THAT MIAMI GLOW

Ranger POV

Chapter 4: T

oOo

Taking time out was very fulfilling and rejuvenating. It was the necessary injection of recovery for both of us especially in escaping that malice in Trenton, particularly for Stephanie. We knew it was there and tried our best to ignore it. It was like a toxic tide lurking in the streets of Trenton like a sickly mist.

Being off line was essential. No one knew of our vacation plans other than Rangeman personnel, and only the core team knew specifically where we were headed. The warmer weather was so therapeutic and the water was magnificent. It's amazing how a sea change with blue sky days can be so beneficial, and, dare I say, healing. Steph loves the beach, like Point Pleasant is her go-to place when she needs to clear her head. Miami had all that to offer and so much more.

We walked along the Miami beaches every day, holding hands, feeling the sand between our toes, breathing the fresh sea air and letting the waves rush up to our feet. We swam every day. Steph liked to stand still until her feet sank into the wet sand past her ankles. Other times, she would run and I took chase as she laughed so joyfully. Damn. It was so good to feel alive.

Watching her emerge from the water, dripping wet, droplets seeking the curvy crevices of her beautiful body had me lusting for her. Just like I was doing, Stephanie was watching me in the same manner, her eyes mesmerised by the droplets rolling over my abs and disappearing into my boardshorts. Yes, she lusted after me too. Madre Dios! We were so stupid for not getting our shit together earlier. But maybe that was what made this so worth it. It is golden. She's it for me. I grinned at her and she chewed her bottom lip.

"See something you like, Querida?" I asked, stalking closer to her and kissing her deeply as she hummed her approval. A little growl escaped, probably from me. We had to keep it PG because I didn't want to lose control right there. Of course, we fast-walked and then ran back to the hotel for some delicious afternoon delight.

We laughed and loved a lot. Sometimes we said very little, since words were not essential, our eyes communicated that so well, and touch, touching each other, holding her close, feeling her with me, heart and soul. I loved her, completely, and she loved me in the same way, unconditionally.

Each day we went for a run, I would often go further to go faster, while Steph did some exercises and stretches, and then we'd run the return journey back together. We made use of the gym facilities in the hotel which was one of the main selection criteria in choosing this hotel. Proximity to a lovely sandy beach was the most important.

However, unlike Miami, the shores of Key Largo were not sandy at all, quite rocky in fact, since they are part of the magnificent coral reefs all along this southern coastline. There are no natural sand beaches on the island. But we did find some beautiful places to venture. Barefoot was not an option. We visited each of the Keys in turn but spent most of our time on Key Largo.

The endless blue skies and the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean warmed the blues in her eyes, reflecting her different moods, the happy and excited ones, but especially the passionate ones. At this time of the year, Miami is mild and warm compared to chilly Trenton, but not so hot, nor humid. That was still to come. Sometimes we would sit and just watch the clouds forming and changing, feeling and enjoying the sun and the light breeze on our bare skin.

After our shopping spree in the surf shop, we made our way back to the hotel, leaving the motorbike with the porter. We showered together, a long refreshing one, and changed into something more formal for a peaceful candle lit dinner on the deck by the pool. She looked stunning in a burgundy sheath dress, which hugged her beautiful curves, with a tantalising thigh split. The thin spaghetti straps emphasised her décolletage so alluringly. I really appreciated the view. As I zipped up her dress, my thoughts drifted towards the pleasure of unzipping it instead, letting it slide down her body to pool on the floor, and skipping dinner on the deck altogether. We could easily access room service.

"You look so stunning in this dress, Querida. Really beautiful." My voice was husky. I nudged her to turn, nibbling on her neck and behind her ear, finding that sweet spot.

"Oh, no you don't. I know that look, although I love it, but right at this moment, I -"

As if on cue, her stomach made its customarily loud rumble. Grumble might have been a better description, for me as well. A look of surprise crossed her face before she burst out laughing.

"It seems your stomach finished your sentence for you. Come on, Babe. Let's feed that beast."

The sun was setting and the wind had dropped on this balmy evening. The atmosphere was set for romantic ambience with the many twinkling lights reflecting in the pool. Before dessert we slow danced to the music from the band. It feels so fantastic, just the two of us and no Burg intrusions. Being outside under the starlit night sky, out in the fresh clean air, with my love, my heart and soul, was just breathtaking. Holding her in my arms, swaying and gently swinging to the music, it felt like we had been doing this together for a lifetime. She just melted into my body, following my lead with practised ease. Dancing with Stephanie is sensational.

