"So, when are you going to tell me about your secret affair?" Sam quizzes out of the blue.

Secret affair? I almost hit the brakes.

"What do you mean?" I woman-up and ask, my heart racing.

"You keep exchanging glances with Malik, and when I ask, you keep denying." She glances at me, her face serious. "If it's not the secret romance, then there's something you two are hiding from us; I wasn't born yesterday."

Well . . . that is surely a misconception on her part.

"Suppose you're right." I keep my eyes on the road, driving moderately. "Let's say I do like someone, but that person is not Malik." I glance fleetingly at her.

"And . . . who would that person be, if it's not Malik?" she asks, curious, and my throat turns dry instantly.

Mustering the most reserved courage I have, I ask Sam, "What if it's Liam?" My eyes are bold and determined. "What if the guy I like is the same one you like?"

Unsettling silence takes a reign, our eyes fixed on one another. My heart beats at the speed of a rocket, wondering what I'm doing with my crazed life. But it's the truth, right? My subconscious is nowhere to be found.

Why isn't Sam saying anything? I can't help but worry over this intense atmosphere blanketing us. It's unnerving. And suddenly, she bursts out laughing, hysterically, forcing a small frown on my face.

"That's pretty funny!" She keeps laughing. "You? Liking Liam? Seriously, Kira?" Her voice is wrapped with utter disbelief.

"Yes. Is it impossible or something?" I huff a nervous laugh.

"Totally," says Sam, and I just hold my tongue. "I mean, I don't think Liam is your type, Kira . . . let's face it." She's amused.

What does she mean by that?

"And may I know why?" I ask incredulously, my eyes wide in stun. "Or rather, who is my type?" I fail to hold the feel of offense I find in her remark.

Maybe it's nothing new coming from Sam, but I feel absolutely offended right now.

"I don't know, Kira. I'd say someone like Malik, whom you get along so perfectly, but then he's also a playboy; he'll just play with your feelings. Maybe you deserve someone sweet and saint," she says. "Someone who won't give you a headache. But Liam, he's like . . . I don't know. He's just not for you. And Malik, he's so used to date worldly women so it'll be disastrous."

"Oh? So basically, men like Liam and Malik are not my level. Is that what you mean?"

I'm terribly hurt.

"Well, something like that," Sam says, shrugging. "Kira, you've never seriously dated anyone before. If you begin a relationship, then it should be with someone who'll be a sweetheart and not some egocentric dude who knows so perfectly that he's great."

So she can have those egocentric men but I can't. She can like men of high status in class but I shouldn't? I've always taken every degrading word she threw my way, without putting much meaning to them, but this time it's too much.

"Okay, I heard you." I smile. Perhaps I should make her eat her words. "And what if we happen to fall for the same guy?" I ask casually, my eyes back on the road.

"Why the fuck would you ask something like that?" Sam deadpans.

"Out of curiosity?" I remark coolly, shrugging. "Why? You think I don't have eyes for good looking men as you do?" A laughter escapes me, for this is too ironic already.

"We're both going to give up on him," Sam answers right away, giving no room for thinking twice. "We're friends, right? No guy should come between us."

Friends? Yeah, we are. Even though it feels too one-sided at times.

"Even if that guy loves you instead of me? Are you absolutely capable of giving up on him? For me?" I ask. Sam frowns but I don't give up. "Suppose it's Liam, the man you love. Will you pack your bags and leave, just because I also happen to love him?"

"Kira, stop the nonsense! That's not even funny," she says sternly.

"I know it's not," I utter with a smile, my question answered with her reaction alone. "I guess you're right, friendship comes first. There are plenty of men out there, right?"

***

It's finally time to swim in the Atlantic. The sun is shining so bright, and the sound of the ocean breeze makes my heart aflutter. I miss Los Angeles. The best part of my city is its beaches and I would be surfing nonstop right now.

The warm sand feels great against my bare feet. It somehow feels like home at the sound of the waves crashing each other without rage, as though inviting me to be the guest of honor, not to mention the fortifying salty air.

Eyes ahead, I see Sam laughing by Malik's side, and without a doubt the Arab must've cracked one of his humorous jokes that's impossible not to laugh at. I click one photo of them without their knowledge.

