Chapter 292 - Private island (5)

Later that afternoon, Jeff and JoAnna took advantage of a calm clear ocean and went snorkeling.

The reef was mostly mix of green and yellow colors. JoAnna was delighted to see colorful animals so close to the surface. As she swam, she recognized some of the fish: clownfish, groupers, morey eels, barracudas, moorish idol, yellow tang, paracanthurus, garden eels...

Fish were moving in densely packed schools and twirled around, illuminated with sunrays that were breaking through the surface of the water. JoAnna truly enjoyed the view.

As they swam, one yellow tang got attracted to the bikini string on JoAnna's left hip, probably thinking it's some food, and tried to bite it. As JoAnna moved, the string swayed, and the fish was not successful after few attempts to secure its meal. With each next attempt fish was getting bolder and inched closer to JoAnna. Jeff saw the audacious fish and swam closer to JoAnna.

Looking at the dreamlike setting below her, JoAnna remembered cartoon she watched as a child, 'The little mermaid' and the song 'Under the sea' started in her mind... "...right here on the ocean floor, such wonderful things surround you, what more are you looking for..." She stopped and thought, 'What more am I looking for?'. Her head moved to look for Jeff. She saw him swatting away yellow tang which was close to her hip. It was a funny scene, and she could not hold herself from laughing. She had to go up to the surface and removed snorkeling gear which blocked her mouth. Jeff emerged out of the water few seconds after her.

JoAnna stopped laughing and caught her breath. "Did you just hit a fish?"

He denied it. "No... I just moved it away." Seeing that JoAnna is still looking at him, he indirectly admitted. "It was clinging onto you." He would not let anyone cling like that to her body... even fish is not an exception.

JoAnna shook her head helplessly and smiled. "Let's head back, we are far away." JoAnna was amazed that they swam quite a distance, yet the ocean was still shallow and calm. 'Just how big is this lagoon?'

…

When they got back to the villa, Jeff quickly showered first and told JoAnna to take her time, he has something to do and will come get her for dinner.

JoAnna was on the bed, hugging a pillow and thinking about last few days. She appreciates that Jeff got this arranged: a private setting where they can relax and enjoy each other's company without worry that someone would take photos of them. He did this for her, to make sure she is safe. And knowing that she is not comfortable with bodyguards, in this setting there is no need for security or any other worry... it's just the two of them. And she knows that he made all this arranged thinking of her needs and preferences.

She wished that they can stay longer, and not go back tomorrow... back to the penthouse where she has bodyguards at the front door, and she can't move outside without them... and Jeff will go back to work...

JoAnna thought how she needs to finalize transfer of her medical residence. She can't postpone this for too long. It might impact her studies.

JoAnna remembered his suggestion to carry a gun. 'It makes sense in a way... instead of learning physical defense, which I was never good at, maybe I could use something I am good at.' JoAnna stood up and went upstairs, on the rooftop lounge. She approached the rifles and picked up TAC-338, ammunition, earmuffs and headed up to the roof of the wet bar. JoAnna assumed position and started shooting at the targets in the distance.

Shooting relaxed her and helped her think.

She remembered Greg and how helpless he made her feel. She hated that feeling... if she had a gun, would it be different? She took a shot at the target and missed. Would she be able to keep Greg away if she had a gun? What if he didn't stop even after seeing a gun? Would she shoot him? JoAnna shoot again at the target and another miss. Would she be capable to pull the trigger if she knows that hurting someone else will save her? If she knows that Greg will hurt her, will she be capable of shooting at him? Another miss.

JoAnna was upset at her inability to fight back, to defend herself. The more she thought about it, the faster her movements became. And then everything stopped. JoAnna took a deep breath, calmed herself and took an aim at the target.

TAC-338 is less powerful than TAC-50 she used yesterday, so hitting a target successfully at that distance is a bigger challenge.

JoAnna slowly pressed the trigger and the bullet shoot out of the barrel... it hit the target. She decided that she will apply for a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Having a gun will give her an option to defend herself. She can also learn self-defense, but gun is something she does not need preparations for.

"Good hit", Jeff praised her.

"I didn't hear you come up." She stood up. "How long are you here?"

"Not long. Come... dinner is ready." Jeff tilted his head gesturing to go down.

…

JoAnna walked onto the beach holding hands with Jeff. The sun was low on the horizon and the sunset colors were breathtaking. Vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow intermingled in the sky and reflected on the surface of the water.

JoAnna's eyes fell on the beach. Large light blue blanket was stretched on the white sand, with their dinner and two wine glasses on top of it, surrounded with tiki torches. JoAnna smiled and turned to Jeff.

He was looking at her, enjoying her reaction. When their eyes met, he gave a small nod. "For you."

JoAnna stepped close to Jeff, wrapped arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you." She was overwhelmed with emotions while thinking how much time and effort he puts to make her happy.

After few seconds, he inched away, lifted her chin with his fingers and lightly kissed her lips. "It's my pleasure."