It always takes me at least an hour to fall asleep, which I usually find frustrating.
But tonight, listening to Hope drift off beside me, it feels like a gift.
6SECOND MATE
Wonders of the Caribbean, Day 5
Welcome to Basseterre, St. Kitt’s, and Nevis!
Today theRomance of the Seatakes you to the white sand shores and verdant mountains of St. Kitts and Nevis. Culture hunters can stroll down the cobblestone streets through the charming colonial architecture and bustling markets of Basseterre, or explore the imposing Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Intrepid adventurers can fly through the rainforest canopy with a thrilling zip line tour of the jungle, surf the gentle swells of Frigate Bay, or hike to the summit of Mount Liamuiga, an extinct volcano. And don’t forget to explore the unspoiled vistas on the St. Kitt’s Scenic Railway.
Kick back after your exciting day this evening with the tunes of Billy Joel at the Piano Bar. Or songbirds can provide the entertainment themselves—don’t miss karaoke at 21:00 in the Mermaid Club!
Have a wonderful day!
Hope
The only downside to waking up with a boy you can’t keep your hands off is having to leave him when your alarm goes off at seven a.m.
Felix stirs at the sound of my phone beeping. “What time is it?” His voice is thick with sleep and he has tousled hair and bedroom eyes. It’s one of the better sights I’ve seen in my lifetime.
“Seven,” I tell him.
“Too early. You’re not permitted to get out of bed.” He throws an arm around me and pulls me close. He’s naked, and his body is warm from sleep. All I want to do is nestle up and stay here all day—especially when he starts kissing his way up the side of my neck.
I decide I can spare fifteen minutes. We make good use of it.
“Operation Morning Sex accomplished,” I say.
“Vastly superior to a hangover.”
I flick him. “Thanks for the compliment?”
He kisses me. “Let’s stay in bed all day. You can teach me elevenses sex, teatime sex…”
I gently detach from him. “I have to go get ready. My excursion leaves at eight thirty.”
“Gutting.”
“Surf lessons wait for no man. Think of me while you’re zip-lining?”
“That won’t be a problem. I’ll almost certainly get distracted and crash into a tree.”
“Don’t do that. Your sisters will make fun of you.”
“I will promise to stay safe,” he says, “if you promise we can do this again tonight.”
I give him one last kiss. “Obviously. I’ll text you when I get back.”
“Have fun. Avoid sharks. And Hope?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for last night. I hope I wasn’t too… much.”
He means when he got a little teary the first time.
That was my favorite part.
