Chapter 293 - Reason To Fall In Love
It is kind of Adrian's fault that Cassidy is starting to overthink.
While she's not usually that self-conscious, she can't help but pay attention to her perfection of a husband too much. Ever since they made love that night, she realized that he was beyond what she ever expected. She, on the other hand, has confidence that she is beautiful herself, but compared to him, her beauty is probably not that big of a deal.
This is not to say that Cassidy is jealous of Adrian, though.
That's just weird. Rather than that, she only wonders if she's good enough for him.
"Well, since we're already here, we might as well go for a walk," he started again, grabbing her hand and taking her away with him.
She just followed Adrian even when she was still in a bit of a daze. Cassidy should really snap out of it, though.
"I don't think we'll get another chance to be alone. Those guys are going to be after us. As soon as they notice that we're gone for a while, they'll probably start marching all over the beach just to find us," he grumbled underneath his breath.
"Yeah, you're right," she agreed, giving him a smile.
They began walking down the beach, hand in hand. Yet, the more they feel relaxed in each other's company, the more she is suddenly becoming aware of the gap between them. He just looks so perfect at that moment, and when he is standing beside her like this, she appears kind of plain and simple.
"It's such a beautiful day," he mused out loud.
They stopped in front of the water moments later. Every now and then, she could feel the waves hitting her feet. She turned to look at the ocean before gaping slightly, completely dazzled by its sun-kissed beauty.
Cassidy is still in the middle of admiring it when she feels Adrian squeezing her hand tighter.
"Perfect day to be alone at the beach," he added, his smile taking her aback for a bit.
It was then that she realized that the fact that she was brooding for something like this was only a 'sometime' thing. She really didn't believe that she's not good enough for him. Perhaps, it was just because she finally made love with him after years of being together. Because she cherishes that moment so much, she can't help but overthink.
That being said, Cassidy should tell this to Adrian before it gets out of hand.
"Ummm... Adrian...?" she called before letting go of his hand and walking towards the water.
"Was I good enough for you?"
"Huh...?" he blurted out, confused.
"What are you talking about? Did something happen? What's wrong?"
"Oh, no. It's nothing. I don't know what I'm saying."
Cassidy shook her head, deciding to give Adrian a small smile instead.
She doesn't know what she's thinking. There's really no need to say it out loud. She shouldn't be so insecure when the only thing he always shows her is nothing but love. If he didn't love her, then he wouldn't be with her.
"You're right. It's a beautiful day. I'm glad we came to the beach with everyone."
Though still a bit puzzled, he smirked at that. He then wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. In his deep, husky voice, he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "We're alone now, you know."
Before she even realized what he meant, she felt him grab her hand again. He started pulling her toward the water right then. Recalling that she didn't want to get wet, she tried to run back to the sand, but he didn't let her.
It wasn't long before the water was almost past her thighs. As revenge, she splashed water all over his face, causing both of them some laughter.
"Ha! That's what you get! In case you didn't know, I didn't want to get wet."
"Oh, come on, Cassidy."
Chuckling, he slowly crept towards Cassidy before locking her in his arms, embracing her by the stomach this time. Adrian then placed the side of his face on her cheek and said with a low, smoky tone, "Who knows when we'll be alone like this later on? Let's enjoy ourselves while we can. Don't you think that's a good idea?"
"No, I don't..." she replied and pouted, pretending to disagree.
"If I get wet, everything is going to show through this white shirt. My body's not exactly that pretty."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
He only laughed a little, but she didn't find anything funny. She was being real.
"I think you're perfect..." he then added with a smile, turning a bit serious as well.
"You'll always look perfect to me despite all of your imperfections."
"Oh, I don't think so…" she giggled, splashing him with water again.
"You're just blinded by love."
It wasn't long before they started a small water fight, which reminded them of the last one they had years ago.
He soon swept her off of her feet and took her deeper into the water. At that, she squealed in surprise, hastily wrapping her hands around his neck. She can now feel the water reaching up to her chest.
"Just how can you call me perfect, though? Look at yourself! You're the one who's perfect around here."
In reply to that, he hugged Cassidy tightly, making sure her eyes were at the same level as his. Adrian stares at her admiringly, a smile spreading across his face again.
"Is that what you've been thinking? Do you think I care about that? I really don't, and I really do think you're perfect. You're amazing just the way you are, so don't put yourself down. You'll make me feel mad at this rate..." he gently chided her, taking on quite a serious tone despite his playful expression.
"How dare you say that to the woman I love, huh? Take it back."
She can feel him squeezing her tighter and tighter as they continue floating there in the water. Eventually, she shows him a warm, sweet smile, appreciating his words.
"Thank you, love…" Cassidy said with a small giggle.
"Though, to be honest, I still wonder why in the world you fell in love with me."
"Do I even need a reason...?" Adrian asked, leaning down and kissing her forehead affectionately.
"All I know is that I love you - and that will never change."