strangers to lovers

CHAPTER-TWENTY-ONE:

Despite the fact that Donna was rubbing my shoulders soothingly and Luke was looking at me disheartenedly as I frantically searched for the bathroom, I said, "Looks like I'm going to throw up." When I knew his gaze was narrowed at me, I did not feel intimidated by it. It felt cold and sweaty and I knew my face looked pale. My insides clenched nervously and my swallowing was hard. "I'll make sure I aim for your shoes." If you are going to vomit, make sure you do so privately and quietly." I shot her a dirty look. In the airport, the nose of a Boeing aircraft could be seen on the other side of the giant glass wall. Donna giggled as she said, "You guys look so cute together." The second thing is, that is a messed up saying. I believe that good couples do not fight all the time, and that is what the truth of the matter is. It was Donna who I felt I could turn to when I realized I was developing feelings for Luke. However, she just said that she had known that I liked him for quite some time. After a few minutes, I thought that she might tell me I was crazy and that he just was something I enjoyed doing. In the end, I just ended up going our separate ways and that didn't make sense, and I still get annoyed when I look at Luke's

face now. It was a difficult moment for me when Dona broke me free from my thoughts. She said slowly, "You're right." "Why do people think that?" She groaned sheepishly and grinned back. She groaned. "It's tougher than I imagined." I grinned back. It dawned on me that such a statement was stupid after I said it out loud. But, you know, characters in books flirt by fighting." "Writers are messed up." There wouldn't be any good books if we were not messed up. Before we miss our flight, you better go to the bathroom and take some anxiety medications." Yes, I got it right. This morning, when Luke literally shoved a minuscule breakfast down my throat, I felt nauseous again, which forced me to rush into the bathroom so I could flush it down. I grabbed my water bottle and swallowed some pills in an attempt to knock myself out during our flight. Dylan caught up with me after dropping Donna and me off back at Luke. He was carrying a bag of magazines that he had purchased from the airport bookstore. The pulse kept racing, and as we waited to board, I prayed for the medicine to kick in, and I felt my ears filled with blood. My hands were sweating, and as soon as we boarded the plane, things got even

worse. Having said that, if I had not been feeling normal, I would likely have rolled my eyes when Luke seated us in first class, but now I am glad he did. I loved Donna so much. She held me tight all the way and I didn't see anyone freaking out. "Over here Ella," Luke said to me as we walked down the narrow aisle in the cabin. It was definitely more private, so no one would have seen me freaking out. I looked at the window as he took my carry-ons, taking in the magnitude of the distance we had already been in the air. I loved her so much. Even though I had barely made it into the air yet, I didn't seem like I could survive this. I sat down and was guided gently into the seat, and as Donna sat next to me, Luke slipped between her and me so that I would not be able to survive this situation. In the end, I glanced up to see him gesture to the seats across the aisle and he told me, "I have accidentally booked the wrong seats for you. I cannot exchange them, so you will have to sit next to Dylan." "What? She must sit next to me? There were times when I was going to complain, but I also wanted to refrain from saying anything because I knew that would be immature. Donna responded by stating, "I'm just across the

aisle." He was sitting right next to me, looking totally comfortable. His posture was perfect; back straight, chin forward. In contrast to the vest and jeans he typically wears, he wore a suit today. As he wore his dark gray jacket, waistcoat, and light lavender button-up, he also wore a maroon tie on his neck. As the cabin filled up and we were probably going to take off soon, I tried to concentrate on his outfit as the cabin filled up and we were probably going to be leaving soon. Luke stared at me warily, saying, "If you are going to get sick, I would ask you to move away." I didn't even attempt to respond. I closed my eyes, taking slow, deep breaths in an attempt to keep my heart from exploding. "This suit was handmade and carefully crafted to fit me perfectly. It wasn't cheap." I did not even try to respond to his words. I managed to keep my heart from bursting until takeoff... until the engine started. That was a waking me up half-frightened by the sounds. I was once again scared when a firm hand grabbed my arm. I opened my eyes to see Luke, eyebrows knit together, pushing his hand even harder. I couldn't pull the hand back fast enough when he squeezed even harder. When the plane was moving, I held on to his

