“Uh, hi, I’m good, thanks. I’m Belle,” I say as I reach my hand out to shake his. His eyes feel like they’re bearing into me. Thank God my drink shows up at that moment, giving me an excuse to look away and a second to collect myself.
“Cheers,” he tips his glass. “Did you just arrive? Here for vacation?”
“Oh, yes, just got here. I’m here on a press trip actually as a writer. What about you?” I try to sound calm but I’m feeling flustered. I’m not used to talking to someone so distractingly gorgeous. He must be bored or just being nice, I tell myself.
I learn that he’s on a little vacation with his friend just for a few days. As we chat, I notice a gorgeous supermodel type girl in a string bikini walk by, who stares Ricky down. Suddenly, I’m feeling even more self-conscious. Maybe I should leave.
He surely must notice that perfect skinny goddess walking by and checking him out. But he doesn’t even blink an eye. Instead, he’s completely wrapped up into our conversation. I don’t know what to make of this mysterious stranger. Feeling a little uncomfortable, I wonder if a little walk on the beach will do me some good.
“I think I’m going to take this drink down the beach for a walk,” I smile to Ricky as I fumble to collect my purse and wrap. I’m doing him a favor. That will give him a gracious out so he can talk to that supermodel.
He jumps to his feet. “Let me come with you. I’ve been wanting to stretch my legs. Uh, if that’s okay with you, of course.”
He throws some cash down on the bar and nods to the bartender. “This is for our drinks.”
I blush immediately. “Um, of course. A little company would be nice.”
Within a few steps, we’re on the firm, sandy beach under the hot blazing sun. I can smell the ocean as we stroll on the narrow beach strip by the resort. There are a few scattered sunbathers but we walk closer towards the water. As we stroll slowly with our drinks, I take a deep breath and take in the salty ocean air and the tropical paradise.
It’s heaven. Too perfect. Am I dreaming? I’m in heaven with an impossibly handsome Adonis. What is going on? I start feeling instantly uncomfortable again.
The unwelcome face of my ex-boyfriend flashes in my mind’s eye as I try to push him out. Maybe that’s why I’m feeling this way. Not only am I not ready for anything with anyone… how can I understand why this perfect, drop dead gorgeous man is showering me with so much attention? I try to push the unwelcome thoughts out of my head and just stay in the moment.
“A penny for your thoughts, beautiful Belle,” Ricky grins at me.
I give him a puzzled look. Did he just call me beautiful?
“What are you thinking about so intently?” he asks teasingly. “I know it’s a work trip for you, but you’re not working now. You’re practically on vacation. Maybe you should try to enjoy it a little?”
I can’t help smiling at him. “Oh, nothing really. I tend to be a worrier sometimes. But yes, you’re right. I’m going to enjoy this work vacation.” Especially if he’s in it, I smile to myself.
I love looking at him. I’ve only just met this mysterious, dark, handsome stranger but I can’t stop staring at his sculpted face, intense eyes and toned body. Is he a model? I notice that he seems to brush off any hints and questions about his life. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable and figure that he’s just private like I am. Yes, we’re on vacation. We’ll leave it like that. No awkward interrogating questions and no expectations.
As we stroll down the beach, I look up and see a local walking towards us. We’re at a quite expensive boutique resort and for a moment, I think he sticks out with his ragged appearance. Maybe he’s a homeless beach bum. As he nears, he breaks into a run. Before I can think, he’s suddenly torn my purse off my shoulders and barrels down the beach.#p#分页标题#e#
I stop and gasp in shock. Then instantly, Ricky bolts down the beach in hot pursuit after him. Holy crap! I stare at them running away with my mouth open. Everyone who was sunning themselves nearby stands up and looks in awe at the scene unfolding before them.
I’m immobile. I feel sick and horribly worried. What in the hell was that?
And why did he run after him? I didn’t even have that much in my purse. Oh God, what if something happens to him? I start pacing on the beach, wondering what I should do.
I see them far off in the distance as they turn off the beach, and into the local neighborhood. Oh no, what if he gets hurt in an alleyway? So stupid! I feel guilty for putting him in that situation.
Why did I even need to bring my purse anyway? I notice that my mind and nerves are all over the place but I’m back where we started, near the resort’s pool bar. I walk up a few feet to seek refuge under the shade. All I can do is wait powerlessly and hope for the best.