AllFreeNovel
Share Us
By the time we arrived back at Christian's house, it was late and we were both exhausted. We collapsed onto the plush couch in the living room, snuggled up together, and watched a movie. It was the perfect end to a perfect day, and I knew that I would never forget this trip with Christian.
As the credits rolled, Christian turned to me and smiled. "I'm so glad you came with me, Alex. This has been one of the best trips of my life."
I leaned in and kissed him softly. "Me too, Christian, me too”
And as we drifted off to sleep, wrapped up in each other's arms, I knew that this could be the start of something beautiful. And that thought was scary as hell.
***
On our second day, Christian offered to take me to the beach after his meetings were over. I’d spent the early hours surfing the internet and applying for more jobs. It a was a frustratingly slow process, and I was right on the edge of giving up. I’d start working at the family business if I didn’t find something soon.
I pulled the band of my bikini higher and threw the cover up over my shoulders. I couldn’t wait to get to the beach with Christian. It was only about a mile away, which was good because it was already getting late.
I heard Christian’s car and then the sound of the horn. I scrambled into my shoes and out the door. I opened the car door and slipped in. He was already in shorts and a lightweight tee.
“What happened to the suit and tie?” I asked him as I settled into the seat.
“Kinda lost it on my way home,” he said as he put the car into gear and drove off.
As we stepped out of the car, Christian stretched his arms, inhaling deeply. “I love this place,” he said, grinning at me. “I used to come here all the time when I was a kid.”
“I can see why,” I reply, looking around at the lush greenery and the sparkling water. "It's beautiful."
We walked toward the beach, and I kicked off my sandals so I could feel the sand between my toes. Christian took my hand and led me toward a secluded spot where the water was crystal clear and the sand soft and warm.
He spread out a colorful blanket and we sat. "I got us some sandwiches and fruit," he said, unpacking the small cooler and passing me food. "Hope you're hungry."
I took a bite of the sandwich and closed my eyes, savoring the taste. "This is delicious," I said, opening my eyes to see Christian smiling at me.
"I'm glad you like it," he said, taking a bite of his own sandwich.
I smile at him. "Me too. It feels like we're on our own private island here."
Christian chuckles. "Yeah, it does, doesn't it?"
We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging on the beach, talking and laughing until the sun. As the sun began to set, we headed back to the hotel.
As our stay came to an end, a sense of sadness washed over me. I didn't want to leave this beautiful Italian town or the memories we had created together. But I knew that there would be more trips in the future, and I looked forward to experiencing all of them with Christian.
I'd never thought I would say this, but he wasn’t so bad. When he wasn’t growling and snapping and in a generally bad mood, he was sweet. Maybe it was the environment. I’d read somewhere that a change of scenery could instigate a change in character.
On our last night, Christian took me to a fancy restaurant with a stunning ocean view. We ordered cocktails and shared a plate of oysters, continuing to talk about our hopes and dreams for the future. I wondered if he was surprised to be opening up to me. I certainly was.
"I want to travel more," Christian said, looking out at the ocean. "There are so many places I haven't been yet."
"I'd love to travel too, my trip to New Mexico was eye opening," I said, smiling.
Christian took my hand across the table. "I want to keep doing things like this with. Exploring places, trying new things."
I squeezed his hand back. "I want that too."
“My mom always says I have a wanderer’s feet. Apparently I got it from my grandma, her mother. She was an adventurer in her youth,” he said, smiling fondly in remembrance.
We were silent for a moment and then Christian said, “Mom's has been talking about setting a date for an engagement dinner.”
Not that please. Christian and I were just working on our friendship. An engagement dinner to please our parents would be going too far. I loved my mom but no.
“And?” I asked waiting for him to go first.
