Page 5 of Finding my Shifter Soulmate

"That is wonderful to hear." He rests his head to the side as though he's contemplating something. There is a long pause between us, but it's a comfortable one, and we look each other over. Then he breaks the silence.

"My name is Gede."

"Sabrina," I reply. "I don't mean to be a bother, but I'd like to ask you something if it's okay."

"Of course."

"Is that mask for sale? It's absolutely gorgeous, and I'd love to have one to remember my time here. Or are they just for the dancers?"

"Oh, no," he says, tipping his head back. "You can buy masks for decorative purposes."

"Perfect!" I reach for my phone to offer him payment, but he shakes his head no.

"It's yours." He hands it to me.

"What? No, I couldn't. Please, I can pay you for it."

"I insist," he adds. "Consider it a souvenir from the heart of Bali."

I study the mask and notice gold tendrils spiraling around the temples, a small red stripe drawing the shape of a triangle near the left eye and another slightly shorter line by the other one. A tiny blue dot rests on the forehead. Instead of a panther, it looks more like a wild, mythical creature from another world. There's some sort of artistic significance in this mask, and though I'm hesitant to accept it, it's so different than anything I've seen before. Still, I take it and glance up at him.

"You're too kind," I say.

I feel his eyes travel up and down my figure and his gaze lingers at my cleavage. Unlike when Doug ogled me, I don't find this man’s gaze offensive or creepy. In fact, it sends my nerve endings tingles along my nerves.

"It's nice to meet you," I tell him with a nod and turn to walk away, but he doesn't let me get far.

"Are you interested in learning more about Bali, Sabrina? I'm an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. If you'd like, I would be glad to show you some of the areas that most of our visitors don't get to see. You seem to care about our history, and it would be my pleasure to share everything I know with you. You'll be able to appreciate the culture and its unique history without the crowds and noise."

There is an anxious pause where I wonder if I should accept his invitation. I'm in Bali to get out of the spotlight and recover, not to start following some unknown man around the island. Except, he doesn't feel unknown at all. Even though we just met, Gede is strangely familiar in a way I can't explain.

He is grinning at me, and his expression is both friendly and devilish at the same time. And his eyes. God, his eyes. I could stare into their earth-colored depths forever. I'll listen to whatever he has to say, as long as he keeps looking at me.

Holy shit, I'm acting like a lovesick little schoolgirl. Snap out of it.

In any case, the village of Ubud is lovely, but I’m sure there are dozens of other places on this beautiful island worth exploring outside of my resort. Jean told me about jungle trekking trails, incredible mountain views, and waterfalls. Some spots have Hindu temples, stone carvings and ancient monasteries, and there are countless local celebrations. I know all of those things are waiting for me, and I suppose spending a few hours with a local guy isn't the worst idea. He can show me things no tourist ever gets to see.

"Okay. When would you like to meet up?"

"Are you available tomorrow?" he asks, his smile widening.

"Sure," I tell him. "Where do you want to meet?"

"I can pick you up at your resort if you tell me where you're staying. Or, if you prefer, you can meet me here. Whatever makes you most comfortable."

Well, this is a nice change of pace. A man who actually cares about my comfort? Hallelujah.

"Here is fine," I inform him with a half-smile. I wonder how we'll accomplish this tour. I assume we'll be on foot or on bikes. I'm an average hiker, but if we end up on a demanding journey up a steep and rocky terrain, I won't be able to keep up. He seems fit, no doubt about that. God, he's so sexy...

"How about ten?" I suggest. "That'll give me time to eat some breakfast and prepare for the day."

"I'll be here."

"See you then," I tell him and turn away again. This time, he allows me to go, but I can sense his attention with every step.

I push the feeling aside. Most likely, Gede simply likes and respects me as a traveler, and there is no need to develop some sort of fairy-tale crush for on a man I just met. But to be honest, I feel pretty confident that he was actually flirting with me. I only hope I wasn't reading too much into it.

Chapter Four – Gede

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