Page 69 of Something Old

“No - actually - for a second, I wasworriedthat it was just a dream. But it wasn’t.” She says.

She smiles as she closes her eyes again and runs her hand over my chest.

“I’m so cozy.” She whispers.

Brushing my fingers through her hair my heart feels warm and full of love.

“Leo - can I take you out on a date? Our firstofficialdate.”

She looks up at me with sleepy eyes. “I would love that.”

“Good. I’ll make the arrangements for tonight. You can go shopping today to buy something special to wear if you’d like?”

“I suppose if it is our very first date, I want to impress you.” Her laughter drifts in the air and makes my heart even warmer.

“Everything about you impresses me.” I whisper.

While Leora is out shopping, I want to plan something beautiful. Something she will never forget. Because tonight is where our relationship restarts. We get to start again and do it right this time. I am going to make up for every stupid thing I did or said - and from tonight - she will be the happiest girl in the world because I will make sure of it.

By five that evening I have arranged the most magnificent first date for her. One that will hopefully make her forget our rocky start.

Leora arrives back from shopping and walks into the little villa she booked for herself.

“Hello.” She grins and steps close to me to wrap her arms around my waist.

“Hi beautiful. You can go get ready now. Then we can go.”

“Oh - where are we going? Did you book us a restaurant?”

“Something like that. Just wear flat shoes - I mean this is a beach holiday.” I grin.

“Is that the only hint you are going to give me?” she laughs as she carries her shopping bag towards the bathroom.

I am waiting for her out on the front deck of the villa. Admiring the drifting white clouds. When she steps out into the lateafternoon sunshine my jaw drops open. She is wearing a fitted baby blue dress which hugs her curves in the most enticing ways.

She has gold strapped sandals on, and her toes are painted the same color as her dress.

“Baby girl - wow.” I say, standing up and immediately dragging her against my body. She smells like wild vanilla and ocean salt. The perfect combination.

“Are you ready?” I ask, still holding her.

“I’m excited.” She laughs.

Picking up the bag I have packed in preparation I sling it over my shoulder, hold out my hand to her and then lead her straight out onto the beach in front of the villa.

There is a small boat waiting for us.

I toss the bag into it, then lift her into it as well. She is grinning. “This seems like a little adventure - not a date.”

“It’s going to be an adventure.” I smirk.

The little powerboat speeds through the water, sending a fine spray of ocean water into the air around us as it heads towards the yacht.

We park against the stern, and I lift her onto the swimming platform.

The sun will set in about an hour - and the chef has already laid out our dinner table on the top deck.

“Masaccio - this is incredible.” She says, walking towards the dinner table.

---