'She is amazing is she not?' Keri smiled. She and Bentley were still lounging with the other staff in the boardroom enjoying cake and coffee. Tessa had requested the regional manager to grant the staff the afternoon off, seeing it was a Friday.

'Who?' Bentley questioned, sipping on tea.

'Mrs. Blakely,' Keri indulged in a generous spoonful of decadent chocolate pudding.

'Care to qualify that?' Bentley raised an eyebrow enquiringly.

'Well,' Bentley's eyes followed as she fed the spoon to her well shaped lips. His eyes widened as a bit of chocolate sauce clung to her lower lip. He licked his own lip as if that would remove the distracting sauce on her lip.
'We've been here a week and we've hardly done a stitch of work.'

'Speak for yourself,' Bentley grinned.

The boss had had him running around at all hours. Just last night, he had only left his boss at eight thirty in the evening. Brad Blakely had completely taken over Joseph von Biljoen's study. He had been inspecting every region's monthly report with a fine tooth comb and barking instructions at Bentley. They would have been there many more hours Bentley suspected had the Scarsdale maid not requested to speak privately with Mr. Blakely.
Bentley still wondered what her request had been about. Though thanks to her, the boss looked at his wristwatch, dismissed Bentley for the night and gave the maid his undivided attention.

'Oh I'm sorry,' Keri reached out.
Remembering where they were, her hand retreated back to her lap. She had only wanted to acknowledge how hard Bentley had been working, whilst she was having the time of her life, at leisure during the days and in Bentley's warm protective arms each night. Keri stuffed another spoon of pudding into her mouth.

'You're enjoying that aren't you?' Bentley teased.

'Am I having too much?' Keri pushed her side plate away.

'No silly,' Bentley touched her arm. 'You are as skinny as a rake,' he stood up.

'Am not,' she blushed. 'Where are you going?'

'I have to run an errand to Chicago. You want to come with?' Bentley invited. 'We'll be flying commercial, unfortunately.'

'No---go ahead.'
Keri's mom had called, requesting Keri to visit. She and Bentley could spend their weekend together when he returned from Chicago.

'I was planning on us spending the night there,' Bentley stated. 'It is a beautiful city.'

'I promised my mom, I'd visit her. She is expecting me,' Keri did not sound very convincing.

He nodded reluctantly. 'I'll see you tomorrow morning then. Stay and chat with the guys,' he smiled.

'Bye Bentley,' Keri wished she could kiss him goodbye, but she shelved that idea and just waved him off.

'I want to go and change,' Tessa laughed when Brad imprisoned her on his lap.

'So we're landing just now?' he asked curiously staring out the window.
Tessa did not know if that helped much. All they could see were clouds galore beneath them. She had instructed the pilot to shut off their on board navigation system in the cabin. The pilot was only going to announce the destination just before he touched down. All the staff on board were told to keep mum on their destination and Brad was instructed not to question the staff as to their destination.

'No,' she supplied, but she wanted to escape Brad for she feared his subtle Spanish Inquisition was about to start and was afraid she was going to slip up.

'So how many hours are we going to be in the air?' Brad probed. His ability to extract information from Tessa was not working. He tried a known seductive technique that always worked or so he thought, as his lips burnt a trail of kisses down her milky white throat. Tessa moaned softly. Her hands raked through his hair, returning the caress as she nibbled gently on his spiky chin. 'I can your see your mind scanning the geography around our position, so shut up,' she chuckled softly.

'Can't you give me a tiny clue,' he tried the puppy dog look that always worked for Lyndon. When that didn't work and all he got was raised eyebrows, he put Plan B into action. His lips worried at the button protecting her cleavage, until his teeth undid two buttons, his tongue snaked out, teasing or was it torturing at her aroused nipple.

'Darling---,' Tessa sighed, lifting his head so she could kiss him.

'I want a clue,' he shifted his mouth away from her hungry lips.

''Umm---there's lots of water,' she bit on her lower lip as she redid the buttons to her blouse mindful of the cabin staff that may enter at any time. 'You may find the odd tree about and I'm sure there was mention of a pub---.'

'You think you're funny,' Brad tickled her mercilessly.

'No---stop,' she held his hands at bay. Their tender eyes locked. Tessa pressed her lips to Brad's, cupping his cheeks lovingly.

'Eh---excuse me, Mrs. Blakely,' a steward interrupted their passionate embrace.

'Yeah,' Tessa smiled up at the steward. Sensing his wife's intent to escape, Brad held her firmly on his lap.

'I have the champagne you requested,' he smiled courteously, displaying the label for their approval.

'Ah that's my job,' Brad reached forward to sample the chilled, rather expensive champagne. 'Mmm, perfect,' Brad nodded, extending his glass to be refilled. 'I'm impressed,' he smirked at his wife. 'You know how to spoil me darling,' Brad acknowledged.

