Chapter 52 ABSOLUTELY NOT.
\~~~DAMIEN.
I watched Serena as she scribbled on the paper, her tongue poking out a little in concentration. We were on the balcony, and the sun poured, making her skin glow. She handed me the list with a shy smile, her fingers brushing mine. I took it, unfolding the sheet, and scanned the words. A chuckle escaped me before I could stop it.
“What is this?” I asked, holding it up. The items were so... her. They were simple, and sweet things which made my chest tighten.
“You said to write out my bucket list,” she replied, blinking up at me with those big eyes. Then she pouted, crossing her arms.
Oh, man. That combo… those innocent eyes and full lips pushed out like that hit me hard. Her eyes sparkled when she looked at me this way, all trusting and eager. And those lips... plump, soft, and begging to be kissed. I had to remind myself we were in the open, with staff possibly nearby.
“Is the list too long?” she asked, reaching to snatch it back. Her hand darted out quickly, but I pulled the paper away just in time, grinning.
“I actually think it is too short,” I said, and she let out a little squeal, her face lighting up.
“You said we have two weeks to spend here. I think if we manage to do two daily, we’d cover them all before we leave.” She bounced a bit, excitement bubbling over.
“And if you want us to extend our stay here, we would,” I said calmly.
“Come on!” She laughed, the sound light and free, shaking her head. “Remember, I am a student. I feel guilty enough spending my time here instead of studying.”
“Two weeks of fun won’t ruin your studies, baby.”
She hesitated, then grinned brightly. “Well, if you think so.”
She jumped up in excitement, and I watched her for a second longer than necessary before looking back at the paper.
“Walking around the market?” I raised a brow, glancing at her.
“Yes,” she said, her cheeks turning pink. “I have always wanted to do this. In a foreign land, with... well, my partner. I have always thought it was romantic.” She fidgeted with her fingers, avoiding my eyes for a second.
I breathed out, shaking my head in amusement. Everything on this list was so damn simple and humble. Watching the sunset on the beach. Bowling at some local alley. Skating in a park. Lazy days at the shore.
No fancy spas or helicopter tours. Just pure, everyday joy.
It was so Serena, and it made me want to give her the whole world.
“You’re a very boring one, are you not?” I teased, leaning down to meet her face.
“What do you mean?” She huffed, but her eyes danced. “You’d have the fun of your life participating in this.”
“And how about going shopping? Ladies love shopping, as far as I am concerned.” I wiggled my brows, imagining her trying on dresses, me watching from the sidelines.
“Well...” She kicked her feet on the ground, staring at the floor. Her voice dropped so low I almost missed it. “It will be so costly doing all of that here.”
“What?” I snapped my brows together,
Costly? To me?
The idea that she’d hold back because of money twisted something in me.
She was my wife… and mine to spoil.
“I don’t feel like going, let’s just...” She trailed off, waving a hand dismissively.
“We are going on a shopping spree too,” I said firmly, snatching the pen from her hand and scribbling it onto the list in bold letters, underlining it twice. “No arguments.”
She bit her lip, but a small smile crept in. I wasn't done.
“You love food. We should try lots of meals here. You don’t wanna return home with regrets, do you?” I added that too, picturing us sampling street eats or fine dining under the stars.
“Then... since you’re saying this, can I add one more?” She pressed her lips together, clearly fighting a smile.
“Definitely,” I encouraged, nodding.
“A yacht cruise,” she said, clasping her hands together tight, her eyes wide as if waiting for rejection.
“And now, you are talking, baby.” I smiled softly.
“Is that all?”
“I am saying a real yacht cruise, you get what I mean?” Her voice sped up, cheeks flushing deeper. “I see in movies and there are massive yachts with a lot of rooms... and you know, food, alcohol... They're in bikinis and at night with fireworks. Like in the movies…”
I leaned closer, my voice dropping low. “A yacht cruise it is. Who knows, the night might end in a very steamy way.” I watched her face turn red, and a tiny hiccup escaped her throat.
She covered her mouth, eyes darting away, but I saw the spark there, a mix of embarrassment and heat.
Teasing Serena was quickly becoming my favorite thing to do.
And I had no plans of stopping anytime soon.
I folded the paper and tucked it into my pocket, standing upright. “Alright, bucket list queen. What's first on the agenda today?”
She tilted her head, thinking. “Maybe the beach? To watch the waves before we plan more.”
“And the beach it is,” I said, smiling at her.
And just then, my phone beeped, so I took it out of my pocket.
I opened the message, and my brow raised instantly.
“How dare you try to be happy?” read the message, and I felt my throat dry up instantly.
“Is anything wrong?” Serena’s voice came up, and I raised my head hurriedly, returning my phone to my pocket.
“No, moonlight. Absolutely not.”