Graysen lets the horse trots leisurely as they stroll around the island inspecting the surrounding area, assessing its potential.
It's just about lunch time and Graysen maneuvers the horse to a rest area under the shades of the coconut trees. Rosa immediately notices a red cloth has been spread on the sand with food canisters laying on it. Rosa almost wants to jump down so she can stretch her legs and ease her aching butt and waist a little.
Graysen assists her in dismounting from the horse. "Are you tired?"
"A bit." She replies holding on to his arms to steady herself as her feet touch the ground.
As soon as they sit, she opens the lids and sees that there are crabs, prawns, oysters, steamed fish, grilled squid, seaweed salad. Her eyes dilate with the seafood feast in front of her. She hands a plate to Graysen. She asks and serves him the food he points his finger to.
"Buon appetito (Enjoy your meal)," she exclaims as soon as she fills her plate up.
She peels some tiger prawns and feeds Graysen. He takes a bite and Rosa eats the other half. Graysen puts some crab meats on her plate and plucks open the oyster shells for Rosa. They eat to their hearts' delight until Rosa puts her hand on her stomach indicating her fullness. She almost burped in front of Graysen. She thinks she overfed herself and does not have the time to take into account eating desserts. She just drinks a mouthful of fresh coconut juice that has been placed at the edge of the picnic cloth.
They wash their hands from a prepared bucket of water nearby. They sit again and stretch their legs. They remain motionless for a while. She is about to doze off when Graysen stands and taps her shoulder. He stretches his hand to her to help her stand. They mount the black stallion again and continue roaming the island going up some hills. They pass through some fruit trees. Rosa sees and picks some sugar apple and plums she can reach along the way.
That night, while Rosa freshens up in the bathroom, Graysen hurriedly arranges the table at the balcony with red candles and island flowers he instructed to pick. Rosa is delighted when she comes out looking for Graysen. The caretaker brings up from the kitchen grilled oysters as appetizer, paella negra and grilled chicken as their main course.
They savor more fresh island fruits and chilled white wine while chatting until the wee hours.
Rosa stands by the balcony rails holding her goblet. Graysen stands beside her and put his arms around her. She rests her head on his shoulder enjoying the vista of the island at night and listening to the sound of the waves. Graysen lifts up her chin looking into her eyes. His face get closer to her and bring his lips to her lips and starts nibbling her.
He keeps on kissing her while leading her inside the bedroom. He puts her slowly on the bed as he continues to devours her lips. He senses Rosa's sluggish breathing and response. He stops and look at Rosa's closed eyes. Rosa who has been exhausted from the day's tour falls asleep.