"Sure."
Over the next fifteen minutes, Alba shows me through the house as she highlights all of the features, including a state-of-the-art entertainment system, the well-stocked library, a massive sandstone balcony, complete with pool, and a gourmet kitchen that would make my mother scream in delight.
When she shows me upstairs into the main bedroom, I'm speechless. In the middle of the room is the largest four post bed I've ever seen, but unlike the heavy wooden versions I'm used to, this one is made of laser cut metal, so the posts look as though they're made of shiny 3-D lace. It's beyond beautiful.
"Wow."
Luis brings in my luggage and sets it by the foot of the bed. "Would you like us to unpack for you, Miss Holt?"
"Uh, no. That's fine, Luis. I can do it myself." The mere thought of anyone seeing the sheer volume of lingerie in my suitcase gives me cold sweats. They'd think I was some sort of sex maniac. I mean, it's true in regards to Liam, but no one needs to know that.
"If there's nothing else you need," Luis says, "we'll leave you to relax."
I go to give them both a cash tip, but Alba waves me away. "No need, Senhorita. Mr. Liam has taken care of everything."
"So it seems. Do you know when he might be arriving?"
They share a look. Then Luis pulls an envelope from his jacket and hands it to me. "Perhaps this will explain."
They both smile before taking their leave. When they're gone, I open the letter.
Darling Liss,
By now I'm sure you've already had a tour of the house and island. I hope you like it. When I think that we're going to be alone together with no one pointing, staring, or taking our picture for a whole month, I get stupidly excited. Total and absolute privacy is the only gift I want this Christmas. Screw the usual presents. Being with you is all I need. I hope it's okay that I've organized to have my gift a little early.
If everything goes to plan, I'll arrive on the island just before dinner tonight. So relax, have lunch, get Luis to show you the waterfall and have a swim. I'll be there soon, and goddammit, sweetheart, I can't wait to see you.
All my love,
Liam x
PS. Did you see the size of that bed?
Oh, the things I'm going to do to you on that thing.
I smile and flop back onto the feather-soft duvet. He'll be here soon. Thank God. The wait is almost over.
???
After having a shower to freshen up, I slip into one of the new bikinis I bought especially for the trip. Even though I could count on one hand the amount of times I've worn any sort of bathing suit, I'm surprised how comfortable this one feels, despite it being on the skimpy side.
I cover up with a floaty sarong tied around my neck before heading down to the main living area. Alba is in the giant kitchen, cooking something that smells delicious on the fancy glass cooktop.
"Perfect timing, Miss Elissa. Lunch is ready."
"You didn't have to do that, Alba."
"Oh, it was no trouble. Plus, Mr. Quinn didn't hire me just for my pretty face. I love to cook."
She turns off the stove and spoons a steaming dish of meat and vegetables onto a waiting bed of rice. "This is called feijoada. It is popular in Brazil and my husband's favorite."
I perch on one of the stools that sit along the front of the massive marble island as Alba places the plate in front of me.
"It smells fantastic."
She smiles before turning away to clean up.
Turns out, it tastes even better than it looks, and I try to act like a lady while I shovel it into my mouth. I don’t think I fool Alba for a second, and she gives me a warm smile as she washes the dirty pan.
"Will you go to the beach after lunch? It's a beautiful day."
"Actually, Liam said I should check out the waterfall. Is it far?"
The pan slips from Alba's hands and hits the edge of the sink with a loud bang. When she looks over at me, she looks a little pale. "No. It isn't far. Luis can take you."
"Oh, I'm sure I can find it by myself if you point me in the right direction."
She picks up the pan and continues to wash it. "You should not go by yourself. There are wild creatures on the island. Best to have someone with you."
Wild creatures? What, like lions? And tigers? And bears? Oh, my ...
When Luis walks in, Alba has a hushed conversation with him in Portuguese. Whatever she says, Luis seems to reassure her. Then she smiles at him before coming over to collect my empty plate.
"Thank you, Alba."
"You're welcome, Miss Elissa."
"So," Luis says as he leans against the bench. "Alba tells me you'd like to see the waterfall."
"Yes, as long as that's okay. If you’ve got something else to do, I could—"
Luis raises his hand to cut me off. "My only concern is taking care of you, Miss Holt. Would you like to go now?"
"Sure."
Before we can leave, Alba takes a canvas beach bag from a nearby closet and hands it to me. "This contains a towel, hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. The bug repellent is most important. Many mosquitoes in the rain forest."