“They do a superb job of providing privacy,” Pete commented next to her. “They all have the double loungers in front, too, but there’s enough trees in between to hide them. It’s brilliant. The perfect escape.” Pete tugged Emma farther down the beach to the right. “There’s a curve up ahead. I bet the rest of the resort faces that direction.”

As they passed the remaining villas, which must be numbered eight, nine, and ten, they reached the curve. There was a break in the vegetation after the last villa, and the top of a thatched roof became visible.

“I bet that’s the beach bar,” Emma said. “The main pool is somewhere by it. We should’ve checked out a resort map. That was dumb.”

“This place is so small, I’m sure we’ll get the lay of the land very soon. I’m psyched to see what everything looks like. If our villa is any indication, it’s going to be nice. Let’s walk along the water a little longer, then we’ll come back. The sun is almost down. If we make it around this curve, we can catch it setting.”

They walked hand in hand, the warm water crashing lightly, the tide rushing up and over their feet.

Emma had to pull up the hem of her sundress a few times, but it was glorious. “I know I’ve said it already, but I’ve never seen water this blue,” she said. “It’s almost like the water and sky have become one. It’s magical.”

The vegetation began to thicken once they passed the pool and bar, and more villa roofs popped into view.

Emma glanced behind her. The two beaches that were separated by the curve were identical. Pete was right. They must be in a larger sheltered cove of some kind.

They continued to walk as the sun set. They stopped to watch it as it dipped below the horizon, Pete’s arm around her waist.

They hadn’t encountered another soul the entire walk.

Once the sun had made its exit, Pete whispered, “At some point, I’m going to fuck you on this beach.” He pressed his lips against the top of her head. “We’re going to explore every inch of this place.”

Emma murmured, “I can’t wait. I have a feeling this island is going to be full of surprises.”

10

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Pete guided Emma up the incline toward the beach bar. Now that the sun had set, lights twinkled in the form of several strands of bulbs strung over small bushes and railings surrounding the bar.

The bar was built on the same teak decking material. It was open and airy with a large thatched roof covering not only the main bar, but several sitting areas. It had an exotic feel to it, but with modern furnishings, just like the villa.

“Looks like there are some people here,” Pete said. “Maybe this is the place to gather this time of night.”

“I don’t thinks so. People want to watch the sun go down. This faces east, same as our villa,” Emma said. “Maybe the formal dining room or the other restaurant faces west? I bet that’s where the majority of the people are. Nobody likes to miss a sunset if they can help it. Tomorrow we’re going to get the sunrise right out our front door. I can’t wait! I think I’ll go on a sunrise jog. I’m always up early the first day on vacation anyway.”

“I might be tempted to join you if you can get me up,” Pete joked, wrapping his arm around her tighter as they walked up a short flight of steps from the beach.

“Yeah, right.” Emma thumped his chest. “You’re like a rock in the morning. There’s no way I’m getting you up at the crack of dawn.”

Pete immediately recognized that he and Emma had on more clothing than most of the attendees. “I think they take the clothing-optional thing seriously here,” he whispered. “We’re a little overdressed, but I think they’ll excuse us since we just arrived.”

“I’m sure they will. Wow,” Emma said, her voice low so no one could overhear, “everyone looks fairly young from here.”

“It’s a young, hip crowd,” Pete said. “I much prefer that to old retirees.”

“I agree.”

The bar was long and curved around to the back, its wood shined to a high gloss. A few barstools were occupied by guests. There were a few lounge areas with small tables and comfortable-looking chairs, as well as a few love seats scattered around with brightly colored cushions in reds, oranges, and yellows. Three of the areas were occupied by couples, and one by a group of four. All the others were empty.

“Welcome!” a guy on a barstool announced in a booming voice as they walked up. He looked to be mid-thirties. He had blond hair, balding on top. “Is this your first time in Paradise?” The guy picked up his drink and swung around on his stool. “I’m Harry, but I’m not really that hairy, as you can plainly see.” He winked, pointing to his head. “This is my wife, Jennifer. It’s our third time on the island, and it only gets better each time we visit.”

The guy was naked except for an extremely small bright blue Speedo.

He stretched out his hand, and Pete shook it. “I’m Pete, and this is my wife, Emma. Yes, this is our first time.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Emma added, nodding to Jennifer, who was naked from the waist up. Her breasts hung like two long pendulums. She gave Emma a small smile.

“Come on and join us,” Harry said, sliding a barstool closer to him and patting the seat. “Get to know the natives. We can let you know what’s what around here. Lots to do and explore.”

Pete hesitated. His arm was still wrapped firmly around his wife’s waist. He knew Emma’s first choice would not be to sit with these people, but being rude wouldn’t start them off on the right foot here either. It was a small resort, and Pete was curious about the rules and the culture. Besides, if he snubbed them now, they would end up running into them daily, guaranteed.

He glanced down at Emma before he answered.

She gave him a slight nod.

“We can stay for one drink,” Pete said as he ushered Emma to the stool farther away from Harry. “We just got here and we’re tired from a long day of travel, so we’re going to get room service once we get back.”

“What are you guys drinking? The first round is on me,” Harry announced. The bartender was washing glasses nearby. “Paul, get these guys whatever they want,” he said, “and put it on my tab.”

Paul glanced at Pete. “I’ll take a Heineken if you have one,” Pete said. “If not, anything’s fine.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Emma told Harry. “I’ll have a piña colada.”

Paul nodded and left to get the drinks.

“Getting into the island groove, huh?” Harry grinned at Emma. “I like it. Jen, come over this way, so we can talk in a group.”

They watched as Jennifer maneuvered off her barstool slowly, and Harry manhandled the chair so it was now in front of him. Jennifer was very curvy and wore a blue thong bikini bottom, similar in hue to her husband’s.

“Were you guys at the pool before this?” Pete asked, trying to be cordial.

“Yep, did some laps, spent some time under the waterfall,” Harry replied. “Good times. The pool is my favorite spot here. Nothing beats it.”

“Waterfall?” Emma asked. “They have a waterfall at the pool?”

“Oh, you haven’t been yet?” Jennifer said softly. “It’s right down that path over there.” She gestured in the direction behind the bar. “It’s really amazing. A big waterfall separates three parts of the pool. There’s even seating underneath. Everything here is world-class, but the pool is the best. It’s surrounded by flowers and greenery. It feels like you’re in an oasis. That’s where we spend most of every day.”

Harry nodded along. “They have those double loungers set up all over, some with curtains and some without, get my meaning?” He leaned over and elbowed Pete.

Unfortunately, Pete got his meaning.

The guy meant well, but he was annoying as hell. Pete knew his type: the loud, overcompensating entertainer. There was no way he and Emma would be hooking up with him and Jennifer. Next time they ran into them, however, Pete would give their excuses and move on. But while they were here, Pete was going to pump him for as much information as he could.