Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Rella's day had started out great. She got to hang out with her best friend, try out exquisite cuisine she's never had before, get to see breathtaking scenery with the man she loves but someone wants it to end in a bad taste.

Stefan had insisted that Van and Jake stay at the beach house with them. They played charades and drank whiskey in front of the fire place. Everything seemed to be going smoothly when Rella's phone suddenly pinged with a new message.

Meet me tonight to get your answers.

The sender was unknown. What was so profound that someone wants her to know so bad? And how curious was she to take their word for it?

How had they gotten a hold of her number in the first place? This was her first time in New Caledonia.

These questions swirled in her head for a long time.

She spent the better part of the evening feeling restless and mulling over what her next step should be. Should she tell Stefan about it?

"What's on your mind you look distracted?" Stefan wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck.

"Nothing, I'm just so happy. Jake and Van who would've thought."

"I guess you were right in your suspicions before." He said reminding her what she said about the two at the fundraiser before but Stefan had been quick to dismiss it.

"I still cannot believe it. It's quite a story alright."

"Well you can't tell your heart who to love it just happens when one least expects it, look at us for example. We were always at each other's throats when we got married but love triumphed." Rella smiled fondly at the memory she remembered how impossible it was for the two of them to be in the same room and not argue.

"I'm so happy for them." She said.

Van kissed Jake suddenly and he pulled her tightly against him deepening the kiss. When they pulled back breathless and wanting more Jake asked.

"What was that for?"

"It's a thank you kiss." Van said with a smile. " I had so much fun today than I had in my entire life and I have you to thank for it."

" Now don't go all mushy on me."

She punched his arm. "you wish."

Jake grabbed his shoulder groaning as if he was in pain. "quit messing around I didn't even hit you that hard."

" Well you're gonna pay for that." He said before he tackled her into the bed tickling her mercilessly. She laughed histerically, writhing underneath him. He stopped suddenly, his face only inches from hers and his hands underneath her blouse were warm and welcoming.

Jake's eyes followed her tongue as she licked her lips and Van realised her mistake. She watched his obvious internal struggle as he pinned her down on the bed.

Her heart was beating out of rhythm. If he kissed her now there'd be no going back and they had agreed to take things slow for now. They only just started dating officially.

Them with a sigh Jake withdrew from her and ran a finger in his hair while staring down at her.

"I'm sorry."

Van sat up. "No. Thank you for not insisting I know you wanted to."

Jake moved closer and gathered her up in his arms. "I love you and I can wait whenever you're ready." He said and kissed her forehead. Van wrapped her arms around his torso and rested her head against his chest feeling happiness coursing through her at that moment and she knew then that the next time they get together will be special.