Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 29 ^.^

 I know I should stop him here but his it's contagious and I feel myself remembering last nights events also. He sighs and takes a step back to create some much needed space between us. "So - I ended up running down to the small cove in the beach I took you to... then I was too tired to run back so I rested there for a while." He makes sure his eyes are locked on mine as I search for any hint of a lie. I know he is telling the truth and a small smile plays on my unwilling lips. His shoulders relax - relieved.

"I believe you..." I sigh. A genuine smile spreads on his own lips and he looks happier than I'd ever seen him since I'd arrived. A moment passes before I decide to change the subject. "So... Celia." I bite my lip and gauge his reaction. A dark look flashes in his eyes and just like that I feel him closing up to me - his smile gone. I huff and I know he can see my disappointment. His eyes beg me not to ask but I push him anyway, "Where is she?"

Luca tenses. He looks away from me, sighing, and running a hand through his sun-kissed brown hair. It's my turn to cup his face in my hand and I bring it back to face my own worried gaze. He takes a second before he finally speaks, "Cyan - I-I don't want to speak about it..." His worry is evident and I know he is scared his answer will disappoint me, and it does. I try not to show it but he can see it anyway, "A-at least not right now." He corrects.

Then when?

"Fine. I get it..." I say. I did but I also didn't find it fair that he wanted me to trust him when he wouldn't let me in.

"Fine is bad..." He sighs. I bite my lip nervously and shrug. I wasn't going to deny the truth in that. Fine was not ok. His lips come down onto mine and he forcefully stops me gnawing on my lip with his tongue. I hadn't been expecting it and my eyes widen. "I told you not to do that..." He growls, pulling away from the kiss.

"Y-you can't kiss me like that." I lean back further from him. "I told you. If anything happens in-between us again it can only be a one night thing...." I try and explain. 

He sighs and whispers, "In denial... and stubborn." I roll my eyes. "Look how about this.... I can't talk about it yet but I promise you I will try. However, you have to promise that when we walk out that door you won't avoid me. Also - tomorrow I want you to spend the day with me - I have a surprise for you relative to your bucket list."

I contemplate it. I felt like it was a bad idea but I also wasn't sure I had it in me to deny the offer. "Fine....but as friends - ok?" I search his eyes but he gives nothing away.

He shrugs, "I won't cross any line that you truly don't want me to..." His words are accompanied by a small smirk and I roll my eyes. "Unless you wear that bikini again. If I see you in that again I will be crossing many lines." His heated gaze bores into mine and I force myself to look away, crossing my arms over myself and making sure my hair is providing coverage.

"Fine - whatever." I guess I would find out if curiosity killed the cat after all.

***

I had never looked forward to a Sunday as much as I did right now. I'd spent the rest of the day at the beach with Lea after her shift ended and then she invited herself over for the night. I was happy to have the company but I planned to turn myself in earlier than usual. Luca had been messaging me throughout the day and I'd asked him about what he had planned for tomorrow. He wouldn't say but after much insistence on my behalf, I'd found out a few key facts. I knew that I would need a comfortable bikini or bathing suit and that we would be having lunch elsewhere. He told me he would pick me up at 11am and that we wouldn't be back until late.

Now, as I send one last text to Luca, I catch Lea trying to look over my shoulder. I roll my eyes and lock my phone after typing goodnight. "Snoop much?" I say, leaning my back against the cushions.