1 Chapter 1

I have been reeling in joy since Gideon announced that we would be visiting his hometown this weekend. I can't seem to curtail my excitement. I have made great effort to convince him these last few months to let me in on his past but Gideon has always been one hell of a hard nut to crack. He was adamant about it all. I understand he is a reserved person and he values his privacy so much but I'm his girlfriend! We have been dating for six months. Our relationship is almost good to be true but that's what made it special because it is actually real! Though not perfect because we've had our own share of the game but man, is Gideon the most romantic, caring, attentive and quiet boyfriend any lady could wish for.

My best friend Samantha had never really liked Gideon's personality though. Well, I might say the feeling is mutual between them, as Gideon never approves of our friendship but he repects my space and trust in my judgement. Sam had taken extra effort to investigate my boyfriend. Really? Who does that! It's not like Gideon is some criminal with tattoos or piercings all over him. Nor is he a rich, prominent individual that needs keeping tab on. Gideon is just him; simple, plain, sweet and reserved. Well, maybe a little too reserved and that's what has been keeping Sam on edge. I know she is only looking out for me but it just has to stop.

Oh! Have I mentioned how handsome my baby is? My goodness! He has definitive features; his well chiseled jaw gave his angular face a striking feature. He has a great body with every muscle slapped back in shape. His trimmed waist and well muscled thigh gives him the impression of an ancient greek god. He loves to keep fit always. I would be selling him short if I keep the details of our spicy sex life. Gideon is a well oiled machine. He is well hung down there that I had my moment of doubt the first time we made out but Gideon had been so careful with me, putting my needs first. He made sure I was well lubricated and actually begging him before he slowly made his way in.

That was the best sex I have ever had in all my relationships combined. Well, just two since I don't have a list of admirers lined up begging for my attention. Don't get me wrong, I'm a hottie by right, maybe not those hourglass figure but I've got the right flesh, height, color and beauty for it. Maybe that's the problem. I let my natural beauty get in my head that I hardly made out time to care for my look. Sometimes I wonder how I managed to land myself a full package in person of Gideon. He was just too perfect for me and I didn't make any conscious effort to get him. I would have doubted his sincerity if we had met on a different circumstance.

"Hey! What the fuck have you been fantasizing about Melissa? You should see your face". Sam said with a hiss as she went back to occupy the seat opposite mine.

It appears she has been calling my attention to something while I was lost in reverie. I can tell she's fifty shades of anger now because she only calls me by my full name when I'm being an impertinent child, like she would say. Otherwise, I'm Mel, good sweet Mel.

"I'm sorry babe. Were you saying something?"

"No! I was just screaming the whole house down"

"Oh, come on baby! Don't be like that". I said walking to her seat to pacify her.

"Okay!" She said in surrender to my plea. "I asked if you would be okay on your own, going with him"

"With who?" I blurted out before realizing she was referring to my boyfriend. "Oh, you mean Gideon?"

I know I can be clumsy at times but the look Sam is giving me might just made me shrink beside her.

"Sure, why would I not be? I'm not going on a vacation with a stranger", I said laying a little emphasis on 'stranger'.

Sam can be overbearing to a fault. As much as I appreciate her care, it annoys me sometimes. She needs to respect my decision and trust my judgement. It's one major reason we always have a fallout.

"Can we forget about my relationship for the rest of your stay here? Please!" I begged in earnest

I was already ticked off and I know she can feel it too because she raised her hands in surrender. I know it won't last since she would be staying overnight but I can manage a few hours of her keeping mum about Gideon.

"Fine. You should keep your hair on. There is really no need to get so worked up over it." Sam retorted, rolling her eyes.

Sam and I have been best friends since college. That was eight years ago, when we first met at the school library in L.A. I was going to pick the same book she was stretching her hand for. We end up sharing the book. We got talking and realized we were in the same department. That was how we kicked off. We moved off camp in our second year and stayed together in an apartment few distance away from campus. Sam knew all my troubles with my past relationships and she mostly blame me for giving room for excesses. I had come to rely on her strength for support. It appears now that she is also having difficulty adjusting to the demands of my relationship with Gideon as it has rob us off our private moments.

Now, I feel guilty for losing my patience. Sam deserved better. I looked at her, saw she was occupied with her phone. I thought of how to appease her. I stood up and went towards the kitchen.

"Sam, I want to make oatmeal. Do you care for some?" I asked casually.

I know what her response would be. That's one of her favorite meal and Sam being the lazy one in the kitchen, would always bribe me to make some for her and here she is, having the request thrown at her. Trust me, she would run for it. Sometimes, I go out of my way to make Oats pancake or with chicken porridge. Sam just loved my cooking since the first day she had a taste of it. I remember we even struck a deal then. She keeps the home clean, and I keep her belly full.

"No, I'm good", she said adjusting her glasses.

What! I'm surprised. Like that has never happened since I know Sam. Perhaps she didn't hear what I said clearly. Infact, I'm convinced she didn't.

"Are you sure you don't care for some? It's Oatmeal..."

"I know what oatmeal is. You don't need to give me a browser definition of it", she said cutting me off.

Okay, I think this is more serious than I imagined. I stood midway, unsure what my next course of action should be. I felt a vibration in my jean pocket. I brought out my phone to check the caller I.D. It's Gideon.

"We are not done with this conversation", I said to Sam as I picked my call and walked out of the room.

"Hey baby!" I said excitedly.

I have missed him so much. He had travelled out of town two days ago for his modelling business. Yes, that's what I thought too. If he has the face and body, why not put it to good use. The only part of his job I hate is when he has to stay away from me for days, traveling around for one photo session or another. He had taken me along on two different occasions at my insistence. I loved every bit of experience through out the trip. Except when some female models would not keep their hands to themselves. Always finding a reason to touch him, hold him, but Gideon never allowed me out of his sight for more than five minutes and those were when I had to use the restroom. He ignored all their advances, pouring all his attention on me instead.

"Mel, how are you?"

"Not great babe". I said pouting. Silly, since he doesn't see me

"I know you're pouting already"

I was going to ask him how he knew then I remembered he knew me so well. Sometimes, I try to argue if he knows me better than Sam. That's unthinkable though if you consider how long I've known both of them. I mean, Sam and I have known each other for eight years while my relationship with Gideon is just six months, not even a year but when he says some shocking revelation about me, I feel like he has actually been studying me for years.