This Side of Sunny by Agay Llanera

Author:Agay Llanera
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, family relationships, philippines, beach romance, new adult, adult 18 and over
Publisher: Agay Llanera

Chapter 14: Cancellation

It was already dark when they got back to the beach, the first few stars pricking the black blanket of sky. Upon Mela’s suggestion, Paolo had left the Vespa at the resort.

“It’s my last night on the island.” She had shrugged, smiling. “I want to soak it in a bit more.”

So here they were, carrying their slippers and walking barefoot along the shoreline, the soft sand still warm from the daytime’s residual heat. From time to time, Paolo glanced to his right where the stretch of sea was undecipherable against the dark horizon. But the truth was, he was looking for a sign—for something, anything—that would assure him that this wouldn’t be the last time he’d be seeing Mela. He was itching to make a move, to crack a joke, to pull her close. Anything to make the moment last.

But what would Mela think? Probably that “Condom Guy” is making one of his practiced moves on her, affirming her assumption that he was girl-crazy—or just plain crazy. How could Paolo tell her that she was different from all the other girls he had met? That he felt different about her?

She has a boyfriend, Paolo fiercely reminded himself. So instead of doing or saying anything, he let the silence stretch between them, occasionally broken by the lively chatter and music floating from the beachfront establishments, and the waves lapping against the shore.

“I never even got the chance to swim.” Mela inched towards the water and dipped her feet. She lifted her face to him, smiling ruefully. “Bet I’m the first person who spent three days here without even taking a dip.”

“Then do it.” Paolo shrugged. “Go take a swim.”

“You mean right now?”

Paolo grinned at her before stripping off his shirt. “No better time than the present.” Then he streaked towards the water and dove right in, arms stretched out in front of him. When he broke into the surface, Mela was laughing and shaking her head. “You’re crazy!”

Crazy was what he did best. Paolo waded through the shallow water, then stood up in front of her, holding out his hand. “Feel like getting crazy with me then?”

She hesitated, looking out to the sea. “It’s so dark. Won’t it be dangerous?”

“We’ll stay close to the shore,” Hand still outstretched, he said softly, “Trust me, Gumamela.”

A slow smile spread across Mela’s face. Gently, she set down her flip-flops and bag, and took his hand.

He didn’t know what came over him then. At the last second, Paolo tugged on her hand, and Mela hit the water with a big splash. She came up, hair matted to her forehead, mouth hanging open and sputtering. “I trusted you!”

His whole body was convulsed with laughter as he swam toward her and pulled close. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

“You’re mean!” She squirmed free and splashed him on the face, giggling when Paolo hollered.

Soon they were dousing each other, their laughter ringing out across the empty expanse of the sea.

“Truce, truce!” Paolo yelled. The splashing stopped, and they stared at each other, panting, smiles tugging at the corners of their mouths.

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