We were heading out of the resort when suddenly I felt a hand snaked around my waist. I turned around and saw Nate giving me a loving smile.
"Hi, there. Someone is looking hot today". He winked with a shred of mischief on his face.
I was relieved. This was the first normal and alone moment we both had ever since we got here and having Nate's arms around me made me feel relaxed and at ease again.
Nate looked handsome in a basic blue t-shirt paired with black jeans. "Somebody isn't looking bad either, and I am glad somebody has finally found some time for me." I wrapped my arms around his neck and giving him a peck on his cheek.
"I am happy to be with you here, Emma. Let's just have a good day today. I want to make it special and unforgettable for both of us". It only took a string of soft words from his mouth to rein still my fading faith.
Hand in hand, like an adorable couple, we went around the city. We saw museums, monuments and street markets before we settled to dine for lunch in one of the authentic specialty restaurants in the heart of the town.
We chatted and explored, the day passed in a blink, and soon we were driving back to our resort. Everybody headed to their rooms, and we decided to meet at the reception at eight pm to go to the club together. I was heading to the elevator when Nate asked me to stay back while Niki went ahead to our room.
He held my hand and asked me to follow him. He pressed the button for 14th floor, that's where he was staying. Rest of our rooms were on the 13th floor. I felt nervous, but none of us uttered a word.
As soon as we reached his floor, the elevator's beep got me out of my thoughts, and when we stepped out, Nate without leaving my hand, made us walk to his room.
A guy likely from guest services was cleaning up his room when we entered. He warmly greeted both of us and left the room, closing the door behind us.
Once inside, I turned around to look at Nate.
"Hey, what are we doing here?", but before I could complete, Nate came closer, cupped my face in his hands, and leaned in to kiss me. His lips met mine, and soon his tongue slid in, as his hands gently stroked my back.
At first, I was taken aback, but then I kissed him back with the same passion, my hands in his hair at the back of his head.
After a deep long kiss, his lips slid down slowly to my neck, and his hand slid up my dress, softly caressing my inner thigh.
I was feeling dizzy and lost, and for a moment, my heart gave in to his soft touch. As much as I wanted him, I did not want this to happen like this, not before I talked to him and cleared our misunderstandings.
"Nate, please stop," I murmured.
He was too involved to listen as he continued to kiss me. I repeated, but a bit loudly this time, "Nate, please stop baby. I need to talk to you first."
He stopped with an agitated look in his eyes, "Come on, Emma, what do you want to talk about now?"
"I want this too Nate, trust me, I do. But we have some unresolved issues. Last few months have been very concerning. Let's talk for a bit first, please?"
"What issues Emma?"
"It felt like you were ignoring me, you have been so distant lately. We hardly talk or meet. I don't know what happened Nate, but I missed you." I finally collected all my courage and let it out.
"We both were at different places Emma! I almost had a new life, bigger and better lifestyle and an elite group of friends. I needed my time to settle in, and I could not do it by hanging with you all the time. I wanted some space, that’s it". He looked angry, he was pacing up and down the room, his hands running in his hair.2
"Nate? What do you mean? I understand that..."
"No, you will never understand any of this, because in your head you are still stuck in that small neighborhood". His words felt like a sharp knife.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and before I could muster the strength to reply to his uncalled remark, he stormed out of his room, leaving me alone. I broke down on the couch as his toxic retort replayed loud and clear in my head.
Nate was no longer the same, or was I no longer good enough for him?
Chapter 3
Jake
Emma
Corsica - Three months ago
Nate's words stung my heart. I wiped my tears and calmed myself before heading back to my room. I saw Niki was already in the shower, probably getting ready for the party.
I did not want to bother her with my problems, at least not on her birthday eve today, so I decided not to share anything with her.
I put on the white short dress I bought specially for tonight and combed my hair, leaving my soft curls lose brushing against my back and shoulders. I put on a light mascara and a red lip gloss completing my look.
"Oh my god! Nate is one lucky bastard", Niki entered the room in her bathrobe with another towel wrapped around her hair.
"You look gorgeous Emma; Nate will have his eyes only on you tonight. I am so excited; I know today is the big day." She stepped forward and hugged me.
"Thanks, Niki. But enough about me, today is your birthday eve, and I want to help my favorite girl in the