We woke up early the next morning because Gabriel said we had a busy day ahead. Early for me on a Friday was nine am. Gabriel had teased me for half an hour after he managed to drag me out of bed. He finally stopped when I slammed the bathroom door in his face and refused to come out unless he apologized. Thankfully he did and the rest of the morning went on smoothly.

After a very delicious breakfast of waffles, fruits and milkshakes we were ready to face the day. I was dressed in rugged black jeans, combat boots and a cropped black T-shirt. I knew we were going to be around families today so my T-shirt was decent, don't want to scar the kids. Gabriel was dressed similarly in black jeans, a navy blue T-shirt and boots too. We looked like a matching couple. The only thing I took with me was my phone and sun glasses. Anything else we would need would be provided for us.

"So our first activity for the day is biking around the paths created for us all around the establishment. Where its safe at least." Gabriel informed me when we approached where the bicycles were packed.

"Speaking of. I don't really know how to ride a bicycle." I announced and Gabriel turned to look at me with a shocked look on his face.

"Really?!" He asked with disbelief dripping from his tone.

"Yes really. I never really learnt having been in boarding school almost my whole academic life." I explained. "So stop looking at me with that shocked and judgemental look on your face."

"Sweetheart I'm not judging you, I'm just surprised that's all." He replied and my insides melted at the endearment.

He just called me sweetheart. I had to hold myself not to dance a little on the spot I was standing on. Something must be really wrong with me. A girl who didn't believe and romance was getting excited over a simple term of endearment from a guy. He just wasn't any guy though. It was Gabriel. And just that thought drove all the negative thoughts from my mind. If it were any other guy I wouldn't be here but because it was the one guy who stirred more than lust in me. Gabriel was a mystery I wanted to unravel and I would make sure I did.

"There's not enough time to teach you so we'll just have to use one of the tandem bikes meant for couples. Don't worry I'll lead and make sure nothing happens to you."He promised.

"I believe you." I replied and he nodded.

We were given a set of instructions and rules to follow before we were finally on our way. Gabriel was right and he did as promised because he made sure I was comfortable enough before he began cycling. This was so much fun and it was the place was beautiful and so serene. I don't think I would be ready to leave this place when it was finally time to go.

We stopped to bird watch in some places and were allowed to take pictures. There were different types of flowers blooming in the trees and the fresh air did me some good. My mom didn't live in the city and I sometimes forgot how peaceful and beautiful it was out here without all the tall buildings and fumes from all the machinery operating in the city.

"Having fun?" Gabriel asked me being a little louder than normal due to all the chitchat of the people around us.

"Fun is an understatement." I replied grinning wildly.

"I'm glad because we're heading towards the sky walk next and its not exactly... You know what you'll just see for yourself." He said and I shrugged at that.

I didn't really care for what he meant as long as the fun didn't stop. After another twenty minutes we came to a clearing in the middle of forest and there was a huge pond with green looking water and I could see what looked like very long logs floating around.

We parked out bikes nearby and I noticed some wooden stairs built to lead up to a treetop. It then led to a bridge that led all the way to the other side of the pond and back. I was very excited for this. The bridge was made with some wooden planks held together by rope and there were some ropes on the side too for support. For an adrenaline junkie like me this was just the fix I needed. The instructor gave us the guidelines we needed to follow and soon enough we were climbing up to get to the bridge. It was pretty high and we had to go as groups of five for safety reasons. Thankfully Gabriel got to go with me and we were on the first group to go up.

When we got to the bridge I looked down and I could've sworn one of the logs had eyes and they blinked at me. It happened again with a different log and that's when I couldn't ignore it anymore.

"Those aren't logs are they?" I asked Gabriel.

"Nope. That's what I was talking to you about. Those are actually crocodiles." He informed me and I looked at him shocked before I looked down fascinated.

One of the guides we had come up with to lead the group dropped what looked like chunks of meat into the water and they crocodiles just started snapping at each other reaching for the meat exposing their wildly sharp teeth. In my excitement I let go of the rope to clap in excitement and I missed my footing. Thankfully Gabriel always the vigilant one caught me before I became Crocodile lunch. He pulled me flush against him and I breathed a sigh of relief. My heart was beating fast due to the thought of almost dying.

