They were given a VIP welcome at the resort and shown to the same villa they’d occupied last year. After Nick had a brief conversation with Brant, the agent left and Nick locked the door behind him.

“Alone at last,” he said.

“Whatever shall we do?”

“I can’t think of a thing I want to do.”

“God, one year of marriage and we’re already so bored. What does that mean for the other seventy years you’re going to be stuck with me?”

“It means,” he said as he put his hands on her hips to draw her into his embrace, “I’m the luckiest bastard in the universe.”

“We’re both lucky. So lucky.” With her hand curled around his neck she drew him into a kiss. “You want that surprise now?”

“More than I’ve ever wanted anything. Ever.”

“That’s a whole lot of want.”

“You have no idea.”

“If you undress me, you’ll find it.”

The dress she’d bought for the trip flew over her head. Her bra came off next and then he was on his knees before her, sliding panties down her legs and gasping at the sight before him. “Are you freaking kidding me?”

“Good surprise?”

“I won’t know for sure until I get a closer look.”

He lifted her right off her feet and carried her to the huge bed they’d all but lived in last year. Something told her this year was going to be more of the same, and that was fine with her.

“Samantha...” He licked and worshipped her, making her tremble from the sensations that were a thousand times more intense than usual.

Angela had forgotten to tell her to expect that.

“Just when I think you can’t possibly get any sexier than you already are, you blow my fucking mind.” He sucked hard on her clit, and she came instantly, crying out with the abandon that came from being completely alone with him and not having to worry about making too much noise.

His body came down on hers, hot and hard and heavy. Grasping her hips, he pushed into her, the tight squeeze triggering another release for her.

“So you like my surprise?”

“I fucking love it, and I love you, so much.”

She ran her fingers through his hair. “I love you too. You, this, us...it’s everything.”

“Mmm, yes, it is.”

Sam had no idea how much time passed before they wore themselves out. The bright sunshine had given way to twilight that shimmered over the surface of the bluest water she’d ever seen. “As amazing as our loft is, there’s no substitute for the real thing.”

“I want to come here every year until we’re old and gray and too decrepit for anything more than a peck on the lips.”

Sam laughed at the picture he painted. “You will never be that decrepit.”

“Will you still love me if I am?”