"So what happened after the confession?" Emma asks, eyes wide with excitement as she walks beside Neva.
Her enthusiasm is practically radiating.
Neva's cheeks flush crimson at the memory. "Umm... w-we kissed," she murmurs, quickly hiding her face behind her sweater paws.
Her stomach swirls with butterflies as flashes of the previous night flood her mind—the way his lips felt against hers, the sweetness of the moment, the softness of the air around them.
Emma gasps. "What?! I can't imagine my sweet Neva kissing! Ahhh!" she squeals, nearly jumping up and down. She gives Neva a playful smack on the arm, feeling jittery and thrilled for her best friend.
"Emma!" Neva whines, trying to hide her flushed face, but the redness in her cheeks only deepens.
The two best friends stroll together down the campus path, just after finishing their lectures. The other students nearby can't help but cast curious glances at the pair.
An hour earlier, Emma had overheard Neva on a phone call. When she saw Rhett's name glowing on the screen, she immediately guessed what had Neva blushing so fiercely.
Now, she can barely contain her excitement, itching to hear every single detail.
As soon as class ended, Emma pounced on Neva, practically begging for the story. And now, here they are, walking toward the main gate, giggling like teenagers.
"So... any plans for today?" Emma asks, wrapping her arm around Neva's.
Neva knits her brows in contemplation.
"Probably a date," Emma teases, leaning in closer with a wicked grin.
"With your new boyfriend?" Her excitement is infectious, and she almost squeals, waiting for Neva's response.
Neva rolls her eyes, but the shy smile that blooms on her lips betrays her, giving her away instantly.
Emma giggles uncontrollably.
"Angel!" a sudden, deep voice calls out.
Neva freezes, startled, and looks around. Her heart skips a beat when her eyes land on him—Rhett, waving a hand at her.
He's sitting on his Ducati Monster, the sleek black bike looking every bit as dangerous as it does stunning, a perfect contrast to the warmth in his eyes and the playful smile curving his lips.
Emma smirks, glancing over at Neva with a teasing gleam in her eye. "Oh look who's here?" she says, wiggling her eyebrows. "I'll see you tomorrow," she whispers in Neva's ear, already knowing exactly how the scene will unfold.
"Call me later. I want every detail," Emma adds with a mischievous grin before strolling off, leaving Neva blushing and flustered in her wake.
Neva's heart races as her gaze locks onto Rhett's. He watches her with that signature, charming grin, his eyes full of something… deeper.
Nervously, Neva glances right and left, ensuring no vehicles are coming. Then, with cautious steps, she crosses the road and walks toward him, her heart fluttering faster with every step.
"Good day, Angel?" he asks, tilting his head, that familiar glint in his smiling eyes making her heart flutter.
"It was… good," Neva murmurs, nodding. She bites her lip gently, trying to suppress the smile threatening to bloom—her cheeks flushed, a flutter of warmth dancing in her stomach.
"I'm glad." He says, smiling.
Then he hands her a helmet.
"Hop on, Angel. I've got a surprise for you." He winks playfully.
Eyes wide with surprise, Neva doesn't ask questions.
She simply slips on the helmet, climbs onto the bike behind him, and wraps her arms instinctively around his strong waist.
---
After a smooth, fifteen-minute ride, they slow as they approach a secluded area at the edge of a forest.
Rhett pulls the Ducati to the side of the road, parking it with ease. He removes his helmet and glances over his shoulder. "We're here."
Neva climbs off the bike, a little disoriented by the new surroundings, and looks around. The dense forest stretches out before her, a sanctuary for wildlife, its towering trees offering a haven of shade and mystery.
Rhett joins her, after securing the helmets on the bike, then reaches out for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers in a gentle, protective grasp.
"Stay close to me," he says softly, his smile reassuring.
He squeezes her hand as they begin to walk deeper into the forest.
The path is lined with towering oaks, maples, and sassafras trees, their leaves already turning shades of gold, amber, and red as autumn settles in.
The air is crisp, carrying the scent of earth and fallen leaves.
