"Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore, please," Ben states.
The driver nods and pulls away from the curb. Rey looks out the window and ogles at all the lush, tropical greenery surrounding them. She squeals when she spots the ocean and takes Ben's hand as she shares her excitement. Ben looks on at Rey and smiles, his heart so warm and pumping voraciously beneath his wide chest. He gives her hand a squeeze and melts when she lays her head on his shoulder. She yawns, making him yawn and they drift off as the car lulls them into a nap.
"We're here," the driver says suddenly.
It seems sudden as Ben and Rey both jerk awake but an hour has passed. They grin at each other and exit the taxi. Ben pays the fare and walks over with Rey to the hotel lobby. They check in and each get a room key for a room on the top floor. Rey sits down on her luggage as Ben finishes checking everything over. When he turns to face her, his smile fades a little when he sees her looking down at the floor. He kneels down and tentatively places a hand gently on her knee.
"What's wrong, Rey?" Ben asks softly.
Rey's eyes peel from the floor and lock onto his own. She looks at him quietly for a moment before giving him a small smile. Her hand rests on his cheek as she studies his worried expression.
"Nothing's wrong. It's just…I know you said you've got this trip covered, but…this all seems a little…well, a little…I…" Rey stammers.
Ben leans closer and presses the most gentle of kisses onto her forehead before pulling back to look into her gorgeous hazel eyes. His smile lights Rey up inside and she feels a rush of warmth flood throughout her body.
"I have wanted this for so, so long, Rey. I want only the best for you and I want to do everything I can for you. You being here with me is more than I could have ever wanted. You are all I want," he says in a tender tone.
Rey's heart flutters as he leans forward and kisses her on the cheek. His warm breath makes her skin tingle as he kisses her behind her ear. Her eyes flutter closed as her hand slides from his cheek to his shoulder.
"I've never wanted anyone as much as I want you," she whines as he kisses her neck.
Ben pulls back and cups her face with one hand and they gaze into each other's eyes once more. He smiles at her and she grins back. His hand slides into her own and they stand up together to make their way towards their hotel room. The wheels of their suitcases are muted due to the thumping of blood in both their ears as they enter the elevator.
They had already agreed they would share one room because it would save money. And, although they hadn't admitted it over messages, there was a silent agreement in not wanting to be a part from each other for longer than a few moments. The room Ben booked was to come with two beds. Knowing Rey's past with previous relationships, he didn't want to scare her off and make her think he was only bringing her here just to have sex with her. Although he is ready to give all of himself to her, Rey's happiness and comfort comes first and he will wait as long as it takes, even if it's never. Being with her is the only thing which matters to him.
Ben had picked a room on the top floor providing the best views of Turtle Bay at this resort. Being on the North Shore, it's much quieter than Waikiki and has a lovely little town nearby along with many snorkeling opportunities and jungles to hike through. There are also, of course, several beaches and the resort has a pool as well. It had everything to make each day full of adventure for the pair of them.
The elevator dings and the doors open onto the top floor. Ben pulls out his room key and walks with Rey to their room. The key card makes a little beep and the door opens to the sound of the ocean. The sound fills their ears and delights Rey. She rushes inside towards the balcony where the sliding doors are open to show off the incredible view. Ben chuckles and smiles as he brings their luggage inside and sets them upon luggage racks. He looks about the room and is satisfied with everything until his eyes land on the beds. There is only one.
Ben nervously runs his hand through his hair and looks out towards Rey on the balcony. He makes his way to her slowly and tries to calm himself. When he reaches her, she turns to smile up at him. She instantly worries when she sees the panic on his face.
"Umm, heh, well, they've only put one bed in here. I requested two beds because I didn't want you to think we were going to…I didn't want you to think that I…I'm…I'm going to call the front desk and we'll get the room I paid for with the two beds and then we'll -" Ben says nervously as he makes his way to the phone.
"Ben," Rey says as she reaches for her hand.
He stops at her touch and turns his head back towards her. She steps closer, still holding his large hand with both of her own. Ben turns fully to face her as they close the distance.
"It's ok, really. I appreciate what you had planned and believe you. I trust you," Rey explains.
"Are you sure?" Ben asks, taking his other hand and placing it over both of Rey's.
"I'm sure," she nods with a smile.
Ben lets out a heavy sigh of relief and returns her smile. He leans down to kiss her hair. Then he carefully wraps his arms around her and hugs her close, trembling slightly as he feels her wrap her arms around him to return the hug. Rey smiles and sighs against his chest. The sounds of the ocean surround them and it finally feels like something they both have been missing all their lives: home.