'If that's a thank you, then you're welcome,' she laughed softly, adjusting herself on Brad's lap.

'It is indeed.'

'What about you Mrs. Blakely? We have the non alcoholic version of the very same brand,' the steward kindly offered. Brad watched his wife with an amused look in his eyes. He knew she thought its sugar content too high for her liking.

'I'll have a glass with lots of ice thank you,' Tessa did not want to disillusion the affable steward.

'Sure you're still going to fit into your bikini?' Brad teased when the steward walked away.

'Drink your champagne,' Tessa slid off Brad's lap.

'Where you going darling?' Brad emptied his glass and refilled more of the superb champagne.

'I'm going to change,' Tessa looked at her attire, hardly suitable for where they were going. 'You should too Blakely,' she instructed. 'You're way too formally dressed for where we're going.'

'I don't know the dress code,' he whined.

'I'll take something out for you,' she smiled.

'I know how to dress myself,' he pouted.

'You know how to undress yourself as well,' she murmured, 'but you don't complain when I do that,' she threw over her shoulder.

'There you go Mrs. Blakely,' the steward smarted as he handed Tessa her non alcoholic drink.

'Thank you,' she smiled and walked away with her glass. She heard Brad shuffling behind her and knew he would follow her to their private cabin.

Tessa was peeling of her shirt when Brad walked in. He stood at the door and watched his wife undressing. Her crisp shirt fell to the carpet, her bra followed next to reveal twin pert breasts. His wife looked gorgeous, her exquisite breasts were preparing for motherhood. Tessa looked sexy in her heels, lace briefs and the silk scarf still wrapped around her neck.

'Get that look out your eyes Blakely, we don't have time.'

Immediately Brad's antenna shot up. 'We don't?'
He studied his wristwatch perceptively. His mind was racing faster than the speed of their jet aircraft. Tessa shut her eyes and turned away. Damn it she knew she would slip up somehow.

'There's only two destinations we could---

'Shut up---just shut up,' she interrupted, watching him study his wristwatch. 'Don't say another word Blakely.' She was more angry at herself than her astute husband. She hoped he got the wrong one. Tessa removed a pair of snow white knee length Capri trousers and silently slipped it on. She complimented the trousers with an aquamarine spaghetti strapped top. She looked carefree, beautiful and so much younger than her twenty eight years. Brad watched as she tossed a matching pair of white trousers for him on the bed. An indigo blue cotton shirt joined Brad's trousers. He walked to Tessa and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Tessa leaned back against his comforting chest. Brad placed his chin on her shoulder and softly murmured, 'dress me.'

'Oh that's a turn for the books Blakely,' Tessa lifted her arms over her head and snaked them around Brad's neck.

'I don't want to make my wife angry.' He was certain it took her some time, wheeling and dealing with Bentley to have his diary cleared. He had also not received any notifications from their bank with regard to any costs for this weekend. That meant his wife had used her own private funds to foot the bill. Not that it would make a dent in her excessive fortunes, but she had been very careful, that he not get wind of her surprise plans for his birthday.

Tessa turned around in Brad's arms. 'So I'm undressing you and getting you into that,' she checked, pointing to the outfit she had out for him on the bed.

'Unfortunately,' Brad grinned, as Tessa removed his jacket and tossed it on the bed.

'There's still tonight,' she whispered, unbuttoning his shirt with deliberate slowness. Brad inhaled deeply as her fingers slipped up his chest before she moved the shirt off his body. Her hands fell to his trousers and unbuckled him. Brad's hands tightened around her waist.

'I think your hands should be at your sides, don't you?' she asked with mock innocence.

'You're being such a tease,' he groaned huskily

'I'm getting you changed,' she tried desperately to keep a straight face as she removed his trousers. It was a good thing she was not removing his underwear. She was sorely tempted to touch him and knew he wanted her to.

'I would love to throw you on that bed and have my way with you,' he growled.

'You're a big boy. You know all about control,' she taunted as she walked to the bed and picked up his shirt and threw his trousers over her shoulders. Very gently her hand guided his one arm into his shirt, then the other. She left it unbuttoned, admiring his wash board flat stomach.

'Put you hands on my shoulders Blakely.' When he obeyed, she lifted one muscular leg into his trousers. She hoped the cotton fabric cooled him down a bit as she fed his other leg through the trousers. Tessa knelt down to straighten the material bunched around his ankles.

