CHAPTER 42

I woke up the next morning feeling rejuvenated. The sound of waves crashing on the rocks down the shore filled my ears. Sunlight poured on the balcony while birds enjoy flying outside. Sure, signs of great adventures waiting for me.

Not looking at the time, I stretched my body and went outside the balcony. I let the heat of the sun warm me.

I closed my eyes and breathed in the fresh salty air. The sun was warm while the breeze felt cold. It was the best combination. And probably, the best morning I have ever had.

Yesterday was a whirlwind of events that took out my energy. So yes, I deserve this. No work to worry about. No reporters around. No one knows who I am. And I had the best sleep since I was born, hypothetically speaking.

It's just me, this paradise, and probably Nate outside my door.

And as if on cue, I heard three knocks before the door flew open.

I turned and watched him enter.

He stared at me for what seems like forever and I stared back, drinking in his white dress shirt that was unbuttoned on the first two buttons, and his faded jeans.

We stared at each other, green eyes mirroring my own. I can't help but be surprised every time I see him. It's like the first time I see him like this and I think I felt my heart skip a beat as I saw the warmth in his eyes.

Last night, I wasn't able to admire him because it was quite hard to study every inch of him in the dark. And hey, I was tired, really tired.

So I guess this is my chance.

My eyes traveled from his eyes to his lips, chin, and then lower. His prominent feature either makes people cower in intimidation or makes them wet their lips in anticipation. His jaw is well defined and perfectly sculpted. His shoulders are broad and his chest, hard and muscular, visible because of the two opened buttons.

Before my eyes could even travel to his lower region, I stopped myself. I can feel myself blushing as I realized what I was doing.

Sighing disappointedly, my eyes went back to his face, expecting to meet his green eyes. But to no avail, his eyes were making their journey on my body.

I was still in one of my white nightgowns that reached only half of my thighs.

I felt myself getting hotter under his scrutiny. I bit my lip as his eyes traveled back up to meet my own.

He looked away, and cleared his throat. A faint blush tainted his cheeks and I tried to suppress a laugh.

I was in no position to laugh because I know for a fact that my cheeks are redder than his.

"Good Morning," I greeted, trying to decrease some tension between us.

He looked at me and smirked. "I think we were already past pleasantries after ogling each other."

I stared at him speechless.

"Anyway, I just came to see if you're awake," he said as I walked back in. The sun is not really helping me cool myself down. "But since you are, why don't you get yourself ready?"

"Why? Where are we going?" I asked, covering my mouth, afraid that he might smell my awful morning breath.

"We're going around," he said simply. "Let's just enjoy this while we can, shall we?" he winked before walking out of the room.

I walked across the room to my luggage when he poked his head in. "By the way, bring some clothes with you. We will do something really spontaneous."

*****

Thirty minutes later, Nate and I are on the road.

"Where exactly are you taking me? And where did you get the car?"

I packed two extra clothes and currently wearing a bikini under the white sundress Nate and I bought yesterday. Knowing that we're in an island, I bet we would go swimming later. And I can't wait.

"The answer to your first question is 'you'll see' and the answer to your second question is 'I'm rich, so I rented this."

I snorted. "Rented? I was expecting you'd say, 'I bought it of course.'"

"Well, I don't have a house here so where would I put it once we go back?" He said. "Anyway, I know you haven't eaten yet, so we'll just grab some lunch," He glanced at me. "Well, brunch for you."

"Oooh... Are we gonna be dining in that restaurant again?" I smirked.

"Oh god, no."

"Why not?" I asked, smiling at him. "Their food was amazing."

"Yes. Their food is delicious until you said that gruesome story to me."

I burst out laughing on his face. He rolled his eyes.

"I'm glad that my misery amuses you," he said, sarcastically. "You are not going to be telling another story like that while we eat."

"Why not? It's good that you're learning things."

He glared at me.

"Fine. Fine!" I raised my hands in surrender. "No more grotesque stories while we eat."

