Hi everyone, thanks so much for the reviews.
Hope you enjoy this chapter :) x
Rachel slipped the light summer dress over her head, having already towel dried her hair. The lingering heat in the air was enough to lift the dampness without requiring the use of a hairdryer.
As she applied minimal makeup, Rachel allowed herself to feel a buzz of excitement towards the evening that lay ahead. Her first day in Cala Galdana with Eddie had been phenomenal, so she anticipated that their upcoming meal would only accentuate that.
With the knowledge that her love would be waiting patiently downstairs, Rachel emerged from their bedroom before making her way towards the staircase. Entering the kitchen-diner area, Rachel set her eyes on Eddie, who was elbow deep in bubbles, washing up their breakfast items from that morning.
"Hey," Rachel spoke softly as she approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around his torso.
Initially, she felt his body stiffen, and then relax under her touch, tension leaking out of his muscles. Before Eddie had a chance to turn in her embrace, Rachel pushed herself up against his back, in turn pressing a deep and meaningful kiss to the side of his neck.
"You smell nice," Eddie complimented. He was taking in the scent that could be described as nothing other than Rachel. It was something unique to her, something he would always recognise. And just like her, Eddie loved it.
Rachel smiled into the crook of his neck, murmuring her thanks. With that, Eddie resisted the urge to witness her beauty, and finally turned to face his other half.
His hands instinctively rested on her hips, forgetting his prior activity of washing up.
"Ever heard of a tea towel?" she teased, referring to the thin layer of water now presumably seeping from his hands through to her clothing.
"That's your fault for distracting me," Eddie leant forward, planting a light kiss on the tip of her nose, "you look beautiful."
His compliments weren't a rarity, but even so, Rachel felt a faint blush creeping up her neck at Eddie's words.
"I'm liking the shirt," she said, reciprocating his remark.
"Thought I'd make an effort just for you," Eddie whispered in Rachel's ear, sending an abundance of shivers down her spine.
Eddie felt her response to him, and had to bite down on his cheek to hold back the temptation to mould their lips together. If he were to make that move now, he very much doubted that they would ever make it for their meal.
...
"So where are we heading?"
Rachel and Eddie were reiterating their earlier route down the steps, hand in hand whilst enjoying the slight breeze that the evening brought with it. Over the top of the trees, beginnings of a fiery sunset were forming, oranges and reds rather prominent. This made it hard for Rachel to focus on not tripping down the steps; Eddie had already steadied her several times.
"I've booked the restaurant on the side of the cliff next to the beach. You might remember it from earlier, it looks directly out to the sea."
"Oh Eddie, that sounds absolutely wonderful."
Rachel couldn't stop the smile tugging on her lips, as she remembered Eddie watching her glance longingly at the location earlier that day. Not for the first time, she considered how incredibly lucky she was to have found a man so loving and thoughtful. It seemed with every day that passed, his adoration for her grew. Glancing across at Eddie as they shared an immaculate smile, Rachel found herself hoping that he was aware of her own identical feelings.
"It's booked for 9, and I know that's a bit later than we would normally eat. But it gives us time to watch the sunset. How about it?"
If at all possible, Rachel's prior musings only grew at Eddie's consideration. He knew her inside and out, Eddie was aware of all the things she appreciated and enjoyed. On this holiday in particular, it was clear that he was putting his knowledge into practice; something which would never go amiss in Rachel's mind.
Momentarily to her thoughts, Rachel brought their movements to a halt and brought a hand up to rest on his cheek.
"I would love to."
Eddie's grin only grew wider in response, a beam which had been saved for her eyes only. Succumbing to earlier longings, Rachel closed to gap between them, and planted a kiss on his lips.
"Shall we head down to the beach and watch it?" she queried upon pulling away.
Eddie nodded, before glancing at the sky and releasing they would have to speed up slightly. Thinking about this, the foundations of an idea began to form in his mind.
"Seen as you're such a slowcoach," he grinned, glancing down at Rachel with a mischievous glint in his eye, "I'll give you a hand."
Rachel saw it coming, and found herself squealing in excitement as Eddie lifted her up off the ground. One arm was wrapped around her legs, and the other her waist. Laughter emanated from both their lips, and echoed in their ears. All of a sudden, it seemed that nothing else in the world mattered, as Rachel leant her head against Eddie's chest and they continued their journey down the steps.
...
Admittedly, with the help of Eddie, the pair made it down to the beach in time to enjoy their first sunset in Menorca. Walking along the water's edge hand in hand only heightened the stunning atmosphere. For both Rachel and Eddie, this particular moment was surreal. In Rachel's mind, there was no denying that the past year had challenged them to a huge extent. Most of all, she found it really quite astounding that all the barriers had been overcome together.
