Twenty Seven - My Lover

"Hey, sorry I'm late. The meeting went on for longer than I thought." Theo smiles sheepishly as he walks in.

"That's okay. Do you want to eat something before we go?" I ask as I hop out of bed to get dressed.

"No, we'll grab something on the way. Give me ten minutes and I'll change." He throws his briefcase on the bed before rushing into the bathroom with his clothes.

Two weeks after celebrating Michelle and Evan's wedding anniversary Theo told me he had an important client to meet in Dubai. I was surprised when he asked me to accompany him for a weekend trip but also worried about leaving Aria behind. She was more than enthusiastic to stay with our grandmother though. I knew grandma would be happy to take her but they both literally nagged me until I agreed to go. There was something going on but I forgot about it the second we reached the impressive hotel last night.

Now that Theo's back from visiting the client's secretary about their meeting tomorrow we've planned to check out Dubai properly and do some shopping. I get dressed into casual clothing and wear comfortable shoes before packing a bag with things we'll need for the beach. Theo walks out just as I finish and grabs his phone and wallet before we leave.

"Skiing first?" I ask as we walk out of the elevator and into the car.

"Yeah, we'll do some shopping after food." He replies as the driver merges in with the traffic.

We eventually arrive at Ski Dubai first and hit the slopes. I'm more of a beginner but Theo's a pro and gives me some tips. We explore the whole snow park and go on some rides before leaving for the beach. However, Theo guides me in another direction and we reach a harbor where several yachts are docked.

"Are you serious?!" I gasp when he pulls me onto a luxurious looking white yacht.

"Yeah, I thought it'd be nice to spend the day here and have food." He shrugs half-heartedly before we greet the staff.

We get changed in the bathrooms as the yacht moves out into sea and I slip on my black bikini before walking out. I head up to the top level where I find Theo sitting by the edge. He turns to the sound of my footsteps and a shiver runs up my spine when his eyes roam over my body deliciously. I bite my lip when I catch sight of his bare torso peeking out under his open shirt, the muscles clearly defined and complimented by his tanned skin that I envy.

"They'll serve lunch in an hour. Want to take a dip before then?" He grins cheekily and hooks a thumb in the ocean's direction.

"Sure, I don't mind." I sigh contently as I take a seat beside him. "Everything's so pretty. Thank you for bringing me."

"No problem, I would've been bored without you so thank you for agreeing." He smiles and leans over to kiss me sweetly.

We talk as we wait until the staff tells us twenty minutes later that we can jump in the ocean. I take hold of Theo's hand eagerly after he takes his shirt off before we both leap off the deck. He pulls me closer to kiss me before we swim up for air.

"Theo!" He repeatedly splashes me with water and I laugh loudly before splashing him back.

We swim a bit further before the jet skis are lowered and we have some fun with them. Eventually we go back when lunch is served and I dry off before taking a seat on the couch. Theo drapes his arm around my shoulders as he eats and we take in the scenery. I take some pictures and send them to my friends as well as the girls. Elena responds with something cheeky as always and I giggle quietly which has Theo glancing at me in confusion.

"Nothing, just Elena being Elena." I explain and he shakes his head playfully.

"The food is so good!" He sighs happily and leans back when he finishes. "Do you want to relax here for a while before we go back into the water?"

"Sure." I nod in agreement as I take a sip of my water. "All set for tomorrow morning?"

"I'm nervous but also confident that we'll get the deal. It's even bigger than the last one so there's a lot of pressure." He puffs out his cheeks before shrugging. "I wish they could tell me before we left for home though."

"They need time to decide?"

"Yeah, although the client is the key decision maker the CEO and financial officer need to sign off on it too. I understand but I'll probably be a nervous wreck on the flight." He chuckles which makes me smile.

"I'm sure it'll go well. You guys are amazing at what you do." I give his hand a reassuring squeeze as I finish my food. "Want to go back in?"

"Let's go." He grins excitedly and I squeal when he grabs me and jumps off the boat.

