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“After you, my prisone… I mean guest.”
Cheyenne travelled to the guest room he had given her, which had been used little. It would get use tonight, she promised. She changed into khaki shorts and a lavender scoop neck shirt with tiny flower embellishments and wispy cap sleeves. Her hair was pulled into a simple ponytail, with ringlets escaping down the sides. After a trip to the restroom, she donned her hiking boots and set out toward the dining room.
Breakfast turned out nicer than expected, with bagels that came from a famous Miami bakery, juicy grapes, freshly squeezed orange juice and the sweetest strawberries she’d ever tasted. She had a huge poppy seed bagel, toasted to perfection and covered with smooth chive cream cheese. Once they finished eating, Julian grabbed a large paper bag from the fridge, and they departed for their walk.
The island might have been relatively small, but it didn’t seem so as they meandered through the lush natural world. They wound their way between tall palm trees and flower-adorned vines, over St. Augustine grass paths and under brilliant pink and violet bougainvilleas. Fluffy squirrels, dappled rabbits and emerald lizards scurried in the brush, while colorful parrots, blue birds and sparrows flew among the trees. Cheyenne hopped over a miniature brook. “This is lovely.”
Julian pushed aside leaves as big as him to let them to pass. “And there’s only two bears.”
Cheyenne halted.
He winked. “Just kidding.”
She grimaced. “The joke’s going to be on you when you discover a bear stowed away on the boat.”
He only laughed and grasped her hand.
As they walked, Julian pointed out a variety of plants, sharing his vast knowledge of the local flora and fauna. By the time they reached a small clearing with a sparkling, pristine lake, she’d all but attended a guided nature tour. “How did you learn about all this? Wait, let me guess. In addition to being a world-famous actor, you’re also a noble prize winning scientist.”
“Of course. I’m also a Supreme Court judge, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins and President of the United States. And, on the side, I’m an undercover spy.”
She stumbled.
He caught her before she could fall. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. I got caught on a branch.”Or simply broke when he inadvertently mentioned her true profession.
His concern warmed her, as he moved closer. “What about you? Any big roles I should know about?”
She shrugged. “I’m at least one of those.”
“Obviously.” He grinned. “I’m not actually a botany expert. A friend of mine is, however, and he shared his knowledge during a get-together.”
A get-together, as in a guys’ retreat or something that involved ladies? Of course, it really was none of her business. She shouldn’t care, and most certainly shouldn’t ask.
“The island gets a lot of use.” He relocated a branch in her path. “It’s a great place to bring my family and friends. Of course, I only allow people I trust. The last thing I need is a hidden camera at the tiki hut.”
Cheyenne nodded absently.
“What is it?” A slow, leisurely smile formed. “Do you want to know if I bring other women here?”
“Of course not.” She flushed. “I mean, that’s none of my business. You could bring a hundred ladies here, a thousand even…”
“A million?”
“A million. It’s your island after all.”
The smile widened into a full grin. “As ideal as this place is for a romantic getaway, I’ve never felt the need – or desire – to bring another woman here. You’re the first.”
The satisfaction was unbidden, strong and impossible to ignore. She glanced away. “It’s none of my business. I was just curious how you used it.”
He brushed his fingers under her chin, softly caressing the sensitive skin. His smile was soft and warm. “I’m glad you care.”
She opened her mouth to deny it, but the lie wouldn’t form. She gestured toward the picnic basket. “So what’s on the menu?”
He smiled, but allowed the distraction. “Actually, I’m not sure. My housekeeper prepared it.”
She remembered the older couple from her arrival. “That’s the woman I saw leaving the island when we came?”