Love and Fire by Katie Ingersoll

her opinion he was the sexiest man
alive.
     
    Jake
didn’t go back to his room right away.  His head was too full of Tammy.  The
way she transformed into a vibrant, alive woman on the dance floor was
amazing.  He liked her down to earth qualities, but paired with this other side
of her, made her the perfect woman.  Her ex-husband was a fool. 
    He
went to his favorite spot on deck to look out over the dark waters.  Tonight he
wasn’t brooding.  Instead he was rejoicing for finding Tammy.  Turning his head
upward, he closed his eyes and silently prayed. 
    I
have never talked to you enough, and I know I don’t deserve a treasure like
Tammy, but please, don’t make me continue to pay for Paola. 
    Jake
smiled lightly as a salty breeze began to move over him.  Wasn’t it time to
heal?  Wasn’t it time to stop the self-destruction, and live for more than just
himself?  “Yes, it is.”  He said aloud.               
     
    Tammy’s
plan for the next day was to sleep in.  She didn’t want to see daylight until
at least nine or ten.  That plan was thwarted by someone knocking heavily on
her door.  She opened it to find Jake standing there grinning broadly.
    “Wow,
you look sleepy.” 
    “I
am.”  She yawned.  “What time is it?” 
    “Eight. 
We’re at Saint Thomas today.  Get a shower and meet me at the breakfast
buffet.  I want to take you out.” 
    Butterflies
in Tammy’s stomach went into over drive.  “You don’t have to spend all of your
time with me.” 
    Jake’s
face fell a little.  “You don’t want to go out with me?” 
    “No…I
mean yes!  What I’m trying to say is, you shouldn’t feel obligated.” 
    He
nodded and stuck his hands in his pockets.  “Right.  In other words, I
shouldn’t feel the need to baby sit the poor divorcing woman?” 
    “No…not
exactly…”
    He
stepped into her room and placed his hands lightly on her hips.  “Not to
mention that the poor divorcing woman is beautiful, enchanting, a great kisser, and …”
    Tammy
interrupted him with her hands on his chest.  “Okay, okay!  I get it!  I’ll be
ready in fifteen minutes.”  She laughed. 
    “Should
I wait here?”  
    “Go
on to the buffet.  I’ll be down soon.” 
    Jake
stole a kiss from her cheek before slipping back through the door. 
     
    Saint
Thomas is not only known for its near perfect tropical beauty, it’s also known
for its massive shopping.  Tammy could hear several women talking about the
things they were going to look for, she overheard two men discussing golfing,
and wondered what Jake had in store for them.  She saw him at the far side of
the room.  He had a plate in front of him and one across that she assumed was
for her. 
    “I
hope you like what I picked out for you.”  He said as she approached the table
and pulled out a chair for her.  Her plate had a couple of mini blueberry
muffins, scrambled eggs and bacon.  He walked back to the buffet area and got
two cups of coffee for them. 
    “This
looks wonderful.” She said.  She had forgotten that they really hadn’t eaten
dinner at the Casa de Fuego the night before.  They had shared a couple
appetizers, but hadn’t actually eaten a real meal.  She was starving. 
    “So,
what are we doing today?” 
    Jake
grinned like a school boy with a secret.  “Can you swim?  I guess I should have
asked that before.” 
    “Yes,
I can.” 
    “Good! 
We’re going snorkeling in the coral reefs!” 
    Tammy’s
eyes widened.  “That sounds wonderful!  I have always wanted to do that!” 
    Jake
looked pleased as he ate more of his breakfast.
    “You
know I once tried to paint a picture of a coral reef.  It didn’t turn out so
well.  I guess photographs just don’t do it justice.” 
    “You
paint?”
    She
shrugged and nibbled on one of the muffins.  “I did.  I draw some too, but I
haven’t for a while now.” 
    “That’s
incredible!  I hope I can see some of your