Second Chance-In the mist Book 1 novel Chapter 74

"Oh, and what a plan." 

We probably ate within ten minutes and, if I was honest, I was already getting to know Dominic. Something was on his mind. We rented a car and after a half hour drive, we arrived at what appeared to be a private beach.

"I hope we're not transferring someone's property" I was concerned about the lightness with which he stepped on the soft sand. In front of me, there was an incredibly beautiful cottage. 

I couldn't contain my emotions and my steps carried me close to the entrance.

"Just my own, baby!" 

Now that was a surprise. I barely took my eyes off the house so I could face Dominic. He had that twinkle in his eyes again. This house was his, and I was just now finding out.

"You mean you own this house?" I immediately felt my voice sound surprised, maybe even more than I expected. 

"And if I said yes, would that change anything between us?" His fear of sounding like a lie amused me. 

"Of course not. I'm just surprised. I would never have thought you had a house in Bali," I continued in a hilarious tone, even displaying a wry smile. 

"Good, then let's go in. You'll like it" And he was right. Suddenly, he lifted me up in his arms and crossed the threshold. 

The house had an elegant air mixed with a much different casualness than normal. There were windows everywhere and the ocean breeze was blowing in the curtains hanging all over the house. It was in perfect harmony with the atmosphere here in Bali. "Let me make you some lemonade. You'll feel better." 

"Who told you I wasn't feeling well?" The truth was that it felt hot, and a lemonade was like a heavenly gift. It just took him two steps to be next to me. 

"I can tell you're...hot" His voice sounded deep, thick and very close to my ear. Tens of shivers ran through my body and in my mind, I was already plotting an outcome. But not this time. Certainly, my response was going to freak him out.

"I'm sure there's more to see in Bali than your naked, horny body." There was no way to intimidate this man. In one move, he twisted me around just as I turned my back on him and slammed me hard against his chest. 

"I need you as sober as possible," he laughed softly, pulling my shoulders beside him. Even such innocent closeness made me wince in a not-so-normal way. 

I didn't even know how time passed as I found myself on the dock, close to the cottage Dominic owned. I immediately realized why we had come here and although my life was full of adventures, I had never done this one before. So, for the first time, my heart was pounding in my chest. Dominic caught my lost look as I watched the calm waves of the ocean. "I take it this is your first time underwater?" 

"You could say that..." I replied, even more lost.

"Don't worry, they're not sharks" His comment drew an almost forced smile from me.

"Hmm, wonderful way to encourage me" But his frantic and wonderful laugh had exactly the effect I had been expecting for several minutes. My heartbeat was getting back to normal.

After more than an hour, we were still standing in line, ready to get our diving suits. It was a challenge to put them on. We got help from the friendly locals hired to do it all. In no time, we were underwater and waving our hands so we could understand each other. The underwater world was amazing. Banks of tiny, multicolored fish swam as if they were dancing next to us. It surprised me when I saw a catfish approaching and even more surprised when I saw Dominic motioning with his hands for me to touch it. I nodded in denial, swimming back. He then reached over and led me to the catfish. I held my breath and touched it. So did he. It was a pleasant thrill. The catfish was gentle, but soon swam away from us.