Still on her knees, she lifted her head to gaze at Brad.
In one sweeping movement Brad lifted her up and pushed her against the closet. His mouth descended on hers forcefully as he pressed his weight against her. She had seen the outline of his bulging erect form before he pressed it against her pelvis. She thought to nip things in the bud by gently putting Brad away from her, but it just gave him room to find her hand and guide it to his aroused manhood. Sighing helplessly, she allowed her fingers to caress over him rather erotically. She should stop, they would be landing shortly...just one quick kiss then.

"Attention this is your captain speaking---"

'Shut up,' Brad and Tessa chorused simultaneously. They took a second to laugh then continued with their foreplay.

"I regret to announce the delay in our landing due to a backlog on the ground, we will hold steady at current altitude for another thirty minutes."

'Yes! He answers prayers,' Brad ripped Tessa's top of.

'Who?' she asked in confusion.

'God,' Brad hastily removed her pants. 'I told Him, I want just thirty minutes.'

'And you have it.' She breathed, trailing her fingers over his chest.

'Yeah,' he pulled her closer. 'I'm not wasting one second,' his mouth captured hers.

Tessa removed Brad's trousers and underwear. He kicked off his clothes and marched her backwards towards the bed. Tessa smiled lovingly as Brad fell over her body. The cool fabric of his shirt caressed her heated flesh. She expertly brushed the shirt off his shoulders and pulled his head down. Her tongue seductively locked around his, they kissed, caressed and pleasured each other. Tessa's hips rose, her fingers moulded his sexy buttocks suggestively. Their coupling was quick, explosive and enthralling. There was just enough time for a quick shower and to be strapped in their seats when the captain made the following announcement:

"This is your captain speaking again. Happy Birthday Mr. Blakely. On behalf of Mrs. Blakely and the crew, welcome to the tropical, sunny Islands of the Bahamas."

'Bentley!' Keri exclaimed, as he slid into the bed next to her. 'I thought you were only returning tomorrow?' They had been sharing a suite at a fancy New York hotel the entire week.

'I changed my mind?' He hauled her into his arms and settled her on his chest.

'I'm delighted to see you,' she laughed. 'The bed was lonely without you.'

'What's with all the clothes you have on?' he complained.

'Well excuse me,' she turned crimson. Keri had always slept in her nightwear, even with Max. It was only with Bentley's constant pleading that she yielded to sleeping in the nude with him. She had to confess she loved the feeling, although when he was not there she reverted to her ancient habit.
'I thought I was spending the night alone.'

It had been the original plan. What Keri did not know was Bentley had not immediately flown to Chicago. He had tailed her, when she'd left the building, jealously suspecting that perhaps she may have been going to secretly visit Max. He was surprised when a door opened, and an older version of Keri hugged Keri. He felt ashamed at spying on Keri.

'I can't believe you came back,' Keri pressed her lips to Bentley's.

'You're not complaining, are you?'

'No, absolutely not. It's so much more fun with you here,' she grinned.

'What is?' he teased.

'Your company in bed,' she whispered, closing her lips over his.

.

Tessa studied Brad's face with acute interest as the pilot made the announcement just before their touchdown.

'The Bahamas wow!' Brad laughed enthusiastically. 'Thank you darling,' Brad reached over and kissed Tessa.

'Happy birthday, my darling husband,' she murmured against his lips.

'Oh I can't wait to get started with this holiday,' Brad stood up and helped Tessa unbuckle her seatbelt.

'We have not quite reached our final destination yet,' Tessa informed Brad.

'We're not staying here in Nassau?'

'No, the capital city is too----busy and public,' Tessa dismissed. 'A very short charter flight will transfer us to Grand Bahama Island.'

'I see,' Brad was undecided. He liked big cities, the pleasures of modern technology at his disposal. He was uncertain about remote, uninhabited islands.'

'Let me be in charge, just for this weekend hmm? You'll love it,' Tessa exclaimed. 'I personally chose it.'

That was a consolation. His wife was one of the greatest organizers in the world. She was a perfectionist, meticulous, well researched, and rather picky. She would not choose a rundown hideout.

'Read this darling,' Tessa handed Brad a brochure about the Grand Bahama Island while they waited for their passports to clear customs.

'Thank you,' he opened the brochure.

'We'll be staying there for the entire weekend,' Tessa pointed to a very modern exclusive resort hotel. It was breathtaking to say the least, with panoramic views of the Grand Bahama Island. Brad had to admit the sandy white beach was alluring. His interest was heightened.

'Oh there's an underwater cave,' Brad enthused. 'And a safari tour, we have to do that.'

'Glad something's piqued your interest Blakely. I was just about to ask the pilot to turn around.'

'I'm sorry sweetheart,' Brad draped an arm around her neck. 'I trust your judgement implicitly.'

'We're all clear to disembark,' the pilot announced.

