The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 4

As you've probably noticed, I recently got a new cover for my story! I hope it will work but if you have any suggestions on a cover you think would work better, just let me know! Thanks and happy reading!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock ringing.  Groaning, I forced my eyes open and turned it off. I opened my eyes, looking out the window. I stared at the ocean in the distance. This was one of my favorite things about life. Waking up to the sound of the ocean and feeling like I don't have a care in the world. I closed my eyes again, smiling, before getting out of bed. I made my bed and got my clothes ready for the day.

I chose to wear a pair of short cutoff jeans with a green tanktop. At last second, I slipped on my bikini. After changing, I headed out to the back door, trying to be quiet and not wake up the guests. I wondered what Seth was doing right now. Sleeping? More than likely. He kind of seemed like the type of guy who needed his eight hours a night. I smiled to myself just thinking about him, as I jogged to the beach from the pathway.

I felt so happy, breathing in the sweet ocean salt. I lived for moments like these, where I could be near the ocean every day, and I felt invincible and free, running across the warm sand. When I got to the beach, I put down my bag, and went swimming. I went under, looking for shells, and seeing how long I could stay under. My mom always used to kid me about being half mermaid. I could hold my breath underwater much longer than the average person. I think it's because I swim so much, and eventually my body just gets used to staying under after a while.

I found a unique blue-green shell and grabbed at it. After securing it in my hand, I came up for air. I held the special shell up to the sun so I could study it better. In the sunlight, it sparkled like a diamond. I caught my breath, continueing to study it. After a couple of minutes, I decided to keep it. I kept it in a death grip so I wouldn't lose it, and continued to swim. As I was twirling around in the water, I heard a chuckle from the shore. I froze, stopping my twirling, and turned to the source of the noise.

I saw the outline of a person, standing on the beach. I squinted, trying to make out who it was, but with the sun's bright glare, I couldn't see. Then the outline called out to me, "Can I join you?" I caught my breath. I would know that voice anywhere, even though I had only first heard it yesteray. It was Seth. I took a deep breath, suddenly embarrassed, before replying, "Sure, but only if you can keep with me!" " Is that a challange?!" He shouted back, clearly amused. "Only if you want it to be!" I gave him a mischieveous smile, before swimming out farther into the ocean. I heard a splash behind me, and when I turned, I saw Seth swimming towards me. Man, that boy was a fast swimmer. He's probably had many lessons, I reminded myself. In record speed, he was by my side, shaking his wet hair all over me. "Hey!" I protested, giggling. "Oh sorry," he grinned. He didn't look sorry at all. Before I could say anything else, he was closing the small distance between us, wrapping his arms around me in a warm embrace. I was shocked at his forwardness, but was able to recover myself enought to return the hug. My whole body tingled at his touch.

I couldn't help enjoying the warmth his body gave me. His arms were so muscular, and they were wrapped around ME,,, I couldn't help laughing. He pulled away slightly, grinning. "What?" "It's just good to see you!" I lied smoothly. "Well" he seemed to be at a loss for words, "it's good to see you too." He leaned towards me again, but before his lips could touch mine, I dived underwater. I came back up, smiling. He had a confused look on his face, that quickly turned to mischevious when he saw me again. "What was that for?" he asked. "Oh, you know...." I said, stalling, while batting my eyelashes at him. I leaned up towards him, and he leaned towards me. But before his lips could meet mine, I quickly kissed his cheek before swimming away. "Oh, you little....." I could hear him behind me.

He started swimming towards me, and I picked up the speed of my strokes. He caught up to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I splashed him playfully, and he just splashed me back. He lifted me up out of the water, keeping a tight hold on me. As I stared into his beautiful chocolate brown eyes, I felt like there was only me and him in the world. I'd never felt happier before. His lips met mine. This kiss was longer than the brief kiss we had yesterday. His lips were salty, and his lips warm on mine. Our kiss continued for a long time, for how long, I'm not sure. Time stopped while we kissed, and the whole moment felt magical.

When I eventually pulled back, there were big goofy grins on our faces. For the rest of the morning, we played in the water, swimming and splashing each other.... and okay.... doing a lot of kissing. It was so easy to kiss Seth. He was kissable. I don't know why. After we were tired from swimming, we went and sat on my beach towel. We talked and flirted, eating apples Seth had brought.

After talking for over half an hour, Seth suddenly became quiet and serious. "What?" I asked, concerned. Without thinking, I interwined our fingers. In response, he gripped my hand tightly. He took a deep breath before looking me in the eyes. "Wow, I didn't think this would be so hard to do." With his free hand, he ran his fingers through his hair. I couldn't help thinking what a turn-on that was. It made me want him even more. I stared at him, trying to figure out what he was talking about. "What are you talking about?" I asked, kissing his hand. I smiled, and he smiled in response. "Okay. Here's the thing Violet. I know this might seem sudden and completely out of order. Heck, I haven't even taken you out on a date yet!" He threw his hand up exasperately. " Doesen't today count as a date?" I asked, confused. True, I didn't have that much experience with guys, but I considered the time Seth and I had spent together this morning a date. "Yeah," he said, "but I mean a date where I ask you out beforehand and we don't just happen to meet up at the same place." "Oh" I said, not knowing what else to say. "Okay, I'm just going to come out and ask." He looked at me intently. I forgot my name, I forgot how to breathe. "Violet, will you be my girlfriend?" Oh my gosh! Did I just hear him right? Did he really just ask me to be his girlfriend?! At first, I forgot how to talk, but eventually I was able to nod yes. His face lit up into a thousand-watt smile. I found myself grinning too. He pulled me into a tight hug.

For the rest of the morning, we played on the beach, swimming, talking, eating, playing, and kissing. Before I knew it, the morning was already over, and it was time for us to get back to the Seaside Retreat. I was disappointed; I never wanted this morning to end. We walked back to the bed and breakfast in silence. I think Seth could read the dissapiontment in my face, because he took my hand. He smiled at me before saying, "Tonight we'll go back to the beach. Meet me at my room at 10:00." I couldn't help but smile, eagerly nodding my head up and down. He leaned down and kissed me gently on the lips before heading up the stairs to his room. " See you!" I said, waving at him. "See you!" he replied back. After he was out of sight, I said "Oh, and Seth, I think I'm in love with you."