Page 70 of Escape To Paradise
“What is that?” I pointed to a red chaise lounge in front of the window.
Maverick blushed a bit. “It’s a love-making chaise lounge for more comfort in different positions. And the window, the glass is one-way. You can see out but those outside can’t see inside. And the walls are made of sound-absorbing wall panels. It’s all my idea so couples can have their privacy.” Maverick seemed proud of this.
“So, a couple can make love without being seen and can make loud noises without being heard? Great idea.”
Maverick led me to the bathroom, where there was a garden tub and a spacious walk-in shower. He added, “For couples to have a fun time on their honeymoon, including bathing and showering together. The floor is non-skid. And there’s mood lighting.”
“You really put a lot of thought into this place. I’m impressed.”
“I want the couples to have a memorable time here.”
I joked, “They’re going to have a hell of a time.”
The lap pool was in the back with an outdoor shower. We stepped outside to the front patio. Maverick turned on the hot tub, and when it was warm enough, we stepped in. He then opened the wine, and I handed him the wine glasses.
“I’ve had the most amazing time with you, Maverick. Thank you.”
There was still a lot of tension between us. We never mentioned our first kiss again, and I didn’t want to sit next to him for fear we might kiss again. Maverick was a very good kisser; an even better kisser than Julian.
“When you come back from your charter, you can stay here again. Your friends can stay here as well.”
“I’ll let them know. It would be a nice idea. It seems that we’re going our separate ways for a few weeks, or months.”
Maverick was already halfway in finishing his wine. “How long do you intend to work on the luxury yacht?”
“As long as needed. I hope to get a substantial amount of money from my restaurant. That’s going to take a while. Maybe I’ll set up shop someplace. But I’m not in a hurry. I have to find the right place for the restaurant.”
“Are you open to having a partner again?” Maverick asked.
“It depends. I am not ruling it out. I mean, Benoit was a really good business partner. We made a profit. He’s a good restaurateur, and I learned a lot from him. Only thing is, I couldn’t stay with him after what he’s done to me.”
“What if he asks you back?” Maverick was getting into the hypothetical now.
“I don’t think I would want him back. The trust was broken.”
“It’s going to be hard to resist once you meet up with him in person. I’m not saying you’ll experience the same thing as me, but my ex-wife tried to plead for me to go back to her.”
“Why didn’t you go back?” I asked.
His eyes narrowed, as if he was trying to recall a painful memory. “Just like your ex, my wife was unfaithful. I was working too hard. She wasn’t happy.”
“And she still asked you back?” I said incredulously.
“She was remorseful.”
After our swim, we went back to the villa and bid each other goodnight.
***
The following morning, Maverick dropped me off at the Sea Eagle. Before we went off, he had fixed me breakfast, and drove me in his Porsche. We were quiet for most of the drive. He was almost introspective, and I just looked outside the window, enjoying the view.
When he dropped me off at the dock, he had a sad look on his face. I hugged him really tight, glad I had the emotional support I needed. I valued our friendship, but after our kiss, there was an undeniable sexual tension between us.
I waved him goodbye and got on the yacht.
The crew had not come back yet, so I was alone with Captain John. We had a chat over coffee, and I learned more about him. He was a really friendly person, but I still missed Captain Youssef’s fatherly figure. After our morning chat, I went back to work. I checked the pantry for our supplies, checking what ingredients we needed to stock up with on our next supply run. Then, I checked on our upcoming menu.
Spending time with Maverick had been healing for me. He did offer a distraction, and I had stopped thinking about Julian. But now, I kept thinking about the kiss Maverick and I shared and how much I wanted him to kiss me and touch my body again. I shook off the feeling.
