The Undercurrents

As the winding road stretched out before them, Rafe’s knuckles whitened against the firm grip of the steering wheel. Each curve, each twist, seemed to mirror the tension coiled within him. Ethan, seated beside him, mirrored his unease, his gaze flitting between the passing scenery and Rafe’s rigid profile.

Ping!

Rafe’s phone chimed with an incoming message, breaking the heavy silence. “Check that,” Rafe instructed, his voice tight.

Ethan glanced at the screen, his eyes scanning the message quickly. “It’s Marcus. He found her. She was at a cafe.”

A collective sigh filled the air and Rafe’s foot eased off the accelerator, the car slowing down as they drew nearer to town.

Once they reached their destination, Rafe parked the Defender and both him and Ethan set about locating Delia and Marcus.

“There,” Ethan pointed ahead, his voice strained with anticipation. “I see them.”

Rafe’s gaze followed Ethan’s outstretched finger, locking onto the figures of Marcus and Delia. With a nod of confirmation, they quickened their pace, closing the distance with determined strides.

As they approached, Marcus caught sight of them but Delia was engrossed taking pictures with her new phone. She remained unaware of their presence until they were right in front of her.

When she finally looked up, her eyes widened in surprise as she found Rafe and Ethan standing before her. “Hello there,” she greeted, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Ethan reciprocated her greeting warmly, apologizing for not being able to pick her up earlier that morning. Rafe, however, remained silent, his intense gaze fixed on Delia, making her squirm slightly under his scrutiny.

Attempting to ease the tension, Ethan engaged Delia in conversation, asking about her morning.

“It's been quite pleasant, thank you," Delia replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I've been exploring the town a bit, getting a feel for the area."

Ethan nodded, glad to see her opening up. "It's a charming little town, isn't it? There's a lot of hidden gems around here."

Delia's green eyes sparkled with agreement. "I've already stumbled upon a few lovely shops and cafes. It's been delightful."

"By the way, there is a bonfire at Hawk’s Beach this evening. Would you like to join us?” Ethan asked, a warm smile on his face.

Delia's contemplated for a bit and she nodded. "That sounds wonderful but I wouldn’t want to impose”, she replied.

Rafe finally cleared his throat, breaking his silence. “Join us,” he said abruptly, his voice low but commanding. “We’ll pick you up at 6 pm.”

As they stood on the sidewalk, Delia felt the weight of Rafe's intense gaze, stirring a mixture of discomfort and curiosity within her. Sensing the need to break the awkward silence, she addressed Rafe directly.

“Thank you, Rafe. I'll be ready by then”, she replied, her voice betraying her unease.

Ethan, ever the mediator, interjected with a smile. "It'll be a great way to unwind after your busy morning," he offered, trying to lighten the mood.

Delia returned his smile gratefully. “That sounds great," she agreed, her nerves beginning to settle in the face of Ethan's easygoing demeanor.

Rafe nodded curtly, his features inscrutable as he turned to walk away. "We'll see you then," he stated, his voice carrying a note of finality.

As they watched Rafe stride off, Ethan turned back to Delia with a reassuring smile. "Don't mind him. He's just a bit... intense sometimes," he explained, his tone lighthearted.

Delia chuckled softly. "I can tell," she replied, her gaze lingering on Rafe's retreating form for a moment longer before turning back to Ethan. "Thank you for the invitation. I'm looking forward to it."

With a nod of agreement, Ethan bid her farewell and walked in the same direction as Rafe.

*******

Delia and Marcus then ventured into a local grocery store, their steps casual as they perused the aisles, selecting essentials for the villa.

“Thanks for the help, Marcus," Delia expressed her gratitude as they made their way to the checkout.

“It's no trouble at all," Marcus replied with a warm smile. "Happy to assist."

Marcus then drove Delia back to the villa and helped her take the groceries inside.

“Marcus, do you think I can walk down to the beach from here?" Delia inquired, her gaze scanning the surrounding outside the villa.