And true to form, I wasn't able to tell stories about anything at all because of the food presented to me. I hadn't realized that I was hungry until I saw and smelled the meal served to me.

Nate did all the talking while we ate. His stories consist of Santorini being believed to be the lost city of Atlantis, which of course I already know since Jessica made a research about it but I didn't tell him that. He said that some guy claimed that what happened in Santorini is similar to what Plato described in his book. However, the year it happened was different. So Santorini, being the lost city of Atlantis was ruled out.

He also said some random stuff about the island, how it became one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, and whatnot.

I know what he was doing. He was saying these things to distract me from sprouting weird myths about the Ancient Greece. And I'm just letting him. If I told him anymore stories, our little adventure would be cut short. And I don't really want to go back just because he can't keep himself from throwing up.

We finished our meal, and after a few minutes of chatting, we're on the road again.

"So now that we've finally had our lunch, or my brunch, as you so poetically put it," he chuckled at that, "Where to now?"

He just smirked at me and pointed on front. "Are you up for a swim?"

I grinned. I knew it. My smile probably reached my ears and out of the blue, I pulled his neck down, and kissed him on the cheek.

I smiled again before I pull away to stare outside the window. The sun is now on its highest peak.

We reached our destination and stepped out of the car.

I scanned the area. There are a few tourists who are going on boats while others are taking pictures.

"Are we sailing?" I turned and asked.

"Nope," he answered as he carried his own things. "We're walking."

"Is that a joke?"

He closed the distance between us and placed both his hands on each side of my face. I thought he was going to kiss me but then he turned my head to the left.

"Oh."

Did I mention that the sun is already on its peak?

I was already sweating when we started walking. Nate was the one leading. Despite the heat, I can't help myself in admiring the view. The ocean is a combination of blue and green color. Beautiful. Vast. Mysterious. Deep.

Nate placed his things on some boulders. He reached his hand out for my bag and placed it beside his.

Turning away from the ocean to remove my sundress, I froze at the sight before me.

Nate took his shirt off as well as his pants while I stared, shamelessly.

His body is a work of art. Sculpted by the greatest artist. Beautiful from head to toe.

I bit my lip as this is my first time seeing a man's body up close.

"Like what you see?" My eyes snapped back up to his face. "Take a picture. It'll last longer"

I huffed. And then an idea popped in my head. I smiled flirtatiously at him. "I guess I'll return the favor."

Without breaking eye contact, I held the hem of my dress and pulled it over my boy, revealing the red bikini beneath.

The smirk on his face vanished as he looked at me. His Adam's apple bobbed as his eyes traveled on my body.

Now, it's my turn to smirk.

I know I look good. I don't need a mirror to see how sexy I am.

I walked towards him. "Eyes up here." When his eyes met mine, I tossed my dress on his face.

I laughed before quickly jumping on the water.

I plunged into the water and was submerged immediately. The cool water soothing the contrast temperature of my body.

This is great!

I was waiting for my feet to reach some rocks underneath and seconds and seconds later, I felt someone dive in as well.

I kicked hard and burst on the surface, taking in a breath. It was deeper than I thought.

I realized that jumping like that was a mistake because I was only inches away from the rocks in front of me.

I felt someone tugged at my arm.

"What the hell, Carter!" he yelled, his forehead creasing, the worry visible in his eyes. "Do you know how close you are from those rocks? You could've died!" He turned me around and did something which I suspect was checking for some wounds.

"What are you doing?" I laughed.

"Checking for some wounds." He turned me back around so we're face-to-face. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I am." I smiled at his concern for my well-being. "I was just close to hitting the rocks, but it did not even have a scratch."

He sighed in relief.

I splashed his face and laughed.

"Oh, it's on!" he said as he fought back.

I had to keep my head away to keep from being splashed in the face but I have to admit that it wasn't working. He's much too strong, and let's just say, he has the advantage.

