As the sun rose on the last day of their trip, Ella woke up wrapped in Greg's arms. She breathed in deeply, taking in the warm natural smell of his skin and the musty smell of the tent. The trip had been a mix of emotions and she still wasn't completely sure what was going to happen next. Normally, being awake early would mean a run for Ella, but this morning she decided to stay wrapped in Greg's arms.
She lay there quietly, listening to the distant roll of the waves, watching Greg's face as he slept on beside her. Ella closed her eyes, feeling sleep call to her as her breathing settled in time with his.
Greg's stirring woke Ella. He stretched his arms out, rolling on to his back to stretch out properly. "Hey," Greg mumbled. "Hey yourself..." yawned Ella, rolling on to her side to look at him. Greg stroked her face gently, before putting his glasses on. "I guess you and I have some things to talk about today?" He said, brushing her face again.
"Not right now, ok?" Ella frowned, snuggling back into his arms and closing her eyes, trying to prolong this moment for as long as possible.
He pulled her tight towards his chest, breathing in deeply. Ella smelt of the sea and the beach, a light, salted scent that reminded him of summer. Soon the smell of bacon cooking wafted into the tent, coaxing them to get dressed and join the others for breakfast.
Everyone seemed quiet over breakfast. Maybe it was because their trip was coming to an end? The plan had been to spend another day on the beach relaxing. Before packing up late afternoon for the drive home.
As the others got their things ready for the beach, Greg reached for Ella's hand, rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand. It was a strange sensation, a subtle shift from friendship to something more. A gesture showing their feelings for each other publicly. "We're going to catch you up later," Greg called to the others, "We want to explore more of the area."
"Aye, aye!" Called Mitchel, wolf whistling as he walked towards the beach. Greg rolled his eyes and stood, pulling Ella to her feet.
Expecting him to let go, she was surprised to find Greg still holding her hand as they started following the path into the forest. They walked quietly hand in hand, following the same path Ella had run the previous morning.
"So," Ella asked finally, "What do we do now?" Greg stopped and pulled her towards him, placing a kiss on her forehead. "Whatever we want sweetheart." Ella looked up at him, "You know what I mean." He kissed her forehead again.
"I want to be with you. For the rest of my life- or for as long as you'll have me." He smiled down at her. Ella smiled back, her heart full. "What about work?" Greg's smile slipped slightly. "I fly back out on Friday. I'll call my boss tomorrow and hand in my resignation. I'll need to work out my notice, but as soon as I can, I'll be back. I promise."
He leaned down to kiss her softly, as if to confirm his promise to her. Greg slid his arm around her waist as they carried on walking.
