She walked along the lagoon, enjoying the brightness and warmth of the late afternoon sun. It has been another beautiful day, both in weather and having fun with her colleagues. Was that really Derek Rayne, the controlled and serious precept of the San Francisco House, playing in the water like some undergrad college student? She couldn't contain the grin that broke out on her face. If some of his former students could see him now.

Alex had felt a little strange at first, perched on his shoulders like that. Luckily her blue two-piece suit wasn't the type that would ride up on her, and she was too busy concentrating on her balance to care much about it. What would she have done if she had worn something that had a high cut? She giggled. Probably died of embarrassment.

The beachfront area was deserted but for several couples enjoying a stroll along the water's edge. Alex slowly shook her head. Just as she and Derek had done the previous night. It had been a lovely time, until she had ruined it with her anger. He had made what was probably an entirely innocent remark, but something in his voice had set her off. And why was she upset when he did the things he felt he had to do. He was the way he was, and a Legacy precept to boot...

Alex sighed and checked her watch. It was time to head back, since their dinner reservation was for six o'clock. She hated to leave, though, because she really loved strolling along the beach. Maybe she could take one after dinner. Derek might like it as well, she thought with a smile. Besides, she should apologize to him for her behavior. He had given them this marvelous gift for Christmas and she had jumped on him about spraying her. Yet she had a right, didn't she? And then he had to say that he wanted to find out if they could have something. God only knew what she must have looked like after that comment...

She probably had close to the same expression when he had handed out the envelopes with the air tickets. What a surprise that had been. The man was full of them lately. That bombshell was after their party a week ago, and she decided to wear the same dress tonight. At least there shouldn't be any major surprises tonight. She chuckled. Unless he chose to lead them in singing carols...

Sand was gritting against the souls of her feet, so she bent down and emptied them again. The dark woman checked her watch once more. Damn, now she was late. She hurried back to the hotel as best she could with her shoes sinking in the sand and having to hold up the hem of her red velvet dress. She should have simply sat on her balcony and waited that way.

Entering the hotel lobby, she saw various colored lights that were strung on fake Christmas trees. She laughed softly. It wasn't as stunning as the San Francisco Legacy House, but it was nice to see the decorations in...

"Alex!" She turned to see Rachel hurrying toward her, her tight, white dress giving her some difficulty.

"There you are." The young woman smiled as the older woman greeted her. "You're late."

"I'm sorry. I was early so I took a walk along the beach. I'm afraid that I lost track of time."

Rachel grinned. "You've got to be careful of that around here. Come on, we're in the back. Wait until you see this." The two women rushed to the restaurant, the blonde leading the way.

"We were wondering what happened to you," Derek said as he stood, then buttoned his suit jacket. He held out the chair across from him. "This will give you a breathtaking view."

It was definitely that. Their table was at the rear of the restaurant, looking as if it might fall into the water. There was no glass or anything to enclose them, and a slight, balmy breeze blew in. Palm trees on the motu across the lagoon had white lights strewn on them. The view was also improved by the handsome man in front of her. She looked around her and was also startled to see more than their usual group.

"Alex," Nick said as he gestured to the young, brunette woman across from him. "You remember Suzette Duprais, don't you?"

Both women smiled. "Yes, I do. How are you?" Alex shook the young woman's hand. "Very well, thank you."

The dark woman turned to their other guest, the one seated next to her. "Jeroen, Merry Christmas. I'm a... little surprised to see you join us." She glanced at Derek and caught his brief look of irritation as she took the offered chair.

"That's my fault," Rachel looked up at the young, handsome, dark-haired Dutchman from her seat across from them. "I ran into him in the lobby and learned that he had no one to spend dinner with on Christmas Eve, so I asked him to join us." Alex stole another look at Derek. No, he was not happy at all that Rachel did that.

