As the taxi slowed and pulled into a columned resort entrance, Michael breathed a sigh of relief at having finally arrived. As he took in the lush property around him, he could almost feel the wave of relaxation that washed over him. In the distance, a classic sandstone faΓ§ade lay at the end of the tree-lined drive with the aqua blue ocean viewable in the background. Low-lying cottages and villas lay nestled against the coastline. The effect conveyed both timelessness and luxury not unlike old plantations in the South yet the feeling of intimacy was uniquely tropical.
Arriving at the front valet, Michael paid the driver and, eager to see Lauren, asked the bellhop to send his bags to their room when convenient. He walked towards the oceanside cottages delighted to finally take in the magnificent sight and be able to enjoy it with his wife. Locating their unit, he slid the key into the lock and slipped quietly inside. The cottage was a cozy single room design but was romantic with a view of the water and small porch.
In the center of the room was a large bed and Michael could just make out tousled brown hair and an exposed leg amidst the white sheets. It was unlike her to be asleep so late in the day, particularly with his impending arrival. Bending down, he slowly pulled back the cover and revealed his wife's nearly nude form. Clad only in a small g-string, her skin was slightly bronzed from the Caribbean sun with small tan lines across her full breasts. She rarely slept this bare and Michael was glad she had slipped fully into the vacation spirit. Finally, he knelt next to the bed and, brushing away her lightened hair, he kissed her forehead.
She stirred and gradually opened her eyes before waking abruptly,
"Honey...You're here."
Smiling he nodded and said,
"After much delay and anticipation, I'm here."
She sat up in bed, pulling the sheets up over her figure.
"I was beginning to think you'd never get through."
"I agree."
Leaning forward he placed his hands on the back of Lauren's head and pulled her lips against his. Apparently surprised at his embrace, she hesitated briefly before responding in kind. After a minute, they disengaged and Michael looked down at his wife's now-covered form. He took the sheet from her hand and slid it back, teasing her,
"Don't you dare cover yourself up. I need to see as much of you as I can on this shortened trip."
Lauren rolled her eyes in amusement and slid out of bed, heading towards the bathroom to freshen up. Knowing her husband's gaze was locked on her exposed ass, she queried,
"Well, mister, what do you want to do?"
"I'd love to hit the water but I'm starving. Let's go grab an easy lunch and then come back."
Sticking her head out from the vanity,
"Why not order room service? I'd like to spend some time with just you."
"I'd like to see the resort some and then come back after a bite,"
seeing the reluctance in his wife's face,
"Don't worry, it'll be quick."
Michael changed into a more casual outfit and Lauren, not bothering with a bra, tossed on a small and easy summer dress. They spent the next half-hour exploring the resort, the summer heat clearly increasing throughout the afternoon, before ordering lunch at the main outdoor cafΓ©. Over a light meal, Michael recounted the challenges of his flight arrangements and Lauren the successes of her business trip.
"I'm sorry you had such issues with your travel,"
Lauren lamented. Then smiling slightly, "
Guess it's rough to have lost your airline status and have to wait like the rest of us."
Michael smirked at his wife's jab.
"Very funny."
She knew it pained him as they'd both taken trips on his points. Yet, while Lauren's business travel had been picking up, his had waned and he'd lost his top tier ranking. "
And what did you do to while away the hours without your enchanting husband?"
He thought he caught a brief hint of anxiety in her eyes but she looked away and it was gone.
"Nothing too much. Enjoyed the resort. Had a few colleagues who left a day late."
Then looking back up from her plate smiling, she said,
"But the trip was a big success. Even with all of the location changes."
Michael remarked, "
Nicely done, babe. Particularly with such a tough client."
Lauren smiled modestly,
"Thanks, hon."
Then she abruptly stiffened as her gaze fell transfixed across the room.
"What is it?"
Michael asked, following his wife's eyes. He noticed a well-dressed black man had seen the two of them and was approaching the table.
"Who is that? Do you know him?"
Before she could respond, the gentleman was at their side and spoke directly to Lauren,
"There you are. I hoped we might see each other one more time."
Lauren's entire demeanor had changed and she replied softly,
"Yes, Professor Jameson."
Then gesturing towards Michael, she said,
"Let me introduce my husband, Michael. He just arrived a couple of hours ago."
The professor turned, finally seeming to notice Michael's presence, and extended a hand,
"Michael. Dr. William Jameson. So nice to finally meet you."
Shaking his hand, Michael replied,
"It's nice to meet you as well. I've heard quite a bit about you and your trip. I hope it was as pleasant as it sounds."
Stealing a glance towards Lauren and smiling, William said,
"It's been a magnificent trip, thanks in no small part to your lovely wife. I wish it didn't have to end."
The trio made brief small talk for a minute or two before William offered,
"Listen, I know you just got here, Michael. Why don't you all come over for an afternoon cocktail at my villa? It's the least I could do for all of your hard work."
Michael waited for his wife to respond on their behalf. A polite decline and a raincheck. Yet she demurred, looking down at her lap clearly searching for a response.
William persisted,