Chapter 14 #2
The ocean stretches out endlessly before us, deep blue meeting pale sky at a distant horizon. Sunlight dances across the water in shifting patterns, and the waves roll in slow, steady rhythms, crashing against the wide, sandy beach. Even from up here, the sound is soothing.
I feel him tighten his arms just slightly, as if anchoring me there, sharing the moment without a word. The warmth of him at my back contrasts with the ocean breeze brushing my face, and I become acutely aware of how still we are, how perfectly unhurried this feels.
If I could bottle this moment and keep it forever, I would.
I rest my hands over his, grounding myself in the quiet weight of his embrace, and take in the incredible view.
Up here, wrapped in his arms with the ocean laid out before us, time feels softer, less demanding.
For a moment, nothing exists beyond the sound of the waves, the warmth behind me, and the simple, breathtaking fact that I’m here, experiencing this, feeling this.
“I never thought I’d see this,” I admit softly. “I live on one income, and I’m frugal to a fault. This moment, being here, with you… it’s everything, Foster. I can’t tell you what this means to me.”
“You just did,” he says, kissing my cheek. “We’ll go in whenever you’re ready.”
“I could stand here with you forever,” I confess quietly.
“We could,” he says, “but I promised we’d bury our toes in the sand.”
I turn in his arms, wrapping mine around his neck. “I’m ready for whatever adventure you want to take me on,” I tell him.
“There are no rules. No timelines. If you see something you want to do, we’ll do it. As of right now, I have us flying home on Friday, but if we need more time, then we’ll take it.”
“This is too much,” I tell him. Guilt sits heavily that he’s paying for all of this.
“Eden, it’s been a long damn time since I’ve been able to spend my money on someone I care about.
And yes, I know I have the guys, but they have their own money.
This, bringing you here, seeing your eyes light up, getting to experience this moment with you, it’s a gift.
One that no amount of money could buy me.
Please, don’t think about that. I promise you, this isn’t a financial hardship for me. ”
“I know—I mean, I don’t know, but I do know you’re a professional athlete, and you make a good wage, but still, that’s your money.”
He chuckles. “A good wage? Baby, I make nineteen million a year. That doesn’t count bonuses or endorsements. Please stop worrying.”
My mouth falls open. “That’s—a really good wage,” I say, and he tosses his head back in laughter.
“I love that you couldn’t give a single fuck about my paycheck. That only makes me want to spoil you more.”
“Oh, no, this trip is like a decade of birthday presents or more.” His words echo in my mind.
That’s—a lot of money, but being here with him, it’s priceless.
Getting to share this trip with him feels right, and no amount of money could replace this memory for me.
Even without the fancy plane ticket or the massive suite, this is what I know will be the best trip I’ll ever take because it’s with him.
“Not a chance, baby.” He winks. “Now, are you ready to go feel the sand between your toes?”
“Yes,” I say, standing on my toes and pressing my lips to his. It’s a quick peck, but I’m taking every chance I have to touch him, to kiss him while we’re on this trip. I don’t know what happens when we get home, and if we’re making memories, I want the full Foster Vaughn experience.
He swoops in for another kiss. This one is longer and full of promise—at least that’s what my heart thinks.
My head is telling me to slow down, but for once, I’m not letting that stop me.
I’ve been reserved my entire life. I’ve never allowed a man to get close, not trusting anyone enough.
I know in my heart that if Foster walks away, I’ll be heartbroken, but I’ll be a better person just from having known him.
Getting this time with him is a precious gift I’ll always cherish. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. And even though I know it’s going to hurt, I don’t want to miss a single solitary second of the time we have together.
“Fuck,” he rasps, pulling out of the kiss and standing to his full height. “We need to get out of this room.”
“It’s such a nice room, though. And it’s got three beds, two couches, a kitchen table, a countertop.” I tick off each one, and he groans, diving in for another kiss.
“Sand. I promised you sand,” he says against my lips, making me laugh.
“Later.”
He nods. “Later.” Taking my hand, he grabs the keycard, makes sure he has his phone, wallet, and rental keys, and we’re out the door. He pulls me close, wrapping his arm around my waist as we ride the elevator to the ground floor.
Five minutes later, I’m standing barefoot in the white sand. My toes are buried, and my heart is full. I stare out at the deep blue waters as I try to remember that this is real life. I’m not dreaming.
“You plan on getting those toes wet?” he asks me.
“Patience, Mr. Vaughn. I’m enjoying this.”
His chuckle is deep and husky. “Take all the time you need, babe,” he says, coming to stand next to me, digging his own toes into the white crystals.
I take a slow, deep breath, letting the scent of salt and sunscreen fill my lungs. The sun warms my back, and the gentle lap of the waves against the shore makes my chest tighten with happiness.
I can’t believe that I’m here.
The breeze tousles my hair, and for a second, everything else disappears. Just the sand, the sea, and the quiet warmth of him beside me.
I can feel Foster’s gaze, but it doesn’t bother me.
His presence is comforting and grounding.
Without saying a word, he takes my hand in his, and together, we take leisurely steps toward the water.
The water kisses our ankles. A small splash rises, and I can’t help but laugh freely as we step further into the wave.
He turns so that we’re facing one another. He lifts his palms to my cheeks and grins down at me. “You’re pure temptation, baby,” he murmurs, a playful glint in his eyes.
I shake my head, smiling. “I’m just me.”
“Exactly,” he muses, bending to cup water in his hands and splashing me with it.
I shriek with laughter, and that’s how we spend the rest of our day.
We laugh and play in the water like kids.
Our clothes are soaked, but I can’t seem to find it in me to care.
As the sun starts to set, hand in hand, we make our way back to the hotel.
Our feet are covered in sand, our clothes are wet, and our smiles are wide.
Today is a day that I’ll never forget.