The Taste of true love

ustration intensified as she struggled with her computer, her concentration waning like the daylight outside. With an exasperated sigh, s

about not succumbing to the role of chief cook and bottle washer. Determination etched on her face, she resolved to retrieve her notes, feeling the need to suggest to Richard that he take his leave. After all, she had claimed the

hing the beach, she was startled by whoops and wild splashing, causing her to furrow her brow. Wondering if Richard had taken an impromptu swim, she shook her head, dismissing the idea as too a

stepped onto the jetty, the wooden planks creaked softly beneath her, and she found herself enveloped in a contemplative silence. The autumn sun cast a serene glow over the scene, illumi

aelite undine. The autumn sun cast a golden dance on the water's surface, and Annie coul

reat!" Richard called, enth

head in disbelief. "You have to be kiddi

to his back, executing an underwater somersault. As he burst to the surface a

ed her eyes, and Richard, throwing his hands in the air, laughed. "All right alread

man in the water. "It's cold," she h

Throwing back his head, he added, "Oh come on, Stephanie! You know you want to. Loosen up a little, w

ts away, peeled off her jersey, and discarded the rest of her clothes onto the jetty. With a deep breat

nough to take your breath away, obviously

ter, attempting to acclimate to the chill. Looking up at the sky from beneath the water's surface, she let the

e. "What're you trying to do dow

day at the beach. I could hold my bre

talents are just never lost," and r

ut and tugged at Richard's hair

you like to see more of my swimming skills?' he asked, br

last. She pushed away and swam back to the jetty, pulling herself out of the water in a sudde

padded in; dressed and sitting back

reading puddle. 'I think you should leave,' Annie said. 'I don't remember inviting a

realized the guy was still

ment. 'I'm staying. You leave. You're the on

me Stephanie," she yelled, her frust