Love at First Wave

Part 2: A Splash of Romance

As Layla stepped onto the yacht, she immediately spotted her friends scattered around, already soaking in the sea breeze and chatting animatedly. Her entrance didn't go unnoticed.

"Finally! You made it!" Sam shouted, her arms outstretched for a hug.

"Told you! There's no way you'd skip out on an adventure like this!" Sam teased, nudging her playfully as the group burst into cheers.

"Yeah, yeah," Layla grinned, shaking her head. "You know I can't resist the ocean... or you guys teasing me."

One of Sam's friends pointed toward the horizon, where the sun was beginning to set, casting a dreamy, golden glow over the water. "With a view like this, you won't regret coming."

Layla laughed, feeling the excitement bubble up inside her. "You all act like I had any other plans."

Just as she was settling into the moment, Ethan appeared out of nowhere, holding two drinks. He handed one to her.

"For someone who 'wasn't interested in yacht trips,' you seem to be fitting in just fine," he teased.

Layla shot him a glance, trying to play it cool. "I'm just here for the view," she replied, taking a sip from her drink.

Ethan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just for her. "The view, huh? Let's see if the rest of the night can top it. The real fun's about to start."

Layla rolled her eyes, but the flutter in her stomach betrayed her. Ethan always had a way of pushing her buttons, but there was no denying the spark between them.

As the yacht set off, the engine roared to life, and the boat cut through the calm waters. The wind whipped through Layla's hair, and the cheers from her friends added to the carefree, almost magical vibe of the evening.

After sunset, everyone had changed into their best party attire and gathered for a night full of music and dancing. Layla, however, found herself on the fringes of the crowd, nursing a drink while her friends seemed to seamlessly blend into the scene. Sam, of course, was the life of the party, surrounded by people and laughter. Layla decided to step away for a moment and grab another drink at the bar.

As she reached the bar, she noticed Ethan surrounded by a small group of girls, all of them vying for his attention. Layla rolled her eyes and tried to ignore it, but of course, Ethan spotted her walking by.

Excusing himself from the girls, he sauntered over to her. "Look who's finally ready to have some fun."

Layla turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "Fun? I don't see any of that happening. Just a bunch of girls falling over you."

Ethan chuckled, moving closer. "You sound jealous."

"Please." Layla smirked, taking a sip of her drink. "You're not that special."

Ethan leaned in, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "I don't know... I think you're trying really hard not to admit you've been glancing my way all night."

Layla laughed, brushing off the flirty remark, though her pulse quickened. "Maybe you've been reading too many romance novels."

"Maybe," Ethan said, his gaze locking with hers, "but I've definitely noticed the way you keep pretending not to notice me."

Layla gave him a playful nudge. "In your dreams, Ethan."

"Funny, I was hoping it wouldn't stay in my dreams," he shot back, leaning in so their faces were just inches apart. Layla's heart skipped a beat, but before she could say anything else, the yacht hit a small wave, causing her to stumble slightly. Ethan quickly caught her by the waist, steadying her.