We take a shower and dress. She wears a flowery summer dress, and I wear some linen shorts and a shirt.
At the reception desk, we look through the various activities. Deciding to take a private tour, we book a trip, and a jeep takes us to the sea, where a speed boat awaits us.
Helping her in, we take our seats.
The boat speeds away, parting the sea that laps at each side. The cool water spray helps regulate the heat.
Green islands sprout right and left, boasting the most pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. Holding hands, I have trouble discerning if this is real or a figment of my imagination.
The guide explains to us that after the tourist season ends, they close the islands to allow the ecosystem to regenerate, as he brings us to one to explore.
The day goes by too quickly as we kiss, walking hand in hand in what feels like paradise on earth.
The sun has long set when we return to the villa. While she showers, I book a candlelight dinner.
With fingers interlinked, we take a small, paved road toward the beach.
Lilly comes to a complete stop when she finds the decorated table, candles flickering and the waves crashing against the shore, the moon reflecting on the water—pure romance.
I pull out the chair for her, and she beams at me. “Always such a gentleman.”
As we sip white wine, a pensive look crosses her face. “So, this is how it would feel?”
It’s rhetorical, but I can’t suppress the truth. “Yes, me being smitten with you and wanting to make you smile all the damn time.”
Her eyes glisten, the corners of her mouth tipped down. “Ian, this will make things difficult.”
“We’re not there yet.”
She nods dejectedly, and the waiter approaches with a huge fish on an even larger plate.
As we feed each other, there’s no way I can give her up. I’m going to talk to Coach. With his blessing, we can overcome the only hurdle standing between us. If not, then we have two more years of stolen moments. I think of Levi and my sister. If I had known, I would have given them my blessing. Living through wanting someone and not being with them because of a third party is fucking excruciating.
“So, what’s on the agenda tomorrow?” she asks, excitement ringing in her sweet voice.
My thoughts scatter, my attention tunneling back to her. “What would you like to do?”
“All the trips they have on their program?”
I chuckle. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
We share dessert, feeding each other spoons of melted chocolate brownie and creamy vanilla ice cream.
Hours go by as we finish the bottle of wine. With the moon high in the sky, making the sea reflect like a blanket of gems, we walk down the shore, water lapping at our feet.
Her cheek rests on my arm, and she says, “I’ve never been on a vacation with someone else.”
“Neither have I.”
She tips her head up, seeking my eyes. “So, how is it for you?”
I grin. “Perfect. And for you?”
She radiates. “Perfect.”
Plopping down on the sand, I drag her with me. She fits in my lap as if it’s her place. Which it is.
Her back is to my front, and we watch small waves break on the shore, the reflection of the moon making a trail of light to us. Some dolphins cut through the water.
