Chapter 293 - Private island (6) (1/2)

While Jeff and JoAnna had their dinner, sun dipped below the horizon, providing a visual treat of fiery sky before wishing them good night. Soon the only light they had in a moonless evening was coming from the tiki torches. Villa was lit up as soon as darkness fell, due to in-built automatic dusk-to-dawn light control, but the light reaching them from the villa was negligible.

JoAnna felt high, like she is floating in a world of dreams where anything is possible. She was on her back, watching countless stars that speckled the black sky, listening to the sounds of the ocean. JoAnna held hands with Jeff in silence, their fingers intertwined. Besides breathing, no other noise came from them.

Jeff was propped on his elbow, watching her face illuminated by dancing flames from the tiki torches, millions of stars reflecting in her eyes. Even after spending so much time with her, he could not wrap his head around the fact that he is attracted to her so much. He was bewitched by her and could not look away. Even more amazing was that she has strong feelings about him. Jeff hoped that they can stay like that forever, one next to another, holding hands... maybe closer. He was greedy, not willing to share her with anyone, and he wanted her closer to him, always. His heart was stirred by the thought that he asked her to come to LA and stay with him, but she didn't respond to that. Everything so far pointed in the direction that she wants to be with him, but not hearing it clearly from her mouth, made him anxious. There was always that spec of possibility that she will leave him, go back to Seattle, back to her life before he waited for her at that underground parking lot, before he ended up as a patient in room 412 of Franciscan Medical Center.

”Anna...” He called her name without much thinking and regretted immediately when he realized that he didn't plan what he will say next. Her gaze was now focused on his face, expecting to hear what he is about to say. Jeff hesitated, while his brain simulated several different scenarios. He was not happy with the imaginary outcome of any of them, but he has to say something... she is looking at him. ”Did you find time to think about moving your medical residency from Seattle?”

”Yes.” JoAnna was happy he brought the topic. She wanted to tell him that she made a decision but could not find the right opportunity.

”And?” He looked at her expectantly.

JoAnna saw that he is anxious and decided to tease him.

”I know where I want to move to.” She answered without giving him a proper answer and could not keep her lips from stretching into a smile.

Jeff saw that she is giving him hard time on purpose and could not help but feel dejected. ”Are you going to tell me?”

”What do you want to hear?” She giggled. JoAnna felt that most of the time he is the dominant one in their relationship, and this was a rare chance for her to come on top.

”I hope to hear that you will come to LA...” Jeff swallowed hard. ”...and move in with me.” His heart was beating wildly, expecting her answer.

”OK.” She replied shortly.

”OK, what?” Jeff was not sure what kind of an answer was that... is she still teasing him?

”I will come to LA and move in with you.” JoAnna was looking him in the eyes and smiled.