THE RUNWAY BLURRED AND as the plane broke through the clouds into the .morning sun Hilton whispered, "Did I mention it will take thirteen hours to get to Tortola?"
She leaned her golden head on his shoulder as he added, "we'll land in Miami, then transfer to San Juan and finally on to Tortola. It's a long flight but worth it. Cruising in the British Virgin Islands is spectacular and we're sailing on a fabulous boat."
Hilton Christopher, her companion, had been on the water since he was boy. Swimming, scuba diving and sailing were his passions and what could be better on this cold grey November day than to join the birds and fly south? Karen Semple had taken time from work to be his companion and crew. Close friends for several years, she enjoyed going away with him. They had good times together, many surprises, good food and great sex.
As the plane left the icy north the sky changed to a lighter blue, the clouds became puffy, the sun warmed through the windows. The ocean below turned to a turquoise and finally tiny islands appeared. They looked surreal from thirty thousand feet, but as the plane descended, features became more distinct with golden beaches promising visitors good times.
The sky was the deep black of a moonless night when their final flight ended in Tortola in the British West Indies. Tired from the hours in the narrow seats they stepped outside the aircraft into a rush of warm, moist Caribbean air and quickly entered the new airport building to immigration, retrieved their bags and were in a taxi to the hotel in Road Town, the main town on the island. Finally settled into their room Hilton suggested a night cap but she was already in her nightie and said no.
Daylight roused him from a deep sleep the next morning. Groggily he rolled against Karen's soft body. Her quiet breathing and subtle fragrance stirred him and he reached for her. Not really sleeping she welcomed his touch with a sigh and drew closer. They embraced exchanging sleepy kisses. Senses awakened and heightened, tension mounted, body moved over body, she moaned softly as he groaned relief. They experienced the morning rapture that is shared by two sleepy people with a deep affection for each other.
He caressed her breasts as she rolled out of bed and padded away to the bathroom leaving him to his thoughts and after glow. A few minutes later he sat up calling, "We'll go to the Charter Office after breakfast. I have to arrange for the boat and the provisions for sailing."
A muffled reply indicated agreement. They were not due to sail for another day allowing time to explore the island. He wanted her to acclimatize in the bright sunshine of this island paradise.
