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  “I like this spunky side of you – I like it a lot.” He slid his hands down her legs clad with jeans and felt the magic brush between them. “I’m going to have to have lots of cold showers while I wait for you to recover from the surgery.”

  She could sense his aroused state and put her head back, laughing a moment. Milania knew she had the power to make him weak in the knees and there was nothing he could do to lessen the feeling.

  They stopped in Chicago to fuel up and left right after. The rest of the day passed as Liam worked on his laptop while Milania continued to read her book. She dozed on and off until it was dinnertime and after having had more wine than she normally would, she was sleepy and needed to go to bed soon after. He accompanied her to the bedroom and tucked her into bed before he went back to the computer to finish what he’d started. He took the time while they flew to book all the adventure packages he found interesting while they would be on the island. She was going to love it and when he managed to fill out the last credit card information, he shut down his laptop and went to join Milania in bed.

  He smiled when he crawled into bed and spooned up to her warm body. She was sleeping peacefully so he did his best not to wake her when he got in. The moment he put his head down on the pillow, he drifted off to sleep.

  They awoke the next morning and got washed and dressed before having breakfast. Just after they finished eating, the pilot told them they were nearing their destination and they would be landing in less than one hour. As Milania looked out the window, all she saw was water so it really didn’t tell her where he was taking her.

  “Come and sit with me while we wait to land.”

  She sat down and looked out the window to see still more water. The thrill of the trip died down due to the fatigue from the trip and Liam’s secrecy so she sat back in her chair and closed her eyes, waiting to arrive.

  “Why don’t you look out the window?” Liam whispered in her ear.

  Without opening her eyes, she knew there would be only water. “What’s the point? It’s not like I’ll see anything but water.”

  “Well, look again,” he whispered, turning her chin toward the direction of the window.

  She leaned forward to look out and saw an island coming up. “Is that a volcano?”

  “It certainly is,” he replied, glancing out the window too.

  “Where are we?” she questioned as they kept their eyes glued to the window.

  “Honolulu.” His mouth formed a grin, knowing she would be thrilled.

  “Hawaii?” she exclaimed before wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”

  His grin deepened as he continued to look out the window. “Then be ready to be pampered and serenaded by the sound of the waves.”

  “I can’t wait.” She looked dreamy at him, knowing it would be the beginning of a great life together.

  The plane landed and the moment they stepped down onto the tarmac, friendly locals gave them flowers and fruit drinks. It was so lovely that Milania felt she landed in heaven. It couldn’t get any better and as soon as they got into the waiting limousine, they were whisked away to a Miller Hotel and Resort. They didn’t need to check in because Liam had taken care of all that and the moment they were shown their bungalow, Milania thought she had died and gone to heaven.

  It was spectacular! The bungalow was situated on the beach and the other bungalows were distant, giving them enough privacy to feel they were alone – almost like a deserted island.

  The driver brought their bags into the bedroom and the moment Milania walked in, she couldn’t stop herself from grinning. She had seen places like this in magazines but never in a million years had she thought she would be relaxing in a place like this.

  There was a large open space living room decorated in white and sandy tones. It had an open view to the beach. She could hear the waves from where she was standing and the further she walked, the more she felt like she was in heaven.

  Liam tipped the driver and then shut the door. He watched as Milania walked through to listen to the sound of the waves. He had hoped the location would bring her serenity and he was confident it was what she felt. He walked to her and took her hand, leading her through the doors.

  “It is so peaceful here,” she mentioned, leaning her head on his chest as she closed her eyes to listen to the sounds. She could smell the fragrance of the wild flowers scattered everywhere and the smell of the salt from the ocean. It was a wonderfully stimulating sensation that awakened her senses immensely. ”I suddenly feel alive here.”

  “How about we unpack and change into appropriate attire to go for a walk along the beach?” His eyes shone with the reflection of her happiness.

  “I would love that.” She hugged him tight as she opened her eyes. She saw love and happiness brimming from his beautiful blue eyes.

  The moment she walked into the bedroom, she stopped at the sight of the room filled with exotic flowers much like the one she wore around her neck. It was so romantic that she couldn’t stop a tear running down her cheek.

  He bent down to kiss the tear away and then helped her place her suitcases on the bed so she could unpack. He watched as she put things carefully in the drawers and in the closet. He had thought of getting a maid to do it for them but he didn’t want anyone to intrude in their space and decided it was best they did things themselves.

  Not before long, Milania had on a turquoise bikini with a matching wrap fitted around her waist. The matching flip-flops were left on their bungalow patio as they walked hand in hand along the water. She turned to look at his tall, slender but athletic build in the black swimming trunks he was wearing and shook her shoulder a moment to get the stiffness out.

  She hadn’t told him the shoulder was giving her problems from the moment she bumped it in the plane but she was sure the sun and exercise in the water would help it get better.

  He pulled her toward the water and splashed the water on her. It was warm so he pulled her in until they were at mid waist when she started to shake her head she couldn’t go further.

