Hattie was not a superconfident swimmer. And learning to breathe through the tube was challenging. But Luc's patience and support, along with a life vest, erased much of her fear, and soon she was moving through the water, head down, discovering the wonders of the reef.
The colors were muted and not as dramatic as Discovery Channel specials she had seen about the Great Barrier Reef, but the experience was enchanting nevertheless. Corals bobbed and swayed in eerie dances. Multicolored fish, large and small, moved with unconcern in and around the landlubber visitors.
Much of the necessary communication involved pointing and arm touches. But when Hattie spotted a familiar shape, she gasped, swallowed water, and had to come up to catch her breath. "It was a shark," she cried, coughing as she cleared her throat.
Luc shoved his mask on top of his head and laughed. "I've never seen anyone's eyes get that big. I thought you were going to faint dead in the water."
She shuddered. "Don't say dead. I wanted to take some pictures, but he was too fast." The snorkeling package included disposable waterproof cameras. "He wasn't very big though."
Luc tugged her ponytail. "You were hoping for Jaws?"
She giggled, feeling happier than she had been in a long time. "Well, not really, but it would have made a great Facebook post."
He glanced at his diver's watch. "We'd better get back to it. Time's almost up."
By the time the whistle sounded, Hattie was ready to quit. The experience was amazing, but the unaccustomed exercise, combined with learning how to manipulate the equipment, had exhausted her.
Back onboard everyone dried off and deposited their gear in large barrels for cleaning. Young crew members passed out lemonade and cookies. Luc and Hattie sat side by side, the wind in their faces as the boat cut rapidly through the waves on the home journey. Their swimsuits dried rapidly in the heat.
Luc put his arm around her back. "Was it what you expected?"
She glanced up at him, controlling a shiver at the delicious feel of his warm skin on hers. "Even better," she said. The sun was making her drowsy. Her head lolled against his shoulder, and she let herself lean into his body.
As they docked in Key West, she roused. It was the work of minutes to slip back into shorts, shoes and top. Luc followed suit, and soon they disembarked with the other passengers.
They lingered at the dock for a few minutes watching parasail enthusiasts go airborne. Hattie shaded her eyes with a hand. "That looks fun, too."
Luc took her arm. "Maybe tomorrow. Let's find a restaurant."
She punched him softly. "Is that all you ever want to do?"
He paused in the middle of the road and kissed her-hard. He brushed a stray hair from her cheek. "Actually, it's way down on the list, but I'm trying to be a considerate husband."
That shut her up. What would Luc say if she demanded to go back to the guesthouse and spend the afternoon and evening as they had the day before?
Sadly, she didn't have the guts to propose what she really wanted to do. Instead, she pretended interest in the fried plantains at the Cuban restaurant they found near the harbor. She ate mechanically. Every moment that passed brought them closer to the evening hours. When they would go to bed … together?
The uncertainty made her crazy. Was last night a one-time faux pas on their parts, or was Luc assuming they would continue to have sex for the duration of the marriage?
Hattie hated the idea of divorce, but what choice did they have? They had allowed sexual hunger and curiosity to lead them down a dangerous path, and she knew what happened to that proverbial cat.
Luc nudged her elbow. "I thought you'd be hungry. Swimming always gives me an appetite."
She shrugged. "I think it's the heat getting to me. Do you mind if we go back to our place? I'd love to take a shower and wash the seawater off my skin."
His fork stilled in midair, and his cheekbones went dark. He cleared his throat. "Of course. Whatever you want."
Hattie cursed her own artless stupidity. Did that sound like an open invitation for sex? She hadn't meant it that way.
Or had she?
Luc finished his meal and summoned the waiter for their check. Shortly after, they made their way through the crowded streets. Apparently, many tourists had arrived early to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday. Hattie barely noticed the commotion. All she could think about was how to handle the return to their luxurious bridal quarters.
The leather seats in the car were hot … no shade trees this time. She wriggled uncomfortably, and rolled down her window to let the steamy air escape. Luc was silent, his face impossible to read.
The ride was brief and silent. They exited the car. Marcel welcomed them as they strolled through the courtyard. "Are you enjoying your stay in Key West?"
Luc shook his hand, but Hattie answered. "It's lovely. So vibrant and colorful. You're lucky to live here year-round."
Marcel nodded as he trimmed an overgrown bougainvillea. "The only time I rethink my address is during hurricane season, but we are lucky here in the Keys … very few major hits."
Luc frowned. "Have you heard a forecast for tonight and tomorrow?"
"Nothing but calm, clear skies. Perfect vacation weather."
Hattie preceded Luc up the stairs, wondering what was up. Luc seemed focused on some unknown objective. And once in their room, instead of throwing her on the bed as she had hoped or expected, he seemed to be preoccupied … or at least avoiding sex at the moment. "Why were you concerned about the weather?" she asked him.
He tossed the car keys and his sunglasses on the dresser. "I have an idea."
"Uh-oh," she teased. "Should I be worried?"
He sprawled on the sofa. "Do you remember those camping trips we took in college?"
"Of course." They had journeyed to the north Georgia mountains a number of times, spending several chilly spring and autumn nights curled together in a double sleeping bag … just the two of them. Those had been magical times, and Hattie had loved them even more because the outings were inexpensive.
His arms stretched along the back of the couch, his fingers drumming restlessly. "I thought it might be fun to do that again."
In this heat? Was Luc so spooked by the intense emotion of the night before that he was going to keep them busy, nonstop? "Umm, well … "
"There's an island with an old fort. We can camp there. It would be an adventure. What do you say?"
The boyish eagerness on his face was irresistible. Despite her better judgment, she managed an enthusiastic smile. "Sounds like fun."
Fourteen
While Luc was on the phone making arrangements for their impromptu trip, Hattie showered and then checked in with Ana.
The baby is fine. No problem. Enjoy yourselves.
Hattie ended her call and surveyed the room. Luc was paying who knew how much money for this wonderful suite, and yet he wanted to abandon it for parts unknown. Men … She found him in the sitting room, still on the phone, but now she could tell it was business. Knowing what she did of his work ethic and his drive and determination, it really surprised her that he had been willing and able to get away for a honeymoon, pretend or otherwise.
He hung up and turned to face her, jubilation on his face. "I got us two spots. They only allow a small number of campers each night. But there's one catch."
"Oh?"
He winced, gauging her reaction. "We have to leave right now."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. Everything for the week was full except for tonight."
Gulp. "Okay. What do I need to pack?"
"Anything that's comfortable and cool. Plus a swimsuit. We'll be able to snorkel in the shallow water around the fort."
And at night? What would happen then?
Hattie pondered that question. And how did one prepare for possible seduction on a remote, uninhabited island? After dithering in the bedroom for several minutes, she dumped out her carry-on bag and began filling it methodically. One set of clean clothes and underwear. Swimsuit. A long T-shirt to sleep in. Sunscreen.