Their moment of sweet indulgence was broken when they both turned toward the shore where Dustin was chasing Mel into the water. They both crashed into the waves and went under the water only to resurface, splashing water on each other.

All of them enjoyed the water until the girls decided to lie in the sun for a while. Dustin asked Ashton to show him how to surf and the girls were entertained watching Dustin struggling to stand on the board. Ashton’s movements were so controlled on the board. Sophie found herself mesmerized by him. Since she had met him she wanted to know what it would be like to be his object of affection and now, since last night when they finally told each other how they felt, he looked at her like she was the most beautiful girl in the world. Every time their eyes met he grinned like an excited kid and it made exhilaration course through her, making her feel weightless, like she could float away in the slightest breeze.

“You got it bad,” Mel said as she sat up to flip over.

“Look who’s talking. I see you flirting with Dustin every chance you get.” Sophie sipped her water bottle while watching Ashton.

“I flirt with everyone, remember? But with you…you look at him like he’s everything you have ever wanted wrapped up into a very attractive package,” Mel said dreamily. “It’s magical.”

Sophie turned around to see Mel’s face. Her large sunglasses covered most of her face. “Magical? Okay where did my Mel go?”

“Come on. You fell in love with the guy when you first met him without even knowing it and then you find out that he felt the same way all this time. What’s more magical than someone who was supposed to be the enemy to be the one to prove love exists for the girl who never believed?”

“Quiet, and he didn’t say he loved me, by the way. He just told me he didn’t hate me.” Sophie gave her a warning look.

Mel rolled her eyes. “Oh Ashton, you have shown me the light,” Mel said in mock dramatization, her hand against her heart. “I love you soooooo much.”

“Stop before he hears you.” Sophie tackled Mel to try and silence her. Sophie tried to cover Mel’s mouth but she was too evasive. They both ended up in a fit of giggles, tangled on the towels.

“As much as I hate to break up this incredibly hot display, your ice creams are melting,” Ashton said from the edge of the towel. “And I think you’re drawing a crowd.”

“Yum!” Mel lit up as Dustin passed her a cone and sat down next to her.

“Thank you,” Sophie said, taking the cone.

“So I saw you watching us out there, do you want me to give you a lesson?” Ashton sat down beside Sophie and leaned back on his elbows. He looked sexy with his large muscular form stretched out beside her. It made her picture him back in her bed and the wonderful evening they had shared together. Sophie looked over when Mel screamed because Dustin had made her smear her ice cream on her face.

“I think I’m better on the beach. It looks like it could be potentially dangerous for me.” Sophie laughed.

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.” Ashton nudged her with his shoulder.

“Oh yeah? Well, I have a confession to make. There is a reason that I practice the arts and not physically demanding activities. I’m not the most coordinated person,” Sophie admitted. “It looks like it takes more skill than I am capable of.”

“I have a confession to make as well.” He moved closer to her so their shoulders touched and it sent a tingling heat through her. “I am jealous of your ice cream.”

“Why would you possibly be jealous of my ice cream?” she asked in mock innocence as she seductively licked it and moaned in enjoyment.

“You’re gonna get it now,” Ashton teased.

“What are you gonna do, because you already threw me in the water.” Sophie raised her brows.

“This.” He leaned over and bit Sophie’s bottom lip. The pull caused heat to rupture within her. She reached up to stop him from pulling away and kissed him deeply.

“Get a room!” Mel yelled.

***

The intense heat shone down upon them as Sophie lounged on her towel. Ashton had lain down next to her and his breathing had slowed to a deep, even pace. She watched his peaceful physique, the perfect lines of his muscles and how they moulded his skin in the most enticing ways. Will I ever tire of looking at him? I can’t imagine.

“Who’s that walking this way?” Mel asked.

“Xavier.” Sophie frowned in surprise. “I met him at the charity auction the other night.”

“Wow. Another hot admirer?” Mel whispered with her eyes locked on his approaching form. His skin glistened from the lingering water upon his tanned flesh. His wet dark hair hung around his face. Sophie thought it suited him more than the swept back style he had sported at the charity auction. His features were almost menacing but he was definitely handsome, and his smile softened his features. Sophie heard Mel’s hum of approval as he neared their towels.

“Ladies.” He welcomed them before turning toward Sophie. “What a pleasure seeing you again, Sophie.”

“You too.” Sophie offered. “These are my friends Mel and Dustin.” Mel flashed one of her brilliant smiles. Dustin, who was lying on his stomach, only lifted his hand in a lazy wave, nowhere near as enthusiastic as Mel’s welcome. “And you know Ashton.”

“You’re blocking our sun with your fat head. Why don’t you move to the other end of the beach, or better yet leave?” Ashton said suddenly. He turned over and sat up.

“I came to speak with Sophie. I didn’t have a chance for a proper goodbye when we met the other night.”

“Goodbye,” Ashton bit off coldly, wrapping his arm possessively around Sophie.

Sophie gently hit his arm before turning to address Xavier. “That was my fault. I wasn’t feeling well,” Sophie said, fully aware of the tension between the two.

“Well, I’m glad to see that you’re feeling better now.” Xavier smiled sinfully, watching the interaction between Sophie and Ashton.

“Yes, I am, thank you.”

“Well, I’m off to take advantage of the waves. If you care to join me…” Xavier’s words were cut off by Ashton.

“Not gonna happen.” Ashton gave him a cold stare that translated even through his dark sunglasses.

“Another time then, Sophie.” Xavier winked at her before turning to leave.

“Fuck off,” Ashton added.

“Oh, Ashton, I hear that you and Lucinda have been spending time together recently. Just can’t get enough of her, I guess, right?” Xavier grinned slyly. “Well, I’m sure you would be interested to know she just arrived.” Xavier nodded toward the parking lot. Everyone turned to see where he indicated. Sure enough Lucinda was heading toward the beach. Sophie hadn’t seen her since the day she had graduated high school. After all that time she still got a bad taste in her mouth at the very sight of her. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Sophie looked at Ashton, whose eyes were watching Lucinda approach, his expression unreadable as he stood up. Her high that she had been experiencing since last night was suddenly brought to an abrupt end. What did Xavier mean by spending time with Lucinda?

Lucinda sauntered up the beach, her figure barely concealed under a very revealing string bikini. “X,” she called to her cousin. She dropped her bag and wrapped her arms around Xavier. When she pulled away her eyes fell on Ashton. “Hey, Ashton.” She snaked her arms around his waist. Sophie couldn’t stop the shocked expression on her face. So many scenarios ran through her mind and the one that stood out above all others is maybe this had all been a sick joke played on her. In her mind it was suddenly high school all over again.

Ashton stayed rigid in Lucinda’s hold. “You know Sophie.” He waved his hand toward Sophie. “And these are her friends, Mel and Dustin.”

Lucinda turned to observe the three of them. “How cute.” She waved dismissively.