LILY
“Eve cooked lunch for us. Wait a minute, I’ll prepare it,” I said.
“Let me help you,” Arlo replied, and I nodded.
Arlo set the plates and glasses on the table while I scooped the food Eve had prepared for us.
After a few minutes, we finished eating and cleaning up the kitchen.
Arlo hugged me from behind and tucked a flower behind my ear. He kissed my cheek and neck before turning me to face him. He brushed a strand of hair away from my face, teasing me with his lips and his eyes. His actions sent tingles through me.
“Do you love me, Lily?” he suddenly asked, catching me off guard.
My heart pounded in my chest. I was still trying to understand Arlo’s sudden change in behavior. He pulled me closer, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist. I tried to calm my racing heart.
I love him, but I was hesitant to fully admit my feelings. My heart, however, kept defying my thoughts because it was Arlo for which my heart longed. But I was scared—afraid that Grandpa Williams might track me down. Arlo squeezed my hand gently.
“Is something on your mind?” he asked. I shook my head.
I hadn’t even noticed that he had lifted my hand and slid a ring onto one of my fingers.
“What is this?” I asked, surprised.
“To let everyone know you’re mine,” he said.
“I haven’t even answered you yet, and now I belong to you?”
“That’s where we’re heading anyway,” he said confidently as if he was certain I’d say yes.
“You’re so full of yourself,” I said.
“If you want, I’ll court you every day—even after you say yes, I’ll still court you,” he said. I playfully hit his shoulder.
“You’re such a sweet-talker!”
“I miss you, babe,” he said before kissing me passionately.
“Show me around your house,” I said.
“Of course. Soon enough, this will be your house, too,” he replied.
A little later, we stepped outside and took a walk around the property. I stared at the pool, which was clean and inviting for a swim.
“Do you want to go swimming?” Arlo asked.
“Later. I want to explore more. This place is so beautiful—it never gets old. I bet you brought your other girlfriends here, too,” I teased.
He didn’t answer, just sighed.
“Hmmm…”
“Forget what I said,” I added. He smiled, but it was clear he didn’t want to answer.
“Don’t you want to swim?” he asked. I nodded.
I excused myself to change, but I was surprised to find him following me.
“I’m going to change too. I want to swim with you,” he said.
When we entered the room, I grabbed a bikini to wear. I changed in the bathroom, closing the door behind me. While changing, I heard Arlo’s phone ring. His voice was firm as he answered the call. I couldn’t hear much, but I felt uneasy, as if something was bothering him.
After a moment, the room grew silent. He might have stepped out to take the call somewhere I couldn’t overhear.
Once I was done, I stepped out of the bathroom and saw Arlo standing in the living room. When he saw me, he dropped his phone. His eyes were glued to me, taking in my red two-piece bikini, which accentuated the curves of my body.
“Lily…” he whispered, his lips slightly parted.
