Bella
The Boston skyline glitters behind us as we glide past the Longfellow Bridge, the boat's gentle sway matching my racing pulse. I grip the railing, drinking in the late summer scene as sunlight dances across the Charles River's surface.
"You arranged this?" My voice catches as I turn to Ares, who's watching me with that insufferable, knowing grin.
He nods, hands tucked in his pockets. "Like it?"
I spin in a slow circle, taking in the elegant vessel—all polished wood and gleaming chrome. We're the only passengers aboard, save for the small crew. The August breeze carries the sweet scent of blooming water lilies and warm stone, just enough to stir my hair but not enough to cool the summer heat. Above us, cotton-wisp clouds drift across an impossibly blue sky.
"I..." Words fail me. The trees lining the riverbank are still lush and green, though a few early turning leaves hint at the coming autumn. The late afternoon sun gilds everything in honey-gold light, the water reflecting the sky like nature's own masterpiece. My fingers itch for my sketchbook, wanting to capture this moment.
Warm arms slide around my waist, and Ares's chest presses against my back. His breath tickles my ear as he murmurs, "Yesterday, I remembered how you used to talk about wanting to see Boston from the Charles River. All those afternoons you spent sketching in the garden, dreaming about different perspectives, saying how the city would look like a painting from the water..."
My heart stutters. He remembered that? Those quiet confessions, whispered between stolen kisses and shared dreams? The way I'd describe how I wanted to capture the city's soul from every angle, see its beauty from the water that shaped it. I lean back into him, emotion thick in my throat.
"I did say that," I whisper, watching the sunlight dance across the river's surface like scattered diamonds. "I can't believe you remembered."
His arms tighten around me, and I feel his chest press closer against my back. His head lifts, and I watch his dark eyes dart from point to point across the horizon, scanning with an intensity that makes the hair on my neck prickle. My own gaze follows his, sweeping across the river banks and other boats, but nothing stands out.
"Is everything okay?" I twist in his embrace, craning my neck until I can see his face.
He blinks twice, rapid and sharp, before his eyes lock onto mine. "Hmm? Just keeping an eye out for those vultures." The corners of his mouth lift in what should be a reassuring smile, but the skin around his eyes remains taut, creating tiny creases at the corners. "I thought I saw something, but it was nothing."
I hold his gaze, searching for any hint of what might have caught his attention. The boat rocks beneath us, a gentle side-to-side motion that sends ripples through my muscles. His body heat seeps through my clothes, and my shoulders slowly unwind. His face softens, the earlier tension melting away as his eyes remain fixed on mine, warm and present.
"Can I get you something to drink? We have a full bar, including some excellent local craft beers and wines."
His lips brush my temple, and I feel them curve into a smile against my skin. "What do you say, Red? Ready to toast to new beginnings?"
"Wine would be perfect." I catch myself leaning further into his warmth. "Red, please."
"Macallan 18, neat," Ares adds, his fingers still tracing patterns on my hip.
We stand in comfortable silence as the boat glides through the water, the late afternoon sun painting everything in honey-gold hues. A few leaves spiral down from overhanging branches, dancing on the breeze before joining their fallen companions on the river's surface.
"I've missed this," Ares murmurs against my hair. "Los Angeles has its charms, but there's something magical about watching the seasons change here. The way everything transforms, like nature's putting on a show just for us."
"How is life in LA?" I turn my head slightly, studying his profile.
"Meetings. Contracts. More meetings." His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "The usual corporate circus."
"What do you do for fun out there? When you're not being Mr. Corporate?"
His pause speaks volumes. "Ethan keeps me sane. We grab drinks, hit the gym..." He trails off, and that ache in my chest grows sharper.
I turn in his arms, my hand finding his cheek. Before I can overthink it, I press my lips to his—soft, sweet, barely there.
"What was that for?" His eyes search mine, thumb brushing my lower back.
"Oh, you know." I force lightness into my voice. "Just part of the girlfriend boyfriend package. Section 3, subsection B—spontaneous kisses during sunset boat rides."
His chuckle rumbles through his chest. "Ah, I must have missed that clause." He drops a quick kiss on my lips. "Though I believe Section 4 mentions something about reciprocation."
Someone clears their throat behind us. The crew member stands there with our drinks on a silver tray, trying and failing to hide his amusement.
"Your wine and scotch," he says, eyes twinkling. "Let me know if you need anything else. Like a copy of that interesting contract you mentioned."
My cheeks flush as I accept my wine, but Ares just winks at him. "Sorry, it's a very exclusive membership."
