Somehow, I’d managed to keep on my feet when the big wave crashed over Anabelle and me. She surfaced, spluttering, and I held out a hand. She let me help her up and I held her hand a little longer than necessary.

“Thank you, John.”

“You’re welcome. That was one big wave.”

“Sure was, but it’s fun.”

She was still grinning and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned toward her and our lips touched.

It was all I’d dreamed of and more. It was electrifying.

Our kiss was soft, tender, and a little unsure until I felt her press toward me. I put a hand behind her head and deepened the kiss. Oh yeah, I could get used to this.

We finally separated and gazed at each other. Her eyes had dilated slightly and her lips parted as she stared into my eyes.

“I couldn’t resist.”

“I … neither could I, John.”

“I’d certainly like to do it again.”

“Then maybe you should.”

We stood there, the waves crashing around us, as I kissed her again. This time I took my time reveling in the taste of her, mixed with the salty water. Her hands pressed against my chest.

When we stopped, I whispered, “I’ve wanted to kiss you since I first saw you reading.”

“You have?”

I nodded and traced her lips. Her eyes seemed to shut of their own accord as my fingers explored her gorgeous, full mouth. When she opened her eyes, I decided I should kiss her again.

It was wild.

The surf pounding against us, the sound of the ocean, and Anabelle in my arms. Another big wave hit us and sent us both under. I grabbed her hand as we fought our way back up to the surface.

“Sadly I have to accept that kissing and big waves don’t mix very well.”

She gave another of her lovely carefree laughs.

“I think you’re right. Come on up to my place and I’ll make you a coffee or tea.”

We waded back to shore. Anabelle picked up her towel and I realized mine was further down the beach.

“I’ll just get my towel and then join you.”

She nodded and continued walking back to her villa while I limped down to where I’d tossed my towel, picked it up, and then followed her into her villa. She’d thrown her towel on one of the outdoor chairs and was in the kitchen. I dropped my towel to join hers after drying off and walked to where she was. She turned to face me at my approach and it was all I could do not to grab her and kiss her again. Her face showed a little nervousness and I smiled.

“Coffee or tea?”

“Still an Englishman, it’s tea for me.”

“Do you want to try the Chinese White?”

“I’m sorry, I only drink black tea.”

She gave a giggle. “So do I. Chinese White is black tea, if that makes sense. It’s only the tiny top buds of the bush. Then after they’re picked they are left to dry naturally without any further processing. It’s a very delicate, smooth, and sweet-tasting tea, I love it.”

“In that case, I’d better try it.”

She nodded and set to making two mugs of tea. I sat down on one of the stools at the bench and studied her. I decided then and there that I’d never tire of watching her. She was so gorgeous. Those luscious curves of hers beckoned me non-stop and I thought I’d been semi-erect since I first saw her. She finished and put a mug in front of me, then another alongside it and came to sit on the stool next to me.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

I took a sip of the tea and let it roll around my tongue. The taste surprised me, very light but fruity. Anabelle was right. It was very smooth with no bitter aftertaste that I sometimes got with black tea. She grinned at me and raised her eyebrows.

“It’s lovely. I think I may have to convert.”

“It’s delicious, isn’t it?”

We savored our tea in silence, except for the roar of the waves and the sound of the wind that was getting stronger as it blew through the trees. I wanted to learn all about this lovely woman, but what I actually wanted to do was kiss her again. I noticed her give a shiver.

“Cold?”

“A little.”

I stood and moved behind her, rubbing my hands up and down her arms.

“Maybe you should change into something warmer than this damp suit.”