It was a beautiful sun drenched day. The sweltering heat enveloped them the minute they exited the air conditioned jet. The crew were remaining in the capital. Brad and Tessa were quickly transferred together with their luggage to the waiting executive charter plane. In less than fifteen minutes they were landed at Grand Bahama Island.

Tessa looked up sharply when she sensed a change in Brad's body language. Brad guided Tessa into the waiting limo, whilst their luggage was transferred into the trunk. His face gave nothing away. There was a polite smile for her as he ushered her in and hurriedly hopped in next to her. She wanted to ask Brad what was wrong, but the limo was hired, so was the driver. They could not talk now. She reached out her hand, touching his knee enquiringly. Brad's eyes met hers, he smiled. His hand closed over hers.

'It's about a five minute drive to the hotel,' Tessa smiled. Brad nodded. He lifted her palm and adoringly kissed the inside of it, but Tessa still felt something was wrong. The hotel manager greeted and welcomed them when the limo stopped at the VIP entrance. Brad alighted and extended his hand to Tessa. He looked around surprised to see no other visitors in the foyer or lounge pub. Perhaps the other guests were enjoying the hotel and island facilities.

They were offered delicious, potent looking cocktail drinks by a young lady, dressed in traditional island clothing.

'Thank you,' Tessa accepted one.

'What is it?' Brad hesitated, thinking it looked like a girlish drink.

'It's a fruit cocktail,' Tessa answered. 'Try it. It's refreshing in this humid weather.' With much reservation Brad lifted it to his lips, and surprisingly enjoyed it, emptying his glass.

'Shall I show you to your suite?' the manager politely enquired.

'Yes please,' Tessa answered. It was a good thing then that she had hired out the Island's single hotel. It was all exclusively theirs for the entire weekend. There would not be another guest or visitor on the Island, just the two of them, except Brad's surprise entertainment that would be arriving tonight. Tessa could not wait to see the delight on his face tonight, but for now she needed to know what the hell was troubling him. She waited patiently as Brad removed a few crisp pound notes from his wallet and handed it to the very surprised manager. Clearly it was a most welcome bonus to him.

'Darling what's wrong?' Tessa placed her hand on Brad's chest the minute the door was closed. Brad looked around the elegant room before he answered Tessa. It was definitely five star like any he would have chosen in any of the leading cities in the world.

'Bentley okayed the arrangements?' Brad probed tentatively.

'I did not seek nor desire his permission to plan something for my husband!'

'Bentley did not arrange our security detail?' Brad cupped her elbows gently in a bid to calm his wife's rising temper.

'What?' she laughed. 'This is a private island. Nobody will attempt to kidnap you or I---surely!'

Brad desired more to protect his privacy than a need for security. It was unacceptable that Bentley failed to arrange that. Brad had observed the interest at their jet in Nassau. Thankfully they were expeditiously transferred.

'There are certain responsibilities that Bentley is not allowed to outsource!'

'Then perhaps I take full responsibility,' Tessa exclaimed angrily. 'He requested to see the logistics details. I told him I have taken care of everything,' she began pacing the room.
'By everything, I meant everything, regarding the plans for your birthday. Bentley may have assumed everything included security. I confess, security did not cross my mind.'
Especially since I booked out the entire island resort and there will not be another soul around here to interrupt you and I.

'Perhaps there may not be a need,' Brad relented. 'It seems like a pretty secluded resort and I do like the amenities very much,' Brad nodded as he glanced around the room. It was certainly well equipped for his lavish tastes.

'Good, I'm glad you approve,' Tessa draped her arms around him and hugged him.

'Thank you,' he kissed her forehead. Hoisting her up in his arms, he twirled around, with a wide grin.

'I've arranged for you and I to be pampered,' Tessa murmured.

'You have?' he looked curious.

'Yeah, a soothing massage interest you?' she offered.

'Sounds heavenly.'

'I'm going to make a call to set it up.'

'Can we have more of that delicious fruit punch?'

'Yes,' she smiled, as she picked up the phone.

Tessa and Brad walked hand in hand to the massage parlour. Tessa was led to the lady's private studio and Brad was directed to the men's studio. She was about to undress out of the gown, when she heard Brad call out to her.

'Yes?' Tessa tightened the gown around her and met Brad halfway.

'I---don't want a massage,' Brad stated.

'What!' Tessa laughed softly, glancing at the beefy local male that had been hired from the local masseuse parlour to massage Brad. 'Darling you have massages all the time in London.'

'He's not touching me,' Brad clenched his teeth. Tessa sighed and inhaled deeply.

'Please give us five minutes,' Tessa requested apologetically.

'What's the problem darling? I have a female masseuse.'

'I---don't want a man touching me,' Brad scowled.

'It's not a full body massage for heaven's sake, just your upper body.'

'You heard me Tessa.'

