Chapter 17: In Which They Kissed

She wanted his lips on hers.

But she didn’t expect their first kiss to happen under such circumstances. At a loss for words, Aurora could only stare at Theo as hundreds of thoughts zoomed through her mind at once.

Is she really going to let him kiss her in front of all these strangers? If she didn’t, he would be embarrassed in front of his friends.

But they’re my lips! Aurora protested silently.

But you promised to help Theo, her conscience poked at her.

Theo wasn't grinning. He remained still as he held her gaze, as if he was waiting for her to decide.

He's giving me a choice, Aurora thought.

In a fleeting glance, she caught Audrey smirking at her -- and decided.

Aurora inched closer with her eyes set on his mouth. Theo took the hint and swooped down to take what she was offering.

The second their lips touched, it was electrifying.

Theo parted his lips first to feel more of those rosy cushions that had been invading his dreams. Her lips were so soft and plump; he let his curiosity take over.

Leaning closer, he angled himself to cover her mouth entirely. She quickly followed and parted her mouth willingly, kissing him back with the same intensity - and man, could she kiss.

His hand went to her neck and he held her in place for better access as his tongue slipped in to stroke hers. She stiffened for a second then relaxed again.

Aurora’s mind was completely blank. With her eyes closed, her senses magnified. She felt the strong urge of his full lips and tender caressing of his tongue, and was completely captured. Somehow her arms went around his neck and she pulled him closer to taste more of him - or let him take more of her.

He surrendered to his desires and slid an arm around her waist to pull her up against him and explore the sweet depths of her mouth.

“Time’s up!” Someone shouted.

Theo tore his lips away. In a dizzy state, he was still aware of an observing group and pulled Aurora into his embrace. He hugged her head to shield her face from the onlookers. No one can see his goddess’s dazed expression - it’s his.

Resting his chin on top of Aurora's head, he drew in deep, silent breaths, then glanced at Gill to signal for his help to disperse the staring crowd.

Gill came out of his stupor and cleared his throat. Kate, noting the cue, immediately announced, “Oh look, it's no longer scorching outside. Let's all proceed to the beach for more drinks and a breezy stroll, shall we?”

The crowd started to disperse with incessant murmurs of gossips and zest.

Once they were alone, Aurora muttered through his shirt. “Are they gone?”

Theo chuckled again, his heartbeat returning to normal. “Yeah, they’ve left.”

Aurora pulled away but kept her gaze on Theo’s shirt. Her face was the shade of a tomato. Theo couldn’t stop staring - d*mn, she was glowing like one of those Begonias in zia’s garden.

She wouldn’t look at him so he cupped her warm cheeks and lifted her face.

“Hi.”

She broke into a smile. “Hello.”

“Let's run away.”

Aurora blinked. “What?” Before she could say another word, Theo took her hand and led her out of the resort. They got into a club car and drove off.

Shouting over the running motor and the wind splashing on their faces, Aurora asked, “What are we running away from?”

“Reality.” Theo smiled ahead, then glanced at her and looked ahead again.

Aurora grinned broadly at the green hills. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled again. She liked the idea - running away from reality. She was not Aurora; he was not Theo. They were just two people who understood each other and ran away. She hugged his thick, right arm and rested her cheek against his firm biceps. How nice would that be?


******


Theo was right.

The scenery was breathtaking and calming. Standing in front of it, Aurora felt her tension evaporating.

Theo came up beside her and she turned to him with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Theo."

He looked into her eyes, mesmerized by the colors swirling in them, then bowed and shoved his right cheek to her.

She knew what he wanted - the thank you kiss she had given him. But she jested, "Something on your cheek?"

He straightened with the serious face of a teacher. "Aurora. I'm appalled. Where are your manners?" And he lowered his cheek to her once more.

She giggled, then tiptoed to give a peck on his cheek when he swung around and their lips touched. Aurora flinched back in surprise.

"Theo!" She shot him a half-serious glare.

Theo darkened his gaze as he wound an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him.

"Theo…" Aurora warned, but she knew it was fruitless - deep down, she wanted to taste him again. Badly.

His lips came to an inch above hers and he paused. "Just one kiss." His voice was raw with a need to feel her again.

Unable to resist the temptation, Aurora parted her lips readily.

Then, a buzz of reality shook her awake. Eyes wide opened, she was suddenly embarrassed by her own desires and turned to show her cheek instead.

Theo noted her change in mind and halted, then lifted his chin and kissed her forehead instead. His lips lingered on her velvety skin for another second before he released her. But he stood close to her, unwilling to step away.

“I want you, Aurora,” he said with a firm tone.

Aurora looked into his eyes and they were burning for her. She swallowed hard then tore her gaze away and whispered harshly, “Why me, Theo? You can have all the women in the world. You’re rich, handsome and wonderful.”

His left brow raised and then an arrogant grin appeared on his lips. “You think I’m handsome?”

“That’s not the point I was driving at. What I’m saying is--.”

“You think that I’m handsome and wonderful,” he finished it for her, grinning like a teenager who just received a confession from his crush.

Aurora pushed his hand away when he reached for her again. “I don’t understand. There are so many women out there who can do so much more than me and give you so much more, why do you insist on me?”

Theo was quiet for a moment. Then, he answered bluntly, “It has to be you -- that’s all I know.”

How can he tell her that she was the one who reminded him of his strength? She encouraged him to take the risk and trust his instincts. If it wasn't for her, he would still believe that marrying Audrey was the only way to save his family business. She helped him remember that he holds the key --- he is the Sun of his Universe. No one has ever made him feel so sure of himself, the way she did; he wants her by his side.

That’s the lamest sh*t a man could ever tell a woman, Theo thought silently. You expect Aurora - your smart and beautiful temptress - to fall for that? Dream on, buddy.

He watched quietly as Aurora turned around and moved away from him.

“You will come to me, babe.”

Aurora turned back. The sun was setting and the magical moment had ended. Reality weighed down on her shoulders once more. She was Aurora again.

“I won’t, Theo.”

“You will,” he put on his impish grin.

“You are one persistent man.”

Theo shrugged. “What can I say - you’re worth my all.”

Their flirting was back in full force, Aurora chuckled lightly, then fished out her phone to check the text while following Theo back to the car.

Unknown sender: (photo) You liar. I changed my mind. 10k this week. Or I’ll spill everything.

Stunned, Aurora quickly tapped on the attachment. The photo opened and it was Theo kissing her at the Truth or Dare game.