  “I know you can’t swim but I’ll teach you. All you need to do is lie flat on the water and open your arms.” He looked at her hesitating until he pulled her close and kissed her on the lips. “Do you trust me?”

  “I trust you with my life,” she whispered.

  “Then lean back and lift your legs. I’ve got you,” he said, moving her legs up as she leaned back. “Put your head down so the water reaches your ears.”

  She did as she was told and felt the coolness of the water hitting her body. It felt wonderful and the sun shining made her feel happy as she relaxed. A moment later, Liam lifted her shoulder to bring it out of the water and she felt pain radiating through her arm. “Ahhh,” she said before her eyes glanced with fear as she felt her body sink into the water.

  Liam pulled her out of the water within seconds and held her in his arms a moment, trying to figure out what happened. “Are you in pain?” His eyes were dark and he was suddenly angry she didn’t say anything to her.

  “My shoulder hurts only if you touch it,” she confessed.

  “Baby Doll, you should have told me this before we got in the water,” he explained, looking over her shoulder closer. His expression softened when she winced after he moved her arm around. “Okay, that is it. We’re going to the hospital.”

  They were wading their way out of the water when she turned to look into his eyes.

  “Please don’t ruin this day for me? I just want our honeymoon to start off on the right foot and not at the hospital.” She felt her perfect honeymoon was starting to crumble. She didn’t want to spend the next few hours in the emergency.

  “Sweet Pea, if you have an injury, we need to have it checked by a doctor. Maybe it’s nothing but I won’t rest until I know you’re not in any pain.”

  A flicker of anger went through Milania, knowing it was getting out of control. She could move her arm but it simply hurt when she moved it so i
t really didn’t make any sense to go to the hospital because it wasn’t broken. “No – I don’t want to spoil this day so please let it go. If it gets worse over night then I’ll agree to see a doctor tomorrow.” Her eyes were smoldering with courage. She didn’t want to be bullied into anything no matter if it was for her own good. She was determined to enjoy her honeymoon and she would put her foot down if it got to that.

  He squinted as he looked at her a few seconds and then grinned. “You are a feisty woman and I love you for it. I’ll agree to that under one condition and that is that if we wake up tomorrow morning and the touch of my hand on your shoulder causes any pain, you’ll be coming with me to the hospital whether I have to flip you over my shoulder or not – understand?”

  His eyes were burning and she could see he meant every word he said so she could do nothing but accept his condition. “Yes, fine but don’t ask me every two minutes how my shoulder feels?”

  “Okay,” he agreed.

  “Great,” she acknowledged.

  His eyes softened and they continued their walk down the private beach. The warmth of the sun felt good on Milania’s shoulders and she was sure she would be fine after a little sun and rest. It’s really all she needed.

  They had a light lunch and then a nap before going to visit the island. Liam had done his homework on places to see and as their first visit he booked an open helicopter tour of the Oahu Island.

  When Milania realized they were going to take a tour of the island in a helicopter, her heart sank knowing she would be scared and not enjoy the tour.

  Liam sensed her hesitation when they got on the helicopter and as soon as they were strapped in, he leaned over and kissed her on the lips as the helicopter rose.

  Milania felt Liam’s lips, warm and passionate on hers and the moment he pulled away and grinned at her, she felt happiness inside that made her smile.

  “Look, we’re flying,” he said, pointing out the open door.

  She looked out and saw the beauty of the island as the helicopter moved forward. The pilot’s voice boomed inside her helmet as he explained the view and she suddenly felt she was flying.

  The helicopter flew around the island at an altitude where they could see the Waimea Falls, Dole Plantation, Pearl Harbor, Koko Crater and Koolau Mountains. It went full circle around the island and the sensation was exhilarating as Milania sat listening to the island’s history.

  Liam watched as she smiled every time she turned to look at him and the more she smiled, the more he was pleased he had booked the tour. It was a good choice.

  By the time they returned to their bungalow, they were hungry and feeling jet lagged so after having had a romantic dinner on the patio to the sounds of the waves, they went for another walk on the beach before going to bed.

  When they climbed into bed, Milania felt exhaustion take over and cuddled next to Liam when he got in beside her. He pulled her close, knowing they still needed to wait a couple of weeks before being intimate and took in the scent of her body that was like a magical spell tranquilizing his own body. They drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

  Chapter Nine

  Two weeks had passed since they arrived and it flew by as they enjoyed the beauty of the island. Liam had arranged a surprise for Milania and was waiting for her to wake up as he sat out on the patio just outside their bedroom door. He glanced over at her while she slept among the white sheets and saw the beautiful tanned skin tone she had taken since they arrived. She looked healthier and he knew enough time had passed since the surgery so he’d planned an adventurous day out only to return to a romantic evening. He wanted to make it a special day, knowing she would never forget it being their first intimate experience together.

  He watched as she stirred and waited for her to realize he was not in the bed beside her. He saw as she reached over to an empty bed and then the worried face when she sat up to look for him. He smiled, waiting for her to find him outside, eager to feel her warmth beside him.