I dove down and swam away from him. When I resurfaced again, I saw him still splashing water to where I was supposed to be with his head looking away. I almost burst out laughing but I stopped myself. He was still splashing around. He didn't even notice that I was no longer at his target point. His head was turned just like me moments ago.

He looks like an idiot splashing no one.

A hot idiot for that matter.

I shivered at the thought. I just hope I didn't say that out loud.

I silently swam to him, trying not to disrupt his incessant splashing. Then, I placed my hands on his broad shoulders and forcefully pushed him down, catching him off guard.

"Wha–"

I wasn't able to fully submerge him under because it was only seconds until he circled his arm on my waist bringing both of us up.

His face resurfaced from the water and was inches away from mine.

The water suddenly felt warm as he held me tightly. His breath fanning my face was also hot.

"Carter," he whispered.

I searched his eyes. Too late when I found the sparkling mischief in them.

His hands slid down on my waist and like a feather, he tossed me in the air.

I was left cold and was plunged again in the water. Swimming my way up, I saw a large rock near me and for a split second, an idea came to me.

I held my breath and swam near it. When I reached the rocks, I swam up the surface. Instead of taking in a large breath of air, I made sure that my face is the only thing visible.

I heard Nate laughing in the distance. I smirked. Laugh all you want, you'll be worrying again after this.

I closed my eyes and let the water control my body. I made sure that I look like a lifeless creature floating near the rocks.

When I heard his laughter had died down, I gave myself a pat on the back. I know it's bad, but I still pretended to be dead.

He swam towards me.

"Carter!" His panic voice indicated that my plan worked.

"Carter!" He yelled again. I can feel him hovering over me.

Before he could do anything else, I grabbed his face and pulled him down.

I swam away immediately as I realized that I couldn't pull his whole body down.

Damn those sturdy muscles.

He pulled his head back up and looked at me disapprovingly.

I laughed nervously. I don't really want to hear a lecture right now.

His eyes dilated. He looked at me like a predator eyeing its prey. When I saw him started to swim towards me, I screamed and immediately swim the other way.

Not looking back, I stroked and kicked until I reached a somewhat rock formation. When I stopped, I saw that it was this huge rock opposite the island. I looked back and saw that Nate was on the other side, carrying our things on an inflatable float. He jumped back on the water and swam towards me.

"Where did you get that?"

"Here, of course. You were sleeping like a baby this morning, so I figured I could just buy some necessities around," he said as I rolled my eyes.

I took my bag and rummaged for some cover-up.

I mentally slap myself for not bringing a towel. I brought a bikini and forgot a towel? Way to go!

I was still looking through my bag, hoping for some miracle when I felt Nate put his dress shirt on my shoulders.

"Here." He said and I looked up.

His face was illuminated by the sun. His hair is still wet and I followed a trace of water sliding down the side of his face.

"Thank you." I said, breathless.

Gods and goddesses of Greek mythology help me. I think you've left someone down here. You can take him back to Mount Olympus if you want.

"You're welcome."

On second thought, he could stay here.

He straightens up and began walking around the rocks.

I watched as he tried to climb up, arms flexing, muscled bulging.

I gulped.

What's happening to me?

I feel like I want to jump that man. I bit my lip as he climbed back down.

I looked towards my direction. A smirk formed on his lips as he caught me checking him out.

"Enjoying the view?" he yelled.

I blushed and yelled back. "You wish!"

I got up and carried my bag with me.

"I think the view up there would great." He said while took my bag. "I'll carry this for you. Can you climb?"

I huffed. "Do I look like an eight year old to you?"

He laughed. "Maybe an eight year old could climb up faster than you."

Narrowing my eyes at him, I said, "Watch and learn, darling."

I started to climb. The rocks are not really that hard to climb on. I was able to feel the rocks that are safe to hold on while I pull myself up. Same goes for my feet which are just stepping on the rocks that I previously held on.

I heard Nate climbing up below me. After removing my dress in front of him, I thought I would be able to keep my confidence intact but now, knowing that he is just below me, I felt slightly self-conscious.