"I was delivering papers and money to a Belgian couple on their honeymoon," Jeroen explained, "when I was fortunate enough to run into a friendly face." Did he always deliver papers in such nice suits? But then he was representing the Dutch consulate.

"It's too bad that neither of you could be with your families on Christmas Eve," Derek said brightly, "but we're glad that you could share this dinner with us." He raised the glass of champagne in front of him and the others did the same. "Joyeux Noel," he nodded to the Frenchwoman, "and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," the rest repeated as they clinked glasses.

"So what are you going to buy me since I let you win," Nick said to Alex.

"What? Derek and I won fair and square." The researcher's voice had a mock insulted tone. "I don't have to buy you anything."

"Won what?" Jeroen looked confused.

Alex grinned. "We just had this silly little contest this afternoon. Derek managed to hold me on his shoulders longer than Nick could hold Rachel."

"Yeah, so therefore you guys should buy me something for dropping Rachel so you could win," the ex-SEAL said before he sniggered at the psychiatrist.

"Nicholas Boyle, you dropped me on purpose?" Rachel hit him on his shoulder with her napkin as Suzette giggled.

"How long will you be able to stay in Bora Bora?" Alex asked her when their laughter died down.

"I've got a flight tomorrow afternoon," the flight attendant said, pushing back her long bangs. "There was no time for me to see my parents and sisters. I'll be able to see them later in January."

Their food was served, and there was a great deal of joviality and chatter as they sampled the delicious food. She had to admit that it was nice having the extra man and woman join in the conversation and fun, and her colleagues all appeared to be having just a wonderful time as she was. There was no talk of the past or future, only what they would do in the days ahead and the rest of their trip. Both guests were gracious enough to offer them tips on activities they believed that they'd enjoy.

Suzette was sweet and quite adorable in her short teal dress, and Alex was delighted that Nick looked so happy. This would be a better vacation than he originally thought, and he was long overdue to have some joy in his life. Jeroen, on the other hand... He was one very charming young man. She saw him whisper something to Rachel, which made her color slightly and laugh. His blue eyes rose to meet hers and she was shaken by their intensity. Alex broke contact and noticed Derek's features tighten. He seemed to have a problem with that particular man in their company.

She smiled and placed her hand over the precept's. "The staff probably wasn't too pleased to learn that you'd have two more people become a part of your group." He relaxed under her touch and returned her smile.

"Not especially, though they naturally didn't say so, but I promised them a large tip." He glanced at the others. "However, I have the feeling that Rachel should watch herself with that young man."

"I agree. A Dutchman can be very charming when he sets his mind to it." He raised his eyebrow but chuckled at the mischievous look on her face.

Plates were soon cleared and dessert was placed before them as music began to play. Alex noticed couples heading for the middle of the room. Rachel put her hand on Jeroen's. "How good a dancer are you?"

"I think you might be quite surprised." He rose, then pulled out her chair.

Nick and Suzette followed. Derek stood and held out his hand to her. "Shall we join them?" She smiled and nodded, and he led her to the dance floor. It was a lovely slow number, and Derek pulled her into his arms. They danced in silence, but she was content. She sighed, tightening her arms around his neck until the song ended. As Derek walked her back to the table and the band started again, someone tapped her shoulder.

"May I have this dance?" Jeroen had his hand out and she hesitated, then nodded. The precept didn't look delighted with her decision, but it was Christmas Eve and she couldn't say no on such a night.

"Derek, when's the last time we danced?" Rachel took his arm and they headed back to the dance floor.

The young Dutchman was a very good dancer and whirled her around the floor. She caught a glimpse of Derek and Rachel watching them, as were several other couples. At one point Jeroen whipped her around so fast she couldn't help but giggle. As the song ended, he dipped her with a grand flourish. She laughed as he straightened her and kissed her hand. There was a scattering of applause but Derek, however, appeared to be less than happy.

As the four of them headed back to their table, she stopped him. "It's a beautiful night. Why don't you and I take a walk outside?"

End part 14