“I just did,” she chuckles.
“Is there nothing you still want to do? A bucket list of sorts? Where do you want to raise our kids? In the city or suburbs?”
Danny leans over and kisses me tenderly, then she whispers against my lips, “Our kids?”
“Yeah,” I murmur.
We pull apart and go back to staring at each other. “I’d like a house in the suburbs. You know… the white picket fence dream.”
“I’d like that as well,” I admit. “A basketball hoop, up above the garage. A swing on the porch.”
“Lots of flowers in the garden,” she murmurs.
When she’s quiet again, I ask, “What else?”
“I don’t want a traditional wedding.”
“Yeah? No white dress, church, huge-ass reception?”
She chuckles. “No.” Danny’s eyes drift over the nature around us. “I always pictured a field… with wildflowers and just relaxing… with my family and friends afterward.”
“Sounds right up my alley.”
Danny turns her gaze to me, and emotion makes them shimmer like sapphires. “It’s been two weeks… and it’s still surreal.”
“That we’re together?” I ask as I reach for her hand, linking my fingers with hers.
“Yeah,” she whispers. Her tongue darts out, and she wets her lips. “Can we keep it between us… for a while? I just need to get used to us… before telling everyone.”
If it were up to me, I’d be shouting off the top of this mountain, but respecting Danny’s wish, I agree, “Okay.”
“So, no shenanigans at the office,” she warns me.
“Damn, there goes hot office sex on your desk,” I tease her.
My comment draws laughter from her, and pulling her to my chest, I wrap my arms around her. With my mouth pressed to her hair, I stare at the dark blue ocean.
I came to South Africa thinking a relationship between us will never happen. Tomorrow we’re leaving as a couple.
I’ll never forget this trip.
It changed my entire life.
“Love you,” I whisper against her hair.
“Love you too.”
Chapter 10
DANNY
Being back in the states, I feel nervous about Ryker and me. I’m worried now that we’re home, things will change. Like the relationship was only a part of our trip, and it’s time to return to reality.
My phone pings, and picking it up, I see there’s a text from Ryker.
R: Can we have dinner tonight?
My worry grows. What if he wants to break things off?
Shit.
D: Where do you want to meet?
My heartbeat speeds up while I wait for his reply.
R: I’ll be at your place at seven.
I take a deep breath as I stare at the words.
Don’t jump to conclusions, Danny.
It’s just… I’m terrified of losing Ryker, and I hate not being in control.
Letting out a sigh, I check the time and seeing it’s already past five o’clock, I decide to get ready.
After showering and washing my hair, I dry it before pulling a straightener through the strands. I take care applying my make-up, wanting to look my best.
When I’m done, I check my reflection in the mirror. I’ve gone with black pants and a light blue cashmere sweater seeing as it’s still chilly outside.
Relax, Danny.
Just relax.
Deep breaths.
When my phone begins to ring, I startle, then go to answer it.
Seeing it’s the concierge, I answer, “Yes?”
“There’s a Mr. West to see you, ma’am.”
“Send him up.”
I end the call then take a couple of deep breaths. Picking up my clutch, I tuck the phone inside, and then I walk to the living room. My eyes are glued to the elevator, and when the doors slide open, my heart explodes into a wild beat.
Ryker looks hot as hell in his brown chinos and a black button-up shirt. The fabric does nothing to hide his muscles.
As he walks toward me, a frown appears between his eyes, and tilting his head, he asks, “Why do you look nervous.”
Yeah, my acting skills have gone to hell.
Swallowing hard, I say, “Just a little nervous now that we’re home.”
His mouth curves up, and stopping in front of me, he leans down and presses a tender kiss to my lips. He pulls a little back, his eyes drifting over my face. “Is that all it is?”
I begin to nod but then admit, “I’m not sure what it means for us.”
Again, he tilts his head, his gaze locking with mine. “Are you having second thoughts?”
Quickly, I shake my head. “No, not at all. I just wasn’t sure you wanted to continue dating or whether it was a case of what happened in Africa stays in Africa.”
Ryker takes a step back, a frown tightening his features. “Did I give you the impression I wasn’t serious?”
“No,” I whisper, then I shrug. “It’s… uhm… you’re.” I let out a breath. “It’s still surreal.”
Understanding flashes over his face, and then he pulls me against his chest, his arms wrapping tightly around me. “I’m not having second thoughts. I meant every word I said. You’re it for me, Danny, and nothing will change that. Okay?”