hand, as if it were a support for me. I do not know if it was conscious or subconscious, but his thumb stroked my skin so soothingly as he held my hand. It worked so well, that I didn't want to admit it. My mind almost felt distracted during takeoff, which was almost impossible. During the landing in Honolulu, Hawaii, I found myself a wreck after the plane hit a bump on the runway and I screamed quite a bit. Due to sweating for the past twelve hours, I had become sweaty and gross, as well as tired and cranky from the emotional exhaustion caused by my sweating. There was also a time change, which made it seem as though it was 2 A.M., when in fact it was only 8:00 p.m. In addition, Luke couldn't have taken an earlier flight, so there was no way he could have taken an earlier flight, either. As soon as we exited the airport, we were met by a car. As soon as I stepped off the plane, it was the first time I felt warm, fresh air rushing through me that made me feel as if I was about to cry. After the driver waved to Luke, he immediately picked up his luggage, and placed it in the luxurious BMW trunk. In response to his wave, the driver hurried to collect his luggage. As my stomach rumbled loudly, I was beginning to feel better. I adjusted my tie and turned to Luke, who asked me to get ready for bed. During your sleep, I believe he smiled a little and said, "Henley, get ready to sleep, ". My question was to him, "What do you plan to do Luke?" I had asked him, "What are you going to do Luke?" "I have work to do." "I thought we would go on vacation." "Wait." He paused for a moment before continuing. Having been working hard, I noticed that he looked the same way as I was. He seemed just as tired as I was, so I noticed that he looked just as tired as I was. "I thought we would just go on a random vacation." Sure, I'm fine with it. It disappointed me that there would be no Luke to fix the problems associated with the construction of the hotel? I was also disappointed that there would be no Luke to fix the problems associated with the hotel construction?" "Sir, you're going to be late," I heard the BMW driver say. "Is it just

for today?" I wanted to know what he was doing. The last time I saw Luke's business- self was when he was trying to get me to sign our contract. It felt strange. "Ah, let's depart then." Luke said, putting his hand up to us. "Thank you so much for your stay." I pressed my lips together, not used to Bennett's formal tone. It was odd. "Please enjoy your stay." I pressed my lips together, unused to Bennett's business-self. Now I felt isolated. I pressed my face against the window as we left the airport after Luke left, wanting to take in the view. After we piled the luggage in the last luxury car, we piled ourselves into the back seat. We flew over the ocean, but I wasn't brave enough to look out the window. While we were approaching the resort at just after sunset, I was amazed by the sight of the mountains despite it being just past sunset. It was amazing to see palm trees that I had never seen before. It seems that this place is very popular with tourists. Donna yawned and asked Dylan where our hotel was. "It doesn't seem like Wailea has many people, isn't it?" he replied. I would like to have a stay at my resort. It's an excellent resort. He laughed. We would like to stay there. I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to show you what I can do for you." "I'm surprised Luke wants to come." "Have you ever heard of me?" "Yes, I have work here, and I told him about it, and he insisted that I bring you and Donna with me." "Really?" It makes me laugh. "I guess Luke is surprised that you want to come along." It's funny, because, normally, he does not like travelling for work. Believe it or not, he also does not like flying. However, this is his project, so I guess he had to come anyway, since it's his project. Despite Luke's inability to fly, we should do it together. The whole time, he seemed so calm! When he held my hand, he did not even shake, Donna cooed, "Aw, he was making you feel brave.". I shook my head. No way. It would not be as difficult if he was not such a nice guy. If he was not such a nice guy, if he was not such a nice person, then it would be easier to get over him. Dylan commented thoughtfully, "I am thinking

he might try to make it up to you.". I rolled my eyes and smiled. The question caused him to laugh, "What if someone robs you?" He replied. When I asked him, "Where is the check-in area. You are not able to see the lobby from here, but there is a lobby inside. This is just the foyer." "Is that where we will be staying?" Donna asked. "No." "No. This is one of our single suites. There are several buildings at our place for our clients. "Our driver opened up my door for me, and I climbed out, stretching widely in the warm, salted air. "This is the most common suite, but we have more private suites as well if the client is willing to pay a higher fee." The smell of the ocean was relaxing. I felt the tiredness leave my body as soon as we reached our destination. "Is our suite by the ocean? ", I asked the driver, who nodded and proceeded to unload our luggage from the trunk. Dylan replied, "Yes, of course." We also have a private balcony and infinity pool." Donna grabbed her suitcase from Dylan and nearly jumped up and down. "Let's go see the ocean!" In order to enter the open foyer of the resort, Dylan suggested that we drop off our luggage first. It appeared that there were a few people relaxing in comfortable-looking wicker

chairs and couches, with a few people relaxing in sand-colored marble floors, walls, and support beams, all constructed of the same marble. We saw a glass wall that held the door to the actual lobby, and the lights were hanging low and etched with beautiful tribal markings. We came across a glass wall which held the door to the lobby as Dylan had mentioned. I was greeted by the receptionists warmly and then they exchanged glances when they saw Dylan, and it was just as clean and neatly decorated as the foyer. We were greeted by sandy marble and everything. "Ah, Mr. James, I'm glad to see you've arrived safely!" one of them chirped. One of them smiled brightly at our trio. "I will check you in, come over here. Would you like to see a schedule of all the resort's activities?" she replied.