LULU'S POV

With all the drama going on because of my accident I had almost forgotten that James had asked me out on a date. He had assured me that if I didn't want to go it was okay but I needed a change of pace after everything that had happened. That's why I was back in my cabin getting ready for our date. This one was a different one though since James had asked me to dress fancy and I was not one to disappoint.

I was looking at the only two date night worthy dresses I had and I didn't know what to choose. One was a maxi beige spaghetti strap with a thigh high slit. The other one was still a spaghetti strap design but it was white, reached mid thigh and had such a high slit, one wrong move and I'd be showing out the goodies. After much contemplating I decided to go with the white one, it was a little risky but it showed just the right amount of cleavage to drive James crazy. I decided to do my hair first and put on some minimal make up before putting on the dress.

My phone rang just as I was tying the straps of my four inch heels, I couldn't go any higher unless I wanted to make a fool out of myself. I checked my phone and saw it was an incoming video call from Marini. She was still on her honeymoon and I had been avoiding her calls. If I dodged anymore she would send someone to check up on me and I didn't want that. Bracing myself I took a deep breath and picked up.

"Finally you picked up. Why have you been avoiding me? Wow you look nice. Too nice, where are you going?"She rambled out and I chuckled.

"Which one do you want me to answer first?"

"All of them."She demanded.

I groaned bracing myself for her reaction when I told her what happened to me. I decided to start with the most upsetting news.

"I haven't been answering your calls because I knew you would go crazy once you found out that my car got shot at and I'm dressed nice because James is taking me out on a date."I rushed out and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Okay back up. What do you mean you got shot at?"She all but yelled.

I took a deep breath and gave her a run down of what had happened the past twenty four hours. I made sure to add the part where I wasn't in danger anymore and emphasize on it to keep her off my back.

"This is just too much. Isaac!! Start packing we're leaving, Lulu needs me!" She yelled out and I started freaking out.

"No Marini stop. This is why I didn't want to tell you. You're freaking out for no reason."I rushed out.

"No reason?! Are you out of your mind? You got shot at multiple times and you're telling me that I'm freaking out for no reason."She scolded and I recoiled from the tone of voice she used at me.

"Mar calm down. I'm sorry. Like I said I'm safe and those responsible were arrested. Enjoy your honeymoon and I'll see you when you get back or not. Just stop being a mom for a minute and enjoy being a married woman please."I pleaded using a softer tone and she relaxed.

"Promise me you're okay?"She asked getting vulnerable.

"I promise I'm safe. Now tell me. How are the Maldives?"I asked with a smile hoping to change the topic and it worked.

"Oh it's a dream..."She moaned and continued to talk my ear off about how beautiful the beach was.

I wasn't a sand person myself, I actually preferred the cold but seeing as I'd fallen in love with the king of the desert that would have to change.

"Sis I need your advice."I asked Marini cutting her off from her rant about how clear the water was.

"What's up?"

"James asked me to move in with him and I'm not sure what to do."

"Wow that's a big step and I haven't even met the guy. Do you love him?"

"Yes Mar with all my heart but I think it's too soon to be moving in with him. I'm not ready and besides his place looks like a bachelor pad. If I'm to move in it needs to at least look like more of a home that a frat house."I ranted out and Marini chuckled.

"What?"I asked not seeing what was so funny.

"Nothing. It's just I've never seen you so worked up about anything. And sis you already gave yourself the answer. Don't move in with him until you're ready. And stop using the state of his house as an excuse, that can be fixed."She replied and I knew that she was right.

"I don't want to hurt his feelings when I say no."I admitted.

"If he loves you as much as you love him then he will understand. You're young sis, don't rush into anything. You have all the time in the world to live together."She advised and I smiled.

"Thanks sis."

"You're welcome. Now finish preparing for your date while I get myself a flute of champagne."

"Isn't it like ten in the morning there?"

"Don't judge me. I'm on my honeymoon. Will it make you feel better if I call it a mimosa? "

"No but it will make you feel better."I retorted and she stuck her tongue out at me.

