“Wallet. Phone. Keys.” I hook him by the waist. “You’re super cute, you know that?”
???
Windows down, salty sea breeze flows.
Music serenades us from the car speakers.
A hand caresses my thigh while I drive.
“Still can’t believe you emailed Vonnie,” I laugh. “We better not see her while we’re down here.”
Marco's voice deepens slightly.
“I'm a bad influence. But you like it.”
“I like it more than I should.”
His hand slides under the hem of my shorts, teasing back and forth along the edge of my underwear.
Heat rises beneath his palm, close enough to make me swallow.
I force myself to keep my eyes on the road.
We reach the Gold Coast before noon and grab a quick bite to eat.
Mirrored high rise buildings reflect ocean waves, streets buzzing with energy.
We’ve found a last minute luxury apartment overlooking the beach.
Panoramic views of an endless horizon stretch as far as we can see.
“If we squint, we can see New Zealand,” he says, peering over the rail.
“I still have that balcony pic you sent me.” My lips graze below his ear. “I barely recognise you out here, wearing pants.”
“Take them off me,” he whispers.
“Oh I will,” I reply. “But not yet. I want to see you barefoot on that sand, Bohemian Marco.”
???
Down on the beach, I hide our phones and apartment swipe card in a thick bundle of towels.
“I set mine to airplane mode,” he beams.
“That's one of the hottest things you've ever said,” I swoon. “I mean it.”
Our toes sink into the sand, pale powder giving way with each step.
He leads me into the water.
We only intend to dip our feet for a quick paddle.
But the further we wander, the more enticing it feels.
Cold water foams around our legs.
A rogue wave surprises us, drenching us from the hips down.
