Chapter 29: Vacation Feelings

I kept replaying our dance from the other day. It was one of the nicest times I had with Dax. I especially enjoyed how he made me feel safe and sound in his arms. That kiss kept coming back to me as well. It was so gentle and sweet and made me want to share more kisses with Dax.

He made sure that I had a say in certain activities that we did together too. I couldn’t believe how considerate he was being towards me. Was this even the same man I met months ago? Dax was beginning to be someone more likeable.

The romantic setting didn’t help my new feelings I was getting either. I didn’t want to admit that something was happening between us, as we had been by each other’s sides constantly. It was starting to be a risk for my heart, and it was hard to open myself up to Dax.

He had hurt me before with his actions. I still had some of my guard up, so I wouldn’t get too caught up in the moment. Being careful was better in our situation. Someday I would be out of his life. Everyday brought us closer to our end of the agreement.

Away from the mansion, Dax kept being more of a man that I preferred. He had dropped his formalness while we had been there. It was nice being treated more of an equal while we were far from our regular lives.

I couldn’t believe that we were on this trip. I was glad that we had gotten away from the mansion. Not that I had wanted to stay there after my safety had been threatened there.

A change of scenery was just what I needed. It would take a long time until I felt safe there again. I quickly pushed the thoughts away, as Dax and I sat in chairs looking at the view.

As we looked out over the ocean, we viewed the most beautiful sunset. There were different shades of pink and orange taking over the sky. I wanted to look at it for a long while. It was so peaceful and made me feel at ease looking at its warmth.

Dax turned to look over at me and asked, “Would you be interested in a moonlit walk with me?”

“I’d love to.”

I smiled back at him while he suddenly reached over and held my hand. My every nerve felt as if it was hot with his touch.

Why did his touch do this to me? I had to stop myself before I actually fell for Dax. I didn’t want to get involved with him. He was also still my boss, so to speak.

We continued to watch the sunset a little longer, before Dax said, “I have to go get something, but I’ll be back soon.”

I nodded in acknowledgment and watched as he walked off. He looked so good with his slightly windblown hair and casual clothes.

What was I doing? This was exactly something I shouldn’t have thought about. But I couldn’t deny that I had been gaining attraction to Dax. How could I not with our romantic trip?

When Dax came back, he held a red shopping bag. I gave a curious look and he said, “You’ll get this later.”

We started our moonlit walk and I asked, “Could I ask you something personal?”

Dax replied, “Sure. I want to be open and share things with you from now on.”

His words surprised me. What had made him change?

I asked, “Do you have any secrets you’ve never told anyone?”

Dax looked thoughtful before saying, “Yes, I do. But I’m afraid they’ll change your opinion of me. Are you still sure you want to know?”

“Yes. They won’t change how I think of you.”

Dax sighed and told me, “I used to have meaningless relationships with women. I never wanted to get too attached. Sometimes I’d only date a woman for a couple weeks.” He paused before adding, “I don’t want to be that way anymore.”

“What made you want to change? Were the flings not fun enough?" I tried to ask the last question teasingly.

Dax got flustered and said, “After I met you, I didn’t want to be that man anymore. I want to be better.”

I couldn’t believe I had made him want to change how he was.

I said, “That’s great you want to change. I know you can do it.”

Dax answered, “Thank you. But that’s not my only secret.”

“What else could you be hiding?”

Dax gave a soft smile to me and admitted, “I never wanted to be the CEO of the company when I was younger.”

My mouth fell open and I asked, “How is that possible?”

He said, “I was pressured into taking over for my dad, since I was the oldest. Before, I had dreamed about being a police officer.”

“I’m so sorry that you got forced into a job. That wasn’t right.” I added, “Your dream is one that I would’ve supported.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Dax quit walking for a moment and turned to face me. He held out the bag for me. I took it and pulled out a small box before taking the lid off it. I couldn’t believe what was in it. There was a gorgeous ruby necklace with a gold chain.

Dax moved my hair aside and put the necklace on me. Then he asked, “What are some of your secrets you’ve kept?”

“I’m not proud of this.” I took a deep breath and said, “I used to wish that I wouldn’t have to take care of Lola anymore. It was when I was sixteen.” My voice broke, “It wasn’t because I was tired of taking care of her. I was too pressured to be more of her parent than sister.”

Dax wrapped me up into a tight hug and rubbed my back, “Don’t be hard on yourself for that. You were going through a lot. It’s only natural that you were overwhelmed with that kind of responsibility. It couldn't have been
easy.”

I had never felt closer to him than I did at that moment. Knowing his secrets also made me more connected to him and made me understand why he acted the way he did.

Suddenly I looked up at him and got on my tiptoes to press my lips to his. At first, he was hesitant to kiss back but then responded with his own lips.

Dax deepened our kiss and wrapped his arms around me. I was completely in his embrace and was getting drunk on the taste of his lips.

My hands went through his hair, and I took a risk. I put my hands at the hem of his shirt and began lifting it up.
Dax suddenly sprung apart from my lips and headed back to the resort without waiting for me.