They picked up their menus. “So what’s good here?” Pete asked conversationally. “The food we had last night was fantastic. I’m assuming breakfast will be just as delicious.”

“Just about everything is superb,” Antonio said. “You really can’t go wrong. They have two very coveted chefs from the States here. They come out to the pool once in a while, so we’ve gotten to chat with them. Any place in New York would kill to have these two. But they get paid extremely well here. Plus, they get free plane rides anywhere they want on their days off. It’s hard to argue with that.”

Pete set his menu down, deciding to go with the special, which was some kind of egg hash concoction. “So Emma tells me you’ve been to the island a few times before,” Pete said, addressing Antonio.

“That’s right.” Antonio nodded. “The first time was about two years ago. A friend recommended it—and me. I’d come back more often, but leaving my company for too long is hard.”

“I can imagine,” Pete commented.

“What do you guys do for a living?” Antonio asked.

“I’m a creative director at an ad agency, and Emma is a dancer.”

Antonio’s eyebrows shot up as his gazed snapped to her. “You dance?”

Emma took a sip of her water, dabbing her napkin against her lips, appearing a little embarrassed. “I only teach dance now, but I will always consider myself a dancer. It was my life for many years. All through high school, college, and a few years after.”

“Ballet?” he asked.

“All kinds, but yes, ballet was my main passion. I danced with a troupe in Chicago up until Pete and I were married.”

“Why did you quit?” Antonio asked, leaning forward.

Pete noticed Antonio’s gaze was extremely focused on his wife.

Emma laughed, her voice clear and high. “Because I was getting older. My joints and muscles weren’t cooperating well either. I kept getting stress fractures. Plus, I’d always wanted to teach. That had always been my end goal.” She glanced over at Pete and smiled, setting her hand on top of his. “And that someday came at exactly the right time, if you ask me.”

“I love ballet. Going to the theater is a passion of mine,” Antonio said. “It’s so majestic and beautiful. I’d love to see you dance someday.” He sat back, assuming his casual pose.

Pete cleared his throat. Antonio was too focused on Emma, so it was time to change the subject. “Emma tells me you have a boat.”

“I do,” he answered. “It’s a Marquis 660 Sport. You can’t see it from this table, but it’s out in the marina. It was a huge splurge, but I adore it. I keep it parked down here most of the time. I’m a novice captain, but I’m learning fast.”

“Is your company headquartered in Madison, then?” Pete asked, hoping like hell it wasn’t. “You flew out of there, so I was just wondering.”

“No, I live in California. I was just in town visiting my mother.” Antonio grinned. “My parents divorced when I was eighteen. I grew up in Detroit. My mom moved to Madison about a year ago when she realized she wasn’t getting grandkids anytime soon. It’s a nice town, and we have extended family there. I’m actually thinking of investing in some local businesses. If I’m going to be spending time visiting my family, it makes sense I would mix it with business.”

At that moment, the waitress came to take their order.

Pete sat back, crossing his arms, studying Antonio.

This was going to be a very interesting day.

* * *

The yacht was absolutely stunning. It was like nothing Emma had ever seen before—at least not up close. The girls at home were going to die when she told them where she’d been and what she’d done.

“This is the main deck,” Antonio announced, ushering them through the boat on a tour. “This is where the helm is located, where we entertain. I drive in here if the weather sucks. Above us is the flybridge. That’s where we’ll spend most of the day, and the lower deck houses a small living room and three bedrooms.”

“Three bedrooms?” Emma asked. “Wow.”

“Actually, there are two bedrooms, a master and a guest, and then a small bunk room in the back.”

The main deck was covered in gray, highly polished wood that gleamed in the morning sun. There were three immaculate, white leather couches, a big-screen TV, a built-in bar, and an area where you could lounge next to the captain as he drove.

It was the epitome of luxury.

Pete gave a low whistle. “This is killer. Very nice.”

“Let’s head up top to the flybridge, then we can be on our way.” Antonio led them up an interior staircase by a small galley kitchen, which was decked out with top-of-the-line appliances made to fit the small space. “The roof is partly open, so there will be shade or sunshine, whichever you prefer.”

As they climbed the steps, Emma asked, “Why bother renting a villa? Why don’t you just stay on the boat?”

“Can’t. It’s against the resort rules. People come to socialize with other couples here, and they want to make sure everyone is entitled to the same amenities. But that’s fine. I love the villas. They are done perfectly, and it’s easy to get to meals and head to the beach.”

The flybridge was just as beautiful as the main deck, with the same wood floor. The couches were sleek and stylish. A partial cover on top looked to be a rolling canvas skylight. There were two different tables to sit at, one with chairs and one with a couch.

“This is so amazing,” Emma commented. “Thank you for inviting us to join you. We feel very pampered.”

Before Antonio could answer, there was a loud “Hello!” from below. “Am I too late to catch the wind in my hair?” Mallory’s head popped into view as she ascended the stairs.

Emma was surprised to see her, but it wasn’t unwelcome. Emma had no hard feelings about last night’s interactions with the beautiful model. In fact, Mallory had been likable, down-to-earth, and accommodating. There was nothing not to like.

“Not at all. You’re just in time,” Antonio said jovially, walking over to greet her with a kiss on each cheek. “We weren’t sure if we were going to see you today or not.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. You know I love seeing you and your swanky-ass yacht.” Mallory leaned around his shoulder. “And I see you’ve already found the hottest couple on the island to bring along with you. Man, you’re fast,” Mallory teased. She was dressed in a flowing, gauzy cover-up with nothing much underneath, big sunglasses, several bracelets and adornments, and a big pink floppy hat. She looked like a movie star, or the supermodel she was soon to become.

Antonio grinned. “So you guys have already met, then? I’m not surprised in the least. It seems you work quicker than I do, my dear. Shall we go?” He leaned over the side and called to Charlotte, who had stayed below. “Untie us. We’re all set!” Then he sat in the captain’s chair and turned on the engine.

Within a few moments, they were motoring out into the clear blue waters.

Emma and Pete sat on one of the long couches near the back, Mallory sat across from them at the table, and Charlotte was sprawled on the couch next to Antonio.

Everyone was relaxed.

Emma took in the sights with Pete’s arm slung casually around her shoulders. The greenery around the resort was very lush, but as the yacht made its way along the coastline, the vegetation was sparse, just like she’d seen on the other side. But the white sand and crystal-blue water were out of this world, something out of a fantasy. After a while, Emma stood and walked to the railing, loving the feel of the wind and trying to spot some sea creatures in the rolling waves.

“We’re coming up to what I like to call Private Beach,” Antonio called. “It’s a small, sheltered cove that you can only get to by boat.” He swiveled around to face them as Emma walked back to the couch where Pete was sitting. “Do you guys want to anchor for a while?”