Chapter 2: Dinner and a Glimpse

The warm water cascaded over their bodies, steam rising in the candlelit bathroom as Paul stood behind Faith in the rain shower, his hands slowly moving across her slick, soapy skin. She leaned back against him, eyes closed, humming contentedly as he kissed the curve of her shoulder.

Their earlier intensity had mellowed into something tender, though the heat between them still simmered just below the surface. Paul traced suds along her sides, his fingers lingering on her hips, and she smirked when she felt him begin to stir again behind her.

“Save it,” she murmured with a wicked grin, eyes glinting as she turned her face toward his. “We’ve got all night.”

They dried off lazily, moving in and out of each other’s space as they got ready. Faith stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting the straps of her dress — if it could be called that. It was a slinky, black silk number that clung to her body like liquid, the hem just grazing mid-thigh. It was cut daringly low at the back, held in place by delicate spaghetti straps, and hugged her chest in a way that made her firm nipples stand out clearly beneath the fabric. With her hair twisted up in her signature high curls and a touch of shimmering lip gloss, she looked like trouble wrapped in elegance.

Paul, in contrast, dressed with casual ease. A pale linen button-down shirt open at the throat, designer slacks, and leather sandals. Effortless style, but everything about him — the fit, the fabric, the watch at his wrist — said class.

They walked hand-in-hand to the open-air resort restaurant as the sky turned indigo above them. A gentle breeze swept in from the ocean, warm and fragrant with frangipani and sea salt. The restaurant was buzzing softly, filled with couples and small groups dining under low hanging lights and bamboo lanterns.

Faith’s dress made heads turn — from both men and women. She didn’t hide her pride in that fact, walking with the easy confidence of someone who knew she looked incredible. Paul, watching her out of the corner of his eye, just smiled.

They were being led to their table when Faith noticed her. At a nearby table for one, a stunning woman sat alone, halfway through her meal. Her smooth, warm-toned skin caught the ambient glow of the lanterns, and her long wavy hair framed her face in soft waves. She was dressed in a simple but elegant wrap dress that highlighted her figure without trying. Her eyes lifted as Paul and Faith passed, and for just a moment, they locked eyes.

She looked away quickly, cheeks coloring with the faintest blush, then returned to her meal.

Faith turned slightly as they sat down, casting another glance back toward the woman, who now kept her head lowered.

“She’s beautiful,” Faith said softly, voice low enough for only Paul to hear. “Did you see the way she looked at us?”

Paul raised an eyebrow, grinning. “I did. And I saw the way you looked at her.”

Faith smiled, licking a bit of gloss from her lips. “I felt it. That spark.” She leaned in. “You think we’ll have company this week?”

Paul picked up his water glass and gave a slow nod. “Hopefully.”

Their server arrived to take their drink order — Paul asked for a bourbon over ice, while Faith ordered a mango daiquiri, her eyes still dancing with unspoken thoughts.

After scanning the menu, they placed their dinner orders — Paul chose the Roasted Suckling Pork with Soy-Onion Gravy, served with caramelized apple and mustard leaf. Faith selected the Shrimp Kinilaw with Calamansi and Coconut, enchanted by the vibrant mix of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors.

By the time the food arrived, the single woman had gone. Her table was cleared, and the candle extinguished.

“She’s gone,” Faith said, a faint note of disappointment in her voice.

“We’ll see her again,” Paul said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand.

They ate slowly, savoring the richness of the pork and the delicate zing of the kinilaw. Every bite was balanced and beautiful, and the ocean breeze only made it better. They talked and laughed, occasionally falling into comfortable silence, each of them half-wondering about the mysterious woman — and what the next day might bring.

They skipped dessert, choosing instead to walk the moonlit beach, their hands entwined, sand cool beneath their feet. Faith’s heels dangled from one hand, her dress fluttering with each step. The gentle hush of the waves and the rhythmic sound of their breathing wrapped them in their own private world.

And when they returned to their cabana, with the moon high and the stars above, they were both yawning. A long day of travel was coming to a close and they were tired.