Chapter 3

Soft music wafted across the patio, provided by a pair of strolling violinists, on a clear, balmy Miami evening. Candlelight flickered across her face, and when she smiled, Sam fell in love with her all over again. He reached out for her hand and reveled in its softness and strength as she intertwined her fingers with his. In the distance, the sea crashed against the beach and created an aroma of fresh salty air that commingled with his chicken cacciatore. It was a perfect night, but he couldn't help but briefly think about the scene at home. He trusted his dad to care for Samuel. Yet he wasn't so sure it was safe to leave him there with Maddie and no chaperone. He took comfort in the fact that his father was the one who would have to face Mike's wrath if he screwed this up.

"Honey, I know what you're thinking. Your dad is an adult, and so is Maddie. It's their choice what they do together, but one thing I know for certain. They both love our son and will take good care of him. So relax, okay?" She shook her head and smiled. "It's supposed to be the mother who gets all anxious about leaving her baby for the first time with a sitter."

"I'm not worried about Samuel. He's in good hands."

"I know. Let's just enjoy our meal and each other and forget about everything else, okay?"

"Okay." He nodded, resolving to do just that, and turned on a hundred watt smile as he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Have I told you lately how this light makes you irresistible?"

She giggled. "No, but I like it."

All through the rest of their meal, Sam turned on the charm and made it a night to remember for a long time. As the server cleared their plates, he asked if they would like dessert. "No thanks," Sam replied, his gaze never leaving Yvette's eyes. "We have...other...plans."

When the server was out of earshot, she leaned closer and asked, "What exactly do you have in mind?"

"It's a surprise." He smiled.

She glanced at her watch. "It's still pretty early, but hopefully we'll get home in time like we promised your dad."

Sam nestled her hand in the crook of his arm as they left the restaurant. "Dad and I had a talk about that today. Apparently, he feels a little annoyed that I don't trust him enough after all he's done. So he challenged me to go out on a limb." He stopped on the sidewalk, took her face in his hands, and continued. "We're going to leave him alone tonight with Samuel."

"What?" She tried to take a step back, but Sam held onto her too tightly.

Now who's worried? Aloud, he asked, "Does that scare you?"

"No, I mean...no, why should it? He can handle the baby just fine." She paused and looked him in the eye. "Before he got his day job, I went shopping in the afternoon a few times and left him alone with Samuel. He did quite well. I guess I was preparing myself for this first date post-baby. I wasn't quite expecting it to be an all-night affair, though."

"Nothing to worry about, baby. Like my dad says, 'I'm an expert at tactical operations. I've got everything under control.'" He slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her deeply, right there in the middle of the sidewalk, not caring who saw them. Her lips responded and sent electricity as hot as lightning shooting through his body.

When their lips finally disengaged, she whispered, "Where are we going?" He cocked his head toward the hotel across the street, and she smiled. "Well, isn't that convenient?" She wrapped her arms around his and let him lead her inside and to the elevator. They were alone in the car, so it didn't take much to resume where they left off on the street. By the time the doors opened on an elderly couple, the two were entwined so tightly, their witnesses couldn't tell where one ended and the other began.

Sam's breath came out as if he'd just run a mile through the sand. "Uh, hey," he greeted the gaping couple as he worked to untangle himself from Yvette. "Honey...we're here." He pulled her hand out from under his open shirt and used every bit of the last of his willpower to guide her out of the elevator. She giggled into his collarbone and planted small kisses there as he navigated her down the hall.

"Must be newlyweds," the old man said to his wife as they shook their heads and got into the elevator.

"He looks a little old for that, but...I guess that's how things go in Miami."

The doors closed on them, but the younger couple in the hall was oblivious to the short exchange. Sam was too busy unlocking the door. It opened, and they tumbled inside. Yvette screeched at the sudden loss of equilibrium, but she quickly righted herself, snatched the Do Not Disturb sign off the back of the door handle, and hung it on the outside. Sam closed the door, and they were alone for a night of loving the likes of which they hadn't enjoyed for awhile.

If anyone had entered the room that morning, they would have seen a trail of clothing strewn in a clear path from the door to the bed. The sheets and coverlet were a tangled mess, and underneath it, two naked bodies lay nestled together. Sam woke first, soaking in the scent from Yvette's hair as it cascaded around her. She'd let it grow out ever since they met, so it nearly reached her waist. It curled in gentle spirals cascading over her shoulders. He loved to touch its softness and let it run through his fingers. As he did it again, she slowly came to life, turning to lay on her back, smiling at him.

"Last night was terrific." She smiled even wider. "Now, about this morning...wait. What time is it?"

"Time for you to not worry about the time." He kissed her and tangled his hands in her hair. His voice rasped in her ear. "I told my dad we'd be home before he had to go to work."

"Wow, you're really playing with fire, aren't you?"

He chuckled. "You have no idea, baby."