"Thanks for catching me." I said against his chest.

"Anytime just be more careful." He replied as he let me go slowly making sure I was stable.

"I will now here, take a few photos of me. I want to make sure I document every moment of this trip." I said handing him my phone.

Gabriel obliged and took a few photos of me doing different possess and funny faces. I had someone else take a few photos of us and even though Gabriel didn't seem to particularly enjoy it he held me close and made sure to at least smile on the photos. After also taking a few shots of the wild and hungry predators under us we walked the rest of the way and back. We sat down under one of the trees as we waited for everyone else to have their turn on the bridge.

Later we all cycled back for lunch and to drop off those who had had enough for the day. Lunch was amazing as usual as it included some properly baked chicken with a side dish of fried rice and a very healthy salad to balance the meal. It was delicious and left me feeling like I had added a few kilos already.

"So what next?" I asked rubbing my hands excitedly. It was almost two pm.

"We were supposed to go hiking but I've just been informed there's an option of going on the hot air balloon. We'll have to pay extra but I don't mind if you want to go.

"Are you kidding? Of course I want to go. "I replied excitedly making Gabriel chuckle.

"Good because I already predicted you would say that and we are leaving in twenty minutes if you want to use the restroom or something. "He said and I couldn't help the grin that spread of my face.

This man was just out of this world. He already knew what I wanted without me saying it.

"I'll be back. "I said kissing his cheek and heading to the restrooms.

I seemed to be doing that a lot but Gabriel didn't mind and I enjoyed seeing the shy smile in his lips whenever I did so. I was hoping that at some point I would actually get the courage to kiss his lips. Actually not the courage because I had lots of that but I was just waiting for the perfect moment and am sure it would be here soon. I could feel it.

I quickly did my business and retied my hair before walking out of the bathroom after washing and drying my hands. I ran into someone on my way out back to where Gabriel was.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."I apologized to the lady.

She looked around mid fifties dressed in a beautiful pale green dungarees and white sneakers matching the white T-shirt she was wearing under the dungaree. Her dressing didn't quite match her age but she seemed to pull it off quite nicely. I don't know why but she seemed very familiar. I didn't know where but I could have sworn I saw her somewhere before.

"It's okay dear. I'm in my head too today. How's your stay going? "She asked politely.

"I only got here last night but so far so good. I don't think I'll ever want to leave. "I informed her with a smile.

"Good. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority."She informed me.

"You work here? "I asked.

"I actually own the place. "She replied with a smile that seemed familiar too. Then it hit me.

" If you own the place then you must be..... "

"Mom." That husky voice I had grown addicted to said besides us.

"Gabriel darling. It's so nice to see you. I was just talking to this nice girl here about the place. She seems to be enjoying it. "His mom said hugging him.

No wonder she was so familiar. She was his mother. They looked so alike and I could definitely see where Gabriel got his looks from.

"I see you've already met Nia. "Gabriel said nervously introducing me indirectly.

His mom looked at me shocked for a minute before she gave me a dazzling smile and pulled me into a hug that I was not expecting. Who exactly did she think I was? I hugged her back but looked at Gabriel questioningly who just have me a shy smile and shrugged his shoulders.

"I must say when Gabriel said he was bringing a lady friend I thought he was lying and here you are. You look very beautiful darling. "She complimented.

"Thank you and you are very gorgeous yourself. I can see where Gabriel gets his looks from."I replied nervously but with a genuine smile.

Meeting the parents on the first date. This was not the plan but it didn't seem to be going too badly until what she said next.

"I'd love to talk more but am actually headed for a staff meeting right now. Gabriel make sure you bring her to dinner tomorrow night."She instructed.

"I thought we were meeting on Sunday. "Gabriel asked as I came into realization that I had just been invited to dinner with his mom.

It was just getting worse.

"We've rescheduled to dinner tomorrow because your father is flying in. Your brothers will be there too with my daughter in law. Eight pm don't be late. Enjoy the rest of your stay dear. "She said kissing his cheek and patting mine before leaving us alone.