I mean, come on. He's literally below me. That could really give him a clear view of what's down there.

I was trying to find a rock to hold onto when I heard his nasty comment.

"Take your time. I'm enjoying the view."

I blushed again for the nth time. I knew it. A pervert is just below me.

My hands found another sturdy rock and I continued. Then a memory hit me. In The Sea of Monsters, Annabeth and Percy are climbing up the cave of Polyphemus. Just like the position Nate and I are in, Annabeth was the one who was climbing up first, and Percy is just below her. While she was climbing, there was a moment in which her foot slipped and landed on Percy's face.

I laughed at the idea that formed in my head. But I wish I have dirty, smelly sneakers with me. Anyway, my foot will have to do.

I launched my attack and pretended to slip. I made sure that my foot landed on his face.

When I heard his grunt, I almost laughed. I glanced down and saw that he miraculously held on to our things.

"Sorry." I said a smile of triumph on my face.

"S'okay," he mumbled.

We reached the top.

"The view's great." I closed my eyes and opened my arms. Letting the warm afternoon breeze hug me. The other side of the island can be seen from here. Not to mention, this could be a perfect place to take pictures of the ocean.

"I'm starting to think that you purposely slipped your foot from the rock." I heard Nate said behind me.

Uh-oh. Busted.

"No, I did not." I said, defensively. "It was an accident and why would I do that?"

"Well, maybe because your foot slipped the moment that I said that the view was great." He smirked as he spread the towel on the ground.

I walked towards him and knelt on the towel. "Maybe it was just a coincidence."

He looked up at me. "I don't believe in coincidences."

"Oh." Leaning forward. "What do you believe in?" I asked coyly, surprising myself as I did so. Where the hell did I get this confidence?

"I believe there's a reason in everything," he said, looking at my lips.

"True." I agreed as I sat beside him.

The silence between us wasn't awkward. Being with him, here, without a care in the world, feels so great. The ocean is vast full of both mysteries and beauty. It holds treasures that are not seen by man. Those treasures could either be dangerous, beautiful, or magical.

Looking and being with Nate feels the same way. He excluded danger. His features, him, is the definition of beauty known to mankind. The sparks I feel whenever he's around feels absolutely magical.

I am still not sure of my feelings towards him. All I know is that I always feel weird whenever we're together. I feel happy, excited and scared at the same time. Nothing is normal when I'm with him.

Like a moth to a flame, I want to come closer and closer still until the warmth is enough to comfort my world and bring heat in my body. He's like the sun that brings light to my boring world. He showed me how to enjoy, and be free. Without him knowing it, he helped me see, do, and feel things differently. This feeling I have is new but I want to explore it more. Know more. Feel more.

"You know," I heard him say. "You pranked me way too many times today."

I laughed. I have to admit, I did not see that turn of events. The silence between us made me realize things, made me sentimental. But here he was, pointing out how badly I behaved earlier.

"Did you have fun?" He asked, making me look his way.

"More than I thought I would."

"I'm glad."

We looked at the view in front of us again. "Have you watched Hannah Montana The Movie?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"No," He chuckled. "Do I look like a guy who watches that kind of movie?"

"Touché."

When he said that kind of movie, I already know that meant. Most guys are not really watching chick flicks or Romance, or even children's. So I wouldn't really expect him to watch that movie.

"But of course, I have heard of it."

I stared at him. That was unexpected. Sure, that movie made a big hit at the box office but still.

"Do you have a younger sister or something?"

He chuckled. "No. But you've met my mom."

"So?" I raised an eyebrow.

"If you haven't noticed yet, my mom is kind of a child at heart," he explained. "I think that movie won lots of awards because of the main character and the song she sang. So yeah, I have heard of it. Why?"

"I realized something from that movie," I said thoughtfully. "One character said, 'Life's a climb but the view is great.'"

"What did you realize?"

"I realized that it is true. I mean, literally and figuratively."

"Literally as in climbing this rock was hard? And looking at this view is great?"