Summer with a Quantum Mechanic (Love Beach)

Chapter 3

"Great job, Hope!" Sarah says. "You knocked it out of the park."

"Thanks," I reply, trying to sound modest but savoring the praise. "I'm just glad it's over and they liked my ideas."

I gather my laptop and notes, feeling like I'm walking on air. After the stress of preparing for this meeting, it's a relief to have it behind me. A few more people stop to congratulate me on the way out. Maybe I'm not an imposter after all, I think to myself. Hope Monroe, Instructional Design Rockstar.

Stepping out of the air-conditioned building, the muggy Southern heat envelops me like a moist blanket straight out of the dryer. I'd gotten used to the cool conference room, but the tropical humidity of Love Beach still takes some adjusting. Luckily, my post-presentation high keeps me in good spirits as I stroll down the street, even as my blouse starts sticking to my back.

The energy of this seaside town never fails to amaze me. Tourists amble down the sidewalks eating dripping ice cream cones from O'Leahey's Creamery. Snatches of laughter and chatter fill the air. The salty smell of the ocean wafts on the breeze, mixed with the mouthwatering scent of fried seafood from a food cart. Palm trees sway overhead.

Part of me resists falling for Love Beach's charms, but I can't deny how alive I feel here. It's so different from the dreary gray of my old life.

"Watch out!" A kid on a skateboard whizzes by, narrowly avoiding crashing into me and jolting me out of my reverie. I jump aside with a startled laugh.

Regaining my footing, I continue on, taking in the pastel cottages lining the street. It really is picture-perfect. Like something out of a Hallmark movie. I hate to admit it, but I'm starting to see why people lose their hearts to Love Beach. Already, a traitorous part of me feels at home.

**********

Scanning the bustling pier crowd, my gaze lands on him—Miles Bennett aka YouTube's very own Physics Daddy. I still can't believe I didn't immediately recognize him. Fucking sexy geek.

Our eyes meet and it's like a jolt of electricity. No pun intended. His face lights up with a smile that could power the Eastern Seaboard, and despite my determination to stay aloof I can't the giddy smile spreading across my face.

"Well hello there." I say when we finally reach each other, mustering my best teasing smile. "Fancy meeting you here among the seagulls and sunburned tourists."

Miles chuckles, blue eyes twinkling. "Hello, Hope. How are you? Your presentation was today, right?"

"I don't need to ask how you know that, Dr. Miles Bennet, since we may be working together upon your return."

He blushes, and I want to kiss the blush of redness across his cheek. "Guilty as charged. I thought I recognized your name, but I'm not on the decision committe. Exactly."

"Exactly." I quip back. No, he's only the owner and star of GeekU - a non-profit made up of STEM professionals making freely accessible videos on the internet.

"I ganed 20 pounds during lockdown." Fine. It was really 40. "You became Physic's Daddy, and taught the world to love Physics - for the first time."

"Something like that." He ducks his head, and the shyness makes me wanna corrupt him and run away in equal measure.

We weave through the throng of beachgoers, vendors hawking saltwater taffy, and a guy juggling starfish (only in Love Beach...), the distance between us shrinks. My traitorous heart does a little tapdance the closer we get. So much for playing it cool.

The salty sea breeze ruffles his hair, and I have the absurd urge to reach out and smooth them.

Get it together, Hope. This is the guy who's about to peace out to Middle Earth. Keep it light.

"I must say, for a big-time YouTube star, you blend right in with us mere mortals," I quip. "No paparazzi tailing you? No fans clamoring for autographs on their pocket protectors?"

"Ha! No paparazzi, but I do have the occasional grateful parent offering to buy my Boba or dinner depending."

"Ooh. I wonder what The Enquirer would pay for an exclusive? 'Physics Daddy Dishes on Love Beach'?"

"Hm, tempting. Is The Enquirer still a thing? I thought it would be TMZ now. No, I'm far more interested in what flavor of ice cream the brilliant Hope Monroe will choose."

He bumps my shoulder, and I fight to control the goofy grin taking over my face. Our banter flows as naturally as the tides rolling in and out. It's nice. Easy. Nothing like the torturous verbal tennis matches with my ex.

I arch an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. "Are you trying to lure me in with sugary treats, Mr. Bennett?"

"I figure if I ply you with the most delicious ice cream on the planet, you might just stick around for more scintillating physics banter."

"Better than Blue Bell? We'll have to see. Lead the way, good sir." The glass and wood door open to the enticing of waffle cones, cream, and sugar.

We stand before the dizzying array of flavors, but a gauntlet was dropped. I order my favorite, Butter Pecan, and prepare for the disappointment. Nobody does it better than Blue Bell, but it's a thing I do.

"Ah, a classic choice." Nutty and creamy.

I barely hold back my laugh. I am a mature woman.

"Whereas I, ever the adventurer, shall boldly venture into the uncharted territory of..." He pauses for dramatic effect. "Razzelberry Banana!"

I scrunch up my face. "Seems like too much going on in one scoop. Careful now, that wild streak might just sweep me off my feet."

"One can only hope." He says with a wink.

I am so not charmed.

Liar.

We step away from the counter cones and cups in hand. "So, tell me, what does a quantum engineer do for fun when he's not dazzling the world with his brilliance?"

Miles chuckles ducking his head. "Oh, you know, the usual. Binge-watching documentaries, tinkering with gadgets, and attempting to bake the perfect sourdough loaf."

"A lockdown renaissance man!" I exclaim, taking a lick of my indulgent treat. "Color me impressed."

We meander along the pier, trading quips and anecdotes as the sun begins its lazy descent toward the horizon. The easy rapport between is everything I ever wanted, I wish this moment could stretch on indefinitely.

Miles must sense the subtle shift in my demeanor because he bumps against mine. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"Just... enjoying the moment." I say.

He studies me for a beat with those hypnotically blue eyes. "Sometimes, that's all we can do."

We continue our leisurely stroll, Miles' places his hand on the small of my back. It's a simple gesture, but it feels loaded with unspoken meaning. I can't help but marvel at how we've fallen into this easy intimacy, as if our bodies are already attuned to each other's rhythms.

I glance up at him, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. "You know, if you wanted to get closer, you could've just asked."

"And miss the chance to sweep you off your feet with my smooth moves? Not a chance."

I roll my eyes, but I can't suppress the grin that spreads across my face. "Oh, so that's your master plan? Charm me with ice cream and subtle touches?"

"Is it working?" He asks. His tone is laced with mischief.

I pretend to consider it for a moment, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, I don't know. I might need a few more samples before I can make an informed decision."

"Well, in that case..." Miles' hand slides from my back to my waist, pulling me closer as we walk. The heat of his touch seeps through the thin fabric of my sundress, and I feel my cheeks flush in response.