Chapter 5: First Taste

The easy rhythm of conversation flowed over the clinking of cutlery and the warm morning hum of the resort. Faith, radiant in the golden light, spooned fresh mango into a bowl of coconut yogurt, her eyes flicking between Paul and Kacie as she spoke about their plans.

“We’re here for the week,” she said, sipping her mimosa. “Paul has a cybersecurity conference in Manila next week, but we decided we needed this first — a proper escape. Sun, beach, maybe a little mischief.”

Paul chuckled, dabbing his mouth with his napkin. “You know Faith — she doesn’t believe in slow starts.”

Kacie smiled, relaxed now, the initial tension softened by warmth and curiosity. “I think that’s smart. You don’t get the best of a place unless you let yourself feel it first.”

She forked a piece of ripe dragon fruit delicately onto her plate, her appetite light but steady. “I used to model — mostly runway and swimwear. But now I run my own agency. We’ve built something solid here, working with international clients and promoting local talent. I’m staying here for a few days to scout it — might bring a few teams in for a campaign next month. But,” she added with a small grin, “this is mostly about giving myself a break. Something rare these days.”

“You deserve it,” Faith said, her voice low and certain. “You move like someone who’s had the world’s eyes on her. It’s beautiful.”

Kacie’s eyes lingered on Faith for a second longer than necessary before she smiled again and returned to her fruit. Paul watched quietly, noting the shift — the way Faith’s compliments landed, the way Kacie held them. A hum of electricity under everything.

As plates emptied and the server refreshed their juices, Faith leaned back and stretched just slightly, her cover-up falling open enough to reveal the daring cut of her bikini beneath.

“We’re heading for a swim,” she said casually. “The pool outside our cabana — it’s private, walled in. Perfect for a dip after breakfast.” She turned to Kacie, expression unreadable but voice smooth. “You should join us.”

Kacie tilted her head, amused. “Let me grab my suit from my place—”

Faith interrupted, voice playful, but eyes smoldering. “No need. The water’s warm, the walls are high, and modesty’s ... negotiable.” She opened her wrap deliberately, revealing the sheer outline of her minimal bikini — a sliver of fabric over her breasts, the thong barely a suggestion of coverage.

Kacie’s gaze lingered, clearly appreciative. Then, slowly, she licked her bottom lip and met Faith’s eyes.

“Then I suppose I’ll come as I am,” she said, her tone breathless and daring at once.

They left the restaurant with sunlight at their backs and heat between them. Faith reached for Kacie’s hand without a word, and Kacie laced her fingers through. Paul followed, letting the sway of their hips in front of him hold his attention — two women, stunning and charged with something unspoken.

Inside the cabana, the door swung shut behind them with a soft click. The air inside was cooler, scented faintly with ocean salt and candle wax.

Faith turned, still holding Kacie’s hand, and stopped her just inside the doorway. For a moment they just looked at each other, the silence louder than words. Then Faith lifted her hands slowly, brushing her fingers along Kacie’s jaw before cupping her cheeks.

The kiss was soft, searching at first — but it deepened quickly, Kacie responding with a low, hungry sound as her hands moved to Faith’s waist. Their bodies pressed together in slow waves, the kind of embrace that lingered too long to be innocent.

Paul stepped forward. Faith broke the kiss, turning Kacie gently to face him.

She stood between them, her breath unsteady, lips flushed from contact. Paul reached for her face, fingers threading into her dark waves, and kissed her just as tenderly — slower, more deliberate. Kacie melted into him, her body relaxing, her arms slipping around his neck. Faith’s hands remained on her waist, caressing them both.

It wasn’t about rushing. It was about the slow burn. The three of them, already tangled in the first cords of something electric.

And they hadn’t even touched the water yet.