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“Customer service is excellent.”

His hand slides slowly down my back. “Only excellent?”

“The view helped.”

“Bridget.”

I smile into his chest. “Fine. Five stars.”

“Better.”

“Don’t get arrogant.”

“Too late.”

I kiss the skin over his heart. Outside, the waves keep breaking against the shore, steady and distant, while afternoon sunlight spills across tangled sheets. For once, I don’t feel the slightest urge to cover myself. I just curl closer.

Later, beneath cool sheets, his fingers trace my arm while I wonder when this started feeling like something I could lose.

"I think you're spoiling me," I admit.

"Good."

"What happens when you get bored?"

His hand stills. "Bridget, I'm not going to get bored with you."

"You don't know that."

"I know what I want." He turns toward me. "You. Tomorrow, next week, and every day after that."

It's a promise so lovely I'm afraid to touch it. I take his hand instead, brushing a kiss over his knuckles, and notice the heavy gold band on his right ring finger again. An intricate design runs around its edge.

"Does this mean something?" I ask, turning his hand gently.

He glances at the ring. "It does."

"Family heirloom?"

"It's been part of my life a long time." He kisses my hand before I can ask more. "Have you always talked this much, tesoro?"

"Only when I'm awake. It's a terrible condition."

His left hand is bare, and I assume the ring is a family heirloom. I don't want to interrogate him over jewelry when we're lying together in paradise.

His phone rings just as I settle against him. He checks the screen and mutters a curse.

"Business?" I ask.

"I'm sorry. I have to go back to the city. I wanted more time with you."

He's genuinely frustrated, but his work is demanding. We pack and head back with Rocco, Enzo holding my hand most of the way.

"I wish you'd stay at my place more often," he says.

"You haven't met my five cats. That's a dangerous commitment."

"Then let me meet them."