We resurface and I glare at him playfully but he only kisses my cheek. We spend another hour in the water and on the jet skis before deciding to head back. After changing into our clothes, we dock at the harbor within fifteen minutes and get off.

We check out the Global Village before going to a mall to shop. I manage to find some pretty souvenirs to take back home and so does Theo. When we get back in the car Theo surprises me with tickets to the Burj Khalifa's observation deck.

"I hope you're not afraid of heights?"

"No, I can't wait! It's probably going to look even more amazing at night!" I grin excitedly and he nods with a chuckle.

True to my imagination the sights are astonishing from the top of the tower. We take some pictures and marvel at how tiny everything looks below us. By the end of our trip down to the ground floor I'm covering up my yawns. Theo laughs quietly every time I can't hold back one and I swat his arm in response.

"Aren't you tired?"

"A little, not as much though." He kisses my temple after we get in the car.

I only hum and cuddle up to him. He runs his fingers through my hair and I close my eyes in bliss. The ride doesn't take that long and we thank the driver before walking inside the hotel. Making our way up to our suite we place the bags in a corner before I quickly take a shower. Theo's working on some emails and stuff when I come back out in pajamas.

"Ten bucks you'll be out like a light before I come back." He bets as he grabs his t-shirt and shorts.

"No, I won't. Watch me." I mumble sleepily as I reply to texts from my grandmother.

I hear his low chuckle before he disappears inside the bathroom. I try my hardest to stay awake but doze off for a few minutes. My elbow slips at some point though and I open my eyes with a gasp before realizing Theo's still showering. He halts when he opens the door five minutes later and I smirk at him smugly.

"You owe me ten bucks!"

"Dammit!" He laughs as he puts his clothes away before slipping under the covers next to me. "I should've known you would try hard not to sleep."

"I didn't even try. I just wasn't as sleepy as you thought." I lie and he stares at me with a knowing smile. "Really...I didn't! I don't know why you're looking at me like that."

"Alright, you won fair and square." He chuckles before pulling me flush against him. "I want to take you out on a date before we go home."

"Sure, I'd love that. What time?"

"Five okay?" He asks and I nod in response before resting my cheek against his chest. "I thought you weren't sleepy Char?"

"I'm not." I mutter but also refuse to open my eyes as I hug him close.

"Well then I guess you won't mind..." He starts and I yelp loudly when he pushes me onto my back. "When I do this."

A soft moan escapes me when he peppers kisses to my jawline and down my neck. His touch lights a delicious fire within me and I'm instantly alert. Our fingertips roam every inch of each other's skin as our bodies tangle together. We lose ourselves completely in blissful pleasure until the sun comes up. The sleep that was convincingly pulling me into its abyss earlier runs away leaving the echoes of our moans and cries behind.

***

The next evening, I get out of the shower and pamper my body before slipping into some lacey underwear I know Theo will love. I throw a robe on and walk into the bedroom to do my makeup. Theo had breakfast with me in the morning before he disappeared to make sure "everything is perfect for tonight." I shake my head with a soft smile when I remember how adorable he looked with excitement and nervousness flickering through his eyes.

He's picked out a dress for me that I've immediately fallen in love with. I match my eyeshadow to its pink color and do a sharp winged liner. Finishing the rest of my makeup I pair it with a nude lipstick and gloss before standing.

I slip into the pink dress covered in tiny iridescent sequins. It's backless with a low-cut v-neckline and spaghetti straps. Styling my hair into a sleek bun I frame my face with some baby hairs.

Theo enters just as I've finished and I twirl with a cheeky smile. "Do I look okay?"

"Wow..." He breathes as his gaze roams my figure slowly with an intense look in his eyes. "You look absolutely gorgeous sunshine...like an angel."

I blush as he walks over to me and that's when I truly take a second to admire him. He's dressed in a black suit with a black shirt, tie, and shoes. His waistcoat has a black-on-black baroque patters on it that catches my eye. He looks so incredibly handsome yet sexy, it makes me want him right here and now.

"Thank you. You look...amazing." I let my gaze roam freely as I run my hands down his torso. "As excited as I am for our date I kind of wish we had more time."

