"My God, Mexican food is the greatest thing ever! I love the spices and... I just wasn't aware it would be that good!" Gabi said yet again.
She had been ranting about the Mexican cuisine they had ate over an hour ago and was still talking about it. John merely laughed at her passion for her latest favorite food as he saw a rental for paddle boats. He grabbed her hand and without warning, sprinted inside the little rental shop.
"What are we doing?" she asked, as she followed close behind.
"We are going to rent a boat and do something fun, like you wanted." he explained, as he handed the attendant some money.
As they made their way to the docks, John caught sight of three different rentals left for customers. He helped Gabi inside of the boat, as he took his seat and they began paddling backwards.
"John Cena, are you trying to seduce me?" she asked, as a smile played on her lips. Their level of flirting had escalated through the evening ever since they had kissed in the hotel.
"Why is it working?" he asked, giving her a sideways glance.
"Perhaps, but I'll never tell. You'll just have to feel the motion of the ocean." she replied with a laugh.
"Oh, cheap pun, but I like it!" he replied as his lips captured hers once more.
"You must enjoy doing that."
"I'll never tell." he said, laughing at her.
"Using my own words against me, huh?"
"Let's just say, I learn from the best." he retorted.
Gabi stopped pedaling and leaned back against the seat. She closed her eyes slowly as a rush of dizziness overcame her. John took notice and stopped as well, as he turned towards her with concern.
"Are you alright? Do we need to head back?" he asked.
"No...no. I just need a quick breather. Let's just drift for a minute, alright?"
"Alright, if you're sure. Are you sure?"
"Ye...yeah. Just a minute, alright?"
John placed his arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer to him. She snuggled up against his chest, as the breeze blew through her hair, allowing John to smell the womanly scent. He drew a deep breath in and closed his own eyes, wanting to savor the moment.
"John?"
"What, are you alright?" he asked, opening his eyes and staring down at her.
"No, I'm fine. Just wanted to talk for minute, that's all."
"Alright, sweetie. Shoot!"
"Well, I've been thinking about that kiss we shared at the hotel and it has me a little..."
"Confused?"
"Yeah, you could say that. Um, why did you do it?"
"You didn't like it? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."
"No, that's not it. It's just I never expected you to make the first move. I always thought it would be me."
"You? Why would you say that?"
"Well, I thought I was in over my head by liking you more than what I should have and I figured if we ever kissed then you would turn me down because of our friendship or well...because of me." she replied slowly, looking up at him.
"Me rejecting you? Gabi, why would you think that?"
"Well, I just never imagined my thoughts of you amounting to much because I just figured you didn't hold me in the same light. Apparently you do. You do, right?"
"Depends on what light you're talking about?"
"Well, if you kissed me, something has to be there for you too, right?"
"Yeah. Gabi, you must be crazy to think I or anyone for that matter wouldn't like you."
"John, it's just not that simple, especially since you know my history and know what I'm going through now. It doesn't exactly ooze sex appeal or any kind of appeal for that matter."
"Gabi, just because you have had and have leukemia now doesn't mean I'm turned off by you. If anything, it draws me to you more. You are one of the strongest people I know."
"Thank you." she muttered softly.
"You're heart's what attracted me first. You have something that not many women have. In fact, no women I've ever dated drives me crazy the way you do."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
They sat in silence for a few more minutes before Gabi placed her feet back on the pedals and began paddling slowly. John followed suit as they returned back to the dock and gave the attendant their number card. As they walked back onto the streets of Mexico, John grabbed her hand and stopped her as he turned her around to face him.
"And yes, I am attracted to you." he replied, smiling.
"I have been waiting to hear that for a long time, John." she replied softly.
His lips met hers once more, as he brought her flush against him. She deepened the kiss when his tongue rolled gently along her bottom lip. She felt her knees going weak, but not from her illness.
It was the mind-blowing, earth-shattering kiss that she was wrapped up in with John Cena.
