Free Full Circle by Donya Lynne Page A

cold. Now she was in
sunny paradise. Talk about surreal.
    Mark slowed the SUV as they approached a
homemade, hand-painted sign made of what looked like driftwood and
stray branches. The word “WELCOME” was painted on flat, connected
slabs of wood that reminded Karma of the sticks paint stores gave
you to stir your paint, only these were all painted green. They
were mounted on straight branches bound together to form a panel.
Some of the slabs were thicker than others, some shorter. And the
lettering consisted of all hard angles, the O shaped like a
diamond instead of a circle.
    But what did she expect? A big fancy marquee?
This was much more charming and fit the island’s tropical
personality.
    Under the welcome sign hung a warped piece of
wood with the word “PARKING” stenciled in white. A haphazardly
painted green arrow pointed them toward the right.
    “Fancy sign.” She pointed and giggled as they
passed into what looked more like a grassy picnic area than a
parking lot.
    Mark shot her a humored glance as he pulled
to a stop. “Hey now, don’t make fun of the locals.”
    “I’m not making fun. I think it’s quaint.”
The sign actually added to the feeling that they were on a tropical
adventure, away from civilized society and drawn into a simpler,
more romantic time and place. A place unfettered by commerce,
corporations, and the drive to achieve. A place where relaxation
and enjoyment reigned.
    A dark-skinned attendant wearing a
rainbow-colored, hand-knitted slouch cap greeted them. While he and
Mark exchanged pleasantries, Karma took in her surroundings. Green.
Lots of lush, green vegetation. A few pink flowers scattered the
edges.
    A dog that looked like a mix between a yellow
Lab and a retriever trotted into the opening from somewhere and
wagged its tail at Karma as it approached.
    “Hi, you.” She knelt and raised her hand.
    The dog sniffed her fingers, leaned its head
into her palm for a quick nuzzle, and then meandered toward Mark
and the attendant.
    A moment later, the local and the dog headed
off, and Mark joined her, taking her hand. “We’re the only ones
here.”
    That sounded ominous. “Should I be
worried?”
    He led her toward a dirt path bordered by a
wooden railing that looked as fancy as the welcome sign. “Only if
you wore the silver bikini. If you did, I can’t make any
promises.”
    She laughed. “Then I’m safe. I didn’t wear
the silver bikini.”
    “Damn.” He snapped his fingers as they
entered the trail. “I guess it’s just going to be sightseeing
then.”
    She hugged his arm against her side. “Don’t
worry. I have a feeling there will be plenty of time for the other
stuff.”
    He raised her hand to his lips and kissed the
back as he glanced at her over the top of his sunglasses. “You bet
your ass there will be time for the other stuff. I didn’t bring you
all the way here just to read and play cards. I plan on taking full
advantage of having you to myself for nine days.” He dipped his
chin, drilling his over-the-sunglasses gaze into hers. “Full.
Advantage.”
    Butterflies fluttered in her belly. “Darn.
And here I was so looking forward to getting caught up on my
reading.”
    “Always the smart retort from you.” He
grinned and squeezed her hand.
    “Always.”
    He guided her along the path, taking her
deeper into the wilderness.
    “So, is that why you brought me here? To take
advantage of me?” She swept her gaze around the lush, green canopy
as they rounded a bend and descended toward the innards of the
gardens.
    He grew quiet, and they walked silently for
at least thirty seconds before he answered.
    “I brought you here because I knew you’d love
it. It’s a magical, mystical place.” He paused, letting his gaze
fall to the dirt floor as if he were watching his step. “It’s the
perfect place to feel safe. To feel like I can tell you anything.”
The shadow that had followed him for the past two days darkened his
expression, and then was