Page 39 of Love, Take Two

The realization that we're witnessing something truly rare, something magical that most people will never experience, makes the moment feel even more precious. The bay continues to glow with each gentle movement of the water, like the ocean itself is celebrating our presence.

"Who wants to swim through liquid starlight?" Jared asks with infectious excitement, and suddenly everyone is moving toward the dock.

Vada takes off her cover-up, showing off that black bikini, and honestly, seeing her looking that amazing in this incredible place? Totally ramps up the attraction. She’s gorgeous, and the idea of spending time with her in this beautiful light is really exciting.

"Ready?" she asks, extending her hand.

"More than ready," I say, following her to the platform.

The moment we enter the water, magic surrounds us. Every movement creates swirls of electric blue light around our bodies, like swimming through starlight. Trails of glowing light follow every stroke, every gesture, creating patterns fading and reforming with each movement.

"This is beautiful," Vada breathes, moving closer to me through water sparkling with bioluminescence around her every motion.

When she reaches for me, our bodies outlined in blue-green light as we float together, the combination of natural magic and her barely-covered curves makes my arousal spike beyond comfortable levels.

"You're so beautiful," I tell her, pulling her closer until her legs wrap around my waist and every point of contact creates new swirls of light around us.

"So are you," she whispers against my ear, and the way her body presses against mine through the warm water makes thinking about anything except getting her alone practically impossible.

We swim together through the magical bay, sometimes drifting toward more secluded areas where the bioluminescence creates private pools of light around our increasingly intimate touches. Every time she moves against me, every casual caress underwater, builds the tension until I'm aching with need.

"I want you," she says quietly when we're floating in a particularly secluded corner, her hand trailing down my chest underwater in a way that makes me groan softly.

"When we get back." I manage, though every cell in my body is screaming to take her up on whatever she's offering.

"Promise?" she asks, her lips finding my neck in a way that creates new patterns of light around us.

"As soon as we get back," I say with conviction that makes her smile against my skin.

The return cruise feels endless. Vada sits pressed against my side, her damp skin warm under my hands, occasionally making small touches that keep my arousal at a constant, almost unbearable level. By the time we dock at Paradise Cove, I'm barely holding onto my self-control.

The walk back to our suites happens in comfortable darkness, Vada's hand in mine, the anticipation building between us, everything combines to make the short walk feel like the longest few minutes of my life.

The moment we're inside my suite with the door closed behind us, I can't wait another second.

"Come here," I say, pulling her against me with desperate urgency.

I kiss her, letting out all the desire I've been holding back. She kisses me back, tangling her fingers in my hair and pulling me closer.

"I've been thinking about this all night," she admits breathlessly when we break apart.

"All night?" I ask, my hands finding the ties of her bikini top.

"Yes," she confirms, her voice rough with desire that matches my own.

I pull the strings roughly, watching black fabric fall away to reveal her perfect breasts that make my mouth water with need. When I cup them in my hands, she arches against me with a soft moan that destroys any remaining restraint.

"Shower," she says urgently, already working on removing my board shorts.

"Definitely shower," I agree, lifting her so her legs wrap around my waist as I carry her toward the bathroom.

Under the warm spray, with her pressed against the tiled wall and my hands exploring every inch of skin I've been fantasizing about, the night reaches its perfect conclusion. I tear the bikini bottoms off and she's absolutely incredible, and when she falls apart in my arms with my name on her lips, the sound is better than any natural phenomenon we witnessed tonight.

"That was amazing," she says afterward, both of us breathing hard and completely satisfied.

"Better than bioluminescence?" I ask, though I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

"Much better," she confirms with a laugh that vibrates against my chest. "Though swimming through liquid starlight was pretty incredible too."

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