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“Like our Valentine couples did?”

Kelsey nodded. “Sort of, but it would just be us. I thought we could dress up and actually have a date tomorrow,” she said. “If that’s all right with you,” she quickly added.

“That sounds lovely, but I’d like to ask you for something.”

“Okay.”

“It feels to me like when we get on this plane, we are on island time. We leave our cares and problems behind and it’s just us. Yes, we’re doing a job, but we’re still on island time.”

“Yeah, I feel that way, too,” Kelsey replied.

“I know we have things to talk about, but this trip feels special. We’re doing these things together as a real couple. Can we stay on island time and not let real life creep in?”

Kelsey smiled and stroked the back of Isabella’s hand with her thumb. “Yes, but…”

“But?”

“Bella, I don’t want to just explore us on island time. I want real life, too,” Kelsey said earnestly.

“I want that,” Isabella said with a sweet smile. “But honestly, all I want right now is to put my arms around you and kiss you into tomorrow.”

Kelsey grinned.

“We have a lot to explore when we get there,” Isabella said in a low voice.

Good God! Kelsey felt warmth rush through her as she stared into Isabella’s eyes. Her heart was thumping in her chest.

“Breathe, Kels,” Isabella whispered.

“We may never get out of that bungalow,” Kelsey said softly.

“That’s fine with me.” Isabella winked.

Kelsey chuckled and leaned over to quickly kiss Isabella. When she sat back and glanced at the man sitting next to her he had a smirk on his face as he stared at his phone. He briefly looked up at her and nodded.

Kelsey knew he couldn’t hear their conversation but she was relieved to know he didn’t mind their kiss.

“Do you remember the first time we went to Peaches?” Isabella asked.

“Of course I do. We danced together for the first time to our song.”

Isabella nodded. “They thought we were a couple. Liz told me that day that she could see us together.”

“Really?”

“Yep. She encouraged me to bring us back to Peaches.” Isabella chuckled. “I told her we’d be back because we liked it and them so much. But she wanted us to come back because the island has a way of making you see things clearly.”

Kelsey smiled. “Can you see us together?”

Isabella nodded. “We’re a couple.”

Kelsey chuckled and squeezed Isabella’s hand. This was going to be their best trip yet.

26

“Oh, Kelsey. Look,” Isabella said, opening the doors onto the deck. “We have time for a quick walk on the beach before dinner. Let’s get our feet wet.”

Kelsey took Isabella’s hand and they ran towards the beach. They kicked up water as they splashed into the sea.