I was still in shock for a minute there. I was meeting his whole family. What?!

"No."I said one word and walked out.

"Please Nia. "He begged understanding what I meant and
following me outside.

"No Gabriel I'm not meeting your whole family. Am just getting to know you and now I meet the whole family . Are you crazy?" I asked shocked hands on my hips.

"It was not in my plans and you know that. Please come with me. My mom already expects you to be there. I promise to find an excuse for you to leave if you're even the least uncomfortable but don't bail out on me. "He begged.

I hated seeing that look on his face and I found my resolve crumbling.

"Fine but you owe me. "I replied gruffly.

"Thanks baby girl. Now let's go. " He said dragging my hand along with him.

He was lucky he was cute otherwise I would not have agreed to this. Meeting his whole family. Oh God. I was in for a disaster. I decided to push those thoughts away and concentrate on the rest of my weekend. I would worry about everything else an hour to the actual dinner.

An hour later after a lot of safety drills and instructions we were up in the air. It was just me and Gabriel and one other couple. There was notice because of the burning hydrogen but I tuned that out and concentrated on enjoying the sights.

This was amazing. It was the highest I had ever been considering I had never even been on an airplane. Everything looked so small around us and beautiful. There was a game reserve nearby and we floated over it and it was nice seeing all the animals from high up above. The sights were pretty magnificent. As usual I took photos of everything including myself, the animals and Gabriel. We took a few together remember our first trip to the skies together if you can call it that.

"I'm sorry about the dinner."Gabriel apologized taking my attention away from watching a lion tear apart a gazelle.

"It's okay. I'm not really mad because I know it's not your fault. And I don't want to over think it because if I do I many bail."I explained.

"Thank you. I know we're not ready to meet the parents yet. "He replied.

"You're welcome and actually that I come to think of it. I am a little upset but you can make it up to me."I replied pouting as I got a really great idea.

"Yeah and what is that? "Gabriel asked raising a questioning eyebrow.

"Kiss me."I replied boldly and I saw Gabriel's eyes widen in shock.

I was teasing him and didn't actually expect him to do it but he surprised me when he dipped his head down, grabbed my waist and planted his warm lips on mine. I reacted immediately by putting my hands around his neck and tilting my head back. Because of our height difference I still had to stand on my tiptoes to kiss Gabriel even if he was bending over. He didn't seem to like that because before I could react he hulled me up and pushed me against the wall of the hot air balloon basket. I squealed excitedly and Gabriel chucked before smashing his lips back on mine.

And let me tell you it was magical. None of all my other kisses could compare to this. Even my first kiss, not that I could remember it anyway exactly proving my point. I don't think I would ever forget my first kiss with Gabriel. That's just how good and special it was.

His lips felt warm against mine making tingles travel from the tip of my toes all the way to the back of my neck. He wasn't rough but was gentle and soft taking his time exploring my lips. I have never been kissed like this. Like someone actually cared and put thought into tracing every part of my lips and mouth.

We pulled apart breathless and I lay my face on the crook of his neck my face flushed and panting for air.

"Wow. "I breathed out.

"Wow indeed. "Gabriel replied and I could tell he was smiling.

I looked up and noticed everyone looking at us. Thankfully they were all young couples so they looked at us in awe instead of giving us judgemental looks. I dived my head back into Gabriel's neck and I heard him chuckle.

"Aaw is Miss. Daring shy? "He cooed.

"Shut up. "I grumbled and he just laughed again.

I just had my first kiss with Gabriel and I loved it. Best weekend getaway ever. Even better. Best first date ever. I wonder what would happen next. I really hope sex was on the table because if this is how it felt to kiss him then imagine how having sex with him would be. Pace yourself Nia. I mentally scolded myself but it was too late. I was already planning on how I would seduce Gabriel into having sex with me. And if all goes as planned then I would definitely get what I wanted. And what I wanted for me and Gabriel to finally do the deed. Fingers crossed people. Fingers crossed.

******************************************

Vote

Comment

Share

Love@Lyssah.