"What are you thinking?" Eddie asked upon noticing Rachel deep in thought.
Bringing their movements to a standstill, eye contact was made, and the pair seemed to get lost in one another's gaze.
"Just how far we've come. You and me."
"You're right. It's been quite a year."
"You could say that," Rachel smirked slightly, allowing her humorous side to etch into the tone.
Eddie returned the crooked smile, before adjusting the atmosphere slightly.
"I've got you now though, and I don't ever intend on letting you go. This," he gestured between their bodies, "is forever. Rach, we've proved that we can withstand pretty much anything."
Closing the gap between them, Rachel took a step forward. All the while fighting back the emotional tears at Eddie's heartfelt words.
"I'm glad we are on the same page," she admitted whilst inclining her head towards his, "because I don't ever fancy letting you go either," Rachel kissed him, tenderly, before pulling away ever so slightly, "I love you far too much for that."
With that, Eddie linked arms with Rachel, and found himself thinking what a fabulous way to begin the evening this was. The route leading up to their chosen location was magical in itself, and the couple found themselves wondering what lay past this staircase. Before long they reached a door, presumably leading to the restaurant. As Rachel was about to enter, Eddie placed a hand over hers, to reciprocate her earlier words.
"I love you too by the way."
Rachel beamed back at him before turning away, leaving Eddie speechless for several moments; genuinely in awe of her beauty. Gulping loudly, he attempted to push those thoughts to the back of his mind for now, and followed the pivotal focus of his musings through to the restaurant.
….
The perfect table had been selected for their meal, Eddie had requested this particular spot when booking. It was raised slightly above the other tables, meaning that the view out to sea was even more phenomenal.
After drinking in their environment, Eddie glanced across the table. His breath was snatched away at the sight of candle light illuminating Rachel's face. Seemingly, Eddie found that his preferred scenery was the sight of the woman sat in front of him.
"Do you know Eddie I might have a cocktail, quite fancy something different."
It took Eddie's mind a while to even register that Rachel was speaking. He was too busy noticing the way her eyes squinted slightly as she read the menu, or the way her lips twisted from side to side in indecision. She was exquisite, well and truly beautiful. Eddie hoped that she could see just how astonishing she was.
"Eddie?"
The second time she spoke, Eddie emerged from his reverie. Instead, he cherished the sound of her voice, and the slight smirk on her face with the knowledge that he had been appreciating her.
"Sorry, what was it you were saying?"
Rachel erupted into laughter, and it was most probably the best thing Eddie had ever heard. She then repeated her earlier comment - which was now fully heard by him.
"Oo I never knew you liked cocktails Mason, thought wine was your 'go to' drink?"
"Well, you are right there, but the mojito has caught my eye."
"Understandable," he grinned, making a move for the bar, "two mojitos coming right up," Eddie turned a final time, not giving Rachel a chance to interject.
He knew Rachel would say that she would pay, but he wanted to treat her. In his eyes, that's what their whole holiday should be based on.
All the while, mirroring his predictions; Rachel raised her eyebrows involuntary as Eddie parted. Certainly not for the first time that evening, she thanked her lucky stars for this amazing relationship, and the extraordinary man that was Eddie Lawson.
….
The hours passed quicker than either of them could have imagined, and it wasn't long before Rachel and Eddie were tracing their earlier route.
Reaching the base of the steps leading up to their villa, Eddie couldn't deny that the hike wasn't exactly appealing.
Rachel sensed this and brought their movements to a halt, momentarily resting a hand on each of his shoulders.
"Can we not just sit down here for a bit Rach?"
"Don't go all teenager on me, I was sure we left all of those in Rochdale…"
"Oi you," Eddie tickled Rachel slightly, causing her to squirm for several moments, "you have to admit though, going up the steps isn't the most enjoyable experience."
"Just think of that view though…" Rachel said, simultaneously leaning forward to Eddie's ear, "and if we set off now, I might just make that trek to the top worthwhile when we get back to the villa."
Eddie's whole demeanour tensed at Rachel's words, almost causing his knees to weaken entirely. He reckoned this would lower his ability to climb the steps, although, of course, it would most certainly be worth it.
"Suppose we'd better get going then," Eddie replied, allowing his joy to become evident in his features, "let me do something first though."
Rachel's curiosity heightened, and she leant back slightly in an attempt to read Eddie's expression. She didn't have much time to think though, as his lips were immediately on hers; one hand anchoring her waist and the other her neck. In an instant, all conscious thoughts seemed to disintegrate as Rachel deepened their passion fuelled kiss.