“Do you know how to get to the waterfall from here?”
“I know exactly how to get to the waterfall from here. Did you really think I was lost on this little island?” He bites off a piece of his snack bar and grins as he chews.
“You intentionally let me believe we were lost.” I grab a piece of moss off the rock and throw it at him. Even when I try to glare at him, I can’t stay mad when he smiles at me with that innocent but mischievous grin.
“Sorry if I legit scared you. That wasn’t my intention. I’ll take excellent care of you. It’s what I do.” He shrugs, leaving that statement out there as if it means nothing.
When it means everything.
With our stash of snacks and drinks diminished, we set off in search of the infamous waterfall again. Only this time, he walks by my side as we make our way down the hill. The landscape flattens and we wind along the path, passing beautiful flowers and stunning greenery.
Rod stops my progress with an arm extended in front of me. Then he pushes a palm frond out of the way and reveals a stunning cascade of water.
“Did you order the waterfall with a side of stunned silence?” He grins, so proud of his cleverness.
But he’s not wrong. My mouth is still gaping open from the magnificence of the scene in front of me. The spray from the twenty-foot tall waterfall carries on the wind and dampens our skin. The low roar of the water striking the rocks below drowns out any external noises. Only Rod and I occupy this small section of paradise, and I’m instantly protective of it.
“Last one in has to walk out naked.” Before my words register, I take off running toward the shimmering pool.
“You want to play dirty, huh? I can play dirty too.” His laughter echoes off the rock walls surrounding the private cove, reverberating back to my ears as he gains on me.
With maybe half a step left to my advantage, I lunge for the water and make it in the small pool just before he does. We’re technically close enough to call it a tie, but I’ll only concede that as a last resort. Until then, I’m claiming my victory wholeheartedly. When I surface, he’s so close to me I can feel his body heat in the water.
“Looks like you have a long walk back to the parking lot in your birthday suit.” I move my arms as I tread water and my fingers brush across his chest.
When did he have time to remove his shirt?
Now I’m acutely aware of the immediate proximity of his manly bare chest. My naked march dare may backfire on me. What if he’s already naked in the water with me? So many thoughts fly through my mind. Too many scenarios play out in my daydreams to home in on just one. Flirting and teasing is one thing, but I’m not quite ready for the actual act just yet. I’ve spent a lot of time with him, but I still don’t know his last name or anything else about him.
“Where’d you go just now?” He’s in my face with his voice low and intimate, and his eyes are too discerning. “You’re heating the water with how fast your mind is racing. Slow down and enjoy the waterfall.”
His wet lips press against mine momentarily before pulling back. He waggles his eyebrows and swims toward the water beating against the rocks. I watch him, mesmerized by his agility, as he climbs up on the wet, slick rocks and stands under the waterfall as if he’s in an outdoor shower. He stretches his arms out to the side, leans his head back, and smiles up at the sun.
He is chiseled and muscled all over—a work of art perfectly carved.
My brain makes a mental note, along with a permanent snapshot. He’s not naked—he’s still wearing his shorts.
Damn it.
Life on the edge, right? I swim over and meet him at the rocks. He looks down at me with the most carefree expression I’ve seen him wear this entire trip. He seems as if the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders and he can finally breathe freely for the first time. I accept his proffered hand, and he hoists me up to stand beside him under the world’s most exotic showerhead. We lean our heads back and let the water wash over us.
The sound of giggles pulls me from my deep thoughts, but when I open my eyes, I realize it’s coming from me.
“This fall has magical qualities,” he yells over the roar of the water beating against the rocks. But I’d know exactly what he was saying, even if he whispered. “It washes away all the worries, doubts, and fears. All that’s left in this place is the happiness you bring with you.”
He’ll crush you, Daisy. You know it. You feel it. You even can see it happen.
And yet, I wouldn’t exit this wild ride, even if I could. He’s all I want, wrapped up in one man. I think.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Daisy
“This was the best day I’ve ever had. Oh my gosh, I can’t get over how perfect everything was. I loved everything about it—the views, the waterfall and the pool, the flowers, the entire island. I’m so glad we took that trip.” I can’t stop gushing about the off-trail excursion Rod and I took today as we step into the hotel elevator.
Tracy and Kevin made plans of their own, and she said I probably wouldn’t see her until late tonight. In fact, I think her exact words were that I shouldn’t wait up for her.
“It was an outstanding day, wasn’t it?” Rod looks down at me with a smile, our height difference
