Bali Escape by Tanya Johansen

Author:Tanya Johansen [Johansen, Tanya]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-03T00:00:00+00:00

14

The sun filters through the woven rattan shades of the café, casting dappled light on Liam's face as he leans in for a kiss. For a moment, I lose myself in the warmth of his lips against mine, in the way his touch sends shivers down my spine. But then, like the tide receding, I pull away.

"Wait," I murmur, my voice laced with uncertainty. A sudden wave of doubt washes over me like the ocean waves crashing onto the shores outside the café. "I don't know if this is such a good idea."

"What are you talking about?" Liam asks, his muddy-blue eyes searching mine intently.

"Us." I bite my lip and gaze out the window at the vibrant Balinese street beyond. "I'm leaving for Germany soon, and I'm not sure if long-distance relationships are really my thing, you know?"

Liam reaches for my hand, his touch warm and comforting amidst the chaos of my thoughts. He smiles reassuringly, and I find myself drawn to the kindness in his eyes.

"Amelia, life is short. You can't avoid something beautiful just because there's a chance it will end," he says gently, echoing words that he has said before. "Besides, we're here, now. Let's enjoy this moment while it lasts."

I consider his words, weighing them against the backdrop of my own fears and insecurities. Maybe he just wants a vacation fling with me? I've never been down that road before and the thought scares me. What if I fall for him? I don't know if I can handle having my heart broken again.

"Is that all this is to you?" I ask, hesitantly. "Just a vacation romance?"

Liam looks taken aback by my question, but his gaze doesn't waver. His sincerity is palpable, even as I struggle to make sense of it all.

"Amelia, I don't know what the future holds for us," he admits. "I've never met someone like you, but we hardly know each other. There are many things we need to learn about each other to see if we are a long-term option. But just to be clear, I'm not a player. I am looking for real love."

His words resonate within me, stirring up emotions that I can't quite put into words. I know that I'm scared of falling for him, scared of opening myself up to the possibility of heartbreak once more. But maybe, just maybe, there's a chance that this could be something real.

“But I’m leaving in two days?!”

Liam's voice carries a playful, mischievous undertone as he delivers his advice, his eyes twinkling with a hint of roguish delight. "You know you’re not allowed on some airlines if you're sick? You would have to stay until you feel well enough to fly. Just saying. You have options.” The way he says it, leaning in slightly with a conspiratorial grin, suggests he is half-teasing, half-tempting me with the notion of deliberately extending my stay in Bali.

Before I can respond, we both notice the energy shift as Zoe appears at the entrance of the café, her demeanor one of urgency and importance.

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