84 If youve seen one... youll want to see them all (1/2)
”When you said you had one last bit of business to complete before leaving the state I didn't expect it to be... this...” Jos called out as she followed Arei to yet another spring. ”How many more are we going to? How many more could there even be!?!”
Arei laughed from several steps in front of her, ”Oh, there's several more we haven't been to yet! Besides, I thought you'd like to see them before you leave the state... maybe the country.” He shrugged teasingly.
Jos quickened her pass. There was no denying the springs had all be amazing so far. This one bolstered long wooden walkways and bridges completely surrounded by lush green tropical shrubbery and massive live oaks with Spanish moss hanging from the long willowy branches and thick ferns growing up the bark. {...But what is he looking for?} She watched as he made his way through the walkway with a definite destination in mind. ”Alright, I have to ask... What are you looking for?”
He stopped and turned toward her, arching his brow. ”What makes you think I'm looking for anything? Maybe I just wanted to enjoy some of my favorite spots one last time before I left this place.” He looked around taking in an over-exaggerated deep breath of 'fresh air' before turning back toward her. ”And like I said I figured you'd like to see these places too.”
She looked around, admiring the beautiful turquoise waters that flowed gently alongside the walkway. ”Well yes, they have all been wonderful. I'd love to take some pictures at least but...” She threw up her hands. ” we're obviously not here to sightsee. We've all but run through every one of them!”
His brows arched mischievously as he walked back to where she was now standing with her hands rested on her hips. He held out his hand as he came to a stop in front of her. When she didn't respond he flicked his fingers, ”Give it here.”
She arched her brows in question, ”Give you what?”
”You want pictures, don't you? Give me your phone.” He sent her a fake inpatient lear.
”I'm going to have to say no...” She shifted her weight to the other hip dramatically, ”Last time I handed my phone to a guy, it ended up in the ocean... remember?”
He shrugged, ”I've never been in the habit of throwing or busting up shit I've bought.”
He leaned around her and tried grabbing it from her back pocket but she shifted slightly avoiding his grasp. ”What are you trying to do?” She said as she sidestepped him again.
Arei gave her a large 'cat who ate the canery' smile as he quickly lunged forward. In a motion much swifter than anyone could expect an individual of his build to move, he redirected his movements to match hers this time successfully pinning her against the railing of the walkway. He laughed when she sucked in a surprised breath. ”You got to be quicker than that, kitten.” He whispered against her ear as he leaned in closer to her. He let his face over centimeters from her nearly bare shoulder, blowing his warm breath against the exposed flesh.
”Arei, stop!” She yelled pressing both palms to his rock hard chest. Some people who had been standing, sightseeing nearby turned their heads to see what the commotion had been; but Arei simply chuckled and moved closer wrapping one arm around her body and cupping the other large hand over hers against his chest. She could feel her cheeks heat when she noticed the people were still watching. She rested her head against his chest not wanting to draw more attention to them.
She could feel his hand slide down over her backside all thoughts of her phone completely gone. ”Please, Arei stop. You're drawing attention.” She whispered in exasperation.
Arei simply snickered as he pulled the phone from her back pocket and stood up. ”Sure no problem, I got what I was after anyway.” He teased as he waved her phone in the air over her head. He slid his thumb across the screen and leaned back down this time placing his head against hers. ”Smile.” He said as he snapped the picture. He then handed it back to her. ”You said you wanted to take some pictures...” He shrugged playfully, ”Thought I'd help get ya started.” He watched her as she looked at the picture still not releasing her hand. He arched a brow and leaned against the rail to see the phone as well. ”What?”
Jos frowned down at her phone. ”I look crazy in this picture.” She pouted.
A surprised laugh escaped his lips. ”I never thought I'd see the day you would be worried about what you looked like.” He held his hand out. ”Here, give it to me I'll take a better one.” He wrapped the arm that had been resting on the rail around her clasping her upper arm and held the phone out. ”Alright, ready this time?” He asked before snapping the picture. He scrolled through to the other one and quickly sent both pictures to himself before handing it back. ”Now come on, you'll like this spot.”
She stared down at her phone as she nodded her head and began following behind him. When she looked up again they were passing by the ladies who had looked so concerned when she'd yelled out. Now they were dramatically covering their mouths and whispering wide mischief smiles covered their faces as they stole glances back and forth between Jos and Arei. Of course, their actions hadn't gone without Arei's notice, with a snicker he came to an abrupt halt causing Jos to walk directly into his solid back. ”Uf...” She let out a grunt.