"Okay bye now, be safe. We'll talk later and if you ever refuse to take my calls again, I'll send Isaac to get you."She threatened playfully and I laughed.

"Yes ma'am. I'll be safe and you take care too. Say hello to Isaac for me."

"Did I hear my name?"Isaac yelled from the distance and I quickly hang up.

I was not ready to get into another conversation about my safety with him. Isaac was a veteran meaning he took safety to a extreme level. I once sparred with him and it took me four days to recover. It was good for my technique but I didn't need him going all big brother on me, I already had Marini for that.

Now back to the matter at hand, I needed to finish getting ready for my date. I wasn't comfortable applying lipstick knowing we were going out to eat so I settled for some chapstick so my lips didn't dry out.

James arrived just as I finished putting all I might need into my small clutch. I straighted my dress loving how it hugged my figure perfectly as I opened the door. James stood on the other side dressed in a black long sleeved turtle neck shirt tucked into dark jeans and black boots. He had a single chain hanging on his neck and a simple black watch. When I was done admiring the fine specimen that he was, my gaze wandered back to his face. He was staring at me his eyes running over my body just like I had done to him.

"Like what you see."I teased biting my lower lip.

"Very much."He nodded his gaze staying on my cleavage longer than was considered polite.

I didn't mind though, I'd have stared at him longer if he was shirtless.

"You look ravishing. Maybe we should skip dinner and find out what's under that dress."James teased and I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Did James Lankenua just use a sexual innuendo on me? What happened to the guy who couldn't even maintain eye contact with me."I asked once I managed to stop laughing.

"Gone with the wind once he realized how addictive your kisses are."He smirked and I smiled.

"I like this new side of you."I winked leaning up to peck his lips.

I stepped back but James looped his hands around my waist and pulled me flush against him smashing his lips against mine. His lips tasted like mint bubble gum and even though I knew it might make us late, I wrapped my hands around his neck and opened my mouth to him. The kiss got heated and before I realized it, James had walked us in, closed the door behind us before turning us around so that I was now plastered on the door. His hands found themselves on my bare thigh and I mentally dared him to go higher but he didn't much to my dismay.

"You're so sexy."He breathed against my lips as he moved his kisses to my neck.

"As much as I'm enjoying this, we need to go before this goes to a level we're not ready for."I moaned biting my lip when parts of me that should be asleep started awakening.

"You're right. Got everything you need?"James asked pulling away from my neck and I nodded.

His eyes were filled with need and I was sure my eyes mirrored the same look but we needed to pace ourselves. It wasn't time for me to give up the goods yet.

"Okay let's go."James said taking my hand and pulling me out of the room.

He gave me a second to close the door before leading me away. I expected us to head toward the parking lot but he just led us towards another side of the resort I'd never visited. It was still light out so there were people mingling about. I waved to a few familiar faces but didn't stop by for chitchat.

"Where are we going?"I asked when we walked by the last cabin and moved on the grass.

"Patience love."James requested and I rolled my eyes at him.

"This shoes are not designed for walking."I whined and he laughed.

"Want me to carry you?"

"No you might rip my dress and I'm already showing too much skin."

"Then be patient. A few more minutes."

I shut up after that deciding to let him take the lead. I tightened the hold I had on his hand to prevent myself from tripping on the grass and face planting. Finally we arrived at the edge of the property and laid out on the grass next to a bush with pretty yellow flowers was a picnic.

"Only you James Lankenua can get away with asking a lady to dress up for a picnic."I scolded playfully.

"I really was going to take you to the restaurant but there's a party at the resort tonight so I opted for this."He explained looking nervous.

"It's okay James, I'm not mad. I liked dressing up for you."

"And you look really good."He complimented licking his lips.

"Thank you. Now are we going to eat or what."I asked and James immediately jumped into action.

I kicked off my shoes before squatting down sitting on my knees on the laid out Shuka. I watched James unpack the food and there was little hamburgers, wine for me ,beer for James, fruits, wraps and chocolate cake for dessert. It all looked so delicious that I forgot the fact that I was wearing a dress worthy of a five star restaurant to a picnic date.

"If this is going to be a thing then we need to make it a tradition."I suggested using a few wipes to clean my hands.

