His Confession

Thea washes her hands in the sink, a sigh of relief escaping her, dinner is almost ready.

She and Daisy had taken over dinner duty as promised, and the aroma of it all filled the main lodge.

Daisy was setting down the plates, her eyes scanning Thea whose gaze was fixed on the pot on the gas. “So…you and Seth seemed to be having a serious conversation at the waterfall.”

Thea's gaze flickered over to her, and a nervous laugh followed. “What? It's nothing serious. We were just talking.”

“Really? Yet you looked like you were so close to melting into candy..”

Thea cleared her throat. “What are you saying?” She accused, refusing to meet Daisy's curious gaze.

“You know what I'm talking about. I knew you needed to talk, that's why I stayed with Arian all through.”

“Not because you wanted to listen to him talk, no?”

Daisy rolled her eyes. “Listen, I know it would be cool to end up dating your husband's best friend, but I really don't like Arian like that. He's a great guy, not a romantic interest. And I've told you, I'm more into people…”

“Frendically. I know.” Thea laughs.

Daisy sighs, “But do you want to talk about it?”

“He likes me.”

Daisy gasped, her hand over her mouth. “He told you that?”

“Well, he said he's fond of me and that means he likes me right?”

“And you?”

Thea sighed. “What's there not to like? It's just…sudden. Barely a week ago, he wanted us to…keep things neutral, and now he's telling me this?

“You think it's suspicious?”

“No. I'm saying how long he has felt this way but kept me at arm's length.”

Daisy sighs, she could understand where Thea was coming from. “I get it. You don't want to give in quickly.”

Thea shook her head. “I really don't know, it's hard not to think this might be because we're not in our usual situations. You know? We're free here. Nobody is thinking about work or anything …” her voice trailed off.

It's just hard to believe he has fallen for her. This is a man who seemed not to care about her but still, he'd shown up for her when she needed him.

“Take the time you need,” Daisy advised. She could see that Thea was struggling to make sense out of her situation, so it's only fair that she thinks things through.

Finally, dinner was set. Thea and Daisy served the meals and set the plates on the dining table. Celine, Arian, and Seth approached the dining table, inhaling the delicious aroma that filled the air.

“This smells so good,” Celine said, taking a deep breath. “You girls are a delight. I might have to hire you both away from the city.”

Daisy laughed, setting down Arian's plate. “We could start a catering business, Thea. The 'Celine-approved' label would be a huge marketing boost.”

Thea smiled. “It's not every day we get to cook for a celebrity.” She glanced at Celine, who laughed.

“It's not every day I get to enjoy a meal cooked with such… love,” Celine replied, her eyes twinkling. She looked from Thea to Daisy and back again.

“I'm!” Arian said, a spoon of food in his mouth with eyes so wide. He glanced at Thea and Daisy and raised his thumb up. “Perfect.” He said.

Thea smiled as she settled on the seat next to Seth. “I'm glad you like it.”

Seth finally took a spoon and it was just as good as Arian said. Maybe even better..

“What do you think?” Daisy asked, her eyes fixed on Seth. “It's Thea's favourite.”

Seth glanced at Thea and then back at his plate. “It's very good.” He said simply.

Thea's cheeks flushed but she looked away, returning her focus to her plate.

Their conversation at the waterfall replayed in her head and it soon dawned on her that she still owed Seth an answer of some sort.

But what was he asking for really? A relationship? What happens to their contract then? Since when did he realize he was fond of her?

The evening ended on a great note. The food was a hit, and Celine was full of compliments. As they all prepared to retire for the night, a touch of sadness settled over the group.

“I’m really going to miss this,” Celine said, a soft yawn escaping her lips. “The company, the quiet… It's been a perfect weekend. I wish it weren't over.”

Arian nods. Hell, he had to go back to his father's company and face the issues he's been trying so hard to avoid

“We can always stop by every now and then,” Thea said, her voice gentle. “It's really peaceful here and I have a feeling I'll be back here soon..”

Celine’s eyes filled with warmth. “I will hold you to that, my dear. Now, off to bed, all of you. It’s been a long day.”.

They all exchanged goodnights, and Thea found herself walking toward her cabin with Seth by her side. For the last time, she admired the sky full of stars, the cool breeze, and the distant sound of rushing water.

She's going to miss this.

Thea's eyes caught Seth walking right behind her. He looked surreal. The wind moved through his hair gently and his eyes seemed to shimmer under the moonlight.

When they entered the cabin, Seth’s gaze fell on the bed. He really didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

“I’ll take the floor tonight,” he said simply.

“What do you want from me?”

His gaze finally met hers. “Nothing.”

Silence befalls the room. “Like I said, I don't know what it is but I do want you here.”

Thea straightens up. “I told you I wouldn't care if you broke your own rules. If you fall for me.”

Seth chuckled, "I wouldn't say that's the case. But I do want you around."

Thea chuckled. What is the point of this, then? “What is this then? What do you mean you're fond of me?”

“It means I'm going to show how possessive I can get.” He said, covering the distance between them. “ I will be intruding on a lot of things and I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe. That's my confession.” He said, his eyes narrowed down on her.

Thea swallowed, she knew he meant every word.

“Go to bed. We'll leave early tomorrow." He adds, brushing past her and heading towards the bed.

He found a few extra pillows and blankets in the closet, and within minutes, he had made a comfortable space for himself on the floor, on the other side of the room.

Thea watched him, a knot of emotion tightening in her chest. This man was like a puzzle. Just when you think you've figured him out, he comes up with a different facet of himself.

She changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed. The bed felt empty without him, a contrast to their shared space last night.

She lay there, listening to the soft sounds of him settling on the floor, the hum of the air conditioner the only other sound.

Soon, her eyelids grew heavy. The events of the weekend, the exhaustion, all of it finally caught up to her. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of peace that had been absent for a long time.

Hours later, the cabin was plunged into the deep quiet of night.

Seth was still awake.

He had been lying on the floor, pretending to sleep, listening to Thea’s soft, even breathing from the bed.

He sat up slowly, careful not to make a sound. He looked at her, the moonlight from the window casting a soft glow over her face.

Her expression was peaceful. Her dark hair was splayed across the pillows, and one of her hands had fallen off the side of the bed, her fingers curled slightly in sleep.

He moved quietly across the floor, stopping beside the bed. His eyes were fixed on her hand. He bends down, and with a tenderness that surprised even him, he reached out and gently touched her fingertips. He laced his fingers through hers, the warmth of her hand seeping into his.

It was just a touch. How could he crave a touch from her so desperately, as if his life depended on it? He was yet to understand it, whatever this feeling was, and it was scary. How easy it is to manipulate, to be taken advantage of. But one look at Thea and his concerns disappeared.

He brought their joined hands to his lips and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on the back of her hand.

She didn't have to feel the same way. As long as she's here, that would be enough for him.