Levi pulled the chair out for Renna to sit down. She smiled, thanked him, and smoothed out her gorgeous, long, dark purple dress. He sat down opposite her as the waiter approached their table. He took their orders and left.

For four days, Renna only thought about Levi's offer. She couldn't get it off her mind. They had texted, called, and facetimed, and to Renna's relief, Levi never asked for her answer.

That morning when Levi called to say he had a surprise for her, she assumed he wanted an answer now. He never told her where they were going, but told her to dress up really nice. She expected a return to the restaurant they couldn't get in to the first time, or another nice restaurant. Never in a million years would she have guessed what he had planned.

They parked and walked through the marina until they came to a large ship. Levi lead her towards it, and Renna's jaw dropped.

Warm lights illuminated the three levels. Orange and blue light strips outlined the edges, railings, doorways, and windows.

Waves crashed against the side of the ship, and the against rocks. Sea spray sprinkled down over them. Salty on her lips.

For a moment, she forgot about the proposal for more and her fear of needing an answer. They stood in line, waiting to step on the boat, and Renna gazed at everything around her. The people. The boat. The water flowing under the dock. Stalls around the place, selling food and items to the crowd.

Excitement bubbled through her veins. Happiness made her heart flutter and sing. She bounced up and down in her silver ankle-strapped heels.

They were allowed onto the ship and a man in a black vest escorted them to their table. Levi had to hold her hand to guide her as she glanced around at everything they passed.

While they waited for their drinks to be served, Renna reminded herself of the proposal.

Is he buttering me up, trying to get a yes? Should I say yes? If I do, and I change my mind will he take the no I give him? Maybe I should have told Briella or Jada about this. They could have helped me. Given me advice. But I know what they would have said anyway. They would want me to say no. Set boundaries and stand by them. But what will Levi do if I say no? Will it end our relationship? He's done a lot for me. Look at this place. It's gorgeous. No one else has ever taken me somewhere this extravagant. Maybe I should say yes as a thank-you. Give him a little extra. It won't be sex. I'm sure I can learn to live with a little more intimacy. I could—

"What are you thinking about?" Levi asked, breaking her from her thoughts.

Do I give him an answer now? Should I say yes? I don't know. I need more time. "Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am to have someone who treats me this well."

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

"It's all so beautiful."

"Wait until we start sailing away."

Her grin couldn't get any bigger. She was ready to explode with pure excitement. Nothing could ruin this feeling.

The waiter returned and poured them two glasses of red wine, and soon after, Renna looked out the window to see the ship moving. Drifting away from land. Slow.

She waved goodbye to the people on land through their window even though they might not be able to see her, and Levi laughed.

The waiter returned to take their orders. They glanced over their simple menus. White with cursive black font. They ordered. With a smile, the waiter told them their entrees would be out soon and walked away.

Levi held both her hands over the table and looked her in the eye. "You look absolutely stunning tonight."

She blushed and smiled.

"Seriously. That dress looks amazing on you."

"Thanks," she said, looking down to hide her red cheeks. "You look incredible too."

He wore a black suit with a white under shirt. No tie. The collar left unbuttoned. His wild black hair styled back, showing his eyebrow piercing that normally hid under his the mess of hair. His many black piercings made him stand out from the the other guys on the ship. All clean and well dressed, but none with jewellery as bold as Levi's. In his lip, ears, and eyebrow. Necklaces dangling around his neck. Rings on multiple fingers.

Renna couldn't take her eyes off him. In the dim light, he looked mysterious and beautiful. His blue eyes gazed at her as if he could see through her.

The waiter carrying their entrees broke them apart.

Levi finished his plate, but Renna left some, worried she wouldn't have enough space to fit in her main and dessert if she ate it all.

They didn't say too much as they stuffed their faces with their main. Commented on the delicious food. Complemented each other. Talked about the stunning dining area, decorated with lights, white flowers, and glass ornaments.

A light cool breeze blew in through the open doors and windows. Only enough to twirl the ends of Renna's curled hair. Small waves rocked them. Gentle. Up and down.

Finishing their mains, the waiter took their plates and told them he'd be back with their desserts.

"So," Levi said as the waiter walked away. "I have something for you." He reached into his coat pock and pulled out a box, a silver ribbon wrapped around it.

She took it from him, staring at it in her hand. Why would he? Is this to persuade me to say yes? I'm not ready to answer. He can't do this now. Not here. Where I can't escape or run. I'm stuck. And he knows it.

"What is this for?" she asked, pushing past the lump in her throat.

"For you."

"I know, but why?"

He smiled. Eyes glistening like stars. "Because you're beautiful. And incredible. And I saw this and thought it was a perfect match."

"Nothing else?"

"Like what?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. I just wasn't expecting presents for no reason."

"The reason is because I wanted to show you how much you mean to me. I don't need more of a reason than that I think."

She stared at the dark green box. Her heart swelled with love and gratitude, thankful to find no strings attached.

"Open it," he said.

She pulled one end of the ribbon until the bow came undone and the ribbon settled in her lap. Taking the lid off, the jewellery glittered under the warm lights. A silver heart made of diamonds, hanging from one bump. Gorgeous.

Levi helped her attach it around her neck, and she marvelled at it on her chest.

"You like it?"

"I love it."

"It looks good on you," he said, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.

"Thanks."

♡