Chapter 267 - Let's talk (3)

JoAnna came out of the bedroom after talking to Sophia and found that Jeff was back in the study room behind his computer. She didn't want to disturb him and went to the patio.

JoAnna felt guilty that he took a day off because of her, and he neglected his work. She is not sure what he does, but she knows that work is a big part of his life, and it seems that before she got his attention, most of his life was focused on work.

This day was a mess. They ended up being photographed. She cringed at herself when she remembered how she messed up and criticized him for getting the whole restaurant for them. 'The whole day I'm just causing problems and being a burden.' JoAnna was on an emotional low. Feeling of not being good enough for Jeff, overwhelmed her. 'And what will happen if I move in with him? Will every day be a complete mess?' She sighed and held her head in her hands.

"What is troubling you?" JoAnna heard Jeff's voice from behind.

JoAnna didn't respond. She didn't know what to say and not to sound like a complete loser who is feeling sorry for herself.

"I thought we are supposed to talk..." He reminded her.

JoAnna hesitated before answering. "I think you are too good for me."

"What a coincidence..." Jeff gently smiled. "I think the same way about you." For him, JoAnna is the most beautiful, smartest, kindest… best at everything woman. He does not see any flaws in her, only perfection.

"How can that be?" JoAnna shook her head dismissing his statement. "I'm a magnet for trouble. Your life would be much simpler without me."

Jeff winced when he heard her words and pulled her in his embrace. "Don't say that... my life without you would be simpler, but it would be a torture. Even if you attract all trouble in the world, I will gladly dispose of it for you. Now that I finally found you, I'm not willing to let go."

His words touched her like nothing before. Knowing that he wants to take care of her no matter what, made her heart melt. Her emotions were so strong, that it was impossible for her to form any words. She was surprised to hear him say that he will not let go. How can this perfect man say that he will not let go of her, when she does not feel worthy to be with her?

Jeff looked JoAnna in the eyes and observed her bewildered expression. "Don't demean yourself. In my eyes, you are perfect, but if you believe that you are not good enough, no matter what I say will not change how you feel... If you think that I'm too good, then you need to get better... Get better until you are satisfied with yourself and your self-doubts are gone. "

JoAnna thought that what he said made perfect sense. She loves him and wants to be with him... so if she is not good enough for him, she needs to improve herself. "Thank you... I needed to hear that."

Seeing that her mood improved, Jeff relaxed. For a moment he thought that she is considering to leave him, and he felt a knot in his chest. But now he can see that JoAnna is back and he exhaled in relief.

Jeff caressed her cheek and gave her a long kiss, while holding her close to him. He hopes that one day she understands how much she means to him; how much he needs her.

He looked at her like she is the most precious thing in the world, and she was his.

He remembered that they had plan to cook. But looking at the time, it does not seem it will happen. Not today… "Come on, let's go out for dinner. It's late for cooking."

JoAnna remembered her talk with Sophia. "Sophia told me about a place that we must go to. It's nearby. We can walk."

Jeff would go wherever she wants to go, so he didn't object. "Sounds like a great way to end a perfect day."

"Perfect day? Please tell me what part of today was perfect?" From her point of view, it was quite bad day full of challenges.

"I can start with the morning..." Jeff flashed a devilish smile. "I will never look at my work desk in the same way again." JoAnna's eyes widened and she blushed as she remembered what they did on his desk that morning. Jeff enjoyed her reaction for few seconds before continuing, "I had a lovely lunch with you, and then we walked on the beach, you taught me how to shoot a gun, and I watched you hop through the store and pick food while thinking what will you cook for me. The whole day was about us, you and me... I don't remember last time I enjoyed so much. It was perfect."

JoAnna looked at him and blinked few times. 'He remembered only good parts. In the same way how, optimist sees the glass half full. Strange... I was always the optimist. What happened? How did I start doubting myself?' She exhaled. "If you put it that way, it was a pretty good day."

Jeff and JoAnna headed two blocks down the street to a central market which is open until late in the night. Market is a large food court with many different stalls decorated in a unique way showcasing food and heritage they represent. The market was bustling with people and it was very lively. They decided on a stall with barbecued food and sat on bar stools at the counter. JoAnna and Jeff faced each other, and their legs touched as they ate and chatted. Because it was noisy, they needed to lean in toward each other to talk, which they used to exchange frequent kisses. They were surrounded by people, but the atmosphere between them was like two of them had their own intimate bubble, and no one else could enter it. JoAnna hoped that this evening never ends.