Chapter Fifteen

The island was a tropical paradise.

The blue water lapped onto the white, sandy beach in refreshing waves. Though not native to the Caribbean Islands, Europeans had brought cocoanut trees to the shores many centuries ago. Now, the trees towered, providing palmy shade—not to mention their delicious fruit.

The salty smell of the ocean drifted in on the warm breeze. Ella was in heaven as she stepped off the boat and walked beside Bryan. They stopped under a tree and waited for the captain and Nelly.

It took a few minutes, but the other couple finally joined them.

“Wait until you see this go-kart track!” Nelly said. “You know that island level on Mario Kart?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s like that! You can ride right along the shore’s edge. It’s amazing!” Nelly said.

“Yes,” Captain Reagan said. “But unlike Mario Kart, you can’t throw turtles at people.”

The Littles laughed.

“No throwing turtles. I’ll try to remember that,” Ella said.

They strolled along a wooden boardwalk that led from the dock to the main part of the tiny island. There were local vendors set up in small tents along the way, selling handmade jewelry and other souvenirs. A few stands had fresh fruit. Some sold drinks.

“This place is beautiful,” Ella said.

“Just like you,” Bryan said. He grabbed her hand, brought it up to his lips, and kissed it as they continued their trek.

Ella’s stomach turned an excited somersault. There was no doubt Bryan had feelings for her. But how would that work out in the long run?

She’d have to consider all that later. Right now, it was time to ride the karts.

“Here we are,” the captain said as they approached the beginning of the track. “The way is clearly marked. It takes you all around the island.”

“Whoa!” Ella said.

“It’s the coolest!” Nelly said.

“The island isn’t too big,” the captain told Bryan. “And there’s folks watching them the whole way.”

Bryan nodded that he was okay with it.

“You aren’t riding, too?” Ella asked.

Just then, a big group of Littles came flooding onto the scene, chatting and giggling as they climbed in the go-karts.

“We’ll leave this for all you cuties,” Bryan said. “You just buckle up tight. Obey the rules. And stay on the path. Got it?”

“Yes, sir,” she said submissively.

“Good girl,” he said with a wink.

The men stepped back, waved goodbye, and watched as the workers came by to ensure all harnesses were safely strapped in place.

“There’s a good place just up there where we can watch if you want,” Captain Reagan said.

“I’ll follow you. Might grab one of those drinks on our way,” Bryan said, looking at a stand up ahead that advertised the fruity concoction of Aruba Ariba.

“Don’t mind if I do,” the captain said.

A moment later, with drinks in hand, they walked through the powdery sand to a little wooden deck that had bar tables and chairs. The go-kart track hugged it, and it would give them a nice view of their little cuties.

That is, if the cuties stayed on the track.

But as it turned out, fate—and a healthy dose of naughtiness—had other plans.