Neptune's Ring Read online

  Killian thought for a second. “I do believe you are right Levi.”

  Levi laid her head back on Vanessa’s shoulder as she began to think. She must come up with something very special for Vanessa’s birthday and she only had a few weeks to plan. She would have to work with Killian to create something very special for her.

  Levi was completely relaxed as the hot water soothed her body and she felt her head nodding on Vanessa’s shoulder. She didn’t realize her eyes had closed until Vanessa whispered in her ear.

  “I think it’s time we said goodnight, Levi.”

  Levi jumped with surprise. “I drifted off on you didn’t I?” she asked.

  “Yes, Love, I am afraid you did,” Vanessa said with a warm smile. “I think we should head back to the cabin now and call it a night.”

  “Goodnight ladies,” Levi said as she stood and climbed out of the tub after Vanessa.

  “We will see you two tomorrow,” Killian said.

  Vanessa and Levi walked back to her cabin and Vanessa could see the weariness in Levi’s eyes. Her body was completely relaxed and the drama and trauma of the past few weeks had finally caught up with Levi.

  When they entered the cabin they stripped out of their suits and rinsed their bodies in the shower before they climbed into bed. Vanessa held Levi in her arms as they snuggled and she used her fingertips to push Levi’s bangs from her forehead. She leaned down and softly kissed Levi’s closed eyelids and lips.

  “I love you Levi.”

  “I love you too Vanessa, I am sorry for crashing on you tonight, but I am so sleepy,” Levi said.

  “We have many more nights ahead of us, so rest tonight.”

  “Thank you baby,” Levi said as she snuggled closer to Vanessa.

  Basking in the comfort of Vanessa’s body, Levi lapsed into sleep. Vanessa held Levi in her arms and fell asleep dreaming about their future.

  After completing a walk around the resort, Liz and Nat walked into the office. Susan would be closing down the club in another hour or so, so they decided to wait up on her to make the evening’s drop.

  “You know we were about to look at some properties this morning when that damned fire alarm went off,” Nat said.

  “Would you like to take a look at them now?” Liz asked.

  “Are you up to it Sweetie?” Nat asked.

  “Of course I am My Love,” Liz said as she sat at her desk and turned the computer on. “Besides, I know how excited you get when we dream of a new property,” Liz teased.

  Nat chuckled at her lover. “Excited huh?”

  “Yes, I can just about hear the gears of your brain churning away whenever we talk about adding another property.” Liz waited for the screen to come up as she teased her lover. “I figure if I get you all wound up and excited looking at property then you will be too excited to sleep and I can get some sweet loving tonight.”

  “Baby, I get all excited just looking at you,” Nat said. “We don’t even have to turn the computer on for that,” she teased back. “We can wait to look tomorrow and slip off to the room now if you would prefer.”

  “That’s ok Nat, I can wait an hour or so,” Liz said with a grin.

  The computer screen came to life and Liz scrolled down to her previous searches.

  “I have found five that I think hold some potential,” she said.

  She clicked the mouse on a link and opened the first of the pages. The price was right at two and one half million, but after reading the details on the island, Nat and Liz felt it was too small for the resort they had in mind.

  The next island Nat ruled out quickly. “It is too far from a decent sized airport and the transportation costs would be prohibitive,” she said.

  The following island was huge a total of eighteen acres at an asking price of six million. “Nice size and it even has a beautiful waterfall, but six million is out of our range.”

  Nat sat next to Liz as she opened the next page. The pictures of this island were gorgeous. There were nice sandy beaches in every direction on the island, but the vegetation had been severely changed. Most of the large trees had been removed from the island, offering very little in the area of protection from storms and privacy. Liz sensed Nat’s disappointment and held her breath as she clicked on another page.

  Nat bolted straight in her chair as the page opened up to pristine beaches on an island of ten acres. “Selling price is three million, but you have to see this,” Liz said.

