beats down on the groups of people relaxing in chairs and lying on towels.

We find a couple of chairs with an umbrella and plop our things down.

“You want to cool off in the water?” I ask as I pull my t-shirt off.

I notice Jess eyeing my bare chest, and I’m tempted to make a teasing remark about her staring at my muscular pecs. But, no, I’ve been on good behavior since we started this competition, and I’m not going to ruin it now. Besides, I kind of like the way she’s watching me.

She averts her eyes from my chest. “Umm, yeah, I’d like to maybe just dip my feet in. I might go for a walk along the water. It’ll be good to move my body again. Being cooped up in a car all day is surprisingly tiring.”

Jess slowly pulls her bathing suit cover-up over her head, and my body tightens up as though I’m watching a strip tease. I know she’s not doing it on purpose, but watching her inch that cover-up off is a form of torture.

Could that bikini bottom be any smaller? My God, it barely covers anything up. Not that I’m complaining, but I could yank those tiny white strings on the side and easily have it off her in seconds. I’m almost afraid to watch her top be revealed, but I can’t take my eyes away from her.

No, I’m not looking away. No way.