RC.

Ch9 .......... J

I make my way towards the suitcase, while I hear Ryan busying himself.

I reflect on how to dress for this day which promises to be full of surprises.

I choose a little flowy dress.

In front of the mirror, I do my hair in a fishtail braid.

I'm not wearing makeup but I have a radiant complexion. No doubt, the being with Ryan effect...

I stand in front of myself for a moment. I haven't felt so good in a long time.

                                     ◇

When I arrive on the terrace, a generous breakfast is already served on the table.

Ryan comes out, a cup of coffee in his hand. He kisses me on the cheek.

R:"Take a seat."

I sit down on the sofa before the feast.

The croissants smell wonderfully good and the fresh fruit, sliced and displayed in a small silver tray in the centre of the table, make my mouth water.

R:"Tea? Coffee?"

T:"A coffee please."

I watch him as he serves me. There's always that same elegance in each of his gestures. Even the most insignificant.

T:"When did you prepare all this?"

A smile floats on his lips.

R:"I've been up for a serval hours, remember I'm a night bird."

T:"Yes, that's right."

R:"Would you like eggs?"

(No, I'm fine.)

T:"I think I'll manage to settle for what's already on the table."

R:"It's not too much with what I have in store for us ..."

He annoys me with his enigmatic tone!

T:"I suppose it's no use insisting, I won't get it out of you...?"

R:"That's right"

He sits down next to me and leans back against the sofa. He naturally, puts an arm around my shoulders.

As he gazes towards the horizon his lips stretch into a mischievous smile.

R:"The sea is calm today, it's perfect ..."

T:"Are we going boating?"

R:"Mmh... we'll certainly be going on something with an engine, but not a boat ..."

T:"Diving?"

R:"Mmh ... It's an idea but ... no."

His two silver irises scrutinise me. Oh, I see: he wants to play riddles.

I chuckle before bitting into a slice of toast.

Suddenly our little game is interrupted by the ringing of his phone.

A fixed grin distorts his beautiful face and he frowns as he looks at his mobile.

R:"Excuse me."

He gets up and puts the phone to his ear. He slips a hand into his trouser pocket as he walks away.

Because of the noise of the waves I can't catch what his conversation is about. I just watch as he walks back and forth along the wooden pontoon.

(Is it to do with work?)

Is it work? I can't say that I wasn't warned ... With a man like him, moments like these are constantly interrupted by business calls...

Is it related to last night ....? I find his expression a little too worried for just a routine call from work...

One thing has been nagging at me ever since we left. I wonder why he didn't want to tell Jake ... The one man in whom he puts his trust.

Sometimes I find myself thinking that he suspects him of something ... The thought is unpleasant but... why all the mystery otherwise?

Even if Jake has exceeded his role as a bodyguard with me, I can't see him watching us despite the express demand of his boss.

I sigh. I'm gonna have to clarify things. Even if Ryan doesn't want to tell me more, he can't evade the subject forever.

This just isn't the right time for me to conduct my little investigation. Selfishly, I want to make the most of our little bubble of intimacy.

When my handsome CEO finally joins me, his expression is equable. I'm now aware of his ability to hide his emotions and I'm not fooled.

It is so hard to read that I am never sure of anything. It's what makes his charm, but it's also what almost put an end to our story.

R:"Sorry. Work."

He observes my very full plate.

R:"Good. Operating a jet ski takes more energy than you could imagine."

T:"A jet ski? Are we going to jet ski?!"

He gives me a triumphant smile.

R:"It appears so, yes."

(Awesome!!)

T:"It's great, I love the idea!!"

R:"Really?"

T:"Yes totally!"

R:"It doesn't surprise me. You've already driven a far more impetuous beast."

He leans his head slightly looking at me triumphantly, and raises an eyebrow.

I let out a mocking laugh.

T:"Really...?"

He laughs at his stupidity before patting my thigh.

R:"I think you're very cute in that outfit, but you're gonna have to wear a wetsuit . You should put on a swimsuit."

(No problem!)

T:"Very well, I'll put on whatever you wish!"

R:"Don't propose such things. It'll give me ideas."

I laugh nervously but his remark makes me go bright pink in the cheeks.

(Which drive me to provoke him a little, out of my shyness.)

T:"Tss ... Don't show off like that. I can just stay on the warm sand and tan while you play with your noisy toy."

R:"Miss White ...Come on ... Are you refusing a challenge ...?"

Bastard! He know exactly how to get me. I see it in the glimmer of his eyes.

I roll mine sighing.

T:"I'll put on your wetsuit and I'll drive your jet ski, but I'd better warn you that I could beat you."

T:"Will your ego stand it?"

R:"If you beat me jet-skiing, I think my ego will lose all dignity forever...  Honey, nobody beats me."

He tells me this with his superior chauvenist air, innocently taking a sip of orange juice. His playful irises are staring at me through the glass.

T:"Oh!!"

I nudge him almost knocking his glass of orange juice out of his hand, we both burst out laughing.