Chapter 110: On a date
Rhys
I kept one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting firmly on Kayden’s thigh, my thumb tracing slow circles over the fabric of jeans.
The morning light was crisp, cutting through the mountain mist as we wound our way down from the resort but my focus wasn’t on the road.
It was on the man in the passenger seat who was now officially mine. My boyfriend.
’’How are the ribs feeling?’’ I asked, my voice softer than I should probably admit. ’’The road is going to get a bit bumpy in a second. If it hurts, tell me and I’ll slow down. I don’t want you in pain for the rest of the day.’’
Internally I was a wreck even when I was trying so hard not to sound like one. I had set the date ever since the final games with the Southern Stallion started and the idea of Kayden not liking this date made my palms sweat against the leather of the steering wheel. I just wanted our first day as a couple to be interesting.
’’You being very... attentive today, Captain,’’ Kayden teased, though I could see the faint blush creeping up his neck.
’’I have to look after my boyfriend, don’t I?’’ I countered, the word boyfriend feeling surprisingly natural to me.
I glanced over at him, catching the way the sunlight hit the obsidian of his eyes.
My heart did a strange uncomfortable somersault. I had spent my whole life being the Ice Prince who was calculated and cold, but Kayden was melting the edges of my control.
I wanted this to be perfect, every moment we would spend together because I needed him to feel as cherished as he actually was, especially with the deadline my grandfather had given me.
I had planned on telling him about it after the date.
’’where are we going Rhys?’’ Kayden asked, shifting in his seat to look at me, his curiosity finally getting the better of him. ’’you’ve been acting like we are on a secret mission since we left the resort.’’
I caught his gaze for a split second before looking back at the winding road. ’’I told you last night already that surprises are best left for when they actually happen, Kayden. If I told you now, I’d lose that look on your face when we pull up.’’
Kayden let out a dramatic huff and rolled his eyes, leaning his head back against the headrest. ’’you are impossible Rhys.’’
I let out a chuckle and reached for his hand, lifting it from his lap and pressing a slow lingering kiss to the back of his hand, my eyes never leaving the road by my intent was clear.
’’patience, my love,’’ I murmured. ’’trust me you will love what I have set up for you. I will make sure that our first date as a couple is great,’’ I said taking my eyes off the road for a moment and winking at him.
The ride went on for a few minutes in silence until I arrived at the private parking valet of the Vancity Oceanic Center. The best aquarium in the country.
’’an aquarium? In iron city ?’’ Kayden asked, his eyes widening as he looked at the massive glass-fronted building.
’’this is not just an aquarium,’’ I corrected, handing the keys to the valet. ’’this one is the biggest and most beautiful one in the country.’’
Kayden clapped his hands excitedly. ’’wow, I have always wanted to come to an aquarium and this is exciting,’’ he chuckled.
I smiled at him, came out of the car and came to his side to open the door. ’’please my love,’’ I dramatically stretched forth my hand.
He laughed and got into his role as he took my hand and came out of the car. ’’of course loving boyfriend of mine.’’
We both stared at each other and burst into laughter.
As we stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The roar of the city died away, replaced by the hushed rhythmic sound of water and the ethereal blue glow from the floor to the ceiling tanks.
There were people milling about—families, tourists, couples just like us—but I didn’t care. I doubt anyone would recognize us here. It was why I had picked this place as the first spot.
I stayed close to Kayden, my hand finding the small of his back, guiding him through the crowds toward the deeper, quieter exhibits.
We reached the jellyfish gallery first. It was a long darkened tunnel where thousands of translucent jellies drifted in glowing cylinders of neon light. The way the blue and purple hues hit Kayden’s face made him look like something out of a dream.
’’Rhys, look at them,’’ Kayden whispered, stepping closer to the glass. He looked so genuinely fascinated, his obsidian eyes reflecting the pulsing lights of the jellyfish. ’’Aren’t they beautiful?’’ he asked.
’’yes,’’ I replied, but I wasn’t looking at the fish, instead I was looking at him.
’’Rhys, we have to take pictures,’’ Kayden whispered, pulling out his phone.
I felt my eyes widen instinctively.
Was he going to post? I thought. We were still new and if anyone finds out about us, it could become something that could either make or destroy our career.
Kayden must have seen the panic flicker in my expression because he stepped closer and murmured.
’’Don’t be scared, Rhys. I am not going to reveal it to anyone, Rhys. I promise. This is just going to stay on my phone.’’
I looked at him and the tension in my shoulders disappeared. I nodded, letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. ’’uhm... alright, I...’’ I wanted to tell him that I didn’t care but was more concerned about our careers, but
Kayden was already moving around taking pictures.
He grabbed my hand, pulling us closer as he captured a selfie of us with the glowing blue tanks as our backdrop.
I wasn’t used to smiling for cameras that weren’t held by reporters, but with his shoulder pressed against mine, the smile came easily. Then he focused on the smaller details, taking a photo of our hands. Mine was wrapped firmly around his, our fingers interlaced against the cool glass of a tank.
We looked at each other and smiled, then took photos of our reflections in the glass, even took separate photos and had someone take our pictures together.
As soon as he finished taking the pictures and tucked his phone away, I spoke.
’’come, there is a place I have to show you,’’ I told him and took his hand, pulling him by my side as we moved away from the crowds and toward a spot called the Deep Sea Tunnel.
It was a long arched glass corridor where the light was so dim it felt like we were walking on the ocean floor. Above us, massive sharks glided by with terrifying grace, and seeing them made Kayden jump and lunge into my arm.
’’it’s beautiful but I am scared,’’ he muttered.
I chuckled and placed my hand warmly on his. ’’why should you be scared when I am here with you,’’ I told him and kissed the side of his face. ’’your boyfriend is the captain of one of the strongest hockey teams in the world.’’
Kayden rolled his eyes. ’’there you go again saying all those cheesy stuffs.’’
’’is it uhm bad?’’ I asked.
He shook his head. ’’I am not complaining. It just seemed like a whole new you and I have to admit I find it interesting.’’
I didn’t say a word and simply stepped behind him, wrapping my arm around his waist and pulling him against my chest.
I rested my chin on his shoulder, watching the way he looked at the water.
My mind was reeling from the fact that this was our first official date and I was allowed to hold him like this without looking over my shoulder for teammates or reporters.