Ecstasy starts engulfing me as I keep walking solo, checking my camera with a big smile. Oh, I love beaches, and the company I have makes it worth it. However, I think I'm forgetting someone, my subconscious reminds me with pleasure.

Yes, Mr. Intense.

Liam is playing football with some kids. Wow! He looks serene and carefree, a vibrant smile on his face. Frankly, I never thought he has other hobbies apart from books and staying grumpy, but apparently he does know how to kick the ball.

For the first time I take a perfect picture of him.

He laughs heartily after being outmaneuvered by this dark-skinned boy among the other four. Immediately I forget everything else around me and focus solely on this scene, without forgetting the indiscreet grin on my face.

I could stare at him all day long.

I'm immersed in the moment, hardly noticing that Liam is also staring at me. He smiles my way, and God, I can't deny the blast of butterflies in my stomach. Blushing, I continue walking after turning as red as a tomato from his smile alone.

"Are you okay?" I suddenly hear and Liam is right beside me.

He's still smiling, catching his breath.

"Yeah." I smile back, holding my stubborn curls in place.

The wind is too naughty.

"Did you get enough pictures?" he asks again. I giggle. "Why? Are you afraid I may charge you for using my perfect body as the subject of your interest?"

"What?" I burst out laughing. "You're so full of yourself, Mr. Darcy."

"I'm not sure about that." Liam laughs along. "I hope you keep my picture well."

"I will," I tell him, and we go silent for a while, meditating on our surroundings. "I didn't know you play soccer . . . or football, as some call it." I strike a new conversation while we trail Sam and Malik.

"You still don't know a lot about me, Ms. Jones." Liam throws me a playful smile.

"Oh really, now?" I huff.

Liam shakes his head to the sides, amused.

"But I'll be very glad to show you more." He wiggles his eyebrow, and I get thrown off at the sight.

Is he possessed? So playful.

"Sure, I'll be happy to see more of you, Mr. Darcy."

Oh, he's no idea how much I'm dying to do that.

His smile broadens, but he doesn't escalate the topic, which is good. I'm afraid if I dig deeper I may end up mouthful.

"Are you enjoying the beach?" he asks, his voice calm.

"Pretty much, you?" I gaze up at him.

"Looks okay," he quips.

I arch my brows. Just okay? I don't think he's excited at all, and I wonder what he really likes about his idea of having fun.

"You don't like beaches, do you?" I quiz.

"I just don't have time for this." Liam sighs heavily.

"Oh come on, Liam! It's just once in a while, and you're on a vacation for Christ's sake!" I practically sound reproachful, and he seems amused. "You should seriously loosen up a bit, like what your mother said, work can wait sometimes."

"Liam, huh?" He looks down at me, and I gawp. "I love it, Kira." He gives me his best smile.

I've so forgotten about our infamous honorifics. I blush profusely.

"I mean . . . Mr. Darcy," I tease, and we both laugh. God, I love talking to him. "So you're not really happy being here?" Our hands are constantly colliding, sending me a light shiver as our fingers graze.

"I'm only here because of you, Kira," he says.

"Huh?" I utter, startled enough to flush crimson.

"Only you, Ms. Jones." He's grinning as he walks away, leaving me all wrecked with unbidden flattery.

We stop near a pair of umbrellas with several adjustable sun lounge chairs. Everything looks perfect, and I wonder who made this accommodation to begin with. And my question is immediately answered as the person in charge finally shows up.

Jamal marches from the other side of the beach, in the company of this gorgeous blonde with a short, glamorous hairstyle. He must've been here before us, and evidently the one prepared the umbrellas and a small cooler with drinks, and clean towels.

Sam is asking Malik to help her apply some cream on her back, Liam pulls a chair and sits lazily on it, and I'm just standing idly watching the blue ocean mirroring the color of the sky above. It's sunny, yet windy, so there's nothing to complain about.

Jamal greets us. Immediately he dives under the umbrella and gives Liam something like a receipt or a note. They exchange a little talk, in a serious manner, and I only manage to hear the last of it when I put my stuff down near Liam's chair.

"It'll be ready in a day or two," Jamal says.

"Thanks." Liam responds with a tight smile.

I get to watch the blonde closely. Well, she is indeed gorgeous. Her plump breasts swell rightly beneath the fabric of her white bikini top, and they are quite exquisite. I wonder if they're natural or silicone, but for sure she's the type you'd want to keep away from your man.

