Page 16 of Happily Ever After
"You'll love it. The waterfall isn't big, but it's stunning. It's fed from a natural spring."
"So it's one of those rare cases where size isn't important?" Rhia quips. "Because I'm a firm believer that size always matters."
I laugh. "Its beauty makes up for any lack of…" I try to think of an appropriate word but only come up with, "…length."
Up ahead, Lex lets out a whistle.
"Will you look at that," he exclaims, sounding impressed. "You're right, El. It's stunning."
We line up beside him. Ade encircles my shoulders with his arm, and I admire the tan he's already acquired after only three days in the sun.
The waterfall cascades down the rock face, its waters shimmering in the filtered sunlight as they tumble into the pool below. Surrounded by vibrant foliage, the air is filled with thesweet scent of blooming flowers. Seriously, this place feels like it has been plucked straight from a dream.
"Wow, this is incredible," Rhia whispers, awestruck by the sight before us.
I nod in agreement, a grin spreading across my face.
It's just how I remember it.
Tiero's laughter when he jumped into the warm water echoes in my mind. He didn't look like the serious, always-in-command Don then. Not that I knew he was a Mafia boss at the time. I had still assumed he was merely a powerful businessman. I treasured seeing him so carefree because I knew he wouldn't show many people this side of him.
"Let's take a dip," Ade suggests, already kicking off his shoes, followed by his shirt and pants, leaving him in only the swim trunks he wore underneath.
The beauty of my surroundings is totally forgotten as I stare at the chiseled physique of my fiancé.
Itnevergets old.
I'm intimately acquainted with every peak and valley of his washboard abdomen, but those muscles never fail to please.
It's shallow, I know, to drool over a set of abs. No, I'm being too hard on myself. Those abs are on a man who is the full package—his body, mind and soul are all beautiful.
Told you, I'm a lucky bitch.
I pull off my clothes too and, with a playful grin, launch myself into the air, feeling weightless for a fleeting moment before plunging into the cool water.
The others jump in after me, our laughter mingling with the white noise of the cascading falls.
"Hey, how about a race to see who can swim to the waterfall first?" I suggest.
Ade grins, catching on to my enthusiasm. "You're on!" he replies, already getting into position.
"Wait, wait, wait." Rhia holds up a finger.
Pointing at our men, she says, "You two are super fit, and you have longer arms and legs than El and I. We deserve a head start. Count to ten… slowly. Then go."
All of us are competitive, the other three more than I, but that doesn't mean I won't try to win.
"To five," Lex counters. "This is only a small pool."
"Fine," Rhia huffs, as if granting an enormous concession.
Lex is right, though. By the time they counted to ten, we'd nearly have reached the waterfall.
"Ready, set, go," Ade calls out.
Giggling, Rhia and I launch forward, swimming as fast as we can. She takes the lead and I double my efforts. Not only do I want to catch her, but I can hear the splashing of water from behind us, and I know for sure the guys are catching up on us.
I sense Ade next to me. Daring a glance to my side, I see his limbs gliding effortlessly through the water. He's nearly got me, but the waterfall is only a few strokes away. I can do this!
