Chapter 109 - DATE I

Cayenne returned the hug buy holding the side of his shirt but Stefan pulled her hands and wrapped it around his waist. "That's a lot better." He murmured and kissed the top of her head again.

Her face became even more reader with this intimate action between them. When she was working for him, she remained professional, she didn't let her feelings affect her job. She didn't think too much whenever he hugged her to sleep either. Although it made her feel more affectionate towards him, she remained passive.

Now, with their new status, any small gesture would make her feel flustered and shy. Her heart was brimming with joy like she was watching a fireworks display. Her mind was full with nothing else but his face and his expression. 'This man, as long as he won't hurt me, I'll do anything for him and dedicate my life to him.' Cayenne thought to herself and buried her red face on his chest. For some reason, she wanted to remain in this position for a little while and that's what Stefan had in his mind as well.

Few moments later, more and more people were riding horses towards the peak. They can hear the hooves of the horses and the laughter and giggles of the tourist.

"Shall we continue?" Stefan suggested but he was still not letting her go.

"Okay." Cayenne whispered at the same time, nodded her head. Stefan lifted her chin and kissed the tip of her nose before holding her hand and led her back to where the horse was tied. Since he had his back on her, he didn't see Cayenne's expression.

She was biting her lower lip to stop herself from smiling. She didn't want to show him that she was happy with the kiss on her nose. For Cayenne, a kiss on her nose and a kiss on her forehead or the top of her head was better compared to the kiss on her lips. As much as possible, she wanted to save her first sweet kiss on her lips at the altar with the person that she loves.

Stefan looked calm in appearance but only he knew how much effort he exerted to control himself from kissing her lips. They agreed to date first and get to know each other. He would the save the best kiss until she says 'yes' to him.

When he turned around, he was wearing a loving expression. There was sincere care in his eyes and he looked at her with gentle care.

"Can I sit behind you?" Cayenne asked tentatively. She wanted to hide herself from for a little while because she felt embarrassed with their new relationship status now. She wanted to contemplate on other things without feeling his warm breath on the back of her neck or on her ears.

"Sure." Stefan agreed almost instantly. In that way, Cayenne can hug him all the way back to the ranch where they got the horse. He got on the back of the horse first after untying it. There were other people coming close to them already but they ignored them, seeing only the world which consist of the two of them. He stretched out his hand and pulled Cayenne up to sit behind him. "Hold me tight. I don't want you to fall."

"Hn." Cayenne held the hem of his shirt to brace herself.

"Not like that." Stefan told her.

"Like this?" she moved her hand and placed her warm hand on the side of her waist.

"Not either.  You would still fall."

"Like this, then?" Mustering her courage, she leaned close to him and wrapped both her hands around his waist and linked her fingers on his strong abdomen.

Stefan chuckled faintly as he placed his hand on top of hers. He never felt so warm in his entire life until this very moment. He couldn't thank God enough for sending Cayenne to his life. "I like this better. Let's go." He pulled the rein and kicked the horse gently to embark on their horseback riding trip.

"Stefan?"

"Yes."

"What will happen to us after we get back to the city? You still have insomnia, right? Does that mean I still have to sleep with you?"

"I'm planning to test myself for the remaining time we have in this province. I wanted to know if I can sleep by myself."

"O-okay." Cayenne was hoping he'd be fine but half of her brain was also hoping for him to never overcome his illness. She wanted to be the only cure he got in this life.

At this point, she realized that people who are in love tend to become really selfish – just like her.

The two of them made several stops whenever they found a good place and took pictures with each one of them and both of them as well.

After an hour and half, they finally arrived at the starting point. They returned the horse and the other safety equipment and paid for it.

"You've paid for this trip; can I pay for our lunch later?" Cayenne asked. Since she was no longer his employee, she didn't want to impose on him as well. She believed in equality even if it is during dating process. Aside from that, Stefan had given her so much even when she was still his employee. In fact, Cayenne thought that he was spoiling his employee which was her.

However, Stefan didn't give her a chance to waste her money for lunch. "Let's go back to the rest house. Let's cook our own lunch. We'll have dinner at the peak so, you can pay for that." Even if he said that, how can he do that to her. It was just his words but he was still planning to pay for their dinner.

Finally, he found the purpose of making money. He wanted to give all his riches to her. If possible, he wanted her to stop working in the hotel as well and just stay at home to take care of herself or her family but, he knew that Cayenne wouldn't like that.