"More time for what Char?" He murmurs temptingly in my ear before kissing the area behind it.

"More time for you to peel this dress and lingerie off me agonizingly slowly before I let you take me wherever and however you want." I whisper and chuckle when he grips my hips tightly.

"You're playing with fire sunshine." His voice is low and husky when he speaks.

"You know I love the burn." I wink before grabbing my clutch and walking to the door. "Shall we go or do you need time to...fix that situation?"

He exhales deeply before adjusting himself and marching over to me. "I'm going to fuck you so hard tonight you won't be able to walk straight until we touch down in Dallas."

"Good thing I have you to carry me then my love." I laugh loudly and squeal when he smacks my ass.

I glance back as we walk to the elevator to see him looking down with a small smile. He's so damn adorable sometimes and I stop to kiss his cheek lovingly before looping my arm through his.

"Love you." He murmurs as we step in and he pulls me closer.

"I love you too handsome." I grin and he chuckles in response. "So, any hints for tonight? Where are we going?"

"We'll be dining in the desert tonight."

My eyes widen and I stare at him in surprise. "Wait...really?! I thought we were just going to some restaurant!"

"No, we can always do that. I want to make this night special." He grins like he knows something I don't. "Besides we're in Dubai, it has so many experiences to offer."

I nod with an excited smile as we walk through the lobby and out into the waiting car. Theo's hand curls around my thigh as soon as we're inside and I don't hesitate to lean against him. He intertwines our hands as we stare at the stunning city while driving to our destination.

It ends up being a forty-minute drive which I don't mind. When I start to see the sand dunes in the desert and a sign that says we're heading to a reserve I perk up in curiosity. Theo chuckles lowly with a hand placed against my back as I stare out the window.

"Okay, you can't look until we've parked outside."

"What? Why?" I pout and he grins boyishly before pulling me back into his arms.

"It's a surprise. I want to see your reaction."

"Alright." I smile before he tells me it's safe to look out from the window on his side.

The driver eventually parks and we thank him before Theo tells me to close my eyes. I wait for him to walk to my door and he takes my hand to help me out. Once I'm standing steadily with my hands in his I hear the car drive off until it's silent.

"You can look now."

"Oh wow..." I trail off breathlessly at the sight before me.

There's a canopy being held up by poles, lights tied to each one with rugs on the sand. One side is lined by couches whereas the other has two chairs and a coffee table in the middle. There's lanterns everywhere and glowing because of the candles inside as well as plants and cute decorations.

I step onto the rug and we take our seats in the chairs. We're offered drinks before our appetizers arrive. I quickly learn that the chef's menu includes a fusion of several cuisines. After the servers put down our food and leave I turn to Theo with wide eyes. He chuckles and leans in for a kiss which I happily give.

"This is amazing Theo! You're so sweet!"

"Anything for you sunshine." He smiles boyishly and brushes his lips against my knuckles.

We dig into the food which is ridiculously tasty. Midway two men and women walk onto the sand in front of us which has me glancing at Theo in confusion. He winks cheekily when they start a fire show and I watch awestruck. He reminds me to keep eating and I find myself grabbing his hand multiple times when they do some risky moves.

"Thank you! That was incredible!" I clap when they finish and the servers clear our table.

"You guys are really talented!" Theo compliments as we shake hands with them.

They thank us and leave just as our starters arrive. A man and woman arrive with a falcon each perched upon their gloved hands. They demonstrate the falcons flying before swooping to catch their lures. I watch as they reward them with a snack before asking us if we wanted to try.

Me and Theo nod before walking over. We put on the gloves before the falcons fly into the sky to catch the lures. I laugh as my one comes back to perch on my hand before I give it a snack. We take some photos of us with them before thanking them and finishing our starters.

When our mains arrive, a man walks out with a telescope and sets it on the rug. I'm astonished at the amount of planning Theo's done for this date. He greets us and starts talking about the stars and constellations as we dig into the food.

