“Now what?” I asked, looking around the apartment again. We’d eaten and then dragged our bags in. Aston and I had unpacked into the wardrobe and drawers in the main bedroom and were now sitting on the huge sofa.
“It’s a recovery day,” Aston said, “To fight jet lag.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t think you need it though,” Aston grinned, turning his head to look over at me, “You slept for like nine hours on the plane.”
I gave him a sheepish smile as he said that, the combination of no sleep the night before and a few glasses of champagne having put me over the edge.
“We could go out if you want,” Aston said.
“Aren’t you tired? It’s got to be practically bed time at home.”
“I don’t mind.”
“We can go out then,” I agreed with an excited grin.
“Where do you wanna go? Is there something touristy you want to see? Do you want to go shopping?”
“Could we maybe go down by the beach?” I asked.
“Sure,” Aston shrugged.
“Let me just change out of my plane clothes,” I said, wandering to the bedroom. I didn’t really know much about the beaches in LA, if they’d be cold or warm, but I pulled on a bikini and a sundress anyway.
“Going swimming huh?” Aston asked when I came out of the bedroom with my sunglasses and sandals in my hands.
“Wrong outfit choice?” I worried.
“I don’t know,” Aston shrugged, “The water is usually kinda cold, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. We can always jump in the pool when we get back.”
“Oh yes!” I nodded. It was pretty warm outside, a dip in the pool wouldn’t be a bad idea regardless.
Aston went to pull on some swim trunks and then we were out into the warm LA sunshine, wandering down the street towards the beach.
“Smoothies!” Aston said, grabbing my hand and pulling me into a shop halfway to the beach.
“Chill out!” I laughed.
I watched as Aston fumbled with some American dollars, the green paper causing a grin on my face as I watched.
“What?” Aston asked.
“We’re abroad!”
“Yeah…”
“Just sunk in I guess,” I replied, “Thanks for letting me come.”
“Well hopefully this trip is productive. For both of us.”
“Hmm yes,” I nodded, turning to order my smoothie.
Once we’d gotten our drinks we headed back out into the sunshine. My breath was taken away by how pretty the ocean was. The blue water was sparkly in the LA sun, and the sand was bright white. Tan people were biking and skating past as we dodged across a pathway and our toes sunk into the sand.
“Lemme kick my sandals off,” I giggled, slipping them off and grabbing them in my hands. The warm sand slid between my toes, a grin spreading across my face.
“You happy?” Aston asked.
“So happy.”
He flashed me a bright smile, chucking his empty smoothie cup in a bin. “Wanna try the water?”
“Sure!” I replied, getting rid of my empty cup as well.
We wandered down to the water, our feet being gently washed over by the waves.
“Damn it’s cold!” I laughed, jumping when the water first made it up my calves.
“I told you!”
“Sort of!” I scolded, “You were kinda vague.”
“Whatever…” Aston smirked, leaning down and touching the water with his hand.
“Don’t you dare splash me!” I squealed, pointing a finger at him.
“I wouldn’t…”
“Yeah right!”
“You’re daring me now,” Aston said, a flirty smile on his face.
I couldn’t help but smile back, screeching loudly when I was splashed with water.
“Aston!!!” I laughed, splashing him back.
Before I knew it we were in a huge splash fight, the pair of us drenched in the freezing cold ocean water.
“Ast!!” I laughed again, watching as he lunged at me and picked me up. He had me cradled to his chest, his heartbeat thudding loud and his hands holding me tight. My heart felt like it was in my throat as the pair of us froze… His eyes were locked on mine and for a split second I thought I recognized them.
But maybe I made that up?
“Sorry,” Aston whispered, quickly setting me down.
I stood in the water for a second, just staring at him.
“I really shouldn’t have…” he started.
“Why did you stop?”
“What?”
“I was having fun.”
“I thought it was too much,” he said, “Since… you know.”
“Don’t do that.”
“I don’t want to rush you, or freak you out,” he said, starting to go back towards the sand.
I watched as his shoulders hunched, clearly disappointed in the situation and probably himself. I shook my head quickly, swearing at myself for not remembering anything. I really wanted to. It would make everything easier.
Chasing after Aston, I grabbed my sandals off the beach and then slipped my hand into his.
“Don’t stop,” I said, “Just go with the flow. Please? For me?”
“Ok,” he sighed, squeezing my hand gently, “Only for you.”
With a soft smile I leant my head against his shoulder for a moment, taking in the view of the LA beach one last time.
Releasing my hand Aston wrapped his arm around my shoulders, holding me tight against him.
This was what I’d always wanted… now I just needed to remember how I’d gotten it.