Summer with a Quantum Mechanic (Love Beach)

Chapter 5

Our lips meet in a tender, passionate kiss, and it's like every unspoken emotion that's been building between us is given voice. His hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing across my skin, and I melt into his touch.

The kiss is soft, tender, and filled with promise. It's a kiss that says "I see you" and "I want you" and "I'm here." It's a kiss that makes me forget about everything else in the world, about all the reasons why this shouldn't be happening.

Nothing else matters. Not the sound of the ocean or the distant chatter of other beachgoers. Not the fact that we live on opposite sides of the world or that our lives are so different.

All that matters is the feel of Miles' lips on mine, the way his hand fits against the small of my back, the way our bodies seem to mold together like two pieces of a puzzle.

I lose myself in the kiss, in the taste of him, in the way he makes me feel. It's like I'm drowning and he's the only thing keeping me afloat, the only thing tethering me to reality.

I give myself over to the moment, there's a small voice in the back of my mind whispering words of caution. Reminding me that this can't last, that Miles is leaving soon, that I'm setting myself up for heartbreak.

I push those thoughts aside, choosing instead to focus on the here and now. On the way Miles' fingers tangle in my hair, on the soft sigh that escapes his lips as I press myself closer to him.

We break apart, both of us breathing heavily, our foreheads resting against each other. Miles' eyes are still closed, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Wow," he breathes, and I can't help but laugh.

"Yeah," I agree. "Wow."

The salty evening breeze dances across my skin as we untangle ourselves, the heat of Miles' touch still lingering. I take a step back, letting my eyes roam over his face, committing every detail to memory. The way his hair is mussed. The softness in his eyes, a stark contrast to the intensity of moments ago. The gentle curve of his lips still swollen from our kiss.

My mind and heart are awash with a complicated mixture of emotions—joy, excitement, and an undeniable undercurrent of fear. Our connection is growing stronger with each passing day, each shared laugh, each tender touch. I want to lose myself in it, to let it consume me entirely, but I can't shake the nagging reminder our time together is fleeting.

"You're thinking too loud." Miles teases. He reaches out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

I lean into his touch, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Occupational hazard, I'm afraid. Overthinking is my specialty."

He chuckles, his thumb brushing lightly across my cheekbone. "Well, as a fellow overthinker, I prescribe a healthy dose of living in the moment. Doctor's orders."

"Oh, so you're a doctor now, too?"

"Yep. I have this $500 framed piece of paper to prove it."

I think about what I just said before laughing out loud. "Shit. Wait. You are a doctor but not that kind of doctor."

Miles grins and shrugs his shoulders. "Tomato. Avocado."

"That makes sense in your mind, doesn't it?" I shake my head.