AUTHOR'S POV
"It's just us"
With furrowed brows, Scott thought that it was an absurd question. He tried so hard to be more than creative and a little bit persuasive just to draw Diana in. He wouldn't waste such opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of having Diana all to himself. Honestly, he doesn't want to share his Luna with anyone. He sat on the other end of the table. Even though he wanted to sit so close to her, he didn't want to give hints for being too obvious that he is head over heels interested on this girl.
Diana kept her eyes low, wondering what she's even doing with Scott. She's certain that the pink purse is definitely owned by a woman. Making sure that she's only here paying her debt, Diana cleared to herself that she does not want to entangle her life with the guy she just met. No assumptions of anything serious with a pleasure seeker and a total player like him. Definitely, she decided to draw a line from opening a door of a complicated relationship for her already complicated life.
"I hope you like steak. The kitchen is busy, they can't take my orders. So, you don't have much choice but to enjoy my cooking", Scott served a piece steak on her plate.
Diana adores people exerting their personal efforts. For her, that's a true labor of genuine sincerity. "I'm sure this taste good. So, you cook?", she replied as she slice her steak.
"On special occasions", Scott blushed a little, clearing his throat. He lifted his wine glass and gulped a quaff of the wine. Unknowingly, he kept stealing glances at Diana as they dine quietly. From her slender fingers, her thin arms. Scott trailed his eyes up to her collarbone. He tilted his head on her neck gulping a lump of meat. Eventually, he found himself fascinated with how she chop and chew her food slowly. Diana moved with grace, and elegance like a bird enjoying its food. It was fun to watch. "What made you come here to the island?", he asked as he grab a piece of steak and poured wine in his glass. He gestured offering wine for Diana, yet she crinkled her nose and shook her head sideways.
"For vacation", she answered wiping her mouth. "I don't drink, Scott", she refused.
"Alone?", he asked, placing the bottle of wine on the battle.
"Why not?", she replied. "Sometimes, being alone is a reward you give to yourself.. you get no pressure from others.", Diana said in a serious face as she unconsciously poke her steak deeply and several times with her fork.
Scott was speechless. That's the most honest and longest answer that he received from her. It seemed like it came out straight from her heart. 'So she's getting pressured? By whom?', he thought. His eyes darkened with the fact that whatever situation she's in, it definitely gave her difficulties making her runaway to this island. And he's glad that he arrived in her life at the perfect time.
"Getting space for yourself is good. But, with great company, you can get sense of meaning and a different level of happiness", Scott said without taking off his piercing gray eyes on her.
"Maybe you're right.", Diana stared and smiled at Scott. Somehow, Diana thought Scott can be sensible too. She then turned her eyes back on her meat, slicing a few more bite-size pieces.
"Did anyone invited you or recommended this island?", Scott changed the subject as he noticed the conversation is making Diana unhappy.
"No, the seaplane ticket I had was a gift from a friend", Diana lied. She wouldn't want to share her personal details to a guy she just met. It would be very shameful on her part to make it known that she got stood up by her groom.
Little did Diana know, that the island is for invitation only. Guests receive a special kind of seaplane ticket or yacht access to enter the island. 'Who invited you, Diana? Do the Trevors know you?', Scott wondered.
"How about you? You own this island?", she curiously asked.
"No, it's my friend's. His family own the island, and he occupies this villa. I just happen to be forced to come here", Scott said as he emptied his wine glass and began to feel uneasy about the topic. It would be awkward to tell the woman he's crazy for that he was supposed to get married a couple of days ago.
All the while Diana thought Scott is a part owner of the island. She wondered how could Scott be forced to come to this beautiful paradise? She would trade her 36-hour duty to stay here for another week. "Anyway, what's the second way to pay off my debt?", Diana refrained to ask further since she doesn't want to put her nose on other's businesses.
"Why so eager? I haven't even thought about it", Scott said as he gave her a slice of strawberry shortcake.
"I don't eat sweets.", she said as she push the cake back.
"But this is the best food in the world!," he hissed as he push it back to Diana again. Without a doubt, this is his favorite dessert. And sharing it with her is a big thing because he never shares his strawberry shortcake with anyone or any random person.
"Okay then", Diana smiled when she thought Scott looked like a kid asking her to eat his precious shortcake. She took a spoonful and was delighted with how delicious it was - it is not too sweet and it fit to her liking. Diana do not have a sweet tooth, but Scott's strawberry shortcake is to die for, finishing it in no time.
"I told you so", he proudly nodded as he notice Diana liked it so much. He pressed on his back pocket, swiping for his lighter. Misinterpreting his gesture, Diana thought that Scott is still bothered by his injury from the fall this morning.
"Does it still hurt?", Diana softly asked.
"A little. Want to check?", the dramatic actor winced as he pointed out with his thumb.
"I don't mind checking", she answered with a straight face. As a doctor, Diana is used to seeing bodies, with clothes or none, bloodied or clean. It would be a great concern if Scott's injury is serious.
Scott almost fell from his chair. He didn't imagine that they would going this fast. He took Diana for a conservative one, and yet, she's leading him to the receiving area with so much courage. She let Scott sit on the acid wash L-shaped sofa. Scott took off his shirt and waited for Diana to make a move. He was breathing shakily, as he try to stay still.
Diana was surprised to see a large tribal tattoo on Scott's left side of the body. She never took him as someone daring to get inked as big as such. As she run her eyes on Scott's body, Diana laid her cold hand on Scott's back. Scott flinched at her touch, as he let out a sharp sigh. Scott closed his eyes and started to unbuckle his belt.
But then, as Diana palpate Scott's lower back, she could tell that there's nothing serious at all. "There are no bruises and it's not too tender. It could be beaten due to the fall. You may take pain relievers if you can't bear pain", she told Scott as she handed his shirt to him.
Scott froze, and wished to sink where he sits from shame. He put on his shirt back, clearing his throat. Just then, he suspected that his Luna could be a doctor, judging the way she examined and spoke to him. But, he was too afraid to ask. He turned around to face Diana but ended up facing each other too close. So close that they could see each other's reflection on their eyes.
He was so mesmerized that he got lost in her sapphire eyes. He leaned towards her and thought, 'Maybe one kiss is okay'. He was about the kiss her when suddenly someone opened the main door. "Are we interrupting something?", Lucas smiling ear to ear with his eyes side glancing, signaling that he's not alone.