DESTINED FOR ETERNITY

CHAPTER 33

JULY 1983

It is several hours later when Robert and Holly manage to drag themselves out of their bed and eat a light breakfast out on the patio. Feeding one another fruit, they laugh as they feel gloriously happy and more free than they had in years. After their breakfast, they lie together in the hammock and enjoy the peace and harmony of the day, basking in their love and in the time they have to be alone.

"You know," Robert comments, "This is the life. I could seriously get used to this."

Holly raises her head from his chest so she can look at him. "Oh, really?" She asks in doubt. "Somehow I don't believe my husband, the former spy turned police commissioner could live such a quiet life for very long."

Robert considers what she says for a moment. "Probably not any more than you could," He guesses.

She smiles. "I will be happy wherever we are, as long as I have you," She bends down and gives him a gentle kiss. When she starts to move back from the kiss, Robert puts his hand on her neck to pull her back for a more intense and passionate kiss.

"I love you," He whispers. "And YOU are all that I will ever need." He promises.

"Mmm," She says with a smile. "Me and the danger and excitement of your job."

"You do know me well," He replies. "But, Holly, if I did not have you, none of the other would be worthwhile. I would be half alive. You are the best part of me."

Tears in her eyes, Holly says, "I know. I feel that, too." They share a sweet, lingering kiss.

After a few more peaceful minutes, Robert asks, "Are we going to lay here and be lazy all day, or would you prefer to do something more adventurous?"

"Nothing is better than lying in your arms," Holly says as she looks at him. When she sees the arrogant smile that her comment put on his face, Holly just has to add, "Unless it is a day of shopping."

Robert looks at her as if she has surely lost her mind. When she starts giggling, he realizes she is baiting him.

"Just kidding, darling," She says with a laugh.

Looking at her suspiciously, Robert asks, "Is that your way of saying you would like to go shopping?" He tries to keep his face neutral, hating to hear her answer.

"Not on your life!" Holly says and Robert looks at her happily. "Why would I want to spend this time surrounded by others, when all I want is to be all alone with you?"

Kissing her happily, Robert carefully gets off the hammock and helps her up as well. "Why don't we go do a little exploring? The manager was telling me that there is a cove a mile or so up the beach and he said there is a beautiful waterfall there."

Holly's eyes light up. "Really? Oh, that will be fun. Let's go." She starts to tug on his hand but Robert stops her.

"Wait. Let's do this right. We will pack us up a picnic lunch to take with us. How about you get the sunscreen and make sure you get your suit on. I will call up and order us a lunch to go from the resort restaurant."

"Great idea," Holly says as they head into their bungalow. Stopping to turn and look at her husband, Holly smiles mischieviously. "Are you sure I need my suit?'

"No," He answers as he gives her a kiss. "But, I want to be the ONLY one who gets to leer at that gorgeous body and we have no idea who might be there."

She frowns. "Good point."

Sometime later, Robert and Holly are walking down the beach hand in hand, occassionally they spot a sand crab or a sea shell and stop to admire it. Holly had thrown a loose flowing white sundress over her purple bikini and Robert had on a pair of khaki shorts and a blue tank top. He was carrying their picnic lunch and she had a blanket on her arm.

"Promise me, something, Robert."

"Anything," He agrees.

Holly laughs. "Be careful, you could get in over your head when you agree to something that quick."

He leans over to give her a kiss. "I will take my chances. What can I promise you?"

She stops him from walking so he has to look at her. "Promise me that we will always make time for one another. No matter how busy our lives get, or how consuming your work, or even when children come along, we will never stop finding time for just you and me."

Her words nearly makes Robert heart stop. Just hearing her talk about their future together makes him realize just how much he loves her and that she truly loves him in return. The thought of having children with her is a dream come true. His luv, his wife, his friend. Setting the picnic basket on the sand, Robert wraps his arms around her and pulls her to his chest. "My dearest, luv," He murmurs into her ear, "I make a solemn vow that I will NEVER take us for granted. NEVER!"

With a deep groan, Robert moves in for a kiss. This one is more intense than any they had ever shared. It was a prelude to a promise. A possessive kiss as if laying claim to what was his, what would forever belong to him and nobody else.

Meanwhile, Luke Spencer is in New York City boarding a plane for the Carribbean. It had taken some doing, but he finally managed to find out where Robert had taken Holly. After he had failed to get the information he needed out of Bert Ramsey, he was about to give up on finding Holly's whereabouts. He was angry that she never even bothered to tell him where she was going, or that Robert was going with her. However, he definitely ran into some luck when he happened to be talking with Bobbi at General Hospital. They were in the hospital cafeteria sharing a cup of coffee when Celia and Grant Putnam were at a nearby table. He heard Celia telling Grant that she hoped Robert and Holly had a great time in the Bahamas and how she hoped they would be able to go there someday. The minute Luke over heard that bit of information he was calling the airport checking on what flight had left for which particular island during the time Holly had phoned him from the airport. So, finally he was on his way to St. Thomas. He could hardly wait to get there and talk some sense into Holly. Her being angry over Robert's shooting has gone on long enough. He has had enough of this entire arrangement. He was going to tell Robert that something else would have to be done. Holly could not remain in Scorpio's house pretending to be his wife any longer.

