He wraps his arms around my waist. “So let’s do this the right way. I want a proper relationship with you out in the open, for everyone to know and see. No more hiding.”

“I want that too. I love you, Callum.”

“I love you, Nikki.”

He leans down to kiss me, and it’s an explosion. Our tongues tangle and tease until we absolutely have to come up for air. I collapse into him, and he hugs me tight against his body.

Whistles and claps follow our very public display of affection. I tuck my face into Callum’s chest, smiling.

“Half the people on this beach are naked, and this is what they stop and stare at?” Callum growls into my neck.

I lean back to look at him. “Maybe they’re staring because we’re the odd ones out.”

He squints.

“You promised we’d go skinny-dipping together some day, remember? Today could be the day.”

He leans his head back in a groan.

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re shy all of a sudden. You swim in your birthday suit regularly, Mr. James.”

He raises an eyebrow. “So I’m Mr. James now?”

“Anything to get you naked as soon as possible.”

He lets loose that melodic laugh, and I almost can’t breathe. That sound. Good Lord, I missed it.

He tugs at the waistband of his maroon swim trunks. I catch his wrist, chuckling. “Wait, I was kidding. You don’t actually have to get naked in front of all these people.”

He doesn’t even flinch at the prospect of being in his birthday suit on the beach in front of a hundred strangers. “I honestly don’t care if there are zero or a million people around. I do this all the time. It doesn’t bother me.” He loosens the drawstring of his shorts.

A second later the fabric drops to the sand, and I indulge in a seconds-long ogle. Just as glorious as the first time I saw him dripping wet and completely nude on this exact beach months ago.

I can’t help the wide smile that splits my face. I look up at him. His unflappable expression and tone have me hooked. Normally, I’d balk at the idea of being naked in front of strangers. But with Callum next to me, I’m at ease. Clothed or naked, I’m comfortable, as long as I’m with him.

I reach for the tie of my bikini top, but he stops me with a hand on my wrist. “You don’t have to just because I’m doing it.”

“I want to. Really. And look.”

I point to the people around us, none of whom are paying attention to us anymore. Half of the people running into and out of the waves are naked. Half of the people lying on the beach are naked too.