Rhett walks a step ahead, making sure to clear the way for Neva, gently brushing aside twigs and branches that might get in her way. His attention to her comfort and safety is obvious—each step is measured, every movement protective.
The ground beneath their feet is a patchwork of dry leaves, and the trees overhead create a canopy of vivid color, a miraculous, perfect picture of fall. With the soft murmur of the wind and the occasional rustle of animals in the underbrush, the forest is alive.
As they continue, the sound of running water reaches Neva's ears, growing louder with each step. Her eyes brighten, and she looks up at Rhett, anticipation clear on her face.
"We're close," he says with a smile, eyes meeting hers.
They walk for a few more minutes, the sound of water growing stronger, until Rhett stops suddenly, and Neva instinctively halts beside him.
She gasps softly, breath caught in her throat.
In front of them is a breathtaking waterfall, its white water crashing into the plunge pool below with a magnificent roar.
The mist from the falls creates a sparkling veil in the autumn light, and the surrounding trees are bathed in golden hues.
Neva steps forward, her eyes wide in wonder as she takes in the scene.
The beauty of it overwhelming her, she stiffens for a moment, utterly mesmerized by the sight before her.
"Do you like it?" Rhett asks, his voice soft, his gaze never leaving her.
"I love it!" Neva exclaims, turning to face him, her face lighting up with joy. She skips toward him, her smile radiating.
Before he can react, Neva crashes into his arms, a spontaneous gesture of happiness.
Rhett stiffens at first, taken aback by the suddenness of it, but then, his arms wrap around her instinctively, pulling her close.
Neva smiles up at him, her eyes filled with tears of joy. "It's so wonderful, Rhett. I've never seen anything so beautiful," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
Tears shimmer in her eyes, her heart full. "I'm so grateful to you."
She tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.
Rhett's eyes widen, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture, but a smile tugs at his lips as he pulls her even closer into his embrace.
"I'm so glad," he breathes, his hand moving to gently caress her hair.
After a moment, Neva pulls away slightly and takes his hand, leading him to the edge of the pool, her eyes never leaving the majestic waterfall.
The crystal-clear water crashes into the pool below, sending ripples across the surface.
The sound of the water, the rustle of the trees, and the crisp autumn air all combine to create a sense of peace, a perfect little while.
Neva crouches down by the water's edge, letting her fingers trail through the cool, bubbling stream. She giggles, her laughter echoing through the forest, making Rhett's chest tighten with warmth.
Neva straightens, closing her eyes to take in the fresh, earthy air. Her face is peaceful, her body relaxed in the serenity of the moment.
But then, Rhett's arms encircle her from behind, pulling her close.
He rests his chin on her shoulder, inhaling the soft, floral scent of her skin.
The moment is intimate, the world around them falling away.
Neva speaks quietly, her voice almost lost in the soft sounds of the forest. "Growing up, I've always longed for nature. I felt, trapped in my own home, alone."
Rhett listens, still, unsure where this conversation will lead.
"My name's not really Neva Mae," she says, her voice steady but full of vulnerability.
Rhett looks down at her, confused. "What?"
"It's Neva Evara Noe." She pauses, the words heavy between them.
"Before I came here, I lived with my aunt and uncle. Eight years ago, my parents and I were in an accident. They didn't survive... and I lost all my memories from before that day."
Neva glances at him, her eyes searching his. "Rhett, you don't mind that I don't remember half my life?"
Rhett's expression softens, his hands tightening around her waist. "Not at all, Angel. Even if we can't fill the past, we can make new, beautiful memories."
Neva relaxes in his embrace, a soft smile on her lips. The weight of her confession seems to lift, replaced by a quiet sense of comfort.
"We will," she murmurs. "We can be happy together."
Rhett smiles, his heart full and warm.
His Neva—her presence, her spirit—has already begun to fill the empty spaces inside him. And he knows that whatever the future holds, they will face it together.
"I have something to tell you too," Rhett says, his voice lowered.
She looks at him, curious. "You do?"
He brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. I'll tell you when the right time comes," he responds. "Is it fine?"
Neva studies him for a moment, a quiet riddle inside his warm eyes, then she nods her head with a small smile.