For Now, For Good

21. - Present Day

It had been 3 of the most perfect days.

We've done everything. 

From laying on the grass by the river and talking about everything, to me being passenger in a hot lap around Albert Park, which seems to have only intensified my fears about him driving. Experiencing it as a spectator is nothing in comparison to what it feels like inside that car.

And with every single moment that passes, I know more and more just how much this is going to hurt when it has to end.

It seems to be a common theme with us, spending borrowed time together.

"So, Baylee?" Lando announces as I sit passenger in his borrowed car as we head out of the city.

"Yes, Lando?" I mock, pulling my gaze from the scenery and taking in his side profile, which by annoyance is just as perfect as his front.

"I've been thinking, about this whole 9-day thing" he says it so casually as if it hadn't been tearing me every moment we get closer to the end.

My staggered breath comes out in reaction to my emotions.

Reaching across the car, taking my hand in his, he squeezes gently to provide a small level of comfort, "Hey, don't tense up on me, I think it's a good thing"

"Thinking about our expiry date is a good thing?" I chuckle.

"Stop saying it like it's an end, B. Honestly" he warns in a more serious tone.

I shrug my shoulders, watching closely at how our fingers subconsciously just graze delicately over one another as they grip onto each other, "What have you been thinking, Lando?" I humour him for a moment, stepping back into our fantasy. 

"I know the timing and realistic details of everything has been worrying you, I know that" he begins, his eyes darting to meet mine every now and again, "But" he moans with a smile that melts me even in the worst of times, "Why does there have to be a plan on what comes next? Why can't we just, see?"

"Just see?" I question.

"Yeah" he chirps, "Like, we don't need to plan out the years calendar before I leave, we just say, 'see you soon' instead of 'goodbye'?" he sounds so optimistic.

I have to break the eye contact, it's a poison that has every ability to make me fold.

"I've been enjoying my time with you" I encourage, "I really, really have been"

Peering quickly at him, I know he's waiting for the but. I can tell by the way his Adam's apple bobs as he coats his throat.

"I just want to keep enjoying the time, I don't want to think about the after"

I have no idea if this supported or disagreed with his statement, and I don't know if he knows either, but he chooses not to say anything in return. Nothing needed to be said anyway. I think without the words, we knew exactly where we were standing, neither one of us capable of making a step in either direction.

"Are you going to tell me where you've kidnapped me too?" I mock, glancing around as I watch as he follows the hidden maps on his phone next to the steering wheel.

"Not a chance" he chuckles, "But we are almost there"

Reading the sign when we make the turn, I know where we are immediately.

"The hot springs?" I gasp in excitement. "I've always wanted to come here"

"I know" he admits in pride, my head snapping to him in confusion. "You may have mentioned it last year"

I shake my head in disbelief.

Once parked and we make our way to the entrance, we are greeted by one of the most calming staff members who greets Lando like old friends.

"Antonio, thank you very much for organising this for us, this is Baylee" he introduces.

I raise my hand to the gentleman as he takes it, planting a kiss to my knuckles as Lando watches on with a small smirk.

"Lando, Baylee, welcome to Peninsula Hot Springs" he greets. "These are your welcome packages" he hands us a woven canvas bag each, as I peer inside and see a drink bottle, a robe and a small voucher looking piece of cardboard.

"Please, start your journey with us by indulging in the chefs special, then you can explore the grounds"

As Lando and I make our way past the main house, we are directed into separate change areas to get into our bathing suits which Lando had packed in secret.

I wrap the robe around me before exiting the changing area, Lando already waiting by the stone wall, one leg propped up backwards on the wall, his robe left undone and my eyes are drawn to his stomach like a magnet.

 I don't realise how much I was staring until I feel Lando's full force connect with me, directing me back into the change room with urgency. 

"Lando" I whisper shout inside a giggle as we stumble together back behind the now locked door.

"Shh" he chuckles, his hand coming up and covering my mouth until my back comes in contact with the coolness of the mirror behind me.

 Once my body comes to a halt, his hand still firmly on my mouth, his eyes burning eagerly into my soul, I have to squeeze my legs shut by being under his gaze alone.

"You're going to have to keep very quiet for me, Princess" he demands, his eyes commanding my obedience.

I blink in retaliation, frozen in place.

I feel his free hand dancing gently up the side of my thigh, pulling the robe free with it.

"I'm going to need you to agree, baby. Or I go no further."

I nod my head urgently as if my life depended on it.

A cocky smirk appears across his face, "Words, baby" he asks, his hand slowly slipping from my lips without his eyes breaking any contact.

"I'll be quiet" I whimper.