Page 37 of Enjoying the Ride

Posey nestles into my chest.

“Yes, I’ll stay,” she murmurs.“And wewillfigure this out because this is only the beginning, not the end.”

With that confirmation, our lips find each other’s, tasting of salt and warmth and promise.Our hearts beating in sync, Posey and I take our first steps toward our life together, both of us finally willing to lose control.

EPILOGUE

Posey

Iwiggle my toes in the cool sea water, focusing on the sensation on my feet.The sand is soft, almost like satin, and a breeze cools my hot cheeks.

Beside me, Trek tilts his face toward the blazing sun overhead, his dark hair glinting under the light.He looks relaxed, seemingly unfazed by this next big step we’re about to take.

“I can’t believe it,” I murmur, idly scooping at the water with a small seashell that washed up next to us.

“What’s that?”Trek asks in his deep drawl.

“Well, we’re leaving Mirago,” I say.“You’re leaving the place you’ve always considered home.You’re leaving your friends, except that one guy who lives in New York - Brax.”

But Trek merely chuckles, the low, throaty sound carrying to my ears.

“Brax, that bastard.I can’t believe he just proposed to Morgan because he’s always been such a stickler for tradition, which means the bachelor lifestyle for us.But yeah, I was ready to leave the moment you stepped into the picture, Red,” he says teasingly.“We both know who’s in charge in this relationship.”

I flush and roll my eyes.“You’re ridiculous,” I say with a giggle.

“No, I’m being honest.”He reaches out and links his fingers through mine.“You changed me, Posey.In more ways than one.Once I met you, I knew my time at Mirago was coming to an end because I wanted something long-term with you.And it’s just the rules because couples at Mirago can’t stay.They’re required to leave the island.But it’s worth if, if I have you by my side.”

I nod because the Island of Mirago has its own code of conduct.Sure, it’s ruled by a community of men who import women as temporary sex toys.But when long-term commitments form, as they do occasionally, the couples in question are asked to leave.A monogamous, two-person relationship simply isn’t a fit with the customs and practices of the island community.

Still, my boyfriend seems happy to depart.We’ve been here six months now, and it’s been a whirlwind of seeing his homeland, learning its customs, and meeting the men Trek considers “brothers.”But now, as a committed couple, we’re the ones being asked to leave.

“Are you sure you’re okay with it?”I ask hesitantly for the billionth time.“We can visit each other, if you want.Me to Mirago, and you to New York.”

Brax takes my hand.“Posey,” he says quietly, shaking his head.“Mirago will always have a place in my heart.But home?That’s whereveryouare.”

My eyes fill at such a sweet sentiment, and I squeeze Trek’s hand in mine.

“Thank you,” I say in a broken voice.“I appreciate it so much.I know it’s a huge sacrifice.”

He presses the back of my hand to his lips.

“No, it’s not,” Trek corrects his blue eyes full of love.“I adore you, sweetheart, and I’d go anywhere in the world so that we could be together.Don’t you see that?”

With that, I lean in for a kiss as my heart pumps in my chest.Our relationship is on sound footing, and I feel so grateful and secure.This is my man, and I am Trek’s woman.

“I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you back,” he whispers in return, staring deep into my eyes.

Then, I smile and wink, breaking the spell.

“You know,” I venture, “I could be your sugar mama.”

Trek throws back his head and howls.“Oh man.And what exactly does that entail, Miss Allstrom?”

I smile widely.“Well, I could take you on an around-the-world vacation,” I explain.“Pay for your hotels, your food.Buy you pretty things while staying in fancy hotels.We could see the world that way!Live large in the lap of luxury!”

Trek’s baritone laugh is music to my ears.

---