Once they arrive at the waterfall, Robert and Holly are delighted and amazed at the beauty. Nestled amidst the tropical trees and flowers, the clear water gushed over the crevices of the rocks.

"Oh, Robert. It is so incredible." Holly remarks as they get closer to the waterfall.

"So it is," Robert agrees. "And private," He adds. "Apparently nobody has ventured here today."

Smiling, Holly laughs. "And that makes us very happy."

Bending to kiss her, Robert smiles. "Oh, yes, it certainly does, Mrs. Scorpio." He looks around the area and then back at her. "You know, that long walk to get here kind of made me rather hot. How about you?"

"Well, it was kind of warm," She agrees.

"And that water sure looks cool and inviting," Robert adds.

"It certainly does," Holly agrees.

"What would you say if we go for a swim?" He suggests as he begins to kiss her neck.

Trying to concentrate on the conversation, Holly manges to murmur, "Mmm, sounds like a great idea."

Bringing his mouth down on hers for a passionate kiss, Robert starts to unbutton her sundress and then tries to raise it over her head as she tries to pull his tank top off. They hadn't broken the kiss, and so for a moment they were both hidden in folds of linen. It added humor to the anticipation of the moment, making it seem all the more special. Laughing, they stand apart to finish taking their clothes off until they are in their bathing suits.

Looking at Holly in her purple bikini, Robert draws in a deep breath. Holly turns to look at him when she hears his ragged breathing.

"Are you all right?" When he doesn't answer, Holly goes closer. "Is it your wound? Have you been overdoing? I have demanded too much, haven't I?"

Robert shakes his head in amazement at her concern. He goes closer and says, "Holly, shush." He gives her a quick kiss. "I am just fine, absolutely perfect. I have never been better, thanks to you. The only problem I have at this moment is the fact that you look amazing in that bikini, way too amazing for my peace of mind, not to mention my body."

Holly can't help but smile seductively. "Really?" She turns around for him. "I wasn't sure if I should buy it or not. It is a tad more revealing than what I am used to wearing."

Robert swallows slowly as he continues to eye her. "No, it is great. Just great. Although, I wouldn't want any other man to see you in it."

Smiling, Holly goes into his arms. "Good thing we are alone then, uh?"

"Definitely. And I think I better take a nice cool dip in that water right away." Before Holly can say a word in reply, Robert turns and dives into the water. Holly stands there and laughs to herself. She hates to tell him, but she delights in the fact that he finds it difficult to remain in control where she is concerned. Lord knows that she definitely has the same problem when it comes to controlling her thoughts around him. Deciding that a little cat and mouse just might serve Robert right, Holly carefully lays out a bath towel on a large flat rock near the edge of the bank. She lies down on the towel and keeps a close eye on Robert as he swims nearby. When Robert emerges from the water, he looks around for his wife and groans at the sight before him. Her eyes are closed, her head tilted back, her back arched and she was glorious as her body was being kissed by the sun. He shakes his head in amazement. Here he is wound up as tight as a spring while she is a calm cool cucumber. Swimming over to the rock, Robert stops and notices she hasn't moved a muscle. Smiling, he realizes that his little luv was obviously trying to get his attention. He had news for her, all she had to do was exist and she had his full undivided attention. Pulling himself up on the rock beside her, Robert begins to place gentle kisses on her foot, moving slowly up to her knee. Looking at her all the while, Robert notices that she is trying her best to keep her eyes closed and not respond. He decides to see just how long she can ignore him as his hands begin caressing her as well as his lips. As his kisses venture up to her thighs, Holly can no longer remain still as her fingers ply into his hair to caress him.

"Robert," She moans softly.

Stopping his kisses, Robert looks at her with a smile and moves up to kiss her mouth. "Were you trying to ignore your husband?" He asks.

"Impossible," Holly states as her arms go around his neck to pull him down closer to her. "And YOU were the one ignoring me. You chose to swim without me."

Robert looks at her and smiles as he sees the cute little pout on her face.

"Silly me. Here I thought I was trying to resist temptation and spare you from my attentions."

"Why on earth would you want to do that?" Holly asks curiously as she gives him a deeper kiss.

Coming up for air, Robert replies, "Good point." He kisses her once more. "Come take a swim with me,"

"I thought you would never ask," Holly says with a smile as she takes his offered hand and he leads her into the water.