  Milania awoke and found she was alone in the bed so she sat up, wondering where Liam had gone. The moment she sat up, she saw him sitting outside, smiling at her. “What time is it?” She stretched as she moved her legs off the bed.

  “It’s time to get up and have breakfast.”

  “What has my wonderful husband planned for us today?” she asked, walking to him to kiss him good morning.

  He pulled her down on his lap and took her face in his hands as he kissed her tenderly on the lips. “We’ll be out all day so bring suntan lotion, a hat, a book and this body of yours that I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off,” he grinned.

  “Oh, it sounds like you’ve planned an interesting day. I’ll grab a cup of coffee and get washed.”

  “You’ll sit down and have breakfast with coffee before you wash. I have a full day planned and I don’t want you to faint on my account.” He walked over to the hot and cold buffet breakfast wagon that was rolled in just before Milania woke up. It had pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, toast, fruit, yogurts, and cereal along with coffee and tea.

  Milania walked over and took some exotic fruit, a yogurt and a coffee. Then she sat down at the table to eat while she listened to the calming sound of the ocean.

  She was washed and dressed for a day in the sun within the hour and as soon as they stepped into the hired car, the driver took them to a marina, which made Milania wonder what Liam had planned for the day. She had never been on a boat so it would be an experience for her and the excitement of where they would sail off to started to gnaw at her stomach.

  He watched as her eyes danced with delight when she realized they would be taking a boat. He reached over to take her hand and then brought it to his lips, grinning. “Are you enjoying our trip so far?”

  “Do you have to ask? I thought it’s plastered all over my face.”

  “Not always but I like to hear you tell me what you feel,” he said, holding her hand against his heart.

  “Well, I am living a dream – a fairytale!” She leaned over to kiss him.

  The car stopped and the driver got out to open the door for them. They walked to one of the boardwalks and stood by a small boat. She stood there feeling confused so she looked up to see his grinning face.

  “It will take us to a larger one,” he whispered as he helped her on the small boat.

  They were each given a life vest, which she needed help to secure because it had more than one buckle, making it confusing. When they were both sitting on the boat, the captain navigated the boat out of the marina into the open water. Milania saw a large boat with sails on the horizon and the closer they got to it, the grandness of it came into view. It was a huge catamaran.

  Excitement started to fill her as they reached it. There was a gap between the boat and the steps to the catamaran and the moment she saw she needed to jump, her stomach started to clench. She suddenly felt she would faint, fall off and drown but then she suddenly felt Liam’s hand on her back.

  “Baby Doll, you’ll be okay. You’re wearing a life jacket and I’ll be behind you to catch you if you fall.”

  “Thanks.” She tried to give him an encouraging smile but failed miserably.

  He had to lift her off the boat so she could get closer and when she managed to place her foot on the bottom step, she straighten herself and nearly fell off. All she saw was the ocean surrounding her. It was ready to swallow her up.

  Liam climbed on and immediately surrounded her from the back. “Sweet Pea, look up and place your foot on the next step,” he whispered in her ear.

  She heard his voice reassuring her but it was the warmth of his body on her back that reassured her most. She looked up and did as he said, one step at a time until they’d climbed the ladder to the top. Someone helped her onto the catamaran and shortly after, Liam leaped on board.

  He saw she was shaking from the emotion so he pulled her in and held her while he introduced himself and his wife to the crew. “My wife is afraid of the water so it will
take her a moment to adjust.” The men went about their work while Milania slowly regained the sense of her legs.

  “Sorry, it was too much all at once.” She looked up from where her head had been on Liam’s chest, listening to his heartbeat while it had calmed her nerves.

  “No need to apologize. You’ll always be safe with me,” he said as he let go of her when he saw she was over the shock.

  They were accompanied to a sofa in the lounge where they were given drinks and told to help themselves at the buffet brunch.

  “We just had breakfast,” Milania looked into Liam’s smiling face.

  “I’m always hungry,” he smirked as he got up to see what was displayed on the buffet table. He walked back with a plate of strawberries and kiwi. “This is for you. I’m going to get something I can put my teeth into,” he winked and walked back to the buffet table.

  The ride on the catamaran was wonderful. The sun was hot as the boat circled the island while they enjoyed the sun and view. Liam went snorkeling and swam with the dolphins and Honu turtles. He was sorry he couldn’t convince Milania to join him but he didn’t want to push her into doing something she didn’t want to do. At the end of the day, they watched the sun set from the side of the boat just before returning to their bungalow for a late dinner.

  She fell asleep in the car on the way back and woke to the feeling of Liam’s lips on her cheek when they arrived.

  “We’re home, sleepy head. Come on,” he said, taking her hand to lead her out as the driver held the door. The moment they entered the bungalow, Milania saw the candles leading from the living area to the beach.

  “What have you done?” she smiled as she looked around. She saw a table set for two on the patio and a large canvas tent on the sand lit by candles.

  “I’ve arranged a romantic evening for us to celebrate our wedding but first we need to shower,” he grinned, seeing the delight sparkling in her eyes.

  “This will be our wedding night night?” She hesitated a moment, understanding.