"Make what a tradition?"James asked sparing me a glance.

"Picnic dates."

"I like that idea."He concurred.

James opened the bottle of wine , poured it in a glass before handing it to me. He grabbed himself a bottle of beer and we toasted to the new tradition.

"Before I forget I brought you something. I didn't have time to wrap it but I still hope you like it."James expressed nervously digging into his pocket.

"I'll like it, I promise."I replied holding my hand out.

James took a deep breath before placing a beautiful bracelet in my hand. It's beads were colorful but what caught my eye were the different trinkets hanging from it.

"They symbolize some of the places you've visited."James explained and I smiled holding in the tears.

"This is so thoughtful James. Thank you. Can you help me put it on?"I requested holding my wrist out as I handed him the bracelet.

He clasped it on my wrist and it was the perfect fit. I admired the all the small detailed trinkets he had put on it and I smiled. There was a small roller-coaster, a tiny parachute, a silver shark, a boat, a hot air balloon and a tiny elephant.

"I love it, thank you."I appreciated leaning in to kiss him.

He kissed me back before looking at me with an adoring look in his eyes.

"I know I can't give you all the pleasures of the world because I'm not able financially but I will live the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you. I'll give all I can to make you happy Lulu because you make me happy. I love you."He confessed and I chuckled wiping off a stray tear.

"I love you too James and I don't care about all the wealth. As long as I have you and your love I'm happy."

"Good because that is all I have to offer."He joked and we both laughed.

"I'm serious though. All I need is you."I assured him and I smiled.

"Then I'm the luckiest man on earth."He replied before leaning in and kissing me.

We ended up having a mini make out session before we remembered our food. James made me so happy and the more I got to know him the more grateful I got for taking the assignment to Ndoto. I had met the man for me and I would be forever grateful to the stars for bringing us together.

Later after we finished eating we were lying on our backs stargazing when James brought up the issue of me moving in with him again.

"So did you think about what I asked?"He questioned as he turned his face to look at me.

I felt bad having to turn down those brown orbs but it was for the best.

"Jamie I'm sorry. I can't move in with you. I'm not ready."I apologized hoping I didn't hurt his feelings too bad.

"Don't be. I understand that I moved too fast. We'll take our time. It'll give me the chance to make the house the home you deserve."He replied and my jaw all but fell at how understanding he was being.

"You didn't by any chance overhear my conversation with Marini did you?"I asked realizing how similar his words were to the excuse I'd given her.

"No. Why?"He replied shaking his head.

"Nevermind. So now that we aren't moving in together, can I give you pointers on a few things you need to change in that bachelor pad of yours."I suggested with a chuckle.

"Of course babe, it will be your home someday and where we'll raise our kids."He added and my breath hitched.

"You think about having kids with me?"I asked getting a little emotional.

"I think about getting buried in the same grave as you."He replied and I swooned.

"Awe. How sweet. How many kids do you want?"I asked surprising myself when I realized that the thought of having kids with James wasn't as scary as I thought it would be.

"Three at most. I grew up with a huge family. It wasn't that much fun."He answered his voice getting all excited as his eyes got this lost look in them.

"I always wanted six kids."I said in the most serious voice I could muster.

"That's a lot." James blurted out shocked.

"You're not carrying them."I exclaimed.

"You're right. I'm sorry. We'll have six kids."He apologized giving in too fast and I chuckled at his freaked out voice when he thought he had offended me.

"I'm joking but it's good to know that I'm the captain of this ship. I want four kids." I said and a relieved look washed over his face.

"Four is better than six. Wanna start making them?"He asked wriggling his eyebrows at me and my eyes widened at how courageous he sounded.

"James?! "I admonished laughing as I hit his arm playfully.

"What? You're wearing that dress I can't help it."He excused himself and I smiled at how adorable he was.

"No sex but we can make out though."I suggested with a smirk on my lips.

"It's better than nothing."He joked before joining his lips with mine.

Best date ever.

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I enjoyed writing this chapter. I had lost my spark when it came to writing but it's coming back again.

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Stay blessed.