The early morning light spread through the suite like a delicate touch, gilding the walls and furniture with a soft glow. Emily shifted in bed, still enveloped by the softness of the sheets and the scent she now associated with Matthew. It wasn't something artificial, but a mix of woody soap and something subtly citrusy. She smiled to herself, feeling a wave of heat rise through her body as she remembered the moments of the previous night.
She reached out, still with her eyes half closed, and touched the pillow next to her. It was empty, but still warm, which meant Matthew had recently left. When she opened her eyes, she saw him near the balcony, already dressed in light linen pants and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top buttons. He was standing there, with a coffee in his hand, watching the horizon.
Emily sat up in bed slowly, pulling the sheet up to cover her shoulders. "Good morning, deep thinker," she teased, her voice still hoarse with sleep.
Matthew turned, smiling when he saw her awake. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you sleep well?"
"Did I? After the night we had?" She giggled, teasing him. "I should blame you for making me so tired."
He chuckled softly, walking over to the bed and placing the coffee cup on the table beside it. He sat down next to her, leaning in for a quick kiss that ended up lingering. "Blame me all you want. I'll take it."
As she got up to go to the bathroom, Matthew watched her intently, undisguised. Emily, noticing his gaze, turned around with raised eyebrows. "Liking what you see?"
"Absolutely." He leaned back in the bed with a lazy smile.
Minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a robe, her hair damp and her skin glowing with freshness. Matthew had already made her another cup of coffee. Emily sat down in the armchair by the window, sighing as she felt the warmth of the drink in her hands.
"What were you thinking out there?" she asked casually.
"About how this all feels… different." He hesitated before continuing, as if trying to find the right words. "Different in the best possible way."
She stared at him, puzzled. "Different how?"
"I don't usually have moments like this," he admitted, crossing his arms. "Moments when I'm not worried about deadlines or meetings or strategies. Being here with you… it's like I finally have permission to stop and just be."
Emily was silent for a moment, absorbing what he had said. Then she smiled softly. "I'm glad to be a part of it."
After coffee, they decided to spend the morning at the hotel spa. The ambiance was luxurious and tranquil, with relaxing scents of lavender and eucalyptus. Emily opted for a revitalizing massage, while Matthew opted for a full-body experience that even included hot stones.
Lying side by side on stretchers covered in crisp white towels, the two exchanged glances as the masseurs worked. Emily couldn't help but laugh when Matthew's masseuse commented on the tension building in her shoulders.
"I told you you needed to relax more," she teased.
Matthew just sighed, closing his eyes. "I'm trying, but it feels like I need a few weeks of this."
After the spa, they headed to the hotel's infinity pool. The blue of the water seemed to blend with the blue of the sky, creating an illusion of continuity. Emily dove in first, emerging with a beaming smile. "This is amazing!"
Matthew watched for a moment before stepping into the water. The cool touch made him breathe a sigh of relief. They swam to the edge, where they leaned against each other, staring out at the horizon.
"Have you ever thought about taking a real vacation? No work, no commitments, just… that?" Emily asked, gesturing at the scenery around them.
"Maybe," he replied thoughtfully. "But I don't think I've ever had a good reason to before."
She laughed, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. "And now you have a good reason?"
Matthew looked her in the eye, serious. "I do."
Later, they returned to the suite to get ready for lunch. Emily chose a light, floral-print dress, while Matthew opted for a light blue shirt and cotton pants. Their chosen restaurant was perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the path to it was lined with tropical trees and vibrant flowers.
Over lunch, they talked about the future. Emily mentioned projects she wanted to explore in film, while Matthew shared ideas for expanding the family business.
"You're so focused," she said in amazement. "How do you manage to keep everything going without going crazy?"
"I don't know if I do," he joked, shrugging. "But I think having clear goals helps."
"And what are your goals now?"
Matthew put his fork down, looking at her with an enigmatic smile. "Maybe you're one of them."
Emily blushed, looking away. "You're good with words, you know?"
"I'm just being honest."
After lunch, they decided to explore the nearby town. The cobblestone streets were lined with small craft shops, cozy cafes, and street musicians who filled the air with lively melodies.
Emily stopped at a pottery shop, mesmerized by the detail of the handmade pieces. She chose a small vase, painted in soft shades of blue and white.
"Will you take it?" Matthew asked, approaching her.
"Yes, I want something to remember this place by."
"Then choose more. I want you to take whatever you want," he said, already waving at the salesman.
"Matthew, you don't have to..."
"I want it."
She sighed, but couldn't help but smile. It was impossible to argue with him.
As the sun began to set, they returned to the hotel. Emily suggested a bath to relax before dinner, and Matthew readily agreed. The bathtub in the suite was huge, surrounded by candles that had already been lit by room service.
Emily got in first, sighing as the warm water touched her skin. Matthew soon followed, settling down next to her.
"This is life," she murmured, closing her eyes.
"I agree."
For a while, they were silent, just enjoying the tranquility. Then Emily opened her eyes, looking up at him.
"What is it?" he asked, noticing her gaze.
"I was just thinking about how this all feels like a dream."
Matthew took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up."
She laughed, but her smile was genuine. "You're impossible."
Dinner was served on the suite's balcony, with a spectacular view of the stars. Emily was enchanted by the details: the soft music in the background, the candles casting a golden light over the table, and of course, the company.
"This all feels so… perfect," she commented, raising her wine glass.
"Because it is," Matthew replied, toasting her.
As the evening wore on, they went back inside, feeling content and at peace. Emily flopped down on the couch, laughing as Matthew pulled her closer.
"I don't want this to end," she admitted, resting her head on his shoulder.
"It doesn't have to end," he replied, stroking her hair.