CHAPTER 21

Robert's Point-of-View

"Damn it!" I shouted angrily as another one of my balls veered far to the left of the fairway into the trees. I slammed the golf club back into the bag and hopped into the passenger's side of the golf cart.

Emma rubbed my thigh, trying to calm me down. "It's fine," she said. "You're still beating me."

"Sorry, Em, but that doesn't particularly make me feel any better," I snickered, holding on to the side of the cart as Emma drove to meet my ball. She parked a few yards away, letting me out.

Amanda and Ethan were parallel to us, but on the fairway. Ethan had played golf several times before. I made him look like a professional. It was Amanda's turn and Ethan was positioning her, holding her hips in place in front of the ball. She was smiling and giggling as he instructed her on what to do. I needed a drink.

After about twenty-five (literally) practice swings, Amanda hit the ball dead center on the green. I guess the extra practice does make a difference.

I walked over to my ball and quickly hit it my first stroke. I watched the ball fly through the air and land a few feet away from the pin. Finally a decent shot.

I strode over to the cart, much prouder than beforehand. "Nice shot, babe!" Emma cheered for me. Once I took my seat, I planted an unexpected and sultry kiss on her lips.

"This game is entirely too long," I complained as I slowly backed away from her face.

"Only five more holes," Emma assured me, smiling. "It won't be too much longer."

"Mmm. I don't have the patience," I pursed my lips.

Emma laughed and continued to drive. She had given up on playing at hole nine, which was probably a good thing, considered she only hit it about fifteen feet with every stroke. We'd be out here all day and night if she played. So she was promoted to the designated golf cart driver.

We finally finished the round of golf at around five. Ethan beat Amanda and I by a long shot. It wasn't even close.

After we returned the clubs, the four of us returned to our separate rooms to get ready for dinner. I don't think I could bear spending any more time with Amanda and Ethan, but I was going to have to. It was the last night in Palm Springs; I was going to make the best of it.

We ate a quick dinner and then ambled back to the hotel hand-in-hand in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. As we caught sight of the hotel, I insisted, "Stay with me tonight."

She smiled and nodded back at me. I waited outside her room for her to get my stuff – just some pajamas and a toothbrush.

I led her into his room. Emma paused as she stepped into the dark room, lit by countless candles and adorned with red roses.

I sat on my bed silently preparing what I was going to say. Emma still remained in the doorway of my suite, looking around the room in amazement.

"So, are you going to stand in the doorway all night, or are you going to join me inside?" I asked her eagerly.

Emma quietly laughed and walked inside, closing the door behind her. She leaned her body against the back of the door. "I'm speechless," she said.

"Good," I lured her in with my smile.

I swallowed hard as she sexily strutted over to me in her tight black pants and button up blouse. My body was aching as she took a seat in my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck, kissing me.

"I don't know how you do it," I told her when we unlocked lips. "I lose it every time I look at you."

She shyly smiled.

"I've held you a million times and it still feels good," I told her. My heart was melting inside. I loved knowing that she was mine.

Emma brushed back my hair, not removing her eyes from my own. "As romantic as this is, can we do something…like…" she started.

I laughed. I admit it – I was getting kind of mushy. "Crazy?!" I interrupted her thoughts.

"YES!" Emma announced, looking relieved.

"I have the perfect plan!" I told her.

"Of course you do."

"Did you bring your bathing suit?" I asked her.

"No, just my pajamas and tooth brush."

"Those will have to do – minus the toothbrush, unless you plan on brushing your teeth in the jacuzzi," I laughed.

We both changed clothes – Emma into some booty shorts and tank top and me into some swim shorts. "Ready?" I asked her.

"Definitely!" she smiled.

We ran out into the hallway to the elevator, riding it down to the first level. We quietly passed the receptionist who was looking in the opposite direction at some files. "It's right over here," I told Emma pointing outside the back door.

I unlatched the gate to the spa, which displayed a sign stating that it closed at 10:00 pm. It was past midnight, if not later. Emma stepped in first and I followed close behind her.

"Ah, this feels sooo good," she said as she closed her eyes and leaned back against one of the jets. I took this opportunity to splash her. "ROBERT!" she yelled.

"Shh! You don't want us to get caught, do you?" I asked her.

Emma moved over closer to me and rested her head on my shoulder. "You're the best boyfriend," she said softly.

I chuckled, knowing that was far from the truth. "I don't quite measure up to Ethan's standards," I told her, somewhat self-conscious of my inferiority to Ethan.

"If you were anything like Ethan, I wouldn't be with you right now," Emma told me confidently. "I am so glad you're not."

"But he's so –" I started, trying to find the words. "Gentlemanly. So nice and smart and sensitive."

"And so not you," she said. "I don't want a nice guy. That's so boring. I want someone with a little sting to him. Keeps life interesting."

I shook my head, not agreeing with her. "You deserve better than me."

Emma positioned herself in front of me. "Listen to me, I want you. Only you. Please just get that through your head. I'm in love with you and you know that."

I kissed her forehead. "Let's go back to my room and get some rest, it's been an long day."

Emma's Point-of-View

The air was freezing when we stepped out of the hot water. "Did you remember towels?" I asked Rob.

"Shit. No, I didn't bring any," he said shivering. "On your mark, get set, GO!" he yelled as he ran off towards the lobby.

"Hey! No fair!" I shouted. "Why are you running?" I asked, chasing after him.

"Sooner we get back to my room, sooner we get warm under my covers," he answered intelligently.

Once we returned to his room, the candles were all blown out so it was completely dark. "Turn on the light," I told him.

THUD!

"Oh my gosh! Babe? Are you okay?" I asked trying to feel around for him.

"Ow. I tripped over your boot – those things are dangerous!" We both laughed. He finally got up and turned on the light.

"Bright!" I screamed, "It hurts my eyes!"

"Make up your mind woman! On or off?"

"On for now. I need to get changed out of these soaking wet clothes. Can I borrow something?" I asked him.

Rob searched through his drawers and tossed me a grey t-shirt and red and black plaid boxers. "Thanks!" I said.

"You're welcome, babe."

Once I brushed my teeth, I jumped into bed and covered myself with the blankets. I watched as Rob dried off his perfectly toned stomach and back with the hotel towel. He slipped off his wet shorts and put on some boxers. I gulped as he walked over to turn the light off and then climbed into the bed right beside me.

"Goodnight, Em. Sweet dreams." Robert whispered in my ear.

"Night, I love you," I answered.

Rob put his arm around my shoulders. I played with his fingers and then fell instantly asleep.