Chapter 17

3 weeks later.
“I don’t want to ever want to leave here Nathan.”
“Me too.”
They sat admiring the sunset in his boat. They had spent the last few weeks visiting resorts, hiking, eating every strange foreign food they could find their hands on.
And lots of sex!
“The sunset is so beautiful but it’s nothing compared to you.” He said.
He noticed her shy blush and her glowing eyes. His hands reached for hers and he pulled her in for a passionate kiss. She tugged at his hair and her other hand massaged his hand. She smelt like honey and her body scent was heavenly to him. He wanted to breathe her, lick her and eat here.
They pulled away panting breathlessly, he stared at her amused at her evident red cheeks and her pouting lips.
“I want to tell you something.” Her expression changed dramatically. He became overly curious and nervous. Was she okay? Had he done something wrong?
He leaned closer to her and placed his hands over hers. “Okay. You can tell me anything.”
She let out a rather dramatic sign. He wondered what she would say. It was absolutely nothing close to what he guessed in his mind.
“I think—I think I love you.”
She had finally let it out.
She loved him.
The words had been sitting in her head for the last few weeks. Lately she had been thinking of his ocean blue eyes, his jet black hair and his slight stubble on his face. Seeing and touching him was like a dream. The feeling stretched all over her body. With him, she felt like she was in a dangerous fire yet completely safe.
It took her a second to realize that they have been staring at each other for the past minute.
He looked like he had many things to say but his face was a blank mask of surprise. She felt her throat dry up and took in a swallow of saliva. Her head felt faint and she looked away from him to the sea.
Why did she tell him? Her paranoia told her she had done too much. Destroyed everything. Destroyed—
“Rachel. “He let his hand massage her back.
She looked back at him and saw his mouth start to move and she felt she could hear the drum of her heart beats.
“I really don’t know what to say. I mean I really like you. You and me here has been one of the best moments of our lives.”
A corner of her mouth quirked up. “You don’t love me.” She noticed him attempting to talk and quickly rushed her sentence. “And that’s okay. Really! Loving you has been very easy. Admitting it to myself was the hard part. You have this door and sometimes I wonder why but what’s the point?”
She let her hand wander on his chin for a brief moment. “But the past weeks have been awesome. I enjoyed every moment with you. Bali has this energy to amplify everything you know. Every desire is amplified. Feelings too.”
“You are amazing Rachel. I mean that. The past few months have been amazing, colorful and exciting. And you are right—about the door. It is a reflex defense for my heart and I can’t seem to turn it off. I’m sorry I can’t give you more because you deserve it. You deserve all the love in the world.”
“It’s okay. I can’t seem to have it all and I’m fine with that. I have absolutely no regrets meeting you.”
Nathan smiled and placed a luscious kiss on her lips. He placed another on her neck and then her shoulder.
Rachel had been scared, she had imagined far worse ways Nathan could have taken her confession. His kisses were not promises of love, they weren’t friendship either. It was something more than friendship. Whatever it was, it was beautiful and Rachel felt at peace.
Nathan would never forget Bali.
He would the exceptional tour he had in the city with her.
Her.
She said she loved him.
The way she had looked at him. Desire. Passion. He was very surprised with the way they had handled the situation. She didn’t argue or grumble. He wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or worried. He was actually impressed with her openness but it was so obvious she had been through a lot in her past relationship.
They had just arrived home and she slept off almost immediately. She was right about his defenses. He didn’t think his heart could bare what Natasha did to him again.
He was afraid.
Afraid that he would fall in love with someone and the person would fall out of love overtime. He loved very hard but he had a soft heart.
His phone ringtone blasted loudly interrupting his thoughts.
“Hey mom.”
“Nathan. How are you? How was your trip? How is—”
“It was fine. I’m fine. She’s fine too.”
“Pass the phone to her dear, I’ve not heard her sweet voice in three days.”
“Why can’t you be content with my sweet voice?” He mocked her high pitched voice.
“Pass the phone to her Nathan.”
“I mean I would but she’s asleep. It was a really long flight.”
“Oh poor child! It is alright. I just wanted to invite you both to family dinner tomorrow. It was supposed to be Friday but your father insisted tomorrow . I would really love both of you to be there.”
“Okay. We will be there.”
“That would make me the happiest woman in the world. Thank you son. Please give Rachel my warmest regards.”
“I will. Love you! Bye.”
The Rossi family dinner. Close friends and family affair only. Oh and Anna was going to be there. He hoped to God that he would be able to tolerate her this time. She constantly preyed on him with her constant mischief and pranks every family dinner.
He turned to sleeping Rachel. He watched the rising and falling of her breast. His hands traced her jaw to her neck and to her shoulder.
She was coming with him. For the first time, he was going there with someone. Someone that loved him. Someone special.