'Fine let's swop then.'

'He's not touching my wife either.'

'My patience is wearing thin Blakely,' Tessa hissed. 'You're behaving like a bloody spoilt child!'

Brad lowered his head and did not utter another word. He wanted the massage, but hell there were some things a man did not consent to. One, was a man did not touch him. Two, neither was another man allowed to put his hands on his wife's naked body.

Tessa called the reception and apologized profusely, requesting then to call another female masseuse to attend to Brad. A young lady was then rushed up. Tessa had absolutely no problem with the local Bahamian native female massaging Brad. An hour later after a rejuvenating massage, they went up to their rooms to shower. Brad had to wait an extra ten minutes as Tessa dried her hair and styled it for dinner. He was in a smart tux. She was in a figure hugging shimmering silver above the knee cocktail dress.

'You look gorgeous,' Brad swallowed, unable to keep his eyes off Tessa.

'Thank you,' she kissed his lips. 'You look gorgeous too,' she smiled sincerely. 'I've saved your present for dinner time,' Tessa murmured.

'I thought this trip was my present?'

'Oh the best is yet to come, whilst you indulge in dinner,' she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

'You are being very mysterious Mrs. Blakely.'

'Let's go down and all will be revealed,' Tessa held out her hand to Brad.

A huge neon board had come on wishing Brad "Happy Birthday."
They were enjoying their starter course. Soft romantic music played. They were the only two people in the restaurant big enough to seat about fifty people. All the furnishings had been removed. A single table was decoratively set up, with soft candle lights just for them. Brad looked around expectantly, wondering what his surprise was.

'I hope you do not mind the set menu,' Tessa reached out and touched Brad's arm.

'I take it you were meticulously involved in the design of it?' Brad grinned.

'Guilty,' she smiled. She knew Brad's tastes and had ordered all his favourites. Certain items on the menu had to be imported. Tessa was looking forward to the main course of veal scaloppine, thin slices of veal dredged in flour and sautéed in a mouth watering sauce.

As the main course was served and Brad's wine glass refilled, Tessa nodded to the excited hotel manager.
A curtain rolled, classical Italian music began playing and the rich baritone of a soprano filled the night air in the restaurant.

Brad stilled. He was speechless. How on earth did his wife manage to get his favourite opera singer in the world to arrive and perform live for him in the Bahamas? His darling wife had outdone herself.
Brad lowered his head, so his glassy eyes would not give him away, but his sensitive wife was perceptive enough, she reached out and laced her hands through his.

'Happy Birthday Bradley Blakely,' the soprano announced in his thick accented Italian voice.

'Thank you,' Brad acknowledged.

The soprano belted out one popular classical piece after another. Brad was thrilled the artist performed most of his personal favourites; then again he suspected his thoughtful wife had alerted the artist to his favourites. Brad had every album of this artist. It was his most prized possession in his music library.

'I don't know how to thank you,' his voice broke as his eyes met Tessa's.

'You don't need to,' Tessa reached across and pressed her lips to Brad's.

'I love you,' he whispered throatily.

'I love you too, handsome.'

Brad was surprised to note two hours had passed since the soprano had started singing. After performing his last number, he stood and bowed to the couple. Brad and Tessa stood up and applauded the artist. He came to Brad to wish him. After a polite handshake, the artist removed a sealed disc from his inside pocket.

'My latest album,' he grinned at Brad. 'Autographed just for you, it is only commercially available in two months time,' he winked at Brad.

'Thank you,' Brad replied graciously.

'Enjoy the rest of your birthday, Bradley Blakely, Mrs, Blakely,' the soprano bowed and exited.

'I could never ask for a more priceless gift,' Brad pulled Tessa roughly into his arms.

'It was the greatest of pleasure,' Tessa answered, thrilled to see the appreciation in Brad's eyes.

'How on earth did you pull this off?'

Tessa smiled, 'I was making enquiries to get tickets to take you to a live concert. A friend of mine is his legal representative. She mentioned he's looking at buying property here and was going to be here this week. I ---asked for his number and the rest is history.

'I have had the most amazing birthday darling,' Brad spoke huskily, as he led Tessa to their suite.

'Really, so why did Bentley tell me you were in a foul mood the whole morning?'

'I was not!'

Tessa looked tenderly into his eyes. Sometimes her husband was so like their son. Her heart ached for all the birthday's Brad had not had any family to share it with. Every child just wanted the security of having a mummy and daddy. Brad had been robbed of his at such a young age. She reached out and slipped her fingers through Brad's.

'Lyndon should have been here,' Brad stated.

'I wanted him here too darling, but he keeps telling me he's a big boy. I was thinking perhaps I smother him too much.'

'You know you do,' Brad unlocked their door and led Tessa in.

