Love Island 2021 - A Summer of Love

The First Recoupling

Gemma P.O.V

Brad and I agree to not tell anybody about our kiss. I don't want it to be a big deal, because we're still getting to know one another properly. I want the chance to get to know Liam and Chuggs, but it'll take a lot to turn my head from Brad.

I've opted for a black bikini today. Simple, yet effective. My aviator sunglasses rest on my nose, creating a brown shadow on the villa. The sun beats down on me as I sunbathe with Toby and Hugo. My brunette hair has been thrown into a bun so it doesn't become a sweaty mess on my forehead. My freckles always appear after a day in the sun, so hopefully, a bit of foundation later will cover them up. Hugo may have fallen asleep on the lounger. He's awfully quiet.

"Gemma?" A welsh voice calls me from the swinging seat. "Fancy a chat?"

I grab my water bottle, slide my flip flops on, and walk over to Liam. He's perched shirtless on the swing, arms out, making himself at home. Chloe walks past me. I go to say hello, but I'm snubbed. Faye and her must have some sort of catty alliance.

"You just been chatting with Chloe?" I ask Liam, placing myself next to him. "You've got a little interview station right here."

"Well I've been wanting to get to know all the girls, so just been chatting to everyone one by one. I've been wanting to chat to you especially though."

"Why's that?"

Liam chuckles. "You just stood out to me when I walked in last night. Brunette's are my usual type."

"Ahh, okay." I grin. "So how did your date with Faye go?"

"Yeah, it was good. We had a bit of a flirt and I got to know her a bit better. She's a stunning girl. What has she been like in the villa?"

"She ... she speaks her mind."

"I like that in a girl."

I don't think that was what I meant.

"Tell me about you then," I press. "Are you a bricklayer?"

"I am. So as you know, I'm from Wales. I'm 21, I have-,"

"Woah, hold up!" I interrupt in shock. "You're 21?"

Liam looks the oldest in the villa. I was fully expecting him to be 26/27, around the same age as Faye. I thought that was why the public voted them to date. "Everyone always reacts the same. I know I look older. How old are you?"

"24."

"That's a good age. I usually date older girls." Liam grins. "You're coupled up with Jake, right?"

"Yeah, but we're just friends. I've been getting to know Brad a little bit."

"I guessed that. He was speaking really high of you last night."

"Was he?" I try to suppress the smile. "What did he say?"

"I can't tell you that. Can't be giving away secrets. If there was a recoupling, would you pick him?"

"... Probably. I mean, it is very early days. I'm still interested in getting to know other people and so is Brad. Who do you have your eyes on?"

"Faye, Sharon and you are my top three. The chats with Faye have been decent, but it's still too early to tell." Liam grins. "Can I ask a favour though? Could you put some sun cream on my back?"

I grab the bottle of factor 30 and squirt some cream into my palms. I definitely do not mind. Liam's body is impeccable. His height is a huge bonus against the other boys. I rub the cream into his skin, giggling through the upfrontness and Liam's awful attempt to break the tension. "Can I ask how tall you are?"