The wind whipped through Dani's hair as they skimmed across the turquoise waters, spray misting her face. She clung tightly to Zack's waist, her body molded against his back. The powerful thrum of the engine beneath them sent vibrations through her core, igniting a different kind of excitement.
Zack steered them skillfully through the waves, occasionally glancing back to make sure she was okay. His megawatt smile was infectious, and Dani found herself grinning back, her worries forgotten. This was exactly what she needed - to get out of her head and just enjoy the moment.
They zipped around the island, marveling at the pristine beaches and lush vegetation from a wholly different perspective. At one point, Zack slowed down and pointed out a pod of dolphins frolicking nearby. Dani gasped in delight as the sleek creatures leapt and dove, putting on a show just for them.
An hour later, after she’d taken a turn at the controls herself, Zack circled back to the resort's private cove. They dismounted the jet ski and her legs were wobbly, but Zack pulled her close and helped steady her, not seeming to have the same problem himself. “Come on,” he murmured, “I have another surprise waiting.”
Leading her further up the small golden beach, Dani saw a blanket had been set out, with a wicker picnic basket next to it. “How did you do this?” she laughed, delighted at the thought he’d put into their day.
Zack winked at her. "I have my ways. And friends in all the right places."
They settled onto the blanket, and Zack began unpacking an array of gourmet treats - fresh fruit, artisanal cheeses, crusty bread, and a half-sized bottle of chilled champagne which she guessed was the limit for being in charge of a jet-ski. As he poured them each a glass, Dani marveled at how sweet and thoughtful he was being with this whole date thing. It was a side of him she'd rarely seen during their interactions at Club Risqué. Not like this, anyway. Of course, he’d been an excellent dominant during their scenes, and attentive during aftercare. He’d been interested when they’d talked business, but all of that had been in a rather professional kind of way. This… this was completely different, and it melted her heart in ways she never expected.
"To new beginnings," Zack said, raising his glass.
Dani clinked hers against his. "And second chances."
As they nibbled and sipped, conversation flowed easily between them. The sun warmed her, the light breeze enough to stop them overheating, and Dani found herself relaxing more and more.
Zack was trying so hard. Everything would be okay.
Wouldn’t it?
“So, are you ready to head back and take the boat out?” He bent his head and trailed butterfly kissed over her lips and jaw.
Dani nodded, although really, she would have liked to partake in a decidedly different pastime, but wetsuits weren’t the easiest to struggle in and out of.
Later, she thought.
At the marina, a sleek glass-bottomed boat awaited them. Zack helped Dani aboard, his strong hands steadying her as she stepped onto the gently rocking deck. “Where’s the captain?” she asked as Zack settled her into a cushioned seat at the bow.
“At your service, Ma’am,” Zack said with a theatrical flourish that made her giggle.
“You can pilot a boat?” Stupid question, really, since he was already steering them out into the crystal-clear waters. There was so much she didn’t know about him. But then, that was the point of spending time together like this.
As the boat glided over the vibrant coral reefs, a kaleidoscope of marine life unfolded beneath their feet. Dani gasped in wonder at the sight of neon-bright parrotfish, graceful sea turtles, and undulating rays. Zack set the boat to idle and joined her, draping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close as she admired nature's aquatic spectacle.
"It's beautiful," Dani murmured, leaning into Zack's embrace. The warmth of his body and the gentle rocking of the boat lulled her into a state of blissful contentment.
"It is," Zack replied, his voice husky, but when she glanced over, it was her he was looking at, and Dani felt her cheeks heat.
He tilted her chin up, capturing her lips in a slow, sensuous kiss that made her toes curl.
When they finally broke apart, Dani's face was flushed, and her heart was racing. She gazed at Zack, seeing the desire smoldering in his eyes. "Maybe we should head back to the cabana," she suggested, her voice breathy with anticipation.
Zack grinned wickedly. "I thought you'd never ask."
The ride back to shore seemed to take an eternity, though in reality it was only a few minutes. Zack’s phone rang several times, but he ignored it, giving her his full attention, and as soon as they docked, he practically lifted Dani off her feet in his eagerness to get her back to their private retreat.
Once inside Zack’s cabana, they fumbled with zippers and clasps, peeling off their clothes between heated kisses.
His phone rang some more, and this time Zack grumbled and silenced it.
His lips found hers once more, and Dani let herself get lost in the kiss. Zack's hands roamed her body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. He backed her towards the bed, easing her down onto the plush mattress.
"God, you're beautiful," he breathed, his eyes raking over her aching body and making her shiver like a physical touch.
Dani felt a flush of heat at his words and the intensity of his gaze. She reached for him, needing to really feel his skin against hers. Zack obliged, covering her body with his own. The weight of him, the scent of his skin, the taste of his lips - it all combined to overwhelm her senses.