Marcus nodded. "Of course. The beach access is located behind the swimming pool," he replied, gesturing towards the semi hidden trail leading to the shoreline.

Delia's eyes followed Marcus's indication. "Awesome!" she exclaimed as she noticed that the beach access was shared with the neighboring mansion.

“Who lives there?" Delia queried, her gaze pointed towards the imposing structure.

Marcus, raised an eyebrow, paused for a moment before responding. "That's Rafe's mansion," he revealed.

Delia's brow furrowed slightly at the revelation, a hint of embarrassment coloring her expression. "Oh, I see," she murmured, mentally chiding herself for the oversight.

“And Ethan lives there as well, along with a few other friends," Marcus added, offering further insight into the residents of the neighboring estate.

Delia nodded in understanding, grateful for the clarification, “Thanks," she said appreciatively as he prepared to depart. “You've been a lifesaver."

“Anytime, Delia," Marcus assured her before taking his leave. "Just give me a shout if you need anything else."

After Marcus left, Delia went to rifle through the wardrobe in her bedroom. She retrieved a pair of black bikini.

With her beach essentials packed neatly in a bag, she slipped on a floppy hat and ventured towards the beach, the sound of crashing waves guiding her steps.

As she reached the shoreline, she paused to take in the breathtaking view. The turquoise expanse of the ocean stretched out before her, merging seamlessly with the clear blue sky.

She lay down her belongings in the soft white sand and without a moment’s hesitation, she dashed into the refreshing ocean, reveling in the freedom of the open sea.

Delia savored the remainder of the afternoon immersed in the soothing ocean, the gentle waves lulling her into a state of tranquility. As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, she reluctantly made her way back to the villa.

After a refreshing shower, she meticulously prepared herself for the evening ahead. She opted for a delicate off-shoulder white sundress that accentuated her neckline and complemented her sun-kissed skin. Loose curls cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face elegantly, while her makeup remained minimal, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.

Precisely at 6 pm, the doorbell rang and she opened it to find Rafe standing outside with an air of confidence. He exuded a casual charm, dressed in a crisp white button down shirt with rolled-up sleeves, paired effortlessly with beige linen pants.

Delia couldn't help but admire his impeccable sense of style, finding herself momentarily lost in his presence.

“No Ethan again?" she quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.

Rafe responded with a faint smile, “He will meet us there”. With a subtle gesture, he led her towards his Defender, and opened the passenger door for her.

As they settled into the car, the atmosphere shifted in the small confined space, charged with an undeniable tension that crackled between them like static electricity.

Delia couldn't help but steal glances at him from the corner of her eye, her heart pounding erratically in her chest at his proximity. His chiseled features were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting him in luminescent light that somehow served to enhance his ruggedness.

Lost in her thoughts, Delia was startled when Rafe's voice cut through the silence, his deep timbre sending shivers down her spine. "Enjoying the view?" he asked, a hint of amusement lacing his words.

Caught off guard, Delia flushed crimson, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment at being caught staring. "Uh, yes," she stammered, quickly averting her gaze to the passing scenery outside the window. "It's beautiful.”

Rafe's lips curved into a knowing smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Indeed it is," he agreed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before returning to the road ahead.

As the car wound its way along the coastal cliffs, the tension between them continued to mount, thickening the air with an undeniable undercurrent of attraction. Soon though Rafe pulled into a beach parking lot and announced, “We’re here”.

With a soft click, he shifted the car into park and turned off the ignition. He turned to look at Delia, his gaze causing a flutter of butterflies to dance in her stomach.

Rafe then got out of the Defender and stepped around the car, opening the passenger door and offering a hand to help Delia out. She accepted his gesture gratefully, her fingers brushing against his in a fleeting touch that sent a jolt electricity coursing through her veins. She looked up at him surprised. His silver eyes turned darker as it focused on the curve of her delicate neck.

At that very moment, Ethan came bounding towards them, breaking Rafe’s trance. He led them both towards the bonfire, where a bunch of people were gathered.