Island Retreat

Chapter 6

They spent a few hours basking in the sun, walking around the island, lying by the water, or reading on the deck by the pool. The happenings of that morning were already crumbling away, slipping into the abyss like a bad dream; as if none of it had even happened. Chris stopped by to say goodbye and Abby gave him a warm hug, while he and Sebastian shook hands and exchanged pats on the back. Just another day.

As the time approached, they started the process of getting ready for an evening out. Of course Sebastian took much less time in his preparation; and his constant attempt to help Abby with hers was quite distracting, but at last she was putting the finishing touches on her hair; adding a small spritz of perfume so it smelled as delicious as the rest of her did.

There was yet another sensational sunset in the making and they enjoyed the sight as they were ferried to the mainland, and then taxied to the restaurant. It was a lovely place atop one of the nicest hotels. They sat out under the stars and dined on steak, asparagus, salad and scrumptious dinner rolls that were so sweet they tasted like cake. And wine. There was lots of a delicious fruity wine.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" Abby leaned close to Sebastian and whispered in his ear. If you are... it's not going to work!"

He gave her a devilish grin then shook his head asking, "Why would I want to do that?"

"You tell me, because it certainly seems like you have something up your sleeve." She gently poked his shoulder as she spoke those last words.

"What?" he asked, "What kind of man do you think I am?"

"The kind no woman can resist. That's the kind you are." She was looking directly in his eyes while her hand that had been resting just above his knee moved up much higher on his thigh."

He snorted, "Oh shit. You ARE drunk aren't you?" Then he remembered that in all of the excitement, they really hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. Apparently their dinner was not keeping up with the alcohol intake.

"I am not drunk!" she insisted.

"Right.... How about we take a turn or two around the dance floor?" he offered.

"Fine. But I'm NOT drunk." Her statement punctuated by a soft hic-up.

Laughing out loud, Sebastian took her hand and led her out to the small area where several couples were already dancing. He put one of her hands on his shoulder and held the other to his chest, while he guided her around with his other hand settled comfortably on her hip. He had to hand it to her; she had enough natural grace that she was light on her feet, even if she was slightly tipsy, which she WAS.

The music that played was an odd assortment of hits from the 80's and 90's as well as some much older, more traditional dance tunes. They stayed on the floor through three songs, returning to their table to find another, complimentary bottle of wine and some delicious looking concoction topped with whipped cream. After eating several bites, of the yummy treat, and drinking water instead of wine, Abby stood and grabbed Sebastian's hand when the strains of 'Unchained Melody' by LeAnn Rime started playing.

He was just about to take a huge bite, but when she bit her lip and cocked her head, one of his favorite moves, he couldn't say no. They joined the others on the dance floor, forgoing the 'proper' hold in favor of Abby's arms slung over Seb's shoulders, hands loosely crossed behind his neck, her head on his chest, their bodies pressed close, his hands on her back, holding her possessively. They moved together as one, as if they were the only ones there. Now and then Abby would lift her head and look into his eyes, smiling in a way that was meant only for him. Each time, he would whisper something in her ear, kiss her lips softly or just smile back at her. When the song ended, they stood there, gazing at one another, not wanting to let go. They were surprised when several people applauded softly, and then laughed when they looked like children who had been caught doing something they shouldn't.