Page 19 of Summer Waves

“You can talk to me, Bethany,” he said stroking my cheek with his free hand. I closed my eyes and basked in the brief touch.

“Anything?” I asked, opening my eyes.

“Anything,” he nodded.

Here goes nothing.

“We always said we’d be honest with each other, but I don’t want to ruin anything by telling you…” My confidence in telling him was doused out when he tensed.

“Are you breaking up with me?” he asked softly.

“What! No!” I shook my head. “I mean, I didn’t know until tonight we were officially dating, butno. I’m not breaking up with you.”

“What’s wrong then?” he asked. His face was covered with worry.

“Nothing is wrong. That’s just it,” I took a deep breath. “For the first time, in my life, I am happy. Completely happy.”

I couldn’t have stopped the cheesy smile that broke across my face even if I had wanted too. It was hard to contain my happiness. Everyone in my life had noticed thenew me.

My employees commented on how I was always humming, singing, or smiling around the cafe. My mother and sister said I sounded happy. And Jacob said I looked like a new woman. And all of this was because of Giovanni.

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“No. Not at all.” I shook my head. “For the first time, everything feels… right.”

Giovanni nodded and then chuckled.

“Me too,” he smiled. “You’re a breath of fresh air, Bethany.”

His words made my heart skip a beat. It felt like there were a thousand butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. My body tingled with happiness and raw emotions.

“So, you don’t think I’m crazy for telling you how I feel?” I asked nervously.

“Not at all.” He kissed the top of my hand. “I’ve been debating on telling you how happy you make me, but I didn’t want to spook you. I mean, it’s been less than a week.”

“I know. It’s crazy how short of a time we’ve known each other,” I giggled to play off my nerves. “Feels like years instead of days.”

“Exaaaactly,” he laughed. “I feel like I’ve known you my entire life.”

“Me too,” I smiled. “I enjoy our time together.”

“Me too,” Giovanni leaned over and kissed me gently. “You’re everything I want in a woman and then some.”

“And you’re everything I want in a man.”

Giovanni and I both smiled. The room filled with silence, but not an awkward one. It was a silence of us enjoying one another’s company.

“I love you, Bethany.” His words were faint but fired off in my mind like a cannon.

“What?” I managed to push the words out of my mouth. My heart pounded like a drum.

“I…” he took a deep breath. “I love you. I know I’m risking losing you, but I can’t help the way I feel. Ya know?” Giovanni laughed softly and nervously.

Giovanni was such a masculine and confident man. Seeing him timid and with a softer demeanor told me he meant what he said.

“You’re right. We can’t help how we feel towards someone,” I agreed. “I’ve tried to push down my feelings, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t.” I shrugged to downplay my nervousness.

“So...How do you feel… about what I told you?” He cupped my hand with both of us.

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