Chapter21
Peter wrappedhis arms around hers as Belle stepped out of the limo. The bright sun of Miami and the warm breezes tempered her, or maybe it was the way he held her tightly. Her lips sought his, and she was lost in a sea of happiness. His kiss captured herentirely.
He stepped away. "See you in a few hours,maybeless."
The Marines had taught her she'd be fine in any situation. She reached up and huggedhisneck.
"Take your time withyourmom."
She placed a kiss on his cheek andsteppedaway.
He nodded at her and repeated himself, "I'll be backforyou."
“I’ll be here then.” She refused to budge until he stepped intohis limo. Her heart wished him well. He needed to make peace with his mother. She widened her stance on the sidewalk as she watched the limo drive down the palm-tree-lined driveway and out ofsight.
She turned on her heels and carried her bathing suit bag into the elegant hotel with the amazing paintedceilings.
Belle knew she wouldn't be able to sleep the moment the limo droppedher off at her hotel. She picked up her phone and texted her best friend, Em,anyhow.
Whereareyou?
At the shipyard changing into my gear for the evening. How is your date withPeter?
He'll get me later. His mom's in thehospital.
That's too bad. Thanks for letting me know. Maybe I can leave early, and we can dosomething.
No, don't. Have fun. Peter iscomingback.
Talklater.Bye.
She was alone, and her body was jittery with too much adrenaline. Every cell in her body craved to do something, but she wasn'tsurewhat.
As she marched through the lobby, where families gathered and someone took her photograph, she crossed her arms. Peter should take hours with hismother.
She thought about reading, but right now, she couldn'tget her mind to settle. She marched into the hotel and then saw the word 'spa' on a brochure. A good massage might make her less anxious and more open to Peter when he came back. He'd probably be wound up tight, and she hoped to be a goodlistener.
She went to her room and dropped off her bag. The spa idea played in her mind. She stared out her balcony as people danced in a courtyard andhad drinks. The party never stoppedthere.
Then she marched out of her room and through a different courtyard, which played light samba music, and into the sunshine. The people at the pool drank and others swam in the blue waters. Parrots squawked in the palm trees. At the cabana, more people congregated with drinks. Clearly this was vacationheaven.
She stepped into the salon andMiss Hair, Makeup and Clothes were all there. Miss Hair was behind the front desk as she worked on someone's hair. Miss Makeup was also with a client to her left as she sold someproducts.
Miss Clothes was at the front desk and asked, "How may we serve you today Ms.Jordan?"
She stared at the brochure with the menu of options. "I'd like amassage."
Miss Clothes smiled. "Wouldyou like that in your room or inourspa?"
She hadn't thought to stay in her room. She didn't want to be alone right now anyhow. It was better to be lost in acrowd.
"Hereisfine."
"Please have a seat, and I will get a masseuse foryounow."
Her skin was alert and active. The sounds of harps and bells in the light spa music alreadyrelaxedher.
"Are you ready?"Belle stood and nodded her head. The woman smiled and turned to lead her. "Of course.Thisway."