Liam looks at her once, but never twice.

That's my cowboy.

"Hello." She smiles brightly at me.

"Hi." I return the smile, trying to be as polite as I can.

She has a piercing on her belly button that makes her way sexier than she already is. Despite being occupied, Sam catches my glance and we share our usual knowing look.

I'm sure she's thinking what I'm thinking.

"Everything okay over there?" Malik snaps, his hands still playing masseuse on Sam's back.

"Yeah." I finally sit down, my camera on the lap.

Jamal and his blonde woman leave a short moment later.

"You coming, Kiki?" Sam calls, ready to start swimming.

"Professor, hurry up," Malik adds. "You wanted the beach, remember?" He winks in a provoking way, knowing exactly what I'm thinking and feeling right now.

He's like Loki of Asgard. Full of mischief, damn it!

"Yes, sir, I remember." I roll my eyes, and he simply laughs while undressing his polo shirt, revealing his average bare chest.

Both Malik and Sam jump into the ocean, and I think it's exactly what I need. However, stripping in front of Liam has turned into a hard task, out of the blue.

"Aren't you going?" Liam asks, a delighted gleam in his eyes.

He's mocking me! I know he is.

"I am," I reply.

He raises one eyebrow, challenging my statement. Smiling subtly, he reclines back comfortably in his chair while crossing his arms behind his head.

I get up and whip off my top. His gaze stays firm on my upper body, a foreign gleam in his eyes. Yes, two can play this game, sweetheart! I smile. Bending slowly, I pull my shorts down my thighs. He sucks in a sharp breath, his lips curled into a sultry smile.

I'm left with a pair of triple-string bikini bottoms, a fine green apple that fits on my honey-colored skin perfectly. I can feel Liam's gaze even when I'm not looking. Oh my! Well, enjoy the sight, Mr. Darcy! I lay my clothes down and turn around towards the ocean.

"Aren't you forgetting something, Ms. Jones?" Liam tells me as I'm about to go. I whirl towards him, biting my lower lip, and he's holding the sunscreen.

"Oh, right," I utter.

Unless I want to become a toast, I've got to apply some. I'm planning to stroll around. With Liam so playfully today, it gives me a difficult time composing myself.

Where is that cold guy I met a week ago again?

Maybe we've forgotten him in Yellowstone.

I start applying the cream, without revealing how uncomfortable he makes me feel at the moment. I never had time to feel insecure about my body at the beach, but not today.

Liam marches behind me, without my knowledge, and starts taking charge of my back. As always, my body stiffens at his touch, and my breathing turns raspy at the nibbling of his fingers.

"Relax, baby. It's not a big deal," he sensually whispers in my ear.

"I didn't say anything, did I?" I moan softly, soundlessly, as he drops his touch about my waist. "Baby?" I smile, my eyes clammed.

"You didn't say, but you thought," he replies. "And yes, baby," he whispers again.

Goodness gracious!

"Oh, so you can read my thoughts now?" I chuckle. "And baby sounds sexy, Mr. Darcy," I say.

"I always do. And I do love sex, Ms. Jones," he tells me flatly, and I stifle a laugh. "Please, relax your body."

Relax? Not happening. All I want is to get cozy with you, Mr. Darcy.

I try turning around to face him, but the touch of his hands drives my resolution away. I still and follow his advice, enjoying the feeling of his strong fingers deep into my skin as he nibbles my shoulders.

"Liam," I moan.

"Yes, Kira," he murmurs, his voice hoarse and sexy, and I comprehend that I have nothing to say. "You're so beautiful," he breathes against my neck, and I suck in a deep breath. "I wish I could have you just for myself right now."

Damn, me too!

With that I manage to smile stupidly. I'm so glad that my friend looks busy enough that she doesn't even notice us. Liam finishes his job, and I feel great after the little treat from the King of my heart.

"Can you swim?" I ask.

"Yes, I can." Liam plucks a bottle of water from the cooler.

"So . . . does it mean you're . . . coming?" My eyes are hopeful.

"No, I'd rather sit here and watch you," he murmurs, smiling while uncapping the bottle.

"My pleasure." I wink, and he bites his lip . . . lustfully?

"But perhaps next time I'd love to swim with you." He winks, too.

Naughty boy.