The Neighbor

Chapter 78****

The morning air is crisp and warm, the kind that settles comfortably on your skin without feeling oppressive. The sand beneath you is soft and fine, its pale golden hue catching the sunlight and sparkling faintly. It shifts under your fingers as you idly trail them through it, forming little patterns that the breeze quickly erases. The occasional shell or smooth pebble dots the shoreline, adding texture to the endless stretch of beach.

Above you, the sky is a flawless blue, with only the faintest wisps of clouds lazily drifting by. The rhythmic crash of the ocean waves provides a soothing backdrop, their turquoise crests glinting under the morning sun before spilling gently onto the shore. A few seabirds glide overhead, their calls blending seamlessly with the melody of the waves.

You sit back in a woven beach chair, your bikini a vibrant color that contrasts beautifully against your sun kissed skin. A wide brimmed hat shields your face, and your sunglasses reflect the sparkling ocean in front of you. The heat of the sun warms your shoulders, but the occasional sea breeze keeps you cool, rustling the brim of your hat and carrying the salty scent of the ocean.

Out in the water, Wanda swims with a graceful ease, her auburn hair damp and clinging to her shoulders as she moves through the waves. She's wearing a deep emerald green bikini that perfectly complements her green eyes and sun kissed complexion. The color stands out vividly against the blue of the water, and every time she surfaces, the droplets cascading down her skin catch the sunlight, making her shimmer like something out of a dream.

You can't help but smile as you watch her, your heart swelling at the sight of her carefree and radiant. She catches a wave, letting it carry her closer to the shore before standing, the water lapping at her waist. She pushes her hair back with both hands, her head tilting back slightly, and you swear you've never seen anything more beautiful.

The breeze picks up slightly, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and sunscreen, and you adjust your hat as the brim flutters. The weather is perfect warm without being too hot, the sunlight golden and gentle as it filters through the moving palm fronds in the distance. It's one of those days that feels like it exists outside of time, where the world slows down, and everything feels easy and right.

Wanda turns toward you, catching your gaze, and her lips curve into a knowing smile. She lifts a hand to wave, the simple gesture filled with affection, and you wave back, your heart light and full in a way you haven't felt in so long.

She starts walking toward you, the water rolling off her as she approaches, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight. You can't help but admire her how her confidence radiates with every step, how she's so effortlessly beautiful in every way.

"Enjoying the view?" she teases as she reaches you, wringing the water out of her hair.

You tilt your sunglasses down just slightly to meet her gaze directly, a playful smirk tugging at your lips. "Very much," you reply, your tone light and warm.

Wanda chuckles, leaning down to press a quick kiss to your lips, the taste of salt lingering on her skin. "Good," she murmurs, her voice soft but teasing, before dropping into the chair beside you, her hand immediately finding your cheek. The moment feels perfect just the two of you, the sun, the sand, and the endless expanse of ocean stretching before you.

Wanda's hand lingers on your cheek as she brushes a strand of hair behind your ear, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about some sightseeing today, my love?" she asks, her lips curving into a smile.

You nod, a matching smile spreading across your face as you lean into her touch. "Sounds perfect," you reply softly.

Wanda's grin widens, and she presses a quick kiss to your lips before standing and tugging you up with her. "Let's get ready then. I want to see everything and I want to see it all with you."