They discussed their options for activities and decided together how to spend their days. They utilized the boat and captain on multiple occasions. He took them snorkeling and they learned that different times of day brought out different aquatic life. One evening, at sunset, they floated while all around them dolphins jumped and played. If the captain hadn’t warned them, Claire may have tried to touch one. They seemed so close and tame. The captain told them to be careful, appearances can be deceiving. That seemed like good advice.

On a few occasions the captain took them to uninhabited islets only accessible by boat. The chefs would prepare a special lunch complete with fresh fruit and wine. And on the completely secluded beach, with a blanket and their picnic basket, Tony and Claire would find some way to spend the hours before the captain returned.

Claire looked at all the clothes Catherine packed. She literally spent her days in bath robes, bathing suits, beach covers, and a sundress for dinner. There was no need to wear clothes or any occasion to do so. Actually, they spent a great deal of their time without any clothing. Situations wouldn’t usually start that way: a swim in the lagoon, sunbathing on the beach, or a night swim in the pool; but more often than not concluded that way.

The sun brought back Claire’s bronze skin from summer. It started to subside with the beginning of autumn. Her accident had accelerated the process, leaving her complexion pale. Tony told her she looked beautiful, the fair complexion made her eyes standout, the emerald green more intense. Seeing herself now, she believed the tanned skin with the blonde hair looked healthier. Her eyes still looked prominent. If she needed to be blonde, she liked herself better with a tan. Unlike her tan during the summer, this one lacked lines.

Other than the staff, Tony and Claire didn’t see anyone during the entire ten-day stay. They were completely secluded and tucked away from the world. Christmas came and went. They wished each other a merry one but there were no evergreens or snow. To Claire that was wonderful. She would take warmth and sunshine over cold and snow anytime. Besides, there had been plenty of decorations at home for the wedding. Tony apologized for not having a gift for her on Christmas morning. She told him it made her happy. He had given her too many gifts; besides, the honeymoon was her gift and she loved it. She repeatedly explained that she didn’t care about monetary things. The more she protested the more Tony pointed out the advantages. He wanted her to realize she had it all and the ability to get anything else. The world was hers for the asking.

The tropical climate was well known for its fruit, and the chefs had it available at all times. There were papayas, pineapples, bananas, avocados, pears, mangoes, and limes. They prepared them in salads, side dishes, entrees, and constantly available fresh. Together they learned how incredibly sensual fruit could be.

Tony would tease Claire’s lips with the sweet aromatic juice of a freshly cut pineapple or papaya. Gently placing it on her tongue, she would close her lips to suck the juice from his fingertips. Often as the fragrant fruit passed her lips, the juices dripped down her chin, where Tony would attempt to remove the sugary nectar with his tongue. At times he’d accidentally drop the sticky fruit and it would fall on Claire’s breasts or stomach. He’d then eat it directly from her bare skin. The result was sultry and exhilarating. The outdoor shower was an excellent steamy setting to wash away the tacky, clammy sweet liquids. However, it always began a new adventure.

On more than one occasion he tested her endurance. His encouragement was always gentle, affectionate, and sensual. At times his physical touch caused such erotic convulsions that she felt she would never experience such a high again. And then she would. Claire contemplated Emily’s question the night before her wedding. If he was this unquenchable at forty-five, she shuddered to think what he would have been like at twenty-five.

He mentioned on multiple occasions that he was thrilled to have Claire as his wife, but with this title came responsibility. She had done well most of the time in the past. Now it’s different. She’s no longer an enigma, no longer a rumor, she was Mrs. Anthony Rawlings. Her actions, words, and appearance reflect directly upon him. He loved her and wanted her as happy as she was here in paradise, but the real world was coming. He wanted her prepared.

For ten days of complete togetherness, no possible threat of the outside world, chance of public failure, opportunity for breaking rules, and risk of negative consequences, Claire enjoyed the chocolate hue of Tony’s eyes. She could give herself and keep him satisfied. She found a place of contentment with her situation and happiness in her decisions.

Sometimes while lounging she would think about the out Tony offered in Central Park. She wondered would she have been happier? Where would she be? And the biggest unanswered question, would he really have let her go? Then she would open her eyes and see a lush tropical paradise, incredibly handsome generous husband, and recognize that her decisions led her to this consequence. She could live with that.

Thursday afternoon, December 30, Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings rejoined Eric at Tony’s plane in Nadi. This time they traveled back in time, arriving back in Iowa City Thursday night. Glistening under a blanket of white snow, the house looked regal as they approached. The decorations were gone, but the houselights shone upon the brick and river stone facade. It was magnificent and welcoming. Paradise had been just that, but now they were home.

  There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart. —Charles Dickens

 Chapter 32

Samuel believed it a farce, the nightly meal with everyone present, his parents, wife, and son. Yes, they lived in the same house, but the formal meals seemed overkill. It reminded him of the TV show Dallas with Nathaniel reigning as omnipotent patriarch.

Amanda looked to her husband as the dinner concluded. Samuel leaned over and affectionately kissed his wife’s cheek. “I need to speak to my father for a few minutes. I’ll be upstairs in a little while.”

She smiled. “All right. I’ll be waiting.” But her eyes questioned her husband.

“I won’t be long.” Then whispering, “I’ll fill you in later, I promise.” Amanda’s eyes smiled as she looked into Samuel’s face. She knew the rules. You don’t question anything in front of Nathaniel. Dealing with her father-in-law was worth it, she adored her husband.

“Anton and I will be upstairs.”

Their son, home from boarding school, watched his parents. “I’ll be up in a minute, Mother. I need to do something.” Amanda smiled at her husband and son. Anton had grown so much during the past semester. Only fifteen, he stood half a foot taller than her. And his eyes could shine, but she saw his grandfather’s darkness too. More than anything she wanted to keep that darkness away.

“All right, maybe we can watch a movie when we all get to our suites? I have some new videos.” Amanda began the ascent up the grand stairs.

Samuel straightened his neck and walked down the corridor toward his father’s office. The double doors stood as a barrier to the inflexible man within. Inhaling deeply he formed a fist. Respectfully, he knocked on the grand double doors. He listened for the words from within. “Come in.” This wasn’t going to go well. His father knew his displeasure with the recent direction of Rawls Corp. Now the recent positive slant and the unexpected shareholder acceptance were too much. These ideas from Jared Clawson had to stop.