'He is my baby ___ soon he will be all grown up.'

'I can just picture him charming you for your car keys,' Brad removed his tie and tux.

'Will you not buy our son his own car?'

'He must work for it,' Brad stated. 'Otherwise he will never know the value of anything.'

Tessa looked away. Strange how differently parents operate. Her father bought her all the material possessions to make up for the love he was too busy to show her. She had had credit cards and a fancy sports car from the day she turned sixteen. Everybody presumed Tessa to be a spendthrift, but her mother was a good role model, and Tessa only ever spent when she needed something, never unwisely.

'You will not be buying our son anything without my approval,' Brad turned Tessa back to make eye contact with her.

'I hear you,' she murmured, lowering her head.
Brad had expected an argument from Tessa; instead he saw the light go off inside her. His heart twisted in knots.

Brad groaned silently and pulled Tessa into his protective arms. Was he being too harsh towards their son? His parents had never expected to leave him so early in life and had not left a nest egg for him. He had to work day and night to achieve the success he had today. Brad did not want Lyndon assuming everything would be presented to him on a silver platter at a whim. There were some instances where he was not going to allow his wife to challenge his authority.

'Are we good?' Brad murmured.

'Yes,' she whispered, with a nod.
She knew Brad meant well. He was a very just man, especially to his own son. She knew with all her heart Brad would never be an unreasonable father to Lyndon or any of their other children to come.

Early the following morning after breakfast, Brad and Tessa walked on the soft white sand along the shore. Brad loved that it was secluded. He was especially pleased that there were no crowds around the resort. They walked in companionable silence, listening to the waves lapping on the shore. Morning dew still covered the abundance of island flowers. A thick floral fragrance hung in the air.

'I heard the most amazing thing from the resort manager,' Brad draped an arm around Tessa's neck.

'What was that?' Tessa thought it would be some island attraction they would be able to catch.

'I understand my wife booked out the entire resort,' Brad stopped and pinned Tessa in his arms.

'I wanted it to be special for you,' her fingers cupped his face. 'And for you to keep that jealous streak under wraps,' she chuckled.

His face reddened guiltily. 'What did I do, to deserve such an amazing wife?'

'You're an amazing husband,' she reached up and brushed his lips. Inhaling deeply, she whispered, 'And to think I almost let you end our marriage.'

'About that,' Brad's eye's narrowed. 'I---saw those papers in Scarsdale. You never accepted the terms of the contract. You knew very well a contract has to be accepted to become legally binding. Even with your signature on it. It would have been null and void, as you very well knew, Counsellor.'

Tessa looked away embarrassed. Even though she had signed the divorce papers, she knew a contract had to have an offer, and there needed to be acceptance of the offer, to become legallt binding. Her not accepting Brad's offer, rendered its legality useless, as an attorney she knew that. She knew it very well.

'I guess I was really not prepared to lose you,' her hands crossed around his neck.

'Thank you for coming back to me Tessa. I never want to live, if you are not by my side.'

'Don't say that darling,' her fingers raked over his cheek. He had not shaved this morning. His prickly stubble bruised her tender skin. Brad had still been busy in the bathroom when Tessa dragged him out to talk to Lyndon on the laptop.
Then she was starving and demanded they go down to breakfast. She told him there was nobody to impress and that he looked handsome in his khaki baggy shorts and white T shirt.

'You're mine, forever,' he hugged her fiercely. 'Now let's enjoy our weekend.'

This morning they were going boating and Brad was going to teach Tessa to snorkel. She was an expert swimmer, he was surprised she'd never went snorkelling.

'How about we go scuba diving as well?' Brad enthusiastically proposed.

'I think I shouldn't,' Tessa cautiously answered.

'The baby?' Brad perceptively guessed.

'I don't know if would be a problem, but I'd rather not risk it,' she lifted her face up to Brad's.

'I'm looking forward to our sunset safari around the island,' Brad grinned.

'There's a sunrise one as well,' Tessa smiled, but it means you've got to be out of bed before the birds.'

'You think we could do that one too?' Brad was like an enthusiastic little boy going on an adventure camp.

'I'm not the one who can't get up that early in the morning,' Tessa teased.

'Hey, who's been sleeping in recently?' Brad accused.

'I'm on holiday,' Tessa laughed, playfully smacking Brad's tummy.

'A weekend's too short. We have to come back,' Brad protested.

'You will have to wait till after our baby is born,' Tessa murmured. 'I don't think we could plan another trip in the near future.'

'You could have the baby here, and the islanders have such beautiful baby names.'

'I think you've had too much sun,' Tessa dragged Brad back inside.

'I can't believe I have you all to myself for the entire weekend,' Keri curved her arms around Bentley's waist as he stood in front of the mirror buttoning his shirt.

