As the days unfolded, that evening felt serene—almost perfect. Tom and Anna's connection deepened, and the night passed quietly, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence. The subtle glow of the fading day lingered in the air, like a promise of something more.
The next morning, as the sunlight spilled into the room, Tom and Anna both noticed the marks left on their skin, evidence of the closeness they had shared the night before. Mark, ever the teasing friend, caught sight of them first. He raised an eyebrow and gave Tom a playful nudge when Anna wasn't around. But when she entered the room, Mark fell silent, and Tom just offered a soft smile, a knowing look that made Anna blush, but she didn't mind.
After breakfast, I gathered everyone together. "I've made the plan for our trip," I said. "We're going to an island, somewhere no one knows us. The jet's ready. Pack your things." Anna's eyes sparkled with excitement, and when Tom saw her smile, his own face lit up, the kind of smile that softened his usual intensity.
The rest of the day felt easy, peaceful. Tom stayed home—no rush, no demands. He didn't have to think about work, or anything outside of the small world they were creating together. It was just them, in their own little bubble.
Meanwhile, Mark had his own plan for the day. He met Arin, and they spent the afternoon at the beach. The sky stretched endlessly above them as he led her to a quiet spot, his heart racing. "Arin," he began, voice steady but his hands betraying a nervous tremor, "Will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in Arin's eyes before she answered, "Yes." The simplicity of it all was beautiful. The two of them, once separated by circumstance, now reunited by fate, embraced as if the world around them had paused.
Back at home, Tom couldn't resist the pull of Anna's presence. After Mark left, it was just the two of them again. Tom found her in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared lunch. He walked up behind her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face before leaning in to kiss her cheek. Anna's laughter filled the room as she tried to wriggle away, but Tom only smiled, his hands gentle but firm, pulling her back into his arms.
"Tom, we're supposed to be cooking," Anna teased, but the playful glint in her eyes was unmistakable.
"I know," he murmured, lips grazing her ear. "But there's always time for this."
He kissed her again, slower this time, savoring the sweetness of her lips, letting the world fade around them. Anna melted into him, her breath catching in her throat, as if she couldn't decide whether to pull away or let herself be lost in the moment. Tom, noticing her hesitance, pulled back slightly, giving her the space to breathe. But it didn't last long. He lifted her gently, their hands intertwined as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and they both lost themselves in the quiet intensity of the kiss.
When they finally stopped, both breathless, Tom smiled softly, his thumb brushing across her cheek. He didn't say anything, but his eyes spoke volumes—a promise, a longing, a depth of affection that was all his own.
That day passed slowly, and in the days that followed, their bond only grew stronger. Anna learned the art of cooking Tom's favorite dishes, and in return, Tom taught her how to enjoy the little moments—the quiet ones, the ones that spoke of love without needing words.
The day of the trip arrived sooner than they'd expected. At the airport, with their bags in hand, Tom and Anna stood side by side, ready for the next step in their journey. The jet was waiting, and as they boarded, Tom slipped his hand into Anna's, a quiet assurance that no matter where they were going, they would be okay—together.
As the plane lifted into the sky, Anna settled beside him, her head resting gently on his shoulder. Tom looked down at her, his heart full. She was asleep within minutes, her breath steady and calm. He smiled, a soft, private smile that only she would ever see, as he watched her, content just to be near her.
Before takeoff, Mark's voice came through the phone, a quiet reminder. "Take care of her, alright?" he said.
Tom's smile deepened. "Always."
And with that, the journey began.