Page 17 of Cinematic Destinies (Red Carpet Romance #3)

“ W ow, it’s like we’re on the moon or something,” Georgia remarked as they drove down the road leading to the Blue Lagoon, nothing but endless vistas of lava rocks all around them as far as the eye could see.

“It’s wild. We’re almost there,” Roo said.

“I can’t believe how long it took. It’s been over eight hours,” Georgia said.

“Well, it would have been more like six and a half if we hadn’t stopped so much along the way.”

“That’s the best part of a road trip,” she replied. “All the cool little spots you see along the way. We took so many gorgeous photos.”

“Not to mention souvenirs. That Icelandic tourism book has some tips for visiting the lagoon, and one simply can’t leave Iceland without the requisite shot glass.

The shawl you bought is lovely. You’re the only woman I’ve ever known who could drape herself in wool and make it look so sexy.

” She giggled and he continued, “I must say I also quite enjoyed those sandwiches we picked up in that tiny little town. Who knew smoked lamb was so delicious?”

Georgia smiled. “Oh, look. There’s steam up ahead. We must be getting close.”

“There were three hotel options and we’re staying at the swankiest, but I was only able to book a regular room, not one of their palatial suites.”

“I’m sure it’ll be great. Besides, we’ve been cozy in my little room at the inn all summer,” she replied, rubbing his arm. “In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m a girl who can pretty much go anywhere with a backpack and a sleeping bag.”

“Is that so?” he asked skeptically.

“Well, the backpack yes, although I do have a tendency to overstuff it. I admit a fondness for indoor plumbing, shampoo, and a good mattress, but I can make do.”

“Me too. The truth is, I suppose I could make do with anything as long as you’re there.”

They smiled at each other as Roo pulled up to the front of the luxurious five-star Retreat Hotel. Young men in uniform quickly opened their doors and ushered them inside, assuring them the luggage was following.

“This is so beautiful,” Georgia remarked, looking around the modern lobby with a wall of windows facing the lagoon and rolling moss-covered chocolate-brown mountains in the distance.

A woman came rushing over from the reception desk. “Welcome, Mr. Reed and Ms. Forrester. Please, have a seat anywhere.” They sat down on one of the many couches and the woman continued, “I understand this is your first visit. May I offer you something to drink? Water? Champagne? Tea or coffee?”

“Ooh, champagne would be nice,” Georgia said.

“For me as well,” Roo added.

“Certainly. Please excuse me for a moment. While I’m gone, you can look over this itinerary,” she said, handing a printout to Roo.

“I’ve booked you dinner at Lava at eight o’clock, in case you’d like to take a dip in the lagoon first. I’ve taken the liberty of booking a couples massage tomorrow, as well as additional dinners.

We can schedule anything else or cancel anything on your behalf.

Full spa services and other activities are printed on the last page.

Also, you’ll want to put these bracelets on—they give you access to your room, the spa, the lagoon, and can be used to charge things to your account. ”

“Thank you,” Roo said.

“Our afternoon tea just ended, but if you’re hungry, I’m sure I could get you a few canapés and sweets to go with your champagne.”

“I’m fine. Thank you, though,” Georgia said.

“Yes, I’ll save room for dinner,” Roo concurred.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Georgia gushed, “This place seems amazing.”

Roo slung his arm around her and said, “Look at this list. Morning yoga, a full breakfast, wine tastings, high tea, loads of spa services, and the lagoon itself.”

“Oh, I want to see if I can book a facial.”

Their host returned and handed them each a flute.

“Cheers, darling,” Roo said, clinking his glass to hers.

“Cheers.”

AFTER A TOUR OF THE FACILITIES, GEORGIA and Roo went to their room, which featured a view of moss-covered lava rocks, the lagoon water trickling by.

Roo noticed the freestanding bathtub facing the wall of windows and remarked, “We’ll definitely have to take a soak in this. Doesn’t get more romantic.”

Georgia giggled. “There’s also a rainfall shower with room for two.”

“I like the sound of that,” he replied, slipping his arms around her waist and staring adoringly into her eyes. “So, what shall we do first?”

“The lagoon!” she squealed.

He smiled. “I love how excited you get for something new. Your spirit is so alive, it’s infectious.”

“Come on, let’s change into our swimsuits,” she said, tugging his hand.

Soon Roo was in blue swim trunks and Georgia in a white string bikini. She was looking in the bathroom mirror and pulling her long curls into a bun when Roo slipped his hands around her waist, gently kissed her shoulder, and whispered, “You are extraordinarily beautiful and damn sexy.”