When he asks if we want to view them I nod excitedly and we take turns to look through the telescope. I find many of the constellations he talks about and it amazes me how many there are in the sky. Theo takes his turn before we thank the man and he leaves.

"Are you enjoying the date?" He asks as we sit back down and finish our food.

"I am, this is so nice!" I smile over at him before taking a sip of my drink. "Oh! How did things go with the client?"

"It went really well. They're going to tell me their decision tomorrow morning. I have a strong feeling they're going to agree because they were very impressed." He grins proudly as he sits back in his seat.

"That's great to hear! Looks like this trip will be worth it." I grin happily as I finish the last of my food.

He chuckles and shakes his head. "Getting that client wasn't the main reason behind this trip sunshine. It just came up and I used it as an excuse for what I was really planning."

Now I'm really confused and stare at him with furrowed brows. "What do you mean?"

Suddenly music starts playing but when I look around I can't see anyone. He holds his hand out to me with a grin. "Dance with me?"

I hesitate before taking it and he pulls me up. "Won't you tell me?"

"Dance with me first and then I will." He counters and I sigh before smiling.

We sway to the soft music and I chuckle when he twirls and dips me. He brings me back up and kisses me sweetly. I lose myself in his intense gaze like always, my body feeling like it's on cloud nine from his touch. He pulls me impossibly closer and I close my eyes when he rests his forehead against mine.

"I saw you for the first time on the ranch when you came to pick up Aria. You didn't see me." He starts in a low tone and I open my eyes to stare into his. "My first thought was that you're beautiful. I remember your smile taking my breath away, your laugh being the sweetest sound to my ears. My heart was racing so fast because I was scared over how drawn to you I was. All I wanted to do was walk over and get to know you."

The back of my eyes burn at his words and he pecks my lips softly. "Theo..."

"But then my heart felt so heavy because I assumed you were married. I told myself to forget about you but then we bumped into each other. While I was sorry when you told me what happened to you I was overjoyed when you showed interest in me." He continues as we sway to the music. "I became determined to show you how much I could care for you, keep you happy and love you more than anyone ever could. I fell hard from our first date and every moment after that I spent with you. When you told me that you love me too I felt like the luckiest man alive."

"You're going to make me cry." I chuckle before kissing his cheek.

"I need you in my life Char...I don't know what I'd do without you. I can't express how much I adore you in words but I'll spend the rest of my life showing you. You're so sweet, kind, thoughtful and I love it when you joke around with me." He grins and it makes me blush. "That blush. I love it when you blush, you look like even more of a goddess than you are to me already. You have a golden heart. I want to be yours and for you to be mine. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Char."

My eyes widen when I suspect where this is going. "Theo...are you – oh my god!"

He smiles nervously as he steps back before going down on one knee. "Will you marry me Charlotte Davidson?"

"Yes!" I breathe as happy tears slip from the corners of my eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you Theo!"

He laughs in relief before I tug him into a fierce kiss. We lose ourselves for a moment before pulling away. He slips the diamond ring onto my finger and I stare at it in awe. It's a large oval diamond with small ones lining the entire band.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it, it's so beautiful!" I exclaim before kissing him again.

"I'm glad." He murmurs and kisses my cheek just as fireworks go off.

My jaw drops in amazement and I can't help but laugh breathlessly. Theo hugs me from behind as we watch them light up the sky. This has been the most magical night and I feel like the luckiest woman. Although we've talked about our future together it still feels surreal that we're now engaged.

"Thank you Theo. Tonight has been perfect." I whisper and turn to face him. "I'm so glad I found you. You affect me just as wildly and there's never a moment where I don't feel loved and cared for by you. I knew I was a goner the second I saw you. I love you so much."

"I love you too sunshine, endlessly." He grins and his lips come crashing down on mine once again.

We kiss under the starry night filled with fireworks. This has truly been a night I'll never forget and I'm excited to spend the rest of my life with the man I adore.

Vote if you are enjoying this story!

Chapter 28 is already up on Inkitt! Click the link in my bio or announcement post to read my book faster!

1. Download the app

2. Follow my profile

3. Put my book in your reading list!

- R.W. ♡