Bentley raised an eyebrow enquiringly, as their eyes met in the mirror. Feeling uncomfortable, immediately, Keri dropped her hands as if touching him, suddenly burnt her.

'I---I'm sorry. I did not mean to be presumptuous. Off course you may have your own plans.'

Bentley turned around in the middle of buttoning his shirt. His hands rested on Keri's shoulders.

'Hey,' he smiled. 'I actually do not have any plans. I assumed you may be leaving me to my own devices.'

'Oh,' her hands fiddled with his unbuttoned shirt. 'I did not make any plans, but I do want to spend my weekend with you,' she looked up shyly.

'So you have no secret rendezvous today? You launched me yesterday,' he accused.

'I went to see my mother;' Keri replied defensively, 'besides you had to go to Chicago.'

'Does your mother live with family?' he asked, knowing full well she did not.

'No,' Keri murmured, feeling uncomfortable to share that information, but she reluctantly went on. She lives in a retirement village, Keri lowered her head. 'My father did not leave us much finances to buy a house. Mom has many friends there. She is happy,' Keri looked up, feeling proud of the little joy her salary was able to bring to her mother's last years.

'Why don't you invite her to live in London with you? You earn a fantastic salary now at GR.'

''I would, tomorrow if she would come,' Keri smiled forlornly, 'but ---my mom hates your weather,' Keri wrinkled her nose apologetically.

'I'd like to meet her,' Bentley demanded.

'What!' Keri was astounded. She did not think her relationship with Bentley warranted her introducing her---what, as ---what to her mother.

Surely it is too soon for you to meet my mother.

'Brad what are you doing?' Tessa came out of the luxurious bath suite to see Brad angrily shoving his possessions into his luggage.

'I need my mobile Tessa,' Brad growled.

'But---you promised I'm in charge this weekend.'

Never mind that Brad had made no such promise. She had assumed his silence to mean yes, although he had surrendered his mobile on the jet, when Tessa had asked for it. In case of emergencies, Bentley had the resort's number and Tessa's mobile was on just in case.

There was a look of astonishment on her face as she watched him furiously dump more items into his hold all. Tessa cringed painfully. His expensive suit was being carelessly dumped into the luggage that was now never going to zip up. In the four years of their marriage, Tessa had never once seen her husband pack his own luggage. She tugged the towel more tightly around her chest and bridged the gap between herself and Brad.

'What's happened?' her fingers circled around his wrist. 'You were so happy last night after the safari. You could not wait for this morning's drive.'

'Get dressed we're leaving and---.'

'Leaving? ---but the helicopter is only coming for us after lunch.'

'That's why I need my mobile Tessa!' His voice rose sharply.

'Don't raise your voice at me. I'm your wife and I'm not giving you your phone unless you talk to me,' her eyes were glassy, not because of Brad's raised tone of voice, but more out of hopeless frustration. She had meticulously planned this romantic getaway down to the finest detail and now something had ruffled Brad's feathers. She had even rented out the entire island to avoid any potential arguments but here he was now wanting to up and out.

There was a knock on their door. Brad cast a disapproving look at Tessa's attire. 'That's the hotel manager. You plan on receiving him in that towel?'

'I did not call the manager,' Tessa hissed. She quickly wrapped the bathrobe around her and waited for Brad to open the door.

'Sir the limo you requested will be here in fifteen minutes,' the hotel manager spoke nervously. 'Mr. Blakely I deeply regret the intrusive photographers.'

Brad glared at the manager disbelievingly.

'Your wife---Mrs. Blakely told us your needs are few. She wanted only a chef on hand and somebody to attend your suite. We have given all our staff the weekend off,' the manager went on pleadingly. 'My wife is the chef---and our daughter has been looking after your suite. I guarantee you none of my family have leaked those photographs to the media. I can put my head on the block,' the manager held his hands together pleadingly. 'We know full well the value of our clients' patronage.'

'Photographers? What photographers?' Tessa asked with a sinking feeling.
No wonder Brad was livid. Security! The one item she had forgotten to take care off.

Brad ignored Tessa's question. The manager responded to her. 'I am truly sorry. Somebody photographed you when you were on the boat yesterday Mrs. Blakely. It's all over the morning newspapers. I will give you a full refund off course---.'

'What!' Tessa's eyes scanned their suite looking for any evidence of a daily newspaper. Her eyes rested on the morning edition on the dining table. Before she took the three steps to the table, Brad had sprinted from behind her and ripped the paper off the table.

'Please---let me see,' she pleaded. 'It's all my fault. I shall take it on the chin.'

'No!' Brad's eyes were filled with despair.

'How bad can it be? I've been photographed in a bikini before.'

