Dancing in the sand
13 June 2023
*Bree*
The warm evening breeze brushes against my skin as I stroll down the exotic beach, the soft sand caressing my bare feet. I’ve ditched my sandals; they’re dangling from my fingers, swinging with each step. The horizon is painted in hues of orange and pink, and the ocean whispers a lullaby that’s both soothing and exhilarating. This place is breathtaking, and I can’t help but feel a sense of freedom wash over me.
Up ahead, the sound of laughter and music tickles my ears. It’s like a magnetic pull, drawing me closer. There’s a party going on further down the beach, and curiosity gets the better of me. I’m eager to dive into some fun after the day I’ve had. This is the night before my cousin’s wedding here in Hawaii, and I need a break from all the wedding frenzy.
I landed earlier today, jet-lagged and a bit overwhelmed. The afternoon have been spent at her bachelorette party, which, let’s be honest, was nothing like the wild parties you see in movies. It was more like a spa day… a bunch of women getting manicures, sipping champagne, and chatting about life. It was nice, don’t get me wrong, but not exactly my scene. After a decent dinner, everyone else, all coupled up and cozy, retreated to their bungalows. So here I am, walking alone on this paradise beach, finding solace in its vastness.
This is worlds away from my usual life. Born in Canada, I spent the last decade deep in the Amazon with my father, a dedicated doctor. At 28, I was on the cusp of returning to Canada to carve out my own path when my cousin called, announcing her whirlwind romance and upcoming nuptials. We were inseparable as kids and teens, but life has pulled us in different directions. Still, she wanted me as her maid of honor. Of course, I hopped on the next flight out here.
Her wedding is a spur-of-the-moment affair, shrouded in secrecy. My cousin, a TV actress, is marrying an actor she briefly dated years ago. They rekindled their flame recently, and now they’re tying the knot. I haven’t even met the guy, no clue what he looks like or what he’s known for. But hey, keeping up with celebrity gossip was the last thing on my mind while living in the rainforest.
As I get closer to the source of the music, the rhythms become more exotic, more inviting. It’s mostly locals here, dancing and drinking at a small beach bar that looks like it’s straight out of a movie. There’s a live band, their music pulsing through the air, and people are swaying barefoot in the sand, lost in the enticing beats.
A woman approaches me, her smile warm and welcoming. She places a flower necklace around my neck, and I can’t help but smile back. “Welcome,” she says, her voice as inviting as the music. “Come dance with us, let yourself be free.”
“I’d love to,” I reply, and before I know it, I’m moving to the rhythm. The music seeps into my veins, and Hawaii pulses through my blood. Maybe it’s the alcohol, maybe it’s the magic of this place, but I feel alive, more free than I’ve ever been. Tonight, I’m not just a maid of honor or a girl from the Amazon; I’m a part of this vibrant, pulsing world, and I’m ready to embrace whatever the night brings.
*Calder*
The plan was simple: head back to the bungalows and get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a big day, after all. It’s just me and Ben left on the beach; everyone else has already called it a night and returned to their cozy beds.
But then, we spot a group of locals throwing a beach party. The rhythm of their music catches my ear, and I haven’t had a single chance to dance tonight. And I do love dancing. “Come on, Ben, let’s go check out the party,” I suggest, my feet already itching to move.
Ben looks at me, shaking his head. “Seriously, Calder? We’ve got a big day tomorrow... Well, you’ve got a big day. We better go back and sleep off the alcohol. You need to be clear-headed, you know.”
I shrug, already walking toward the sounds of celebration. “Well, you go back then. Sophie’s probably waiting for you. I’ll be along soon. Just want to listen to the music for a while, enjoy my last evening as a free man.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Calder? She won’t be happy if you’re hungover or too tired tomorrow,” he warns. He doesn’t need to; I know exactly how pissed she would be.
I just smile and clap his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back within an hour. See you tomorrow, Ben.”
He walks off, shaking his head but not saying anything else. I honestly meant it when I said I’d be back soon, but as it turns out, the night had other plans for me.
As I get closer to the party, my eyes lock onto her instantly. She’s dancing barefoot in the sand, possibly the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She’s wearing a white dress that flows around her as she sways, and a couple of flower necklaces dangle around her sensual neck.
Her thick, dark hair falls in soft waves down to the middle of her back. She’s about 5′7", slim but shapely, and she moves like a temptress, luring men to her. A lot of the guys are watching her, but no one seems to dare make a move.
I don’t know why I walk over to her. I certainly know I shouldn’t, but I’m unable to stop myself. There’s something about her that draws me in, an irresistible force pulling me closer with every step.
*Bree*
“Can I have this dance, miss?” A soft, deep voice asks right in front of me.
I open my eyes, realizing I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. Damn, he’s tall, and oh so very handsome. I can’t help but smile and nod in agreement.
His big hands gently grab my hips, pulling me quite close to him, and we start moving in sync with the music. It feels like a dream, a very nice dream. He’s got tousled dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen.
“What’s your name?” he whispers in my ear. I don’t know why I lie; maybe it’s because I’m leaving in two days, and this can never be more than a fleeting holiday romance. I am not ready for any entanglement. “Holly, my name is Holly. And yours?”
He smiles at me, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. “Well, hi there, Holly. I’m Ben.”
