CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX - *SPA RETREAT*

"Anna," he said softly, "I need you to understand something." She nodded, encouraging him to continue. "My life... it's complicated. There are things about me, about my past, that I'm not ready to share yet. And my world... it can be overwhelming. Intense. I don't want to rush you into anything you're not ready for." Anna reached up, placing her hand over his where it still rested on her cheek. "Erik, I understand. And I appreciate your honesty. I'm not asking for all your secrets right now. I just want a chance to get to know you, to see where this might lead." Erik opened his eyes, searching her face. Whatever he saw there seemed to reassure him. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Okay," he said. "We'll take it slow. One day at a time." Anna smiled back, her heart full. "One day at a time," she agreed. They sealed the promise with another kiss, softer this time but no less intense. As they walked back to the guesthouse, hand in hand, Anna felt a sense of peace wash