Wrapped around one another, our complete and sated bodies lie together on the picnic blankets. We have well and truly crossed the forbidden line. First it was furious and fervent fucking. Then, it was deliberate and sensual lovemaking.
We lie in a quiet, yet meaningful embrace, with no regrets or doubts trying to suffocate the beauty of what has just happened.
"Do you think everyone has their own destiny, Lisa?" I quietly ask.
She lavishes my back with featherlight strokes. "I've never really thought about it," she admits, kissing my hair.
I caress her chest, my fingertips playing on her abs. "I know we said we didn't want to do this, but I'm really glad that we did," I say, kissing her shoulder.
"Me, too." Her thumb is now doing little stroking patterns on my naked ass.
I can't help but sigh. I'm so deliriously happy. It's a sigh that just brings everything beautifully together. Weaving all of the past two weeks into one, wonderful, sweet memory. I tilt my neck to look into Lisa's relaxed and loving eyes. "I will remember this night until the day that I die," I tell her, so completely thankful for all that she's given me.
Lisa smiles as she gently rolls me under her. She closes her eyes, kissing my face with the gentlest of kisses. No part of my face is left untouched by her gloriously adoring lips. "I will always remember you, Jennie . . . until my dying breath." Her words touch me so deeply that I feel myself succumbing to my overwhelming emotions.
I look at her, my finger lightly tracing the outline of her perfect lips. "You really are the most incredible human being I have ever met, Lisa Manoban. I believe that there is a someone for everyone in this world. We are all destined to be with one person. I believe that I was meant to come here. I was supposed to meet you. This was supposed to happen. My heart will remain here, even if I'm not . . . please remember that." Lisa's eyes look at me with a glassy stare. Her expression is accepting, yet sad, regardless of the unsaid understanding that has passed between us. The thoughtful finger that she absentmindedly trails down my arm abruptly comes to a stop. No words are exchanged for what seems like forever, just a lingering gaze that binds us.
"Stay."
I hear her words but they don't actually compute. My eyes nervously dart from side to side. "What did you just say?" I ask with a hard swallow.
"Stay with me," Lisa's deep sigh fans my disbelieving face. She looks choked and overwrought with emotion. I blink hard, trying to make sense of her words.
"Did you just say what I think you just said?" I try to remain calm, but Lisa senses my panic. She sits up, rubbing her forehead with an agitated hand.
"I want you to stay, Jennie. I didn't plan on asking you, but after tonight, I have to. If I didn't . . . I would always regret it."
I slowly sit up, still not fully aware of the conversation we are suddenly having. "I honestly don't know what to say, Lisa."
She desperately grabs me with a just as desperate smile on her face. "Say, yes."
My thoughts have gone into panicked overdrive. "How can I? What will I do? Where will I live?" I know I am babbling; throwing question after question at her from every panicked direction.
Lisa's hold on me tightens. "You can live with me. We could live in one of the cabins."
My eyes water up with shocked emotion. "But what about money? I would need to work."
Lisa now looks excited. It's as though the more she talks, the more sense she makes, even to herself. "You could work the ranch and help with the guests."
I bring a worried finger to my mouth, chewing on my fingernail. "Shit, you're really serious about this, aren't you?"
Lisa sits closer to me, picking up my hand and holding it against her. "I really think this could work, Jennie. I haven't had time to really think this through, but I think that we can make this happen . . . if it's what you want." Her fingers gently stroke my knuckle while her eyes eagerly look at me.
Again, I don't know what to say or do. My words and reactions seem lost. I take a deep breath. Choosing my words carefully. "There is an elated part of me that has desperately wanted you to ask, but now that you have . . . I'm more scared than ever."
She cradles my face in her cherishing hands. "Why?"
I can't look at her. I lower my eyes, hiding them beneath my thick dark lashes. "This is just all so insane. I have a family to think about . . . what will your parents say?" I ask in a panicked tone.
Lisa lifts my chin, her other hand still tenderly holding my cheek. "Listen, Jennie. I've fallen for you. Someone like me doesn't fall in love easily. I will only fall in love once, and I have . . . with you. Now do you see why I couldn't let you leave tomorrow, without telling you how I really feel? I'm not telling you this to pressure you or to scare you. I'm telling you, because I love you."