  She rolled her cursor over the list of pictures and she heard Nat gasp in surprise. She watched the smile on Nat’s face grow as she moved from picture to picture. The owner had begun to build a resort and there were fifty guest rooms that were eighty percent constructed. A salt water pool had been built and a separate building for a nightclub had the exterior walls, roof and flooring installed. Both buildings were roofed with Spanish tiles and the guest rooms were large and had the potential to be luxury suites.

  There was a large pier that led out to crystal clear blue green water and a boathouse at the end of the pier that could house a medium sized fishing boat. On the northernmost tip of the island there was a small house perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the water. A wraparound porch surrounded the house giving excellent views of the entire island from its elevated stature.

  “It was the summer home of the owner,” Liz said.

  Nat was speechless as Liz returned to the top of the picture gallery and handed Nat the mouse to move over the pictures again.

  “What is the catch?” Nat asked after she had looked at the picture gallery twice more.

  “It does seem too good to be true, doesn’t it?” Liz said. “There is nothing in the listing that stands out as suspicious and I have read it over a dozen times.”

  “Do you agree that it is worth taking a look at?” Nat asked.

  “Most definitely,” Liz said. “Would you like me to make arrangements with the realtor tomorrow?” she asked.

  “Do you think we could fly out on Saturday to take a look?” Nat asked.

  “I will see if I can get in contact with the realtor first thing in the morning and see what we can get set up,” Liz said.

  Liz looked up at saw Nat grinning at her. “What on earth are you thinking?”

  “You always know when I am thinking something,” Nat said. “I think we need some partners for this venture,” Nat said.

  “Who do you have in mind?” Liz asked.

  “I would like to talk to Levi and Vanessa,” Nat said.

  Liz sighed with relief. “For a moment, I was afraid you were going to say Simone.”

  “I don’t think I can do that kind of business with Simone,” Nat said. “The past few weeks have been very eye opening for me.”

  “Neither one of us seems suited for the drama that is usually associated with Simone,” Liz said.

  “That is true. So what do you think?

  “I think, that you are the most incredible business woman I have ever met and you have a great sense of people and potential,” Liz said. “Levi and Vanessa would make excellent partners. What kind of deal do you have to pitch to them?” she asked.

  “You do know me too well.”

  “Well enough to know that you wouldn’t have brought the idea up unless you had it completely planned out. So spill it,” Liz said with a smile.

  The knock on the door interrupted Nat before she could start to outline her plan for Liz. Liz walked to the door and ushered Susan inside.

  “Hello, Susan,” Nat said. “Did you have a good night?”

  “It was beyond good, it was fantastic,” Susan said. “I don’t know what the special ingredient Levi has in the Tropical E’s, but the guests just can’t get enough of them.” Susan chuckled. “Karen says she has to buy new wheels for her rollerblades because she has worn this set out already. I told her with the tips we have been getting she can buy as many new pairs as she wants.”

  “I am glad you had a great night, Susan,” Liz said, as she placed the bank bag
in the safe.

  “I feel like I will be pouring shots in my sleep,” Susan teased as she turned to go.

  “Rest up, so you can go at it again tomorrow night,” Nat said.

  Liz walked Susan to the door and locked it behind her.

  Liz walked back to where Nat was still sitting in front of the computer, still gazing at the pictures. With a click of the mouse, the computer screen went black and she said, “Let’s continue this discussion in the bedroom.”

  Nat took Liz’s hand and they entered the suite from the office and quietly changed to their night clothes. Liz was the first to enter the bed and she sat resting against the pillows as she waited for Nat. Nat walked to the edge of the bed and lit a candle and then turned off the lights. She crawled into bed and sat in front of Liz, the candlelight flickering across her face as her eyes sparkled brightly with excitement.

  For hours Nat talked with Liz outlining her plans for the new resort and the amenities they would offer an extremely exclusive clientele. They discussed the partnership breakdown that she proposed for Levi and Vanessa and even though she and Liz would have the greater investment financially Levi would be in charge of the management of the new property while Liz and she continued to run Venus Rising. Liz listened intently to her lover and she was amazed at how thorough Nat had made the plan.