She finished fixing her hair, turned to face him, and said, “You’re not so bad either.”

They kissed softly and Roo said, “If we want to make it to the lagoon, I don’t think we can do that again, not with you looking like this. You are a goddess.”

She giggled. “Come on, let’s put on our matching white robes and flip-flops and head over.”

Soon they were walking down the stairs of the spa that led into the private part of the lagoon reserved for hotel guests.

“Wow, it’s as warm as a bath,” Georgia said as they stepped into the milky blue water. “The color is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Follow me,” Roo said, and he used his bracelet to open a small see-through door, which led into the open-air part of the lagoon.

“Oh, wow!” Georgia exclaimed. They wandered through the mineral-rich water, encased between mounds of lava rocks. Steam rose around them as they found themselves shoulder-deep, not a soul in sight. “The ground is soft and a little squishy,” she remarked.

“It’s a kind of white mud. This whole thing comes from silica, a product of lava. It’s mixed with geothermal seawater in volcanic aquifers deep underground, which gives the lagoon its mineral properties, temperature, and iconic coloring,” Roo explained.

“I’m impressed,” Georgia said.

“Don’t be. I was reading the tourism book while you were changing. That’s the extent of what I learned.”

“How about we sit over here, on this ledge?” Georgia suggested.

They sat down in the far corner of the private lagoon.

“This is paradise,” Roo said as he draped his arm around Georgia.

She sighed contentedly. “Absolute bliss.”

“Georgia . . .”

“Yes?” she said, looking at him.

“It’s paradise because I’m with you.” He took a moment to just gaze into her eyes. “I love you. I’m madly in love with you.”

“Oh, Roo.” She gently pressed her mouth to his, looked back into his eyes, and said, “I love you too.”

He grinned from ear to ear. “I’ve wanted to say it for so long. Since the first time we made love. Honestly, I already knew I loved you when I showed up at your door that day.”

“And here I thought you just wanted to see if you could catch me playing guitar in the nude.”

He laughed. “Well, there was that, of course. But I had fallen in love with you, Georgia. In my heart, I believe we’re soulmates.” He stroked her cheek and kissed her. “You’ve made me so happy. Knowing you love me too, it’s everything I could hope for.”

“I do love you.” She paused and said, “Roo . . .”

“What, my darling?”

“I’ve never said that to anyone before. I mean, I’ve never been in love.”

“Me either. I was hoping to only do it once.”

“I wasn’t looking for a relationship or love.”

“Me either,” he said. He kissed the tip of her nose and added, “But it found us anyway.”

They rested their foreheads together for an intimate moment.

“I do so love you, darling,” he said.

“I love you.”

They started to kiss but were interrupted when a bikini-clad woman holding a phone walked by on one of the surrounding bridges and in a thick Icelandic accent said, “Sorry to sneak up on you. I work at the resort, taking pictures of guests in the lagoon. It’s a complimentary service we offer. Would you like your photo taken?”

“We would love that!” Georgia enthused.

The couple posed for several photos. In the last one, Roo had his arm around Georgia and was kissing her cheek as she smiled widely.

Roo gave the photographer his email address and she promised to send the photos. Before she left, Georgia asked, “Is your job really to hang out in the lagoon all day taking photos of tourists?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“You may have the actual best job in the world,” Georgia said.

“I know,” she replied with a smile before leaving the couple to themselves.

Georgia turned to Roo and said, “I thought we were lucky to be actors, but she’s got it made. If she ever retires, maybe I can apply for her job.”

“No fair. I wanted it.”

“Sorry. I don’t think you’ll look as good in a bikini, which seems to be the required uniform.”

“Speaking of which,” he said, running his hands down her body and nibbling her earlobe, “It’s torture looking at you in this tiny thing. I’m looking forward to taking it off you in our fabulous two-person shower.”

After a relaxing soak in the lagoon, they shuffled back to their room, hand in hand. Georgia released her long locks, and then without a word, they took off their robes and flip-flops and got into the shower, turning on the rainfall.

“Here, let me help you,” Georgia said, slipping her hands beneath his waistband and peeling off his swimsuit.

“Allow me to return the favor,” he said, untying her bikini top and watching it fall to the floor before kneeling down and pulling off her bathing suit bottom.

He rose, wove his fingers into her hair, and began kissing her passionately. “I’ve never felt this way,” he whispered, kissing her ear, neck, and moving back to her mouth, while caressing her breasts.

“Me neither,” she purred, slipping her hands below his waist. “I want you so badly and I feel how much you want me.”