Chapter 149
