Chapter 11

Chapter 11

God, how could I have been so stupid as to doze off during the much-awaited sunset? Kin must have taken me to be a very thoughtless person. Haven’t I embarrassed myself enough with my phobia sob stories? But I didn’t detect any mirth in Kin, not even once of my lack of skills in swimming. He was even willing to help me overcome my fear. Why would he do that for a person he had just met?

“You’re ready to go back to the room, love? We have to change because I’m taking you out to dinner,” Kin’s husky voice broke me out of my stupor. His hands went out to push my hair behind my ears, then rested on my cheeks, tilting and cupping them up to his face. I could feel the heat creeping up my face, wondering if I would ever overcome this feeling every time we touched. Feeling lost, I nodded, but for what? I couldn’t remember.

“I’ll let you use our room first to change while I make reservations,” he smiled as he released his hands but leaving an index finger idling there. He used it to trace my cheekbone to my upturned nose and flicked it gently. “I wouldn’t want to be arrested for lewd behaviour if I stayed to see you change,” he murmured with eyes glinting.

I’ve read somewhere that the ideal man is a theoretical individual who embodies perfect and unfaltering masculinity. In effect, men construct their masculinity in reference to their version of the ideal man. That’s not to say that every man does what the perfect man would do or that every male should behave as the ideal man.

Now, Anakin is not about stoicism, bravery, capability, leadership or physical ability. All I could see was a charming and romantic man whose actions seemed to make my cheeks blush and my heart pound like never before. Even just by looking into my eyes, it made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. His craziness and sense of humour made me laugh all the time, conjuring up the happiness in me which was long forgotten. Anakin listened and understood every single word I said, and he knew what I wanted. While it was a pretty tall order for most men to understand women fully, understanding would definitely set the guy apart.

Every woman wants her man to care about her, even if it’s a simple gesture. He knows when to be there when his woman needs him. Wait, back up. Her man? Did that just cross my mind? Having thoughts of Anakin being my man turned my face beetroot red.

“I hope I’m the cause of these shades of red on your cheeks,” Kin drawled. “I love to make you blush.”

Gosh, like he couldn’t be more forthright about it. My embarrassment got the better of me as I turned away to get down from the rock. Kin quickly jumped down before me and grabbed my waist to hoist me to the ground. I held on to his broad shoulders for support, only to feel that tingle once again. What was the matter with me?

We walked back to the inn in silence. I wanted to say something, anything, perhaps a conversation to kill the awkwardness, but the words got stuck in my throat. As if Kin realised my predicament, he slipped his fingers in between mine as we ambled hand in hand back to the inn. I watched his reaction speechlessly, but Kin just threw me a blinding smile that caused my heart to thrum like crazy. Dear heart, what am I to do with this man?

Upon reaching the gazebo right at the edge of the water, we stopped and sat down to rest. Our hands were still intertwined, and Kin was not about to let it go. I caught him staring at me like a hundred times, but we’re both too agitated to voice out what’s in our minds. Then Kin stood up and said, “Come on. I’ll send you up to the room. Will an hour be enough for you?”

“An hour? To get ready, you mean?” I asked, puzzled.

“Yeah. Take more time if you need it. I will wait for you in the lobby,” he uttered softly.

I shook my head and said, “No, what I meant was, I don’t need an hour to get ready. I’ll only be ten minutes.”

“Ten minutes?” Kin blurted, making sure he heard me right.

“Yes, I don’t need much time to be ready. Just a quick shower and a change of clothes. Unless you expect me to put on elaborate makeup, then perhaps I do need an hour. Unfortunately, I would prefer a clean face rather than a caked one.” I deadpanned.

Kin chuckled at my explanation. He stared at me with a twitch at the corner of his mouth. I knew he wanted to say something outright, but he held back.

“Come on, spill it out. You wanna say something, but you’re holding yourself back.” I asserted.

“You sure you wanna hear what I have to say?” Kin asked challengingly.

“Just give it to me,” I urged calmly.

“I’ve never met anyone as intelligent and captivating as you. I’m fascinated by your full, kissable lips because they always say the most amazing things and outline the most enchanting smile. I’m undeniably drawn in by your warm, astute conversations, and I like how you know exactly who you are and what you want from life. I feel like I’m on vacation from all the world’s troubles when we’re together, and I love spending time with you. Your beauty is truly authentic, and I can’t take my eyes off you.” Kin uttered them all without hesitation, making me blush even more.

“Oh, another thing. I love to make you blush,” he added.

“You’ve already said that, Kin,” I murmured.

“I know. And if it takes my whole life, I will keep on making you blush,” Kin said fervently.

I shook my head in disbelieve. He doesn’t even know me well enough to say those words. I just hope one day, he won’t get disappointed in me.