Summer with a Quantum Mechanic (Love Beach)

Chapter 7

The soft sand yields beneath my bare feet as Miles and I stroll hand in hand along the shore. The sun dips toward the horizon, painting the sky in striking shades of crimson and gold that glimmer off the ocean waves. A salty breeze tousles my auburn hair and I can't help but smile at the picture-perfect romance of it all. Who knew quantum physics and rom-coms could collide so seamlessly?

Miles' warm hand anchors me, his touch sending a tingle up my arm. I sneak a sideways glance at him, admiring his chiseled profile as he gazes out at the surf. God, he does look like Thor. What are the statistical odds of finding a hunky science geek who also happens to be sweet, funny and down-to-earth? In my world, approximately zero. Yet here we are.

"Sooo, you come here often?" I quip. "Bet you say that to all the instructional designers you meet in small touristy beach towns."

Miles chuckles, a rich, warm sound that ripples through me. "Only the snarky ones who make dated movie references and captivate me with their wit and intelligence."

I duck my head, feeling a blush heat my cheeks that has nothing to do with the balmy evening air. Damn, he's smooth.

We amble on in companionable silence for a few moments, just soaking in the sensory feast around us. The rhythmic crash of the waves, the distant cries of seagulls, the scent of tropical flowers mixing with the briny ocean spray. It's like being inside a damn postcard. Part of me still can't fathom that I'm here, that I took a chance on this getaway to begin with. After the soul-sucking quarantine period with What's-His-Face, my faith in fresh starts had pretty much flatlined.

Of course, I never banked on meeting a literal Physics Daddy...

Miles is quiet, seemingly lost in thought as we meander along. I can practically see the equations floating around that beautiful blond head of his. He glances over and catches me staring, lips quirking up in a half-smile that makes my heart stutter.

"What's on your mind, Doctor Bennett?" I aim for breezy but it comes out a bit breathless. Smooth, Monroe, real smooth.

"Ah, just pondering the mysteries of the universe," he volleys back. "Like the statistical improbability of spontaneous romantic beach strolls."

I snort out a laugh. "Guess we better alert the media. Geeks in love, story at eleven."

Miles grins and squeezes my hand. "I'll schedule the press conference."

We walk on, our matched strides slowing to appreciate the fiery mango and raspberry streaks lighting up the darkening sky. I'm keenly aware of every point of contact between us - shoulders brushing, fingers entwined, hips grazing with each step. It's thrilling and grounding all at once, this effortless connection. The simmering attraction between us is undeniable, but it's his unpretentious kindness that really gets me. The easy way we can banter and bare our souls in equal measure.

I catch Miles sneaking another peek at me, those piercing blue eyes both playful and contemplative. He seems to be mulling something over another one of those secret smiles ghosting across his unfairly kissable mouth.

"Penny for your thoughts, Physics Daddy?" I prompt, arching an eyebrow.

He huffs out an adorably sheepish laugh. "Busted. I was just thinking about what you said earlier, about Adventures in Babysitting..."

I tilt my head, intrigued. "Oh? Planning to start a side hustle as the world's hunkiest babysitter? I mean, it tracks - you've already got the Thor looks going for you."

Miles shakes his head with an amused grin. "While I do appreciate the objective assessment of my babysitting qualifications, that's not quite where I was going with this..."

"No? Do tell then, I'm all ears. Well, not all ears, that would be weird. You know what I mean." I flash him a cheeky smile.

He takes both my hands in his, halting our steps. The red-gold rays of the dying sun limn his face in striking light and shadow as he holds my gaze.

"I was thinking...about how much that movie means to you. How it's threaded through so many of your memories..." His voice is low and tender, making my heart pinwheel behind my ribs.

I swallow hard, touched that he remembered, that he paid such careful attention. "It's true, it...kind of feels like a piece of my history at this point. Silly as that sounds."

"It's not silly at all," he murmurs, eyes soft and sincere. "The things we love, the stories that shape us...that could never be silly."

I blink against the sudden sting of tears, wondering how this beautiful, brilliant man can see straight to the heart of me, can cherish even the silliest parts.

Miles lifts one hand to cup my cheek, his thumb stroking gently across my cheekbone. I unconsciously lean into his touch, skin tingling, heart racing. He closes the remaining distance between us giving me time to pull away. Like I'd ever want to.

Then his lips are on mine, soft and sure and perfect. I melt into the kiss, into him, savoring the sweet rightness of it. The embers of desire catch and flare between us as he deepens the kiss, one strong arm banding around my waist to draw me flush against him.

When we break apart, we're both a little breathless, a little starry-eyed. Miles rests his forehead against mine as I try to collect the scattered shards of my composure.

"So..." I manage, voice husky. "That was..."

"Incredible," he finishes reverently. "You're incredible, Hope."

I huff out a shaky little laugh. "You're not so bad yourself, Thor."

We grin at each other, happy and glowing in the fading light. Miles tangles his fingers with mine again, tugging me onward to wander further up the beach.

We walk into the lavender dusk, stealing smiles and kisses, one thought floats to the surface of my buzzing mind:

Best. Vacation. Ever.