“Not more than my Rosebud.”

My head snapped to him. Stormy gray met my turquoise.

Did he write some cheesy lines for tonight before coming here? He seemed to be the total opposite of the cold businessman I saw everyday.

Averting my gaze from his intent one, with the fluttering of my tummy, I walked along the shore, enjoying the cool water and breeze. He followed behind.

Flashes of us playing on the beach floated across my mind. A grin spread across my lips. And then I did what I didn’t even dream of doing ever again. Crouching down, I took some water into my hand and splashed him. Achilles Valencian.

Jerking back slightly, he stood frozen for a second. After registering what just happened, a wicked gleam flickered over his eyes. When he took a hasty step towards me, I let out a squeal, and ran.

A musical laughter followed me as I sprinted away from him. Not wanting to miss the chance of this rare sight, I looked over my shoulder.

With just a foot away, he chased me. Moonlight fell onto his heavenly features as his eyes twinkled with happiness. The smile lines on both sides of his eyes, and the beautiful grin across his lips had me breathless. And it had nothing to do with my running.

Another screech left my mouth when he leaped for me. But speeding up my legs, I ran away from his clutch.

“Do you think you can escape me, Rosebud?” His light voice mixed with mirth rang like harmony in my ears.

“Looking like you’re falling behind, Mr. Valencian. Catch me if you can!” yelling over my shoulder, I ran faster. The night breeze slapped against my skin and the water splashed under my feet. I felt like I was flying. Free from everything. I felt lighter.

“Gotcha!”

Another squeal left my mouth as he tackled me. But before we could land on the ground, his strong arms around me pulled us straight.

“This is cheating! Your legs are bigger than mine!” I complained, wiggling in his hold. But the smile on my face was still there.

“Now that’s also my fault?”

“Yes, it is!”

A throaty chuckle reverberated through his chest as he pulled me against him, resting his forehead against mine. The way he tightened his arms around me, as if he never wanted to let go. His gaze shone with contentment and felicity as he let out a breath. “Rosebud, what do I do with you?”

“What will you do?” I peered into his eyes, relaxing into his chest.

As an answer, he cupped my cheeks and placed his lips on mine. My eyelids fluttered close, already drunk on him. With his thumb brushing just beneath my lower lip, his mouth danced with mine into a slow magical synch.