Chapter 8: CHAPTER 8
The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting soft rays of light that danced across the room. As I stood by the window, watching Alexander sleep, I couldn't help but feel a wave of contentment wash over me. It was the kind of peace I hadn't realized I needed—being with him, wrapped in the warmth of his presence, made everything feel right.
His peaceful expression was interrupted when his eyes fluttered open. As soon as his gaze found mine, a slow, lazy smile spread across his face, making my heart skip a beat.
"What are you doing standing there?" he asked, his voice rough with sleep, but still undeniably alluring. "Come here."
I couldn't help but smile back as I walked toward him, my steps slow, savoring every second of this intimate moment. When I reached him, he took my hand gently, pulling me toward him.
I let out a small laugh, sitting next to him on the bed, a teasing spark in my eyes. "You look so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you."
Alexander stretched out, his muscles rippling under the soft fabric of his shirt, before he pulled me closer until we were both nestled against the bed. He wrapped his arm around me and kissed the top of my head.
"I think you might be the only person who can make me feel this way," he murmured, his voice warm and sincere.
"I can't take all the credit," I said, my voice light. "You're just easy to be around. Plus, you're not so bad yourself."
His chuckle reverberated through his chest. "You sure know how to flatter me."
I shifted, looking up at him, feeling a playful smile tug at my lips. "You deserve all the flattery in the world, Alexander. I mean it."
He smiled down at me, his fingers brushing against my hair as he tucked a stray lock behind my ear. "I could get used to you looking at me like that."
"Then get used to it," I teased, reaching up to place a gentle kiss on his cheek.
He leaned down then, his lips capturing mine in a slow, tender kiss that made everything else in the world fade away. There was no rush, no urgency—just a simple exchange of affection that was more intimate than anything we'd shared before. It was the kind of kiss that left me breathless, heart racing, and completely enthralled by him.
When we pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine. "I've missed you already, even though it's only been a few hours."
I smiled softly, my fingers grazing along the nape of his neck. "I feel the same way," I admitted.
After a moment of silence, he broke it with a playful grin. "So, what should we do with this beautiful day ahead of us?"
I let my gaze wander over the room, the golden light pouring in through the windows. "Well, it's still morning. How about we start with breakfast?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I'm game if you're cooking."
I laughed. "I don't think I'm up for cooking this morning. Let's just make it easy and order in. I'm in the mood for something comforting."
"You're speaking my language," he said, getting up and grabbing his phone from the bedside table.
As he ordered breakfast, I got comfortable on the couch, curling up under the blanket. Alexander returned to the couch moments later, sitting next to me and pulling me back into his arms. We were quiet for a few moments, just enjoying the serenity of being in each other's presence.
"I never thought I'd be so happy to spend an entire day doing nothing," I said, my head resting against his chest.
"That's the beauty of it," he replied, brushing his fingers through my hair. "Sometimes, we don't need grand gestures or big plans. Just time with the person who matters most is enough."
I smiled against his chest, feeling a wave of warmth sweep over me. "You make everything feel special, Alexander. Even the simple moments."
"And you make me feel like the luckiest man alive," he said, his voice low and sincere.
Before I could respond, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of our breakfast.
I reluctantly pulled away from him, feeling the warmth of his embrace leave me, though only for a moment. As I opened the door to collect our food, I was greeted with the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants.
We settled at the table, indulging in the food as we continued our conversation. The morning passed in a blur of laughter, soft kisses, and deep, meaningful conversations. We spoke about everything—our childhoods, the things we loved, the things we feared.
"You've really lived a life, haven't you?" I asked, amazed by some of the stories he shared.
"I suppose I have," he replied with a slight shrug. "But I haven't lived fully until now."
My heart fluttered at his words. "What do you mean?"
He leaned forward, his gaze fixed on mine. "Before you, everything was just about keeping busy—working, traveling, filling the void with distractions. But now… now, I realize it's the moments like these that matter most. Moments with you."
I felt a lump form in my throat. "I feel the same way," I whispered, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup.
We spent the morning wrapped in each other's company, lost in the small things that made our bond feel more real with each passing moment.
At one point, Alexander stood and stretched, offering me his hand with a playful grin. "How about we take this day outside? A walk, maybe?"
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What, no fancy yacht today?"
He laughed, shaking his head. "Not today. Today is just for us—no distractions."
I smiled, slipping my hand into his. "Then let's go. I'm in the mood for an adventure."
The weather was perfect—clear skies, a gentle breeze, and just enough warmth in the air to make the day feel like it had been made for us. We strolled through the nearby park, hand in hand, talking about everything from our favorite movies to our dream vacations. We laughed, joked, and stole kisses under the shade of the trees. It felt like the world had slowed down just for us.
At one point, Alexander stopped suddenly, pulling me into a secluded corner of the park where a small fountain bubbled peacefully. He cupped my face in his hands, his expression softening as he leaned down to kiss me again.
This kiss was different—slow, deep, and full of unspoken promises. The world around us seemed to melt away as we held each other, our lips moving together in perfect sync. When we finally pulled away, both of us were breathless, hearts racing.
"That was… wow," I breathed, my forehead resting against his.
He smiled, his eyes sparkling with something more than just desire. "I could kiss you all day, Isabella. But I'll save some for later."
"Later?" I teased, my voice light. "So, I'm not getting all your kisses today?"
"Not all of them," he said with a wink, tugging me toward the fountain. "But you've certainly earned a few more."
We sat by the fountain, enjoying the tranquil sound of the water as we shared stories about our lives. It was simple—no grand gestures, no distractions—just the two of us in the warmth of the afternoon, getting to know each other more deeply.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we decided to head back. The day had flown by in a haze of joy, and I wasn't ready for it to end. But I knew we had to face reality eventually.
When we arrived back at the villa, Alexander walked me to the door, his hand resting on the small of my back as if he couldn't bear to let go.
"I wish you didn't have to go," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance.
"I wish I didn't have to either," I admitted, my heart heavy at the thought of leaving him. "But I have work tomorrow, and I can't avoid it forever."
He sighed, nodding. "I know." He paused for a moment, taking my hands in his. "But I'll see you soon, won't I?"
I smiled up at him, my fingers brushing against his. "Of course. I'm not going anywhere."
His gaze softened as he cupped my face gently. "Promise me something?"
"What?"
"Promise me we won't let this fade. That no matter what comes our way, we'll always make time for each other."
"I promise," I said without hesitation.
He kissed me one last time, a lingering kiss full of longing and affection. "I'll miss you, Isabella."
"I'll miss you too."
And with one final, reluctant glance, he turned and walked back to his car. I watched him drive away, my heart heavy with the knowledge that I wouldn't see him again until the next time. But I knew one thing for sure—this day, this moment, was something I would cherish forever.