  When Nat finally concluded, Liz reached for her lover.

  “As I said earlier, you are incredible, My Love. So when do we approach Levi and Vanessa?” she asked.

  “I thought maybe we could do lunch with them again Friday and if they are in agreement we could fly together to look at the property on Saturday if you can make the arrangements.”

  “Consider it already done,” Liz said as she kissed Nat sweetly.

  Nat blew out the candle and crawled in beside Liz. Her hands caressed her lover as they made love into the early morning hours and then dozed peacefully cradled in one another’s arms.

  PART FIVE

  Levi woke to an empty bed and when she looked to Vanessa’s side of the bed she saw a rose and a note resting on her pillow. The note read:

  My Love,

  It is so good to have you here with me. You were sleeping so well, I did not want to wake you. I will be working with Killian in the control room this morning and will wait to eat breakfast until you awaken and are ready for food. I hope to see you soon. I love you.

  Vanessa

  Levi picked up the rose and smelled its sweet scent. She carried it to the bathroom and placed it on the vanity as she stepped into the shower. After she dried off, Levi put a swim suit on and then dressed in shorts and a shirt to use as a cover. After breakfast, she hoped to get some sun while Vanessa finished her duties.

  Levi left the cabin and when she arrived at the control room she stopped in the doorway to watch Killian and Vanessa at work. They were reviewing a stack of reports and Vanessa was explaining something to Killian. Killian looked up to find Levi standing in the doorway and smiled at her.

  “Good morning, Levi,” she said.

  “Good morning ladies,” Levi said.

  “How are you, My Love?” Vanessa asked.

  “I am starving,” Levi said with a grin.

  “We were just waiting on you to arrive,” Killian said.

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “We know, but we wanted to have breakfast with you,” Vanessa said.

  “That is very sweet of you both,” Levi said.

  “We know,” Killian grinned, as she pushed aside the stack of reports. “Let’s eat.”

  The three of them walked into one of the smaller dining rooms and were seated at a table as Andrea cooked fresh omelets for them.

  “These look wonderful, but you have to tell me your secrets,” Levi said.

  “What secrets?” Vanessa asked.

  “How you can eat like this every day and still be in such good shape,” Levi said.

  “Keeping the ship in good working order is a lot of hard work, and we probably walk and climb several miles a day,” Vanessa said.

  “Having drop dead gorgeous girlfriends adds good incentive too,” Killian said with a grin.

  Levi laughed at Killian’s comment, but knew she was very serious.

  “Ok, next question. Which sun deck would you recommend?”

  “On the top deck, there is a small, fairly private deck that is the best for sun,” Killian said.

  “I hope to do some tanning, while you two work this morning,” Levi said. “Will you be able to join me later?” she asked Vanessa.

  “We should be finished in no more than an hour,” Vanessa said. “The final preparations are almost complete.”

  “Speaking of which,” Killian said. “Everyone has the afternoon off before tomorrow’s boarding. About a dozen of us stay on board and take advantage of the pool and have lunch then share a few drinks while we relax at the main pool,” Killian said. “We would be honored if you and the Captain joined us.”

  “We would love to, so count us in,” Levi said.

  “Excellent,” Killian said with a huge grin.

  “Now if you ladies will excuse me, I have a date with the sun,” Levi said.

  She stood and picked up her bag and leaned down to kiss Vanessa. “I will see you two later.”

  Vanessa and Killian watched Levi disappear into the elevator that would take her to the top deck.

  “She is the one, isn’t she?” Killian asked.

  “Yes, my friend, I think she is,” Vanessa said with a smile. “No one has ever made me feel the way Levi does.”

  “I am very happy for you both,” Killian said.

  “Thank you, now let’s get back to work so I can go spend some time with my drop dead gorgeous girlfriend,” Vanessa teased.