Tessa pulled the paper out of Brad's hand. She inhaled deeply before she lowered her head to the offending newspaper. She did not know what the fuss was about, other than the fact the she knew her husband abhorred intrusive photographers. The photographs in the morning paper were hardly offensive, in her opinion.

There were three very explicit photographs, beneath a caption that read:
Media Heiress sizzles with her billionaire husband at a romantic Bahamas getaway.

One picture captured Tessa alone, looking stunningly sexy in her emerald green swim suit as she gazed far into the ocean, her definitive baby bump, clearly visible. There was a second photo of her waving to a frolicking Brad in the water and the last photo she suspected offended her husband most. It captured him looking rather love struck, smiling down at his wife. His superbly toned body in a designer Speedo that was doing very little to hide her husband's rather well endowered assets.

Tessa bit on her lower lip. She kept her head lowered for a moment longer before she looked up at the hotel manager. 'May I speak with my husband privately,' she politely requested.

'Yes off course. Please ring me when you are ready to depart,' his face looked ashen. Clearly it would take months to recover the loss of this weekend, but as an astute businessman he understood the strategic effect of cutting his losses to appease a client, like one, Bradley Blakely.

When the door shut, Tessa attempted a glance at her husband. He was glaring at the newspaper rather furiously.
'We're husband and wife. Why does it anger you so?' she murmured.

'It's a bloody invasion of my bloody privacy,' he yelled. 'I am going to shut this filthy gutter press down or heads are going to roll,' he threatened.

Tessa walked up to Brad. She crossed her arms around his neck. 'I happen to think you look rather ___ sexy in that picture,' Tessa whispered.

'I am not amused, Tessa,' his hands were coiled at his sides.

She sighed despondently. 'I rented out this entire island,' she murmured, 'just so you and I could celebrate your birthday in private. My mistake, I did not know who to talk to, to rent the ocean.'

Brad's head swung up. It suddenly dawned on him that his wife had been boldly standing in the line of his fire just because she had been thoughtful to arrange a weekend getaway for the two of them. Brad knew full well just as Tessa had deduced that the picture had been taken from another boat with a long range lens.

'I'm sorry,' he murmured huskily. 'It's not your fault.'

'Yes it is,' she raised her chin defiantly. 'That only happened,' she nodded at the pictures, 'because I failed to arrange our security detail.'

'That is Bentley's job---and he's going to pay,' Brad clenched his teeth.

'You fire me first, before you speak a single word to Bentley,' Tessa's emerald eyes blazed.

'You're not an employee!'

'This is not Bentley's fault,' Tessa jerked her hands away from around his neck. 'I will not allow you to use him as a scapegoat.'

'He is my P.A. He knows his job description.'

'This was not a business trip! And I arranged this holiday for my husband. You cannot be angry with Bentley, for something he had no control over! If you want to vent your anger,' Tessa stabbed a finger into his chest. 'Go ahead. Use me as your punching bag,' she angrily pulled on a sundress over her head.

Brad winced as if Tessa had struck him. He shut his eyes. This weekend had started so magically. He had to do damage control. When he opened his eyes, Tessa had stepped away. She was at the mini bar, selecting a fruit juice. Brad waited until she had her drink. He took her into his arms and buried his face at her neck.

'I am so sorry,' he murmured.

'I am too,' she whispered. Brad pressed his lips to hers. Her lips smacked of juicy white peaches.

'How can I make it up to you?'

'Don't leave right now,' Tessa pleaded.

'Okay,' Brad dragged out. A nerve ticked wildly at his throat.

'Do you know the owner's daughter is mute?' Tessa spoke softly.

'What! No,' Brad exclaimed.

'His wife told me, when I spoke to her on the telephone as we discussed the menu for this weekend.'

'Oh hell!' Brad groaned.

'We're not accepting the refund,' Tessa stated.

'Yes off course,' Brad swallowed guiltily. 'Can anything be done for her medically?'

'The owner's wife promised to email me information about her daughter's condition. I assured her I will contact a specialist when we return to London.'

'Let me know how I can be supportive,' Brad offered.

'Right now, your baby is starving,' Tessa murmured.

Brad immediately lifted Tessa into his arms and cradled her like a baby. 'It's a wonder you have not blacked out yet,' his eyes loved on her tenderly.

'You've missed your sunrise safari,' Tessa whispered.

'I have all I need right here in my arms,' Brad opened the door and carried his wife downstairs to the breakfast lounge.'

'Oh dear Lord! I am dead---I'm going to be fired!'

'Bentley? What on earth are you talking about?' Keri looked up from her laptop.

'Have you seen this morning's newspaper?' Bentley jumped up raking both his hands through his hair.

         -end chapter thirty-