Jain
Jain
" W elcome to your honeymoon, baby," Evan murmured as I stared in awe at the view from our room. Turquoise water left powder white sand behind, stretching back as far as the eye could see. The sky was a brilliant blue, the sun beaming down on us with a heat I'd never experienced before. My skin drank it in, the warmth filling my veins and making my soul sigh with relief.
"It's like heaven, isn't it?" I breathed, aware of how cliché it sounded but not caring at all.
"It certainly is. Paradise, no?"
I nodded, my eyes still trying to mentally photograph every element. Our room was the top part of a handful that overlooked the ocean, steps away from the sandy beach. I turned to Evan, noticing how he was gazing at me instead of the incredible view.
"Evan!" I cried, pointing at our surroundings. "Seriously, have you seen this?"
He nodded, walking towards me, his hands resting on my waist .
"Nothing compares to what I see when I look at you," he said softly, his eyes locking onto mine. My stomach flipped over, making me almost unsteady on my feet.
"How did I get so lucky?" I whispered, my finger tracing the strong line of his jaw. The calm breeze played with his hair, highlighting the contrast between its colour and that of his eyes. His lips lifted in one corner as he chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss me tenderly.
"It hasn't been an easy ride, Jain. We deserve this. We deserve our happily ever after."
I studied him, my heart bursting with love and adoration. This was simply perfection.
"Now you want to hit that beach, don't you?" Evan teased, tugging away his black t-shirt and discarding it to the floor. My breathing increased at the sight of his body, the lines at the bottom of his toned stomach that led down to his...
"Jain? We could always stay in the room..." Evan bit back laughter when I shook my head.
"As tempting as that is, I'd say twice was enough for now. That sand is calling my name."
Evan raised his eyebrows before reaching for my hand. "Did you just say twice was enough?"
His voice was dripping with authority, and my core tightened. He had a way with words that made me shiver like a naughty schoolgirl.
Well. Been there, done that.
"Maybe," I said coyly, moving out of his grasp to my suitcase, which was open on the floor. Contents spilt out of it as I hunted through it, searching for my bikini. Finally locating it, I began to change.
Evan watched me, a hungry look passing over his face.
"I need to get on that beach, then I swear, we can spend the next ten days holed up in here. "
He snorted then before throwing me an exasperated look.
"I'm not going to get you back in this room once you've been out there," he pointed out as I twisted my hair into a loose bun.
I watched as Evan lifted my beach bag from the bed, laughing at the sight of him standing there holding a bright neon flamingo bag. He gave me a puzzled expression before glancing at the bag.
"Ah. Whatever my wife wants, my wife gets," Evan explained proudly, and I felt a flutter of delight. He held the door open for me, and I made my way past him and down the steps like a child on Christmas morning. The air was somehow hotter here, and I noticed the difference as I inhaled.
"Ready?" Evan laughed as I nodded, bounding over to the beach like an excited puppy. The minute my toes sank into the soft powdery sand, I let out a moan of happiness. The grains were so fine. It felt like I was walking on a soft carpet. The warmth on my skin and under my feet made me giddy, and I realised it was paradise.
"I can't believe my first holiday abroad is to Barbados, seriously," I whispered as we sank onto two sunbeds that were perched in the crystal-clear shallow water. A hotel staff member appeared immediately, taking our beach bag, and swiftly hanging it under the large umbrella. He gave us a broad smile before asking if we wanted anything to eat or drink.
"You'll bring it here? To us?" I gasped as Evan smiled at my disbelief.
"It's an all-inclusive luxury, Jain. They will bring you anything you want."
"Right, well, in that case, can I get a glass of champagne?" I asked boldly, noting the twinkle in Evans' eyes .
"We will have the bottle, please," Evan said simply as the man nodded and disappeared.
"I think I'm in love with your brother." I groaned with happiness, earning me a sharp look from my husband.
"He isn't me." Evan laughed playfully, and I giggled.
"This is just too amazing, though. My mum bought us some pans for the kitchen," I winced, noticing Evan's eyes cloud over.
"Pans are normal. This is beyond extravagant, Jain. But he feels guilty that my parents weren't there."
My chest ached when he spoke, and I reached for his hand. He lifted it to his lips, kissing it softly.
"I'm not bothered, Jain. If they don't accept us, then they don't get me."
I nodded, suddenly feeling sad despite the perfect situation I found myself in. I understood it—their brilliant and fabulous son had become a criminal for me. Evan, being Evan, had immediately been offered a job that paid more than teaching, but I knew it lacked the passion that education held for him.
It was a high price to pay.
"I'm sorry you can't teach," I whispered as he glanced at me, waving his hand dismissively.
"Jain, I've got you. Do you know how hard it was teaching without you in my life? I much prefer it this way."
"I know, but I'm sorry you don't have both."
Evan nodded grimly, and I knew then he was thinking about Julian and Vada. He scowled before letting his eyes wander over my body.
"Me too, but I've got you. I'm good."
The champagne arrived, and as I sipped the ice-cold bubbles, I sighed happily. My fingers laced with my husband's. The sun was warming my bones, and the sea waited for me patiently.
I was a lucky girl.