  Levi climbed a small staircase to the sun deck Killian had told her about and placed her bag on a table next to a lounger. She spread a towel and took her shirt and shorts off. She reached into her bag and pulled out tanning oil and slowly spread it across the front of her body. Then she eased back on the lounger and let the rays of the sun warm her as a cool breeze blew across her body.

  She was almost nodding off when Vanessa’s shadow fell across her body almost an hour later.

  “Hey baby,” Levi said when she opened her eyes.

  “You look like you are toasting well,” Vanessa said as she caught a drop of sweat that was running down Levi’s stomach. “Are you ready to take a dip in the pool to cool off?”

  “That does sound good,” Levi said.

  Vanessa took Levi’s hand and helped her up from the chair and they walked down the steps and waded in the pool.

  “This feels heavenly,” Levi said after she dunked her body under the water, careful to keep her casted arm from getting wet.

  Vanessa also submerged her body and when she broke the surface she smoothed back her hair with her hands as she walked toward Levi.

  “Mmm, you look so sexy,” Levi said as she opened her arms and welcomed Vanessa.

  They shared a slow, passionate kiss as they danced in a slow circle in the water. When they broke the kiss, Levi could see the desire shining in Vanessa’s eyes and she was certain Vanessa could see the same in hers.

  “Are you ready for some sun?”

  “Waiting on you,” Vanessa said with a grin.

  They climbed the stairs to the sun deck and Vanessa coated Levi’s backside with tanning oil as she rested on the lounge and then lay on her back in the chair beside her.

  “I would like to bring you up here later tonight,” she said. “This spot at night has the best view of the stars. Even in port, I think we should get an excellent view,” Vanessa said.

  “I bet it is an incredible sight once you are out on the open water, away from the city lights,” Levi said.

  “I will show you once we get out to sea. In fact, tomorrow night will be the peak of a meteor shower,” Vanessa said, “so it should be an incredible show.”

  “Beautiful,” Levi said.
/>   “The reports Killian and I read said the Leonid’s are falling and the peak should be around two Thursday morning. Do you think we can stay up for that?” she asked.

  “I will make it a point to nap tomorrow afternoon,” Levi said. “I would hate to miss sharing such a beautiful view with you.”

  “It’s a date then,” Vanessa said with a warm smile. “I love you, Levi.”

  “I love you too, Vanessa.”

  A short while later they were surrounded by the smell of burgers. Levi’s stomached growled loudly and they broke out laughing.

  “Are you hungry love?” Vanessa asked.

  “I guess I am,” Levi said.

  “Before we go down, I have a question to ask,” Levi said.

  “What is it?”

  “Would you mind if I helped out behind the bar for a while?” she asked.

  “This trip is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable for you Levi, not working,” Vanessa said.

  “Well tending bar is relaxing and I do enjoy it,” Levi teased. “Besides I have been dreaming up a new concoction, I would like to try out.”

  “Very well, I will agree, but please keep in mind that my staff have to be awake and alert for duty tomorrow morning,” Vanessa teased.

  “I promise to go easy on them,” Levi said.

  She slipped her shorts on and put the shirt and oil in her bag as Vanessa got dressed. They walked down to the poolside bar, following the smell of hamburgers cooking and took a seat at the bar.

  “We normally cook burgers and hot dogs, just so the crew will have something on their stomachs before they start to party,” Vanessa said.

  “That is a wise idea.”

  “Two cheeseburgers,” Vanessa said.

  “You certainly know the way to my heart Captain.”

  “With a cheeseburger,” Vanessa asked?

  “I adore cheeseburgers,” Levi said with a grin.

  “You shall always have your fill of cheeseburgers then, My Love,” Vanessa promised.

  Killian walked up behind them. “Promising the woman cheeseburgers huh, so romantic, Captain, but couldn’t you make it steak or lobster?”

  “She’s easy. Levi just wants cheeseburgers to make her happy.”