I was surprised to discover that Stephanie had done Latin dance classes at college. I was impressed. She confessed that her mother would have had a seizure if she knew! She wasn't "good enough" to do ballet, like her sister, Saint Valerie, and any kind of partner dancing was actively discouraged. "What would the neighbours say?" Yes, that old chestnut. Stephanie laughed when I rolled my eyes. And that's the thing that truly amazed me … how much we laughed, together, anywhere, even in the bedroom. She makes me happy, and, to be honest, this new sensation I have grown to love, and I owe it all to her. It's so liberating. I feel beyond happy.

Dessert was another tantalising teaser with her delightful moans which went south to my loins, as she spoon fed me a taste-test since I just chose to have a coffee instead. Before she was able to put her spoon down after her last sinful mouthful, I had pulled out her chair, like the gentleman that I am, and practically dragged her back to our room to have my wicked way with her. Had it not been for the other diners on the deck, I would have thrown her over my shoulder to get there faster. She really knows how to snap my control, since, by the glint in her eye, she was definitely flirting with danger.

"Playing with fire, Babe."

"Mm. I know," she chuckled.

The following day, after a later breakfast, conditions were ideal for jet skiing. Her excitement as we cruised through the designated areas was another buzz. When I made some fancy turns, or jumped over the wake of a passing boat, her grip on me tightened and she squealed with delight.

While the weather conditions were favourable, we took the opportunity to go on a diving cruise for some snorkelling to explore the reef. Even with the snorkel mouthpiece in her mouth, she squealed with awe and more delight each time she spotted something new. We were taken to a known place where the sea grass beds below favoured the manatees. The clarity of the water was amazing and, sure enough, a few manatees came by, lazily grazing on the sea grass. I had to nudge Steph to make sure she breathed. We stayed at the surface of course, so as not to disturb the manatees.

Our extended travels took us south to exotic tropical places in the Caribbean. Miami and the Keys were awesome places to visit and explore, but she deserved something even more special to celebrate.

We did so many exciting activities that Stephanie could check off her bucket list. It was while we were resting and recovering from our active morning, lying on our beach towels looking up at the sky that she spotted it.

"Oh. Is that what I think it is, Carlos?" she asked excitedly, sitting up quickly, pointing up into the sky as a boat came around the headland. Yep, I knew I wouldn't have to wait that long for her to spot that colourful parasail high up behind the boat. On the flight down here to the US Virgin Islands, she had watched the promos on the screens advertising the exciting and wonderful USVI adventures and experiences on offer. I knew which one caught her eye the most.

She watched in awe as the boat circled the bay a number of times before coming in close to the beach allowing the parasailer to land right on the soft sand after a gentle descent.

Her silent look of playful, optimistic pleading needed no answer. I just grabbed her hand and she dragged me over to the booking hut. The parasail operators explained the safety procedures, while I secured the harness on her over the buoyancy vest. So, she did get to fly, for real, well … parasailing, but let's not take anything away from that. She was beyond ecstatic; the exuberance was positively radiating around her. Given half a chance, she would have gone up again, immediately.

At another beach, in another bay, on another day, we did a tandem flight, which gave me the opportunity to watch her absolute joie de vivre while in flight. With the go pro I captured her utter joy and exhilaration. She was pointing out sights and places we had already visited and the resort where we were staying.

The water was the most explored, with more snorkelling and some catamaran sailing, lots of swimming, and enjoying the beautiful palm tree lined beaches and beach side cafés and restaurants and dancing the nights away, we did it all.

And other pleasurable night time activities reaffirmed that we loved each other deeply. Not just loving each other, but truly, madly, deeply in love. Of course, that was not exclusively a night time activity. I smile at those memories, and, of course, we are still making more memories.

"I have forgotten how blue the sky can be," she said in wonder as we lay on the loungers by the pool. "But then I am reminded of Hawaii and how beautiful the sky and the beaches were there. Our time together was so wonderful, you know … well, until Morelli gate-crashed our happy bubble."

Perhaps we need to go back to Hawaii to make better together memories, I pondered, a plan already formulating. Yes, I am definitely going to add that to her bucket list.

We spent ten glorious days in theCaribbean which was where we spent our honeymoon. That should explain why our two weeks' vacation was extended. I love my wife. I love the sound of that. My wife. Who would have thought. I never really dared to think that I would ever be worthy of such joy. And here we are, together, living the dream.

We shared some more Miami time, and spent some quality time with Julie. She was so excited with our news. Julie and Stephanie have a wonderful rapport. I love my girls so much.

Returning back to a much cooler Trenton in a cool, early Spring, was a stark contrast. Stephanie was sad to leave the warm climes of the south but I did promise we would spend more time there. Soon. Very soon.

oOoOoOo

TBC