Chapter 60 Honeymooning
Rebecca woke slowly, her senses coming alive one after the other. The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the room, and pale morning light filtered through the curtains, brushing gently against her closed eyelids. For a moment, she lay still, staring at the ceiling as memories from the previous night crept into her mind, Derek’s voice, his nearness, his touch, the kiss that had left her heart racing long after it ended.
Her chest tightened.
Suddenly, she turned her head toward the other side of the bed.
Empty.
She froze, then let out a quiet breath of relief she hadn’t realized she was holding.
He’s not here.
The realization sent a strange mix of emotions through her, relief, disappointment, and embarrassment all tangled together. At least she didn’t have to face him immediately. She wasn’t sure she could look at him without blushing or replaying the way his lips had felt against hers.
She pushed herself out of bed quickly, almost as if staying any longer would allow her thoughts to betray her. Grabbing her towel, she hurried into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.
The warm water from the shower cascaded over her skin, washing away the last traces of sleep. Rebecca leaned her hands against the tiled wall, letting the water run over her face as she tried to calm her racing thoughts.
Why did that kiss affect her so much?, why had she wanted it to continue.
She shook her head slightly, scolding herself. They were married, on honeymoon, no less. Still, everything felt new, awkward, and strangely intense.
After her bath, she dried herself and changed inside the bathroom, choosing a light, floral sundress that hugged her waist gently and flowed freely around her knees. It was simple but cute, and she tied her hair back loosely.
Taking a steady breath, she unlocked the door and stepped back into the bedroom.
She stopped short.
Derek was there.
Not only that, he stood near the small table by the window, adjusting plates while a hotel staff member placed covered dishes neatly in place. Sunlight streamed in behind him, outlining his tall frame, and for a second, Rebecca forgot how to breathe.
"Oh," she said softly.
Derek turned around, his eyes landing on her instantly. A slow smile curved his lips, one that made her stomach flutter despite her best efforts.
"Well," he said casually, glancing at the table and then back at her, "looks like you just ruined my surprise."
Rebecca blinked surprise, . "Surprise?"
"Breakfast in bed," he replied, gesturing toward the table. "I planned on surprising my wife," he replied with a smirk.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
Since when did that start?
The thought slipped into her mind before she could stop it. Or is it because they kissed last night? She thought.
The memory rushed back without permission, how close he had been, how her heart had nearly leapt out of her chest. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she felt herself blush.
Derek noticed immediately.
His smile deepened, eyes softening as he watched her reaction. He didn’t say anything, but the look on his face made it clear, he knew exactly what she was thinking.
The hotel staff cleared his throat politely. "If there’s nothing else, sir?"
Derek nodded. "That’ll be all. Thank you."
As soon as the door closed behind the staff member, the room felt quieter and smaller.
Rebecca walked over and sat down carefully, smoothing her dress as if it could somehow calm her nerves. Derek took the seat opposite her, his movements relaxed, confident.
They began eating.
Rebecca focused on her food, determined to act normal. Calm. Unaffected.
But Derek had other plans.
"So,"he said lightly, leaning back in his chair, "did you sleep well?"
"Yes," she replied quickly. "Very well."
"Funny," he said, watching her closely, "because you look like someone who didn’t."
She shot him a look. "I’m fine."
"Mm," he hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Your face is so red,"
Her hand flew up instinctively, and Derek chuckled softly.
"Relax, Rebecca," he said. "You’re allowed to blush. Especially on your honeymoon."
She cleared her throat and took another bite, refusing to meet his gaze. "You’re enjoying this."
"Very much."
Throughout breakfast, he found little ways to tease her, brushing his fingers against hers when reaching for the juice, leaning closer than necessary when speaking, lowering his voice just enough to make her hyper-aware of his presence.
She tried to ignore him. Tried to focus on the view outside, the sound of waves in the distance, anything but the way he looked at her.
After they finished eating, Derek stood and stretched. "So," he said, "I spoke to the hotel staff earlier."
"Oh?" Rebecca asked, grateful for a change in topic.
"They told me about activities couples can do together," he continued. "Horse riding, sightseeing tours, beach walks, local markets."
Her eyes widened slightly. "That sounds… nice."
"Good," he said, smiling. "Because we’re doing it."
She laughed softly. "All of it?"
"Why not? We’re on honeymoon."
After eating, they were out of the hotel, the warm air wrapping around them as they joined a small sightseeing group. The town was beautiful, colorful buildings, lively streets, and the distant sound of music drifting through the air.
They walked side by side, Derek pointing out landmarks, occasionally guiding her with a hand at her back when the crowd thickened. Each touch sent a strange warmth through her, but instead of pulling away, she found herself leaning into it.
After that, they went horse riding, during the horse riding activity, Rebecca hesitated as she approached her horse.
"I’ve never done this before," she admitted.
Derek mounted his horse easily and reached down, offering his hand. "I’ve got you."
She hesitated only a second before taking it.
As they rode along the path, the rhythm of the horses steady and calming, Rebecca found herself laughing freely for the first time. Derek stayed close, teasing her gently, encouraging her when she tensed.
For a moment, everything felt easy.
Natural.
For the first time, she felt like they were truly a couple.
Like maybe this could work.
After the horse riding, they decided to take a walk to the beach, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Derek’s phone buzzed in his pocket.
He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting subtly.
"Give me a second," he said, stepping aside.
Rebecca watched him from a distance as he answered the call, her smile fading when she noticed the seriousness in his posture.
"Yes," Derek said quietly. "I’m listening."
There was a pause.
His jaw tightened.