Page 64 of The Movie Star and the Spy

Yes, it was. Sapphire waters stretched to the rapidly fading coastline, their gentle waves glittering like diamonds under the bright moonlight. A brilliant sunset lit the sky in wondrousglory, purples, blues and pinks highlighted by the fiery yellows and oranges of the setting sun. From afar, the beach looked like a picture postcard, its sand golden, emerald palm trees swaying amid the twinkling lights of faraway buildings. The sea air was salty and crisp, and its soft breeze cooled her as it whispered past. “It’s beautiful.”

“Yes, it is.”

She turned to Julian, but he wasn’t gazing at the sunset. “You’re not even looking.”

“Actually, my view is far more beautiful than sunsets or sunrises, diamond stars or vast waters.” His voice lowered. “Absolutely stunning.”

The wave of pleasure was powerful and all-consuming. “That’s unfair. How am I supposed to resist that?”

“You’re not.” He smiled without repentance. “I never promised fair play.”

No, he hadn’t, and she was weakening. She fought the urge to push closer, to kiss him, to share everything with him, here on the romantic ship under the velvet star-studded sky. She edged closer. One little kiss couldn’t hurt. She’d just give him a tiny peck on the lips and get it out of her system. She closed her eyes, leaned in.

A clanging sounded.

Cheyenne’s lashes fluttered open as the waiter placed their salads on the table. Reality returned, the responsibilities and consequences of the real world beckoning. What was she doing? No way would they have stopped at one little kiss. She should be resisting him, not all over him like the Caesar on her salad. She needed to change the mood… now. “Tell me about your boat.”

He lifted an eyebrow at the abrupt question, but nodded and answered. As they returned to their seats, he told her about all the wondrous places he’d sailed, the exotic ports he’d visited and interesting people he’d met. They continued to talk as the maincourse arrived, a savory pesto pasta dish with fresh vegetables and garlic, served with crusty garlic bread, creamy mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini. Flavor blossomed with each bite, and she ate until she was full and then some.

“That was wonderful.” If only she could claim she’d had a horrible time, that she couldn’t stand another moment in his presence, but he was like an ice cream sundae after a year without sugar.Irresistible.

Julian finished his third helping and folded his napkin on the table. “Save room for dessert.” He laughed at her pained grimace. “Don’t worry, we have time. We’re not having dessert until the island.”

Uh, what?“Did you just say island?”

Julian smiled and gestured behind him. And suddenly she realized that while she’d been eating, talking and occasionally imagining Julian naked, they’d reached an island, sprouting from the seas like the lost land of Atlantis. It was majestic and lush, with green vegetation, vibrant flowers and turquoise rivers. There was even a softly flowing waterfall, its melodic cadence chiming an ethereal tune. It would have been difficult to see such details by moonlight alone, but enough light emanated from the building’s single structure to light half the island.

Calling it a “mansion” was far too diminutive. Castle – or maybe palace – far better suited the colossal structure so gorgeous it seemed a massive work of art. Five stories tall, endlessly wide, it boasted pure white bricks in sweeping arches and carved pillars. Covered in emerald ivy and sunshine yellow flowers, it was a storybook setting fit for a king, or a movie star. “What is this?”

“This–” Julian rose. “Is where we’re having dessert. I hope you like it.”

She liked it, beyond that, although she would never admit it. Every second he tempted her further into the fairy tale, butin this story, she had to resist. “Doesn’t a king own that or something?”

He winked.

“A king or…” She shook her head. “A man who lives like one. Don’t tell me you actually own that… castle.”

“All right.”

Relief rose.“So it’s not yours.”

“Actually, it is, but you said not to tell you.”

Relief edged away.“I suppose I should be grateful you don’t own the entire island.”

He hesitated, opened his mouth.

Relief hitched an Uber and left the country.“Don’t you dare say it!”

He smiled. “Time to disembark.”

With a gentleness that attested to the skilled crew, the boat barely rocked as it stopped next to a long pier. Cheyenne allowed Julian to take her arm as he led her down a short ramp and along the dock, followed by several crew members. When they reached the home, she stopped…

And stared.

She’d guessed a king owned the palace, and in actuality one would probably be envious of such a find. The home was even larger from close up, almost as impressive and intimidating as its owner. White pillars gleamed in the moonlight, their sides carved into intricate designs, while windows were plentiful and large, characterized by overflowing flower boxes. Towers rose high into the sky, with golden domed roofs and curved windows. It was pure elegance and regal luxury, yet somehow also welcoming and warm.

“Ready?”

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