Unlike our sunrise excursion, people are scattered around the area as the beach is full of visitors. The sun’s rays make it easy for me to be barefoot as Chance holds my hand in one hand and my sandals in the other.
“Tell me something about you I should know as your man.”
“You should know that I’m an only child whose father has never given me an example of stability in a relationship with the opposite sex. But it’s something I want to experience. I have been single for years with no thought about dating seriously, because no one has come along to show me why I should.”
“I could say the same thing, which is why my friends have seen me with random women and not a single commitment to anyone in particular. But for the first time, I see something different in you. My attraction for you has never been sexual. Something about you has been speaking to an unexplored place in me.”
Wow.
The wonder with the single word that echoes in my mind causes me to lightly squeeze Chance’s hand as we continue to walk along the beach.
“Okay. What led you to dealing with women on a temporary basis?”
“I come from a two-parent household, and while most find it great, I found it to be like some social media couples, goals on the outside but blah on the inside. My parents have never shown me a love that wasn’t built on principles and obligation. It left me determined not to marry for convenience.”
My brows hike as I stop walking so I can look him in the eyes. “But this began out of convenience, so how is that any different?”
“What seemed like a convenient arrangement for you was actually the perfect opportunity for me. You were never a split-second decision for me. I always had you in mind.”
My heart skips a beat, and my eyes flutter as I take in the totality of Chance’s statements. My chest expands the longer my and Chance’s eyes war in a silent discussion that spikes my blood pressure.
“So if you’ve never seen love in its fullest capacity, how do you know you can fall into it with someone?”
“Let me clarify so there’s no misunderstanding between us.”
I hang onto Chance’s words as my breath becomes slower, and perspiration forms under my arms, not caused by the outside temperature.
“While I have dated without interest in commitment, I have always desired someone to fall in love with. But I’ve been looking for a woman who I can grow with who isn’t interested in serving me while neglecting herself. I want a wife whose success isn’t tied to ironing my clothes and having a hot meal on the table when I get home each day.”
“Oh, so you want—I’m sorry. I thought that being a wife also included those things. I—” My words are cut off when Chance’s eyes stare intently into me.
“I don’t want a domesticated maid. I want a partner. Hell, I know how to cook, clean, and iron clothes. My wife and I can share the load of our household.”
Well, damn. What can I say to that?
I nod, squeeze his hand gently, and continue walking as I contemplate what I can possibly add to such a bold stance on marriage. Dad is another self-sufficient man who has consistently refused to let me shoulder the household duties alone. I never thought I would meet a man with traits similar to his. But here comes Chance with Dad's mentality, who also desires commitment. Maybe, just maybe, this setup will truly work out in my favor.
My encounterwith Jamie and the weird shit with Peaches makes it easy for me to get lost in all things Sadia. I have been ignoring countless messages from my friend group since Sadia made an offer to shut out the outside world and focus on us. The resort is large and has multiple places to get lost in, but it’s not so big that I’ll be able to dodge my boys forever. Even now as we walk with the water and sand competing for dominance on our feet, my phone vibrates in my shorts. But for now, my only focus will be on the woman whose enchanting presence has me walking around with an extra pep in my step.
“What degree will you be getting?”
“Uh, it’s a master’s in business psychology.”
“Ah, so you’ve been working on ways to analyze the human brain. Interesting.”
“Well, it’s more centered around how people think and behave at work. It will allow me to land a career where I can help organizations improve their business outcomes as it pertains to motivation, leadership influence, and how they can improve their environments.”
I nod as we walk in rhythm without another word, as a wave rolls in and splashes our ankles before it retreats. Sadia laughs lightly, and a smirk forms as the sun’s rays makes her skin glow. Her cheeks have a tinge of red, making me wonder if the heat is too much.
“Are you hot? We can go back and find somewhere to sit. I didn’t think about sunscreen when we started this walk.”
Unlike most beach resorts, ours has enough beach chairs to accommodate every dual-occupancy room. I’m not ready to end our time together, but I definitely don’t want Sadia to overheat either.
“Okay. We can get a drink and finish talking.”
We turn and head back toward the resort as I shift her shoes in my hand, not interested in continuing our journey without feeling her hand in mine. We’re a yard away when we see familiar faces as they engage in a volleyball match between the men and the women. There’s no way for Sadia and me to get around them without being seen, so I steel my shoulders and prepare for what’s to come. Erin sees us first and waves with a pleasant smile, and Sadia easily returns it.
“Now she’s someone I wouldn’t mind forming a friendship with after this,” Sadia whispers.
