Champagne Problems

T W E N T Y N I N E

The soft morning sun filters through the open window, casting a warm glow on the small coastal room where Riley and Daphne lay tangled in the sheets. The sound of waves crashing against the shore is the only noise breaking the serene silence. Daphne stirs first, her eyes fluttering open as she stretches, feeling Riley's arm wrapped protectively around her waist.

She glances over at him, his messy hair and peaceful expression making her smile. Riley, always one step ahead, opens one eye and grins. "Morning, princess," he says in a low, teasing tone. "Sleep well?"

Daphne lets out a soft laugh, snuggling back into his embrace. "Very well, actually. You?"

Riley tightens his grip around her waist, pulling her closer. "I'd say I had the best sleep of my life, but you know... last night was exhausting in the best way possible." His smirk deepens, and Daphne playfully swats his chest, trying to suppress her own grin.

"You're impossible," she says, her cheeks flushing slightly. "But yes, it was a pretty amazing night."

"Only pretty amazing?" Riley feigns a pout. "I think I deserve at least 'spectacular.'"

"Don't push it," she teases, leaning in to give him a quick kiss before sitting up. The sheet falls off her shoulders, and Riley's eyes follow her movements.

"Alright, what's the plan for today, Mr. Tour Guide?" Daphne asks, stretching her arms above her head. "More secluded beaches? Maybe another surfing lesson?"

Riley shakes his head, an amused glint in his eyes. "Nope. Something even better. How do you feel about skinny dipping?"

Daphne's eyes widen in surprise. "Skinny dipping? Are you serious?"

"Completely," he says, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "We're miles from anyone, the water's perfect, and... well, after last night, I'd say we're beyond the point of modesty."

Daphne laughs, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love it," Riley says, standing up and pulling her toward him. "Come on, princess. Don't tell me you're scared."

Daphne narrows her eyes at him, her competitive side kicking in. "Scared? Hardly. I just like keeping some things a mystery."

Riley raises an eyebrow, a challenge in his gaze. "Prove it then."

Without giving him a chance to react, Daphne grabs his hand and pulls him toward the door, her bare feet hitting the wooden floor. "Fine," she says, her voice confident. "Let's do it."

They race down to the beach, the morning air cool against their skin. The stretch of sand is completely deserted, the ocean shimmering in the early light. Daphne hesitates for a moment, glancing at the water, but Riley's infectious energy pulls her in.

"I knew you'd come around," Riley says with a grin as he starts stripping off his clothes. "Last one in is a coward."

Daphne rolls her eyes but quickly follows his lead, laughing as they dash toward the water, leaving a trail of clothes behind them. The moment they plunge into the ocean, the cool water wraps around them, and for a second, everything feels perfect—free, wild, and completely theirs.

As they float in the water, laughing and splashing each other, Daphne feels a rush of excitement that goes beyond the physical. She's never done anything like this before—never been so unguarded, so spontaneous.

Riley swims over to her, pulling her close as the waves gently sway around them. "See? Told you it'd be fun."

"Alright, I admit," Daphne says, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You were right. This is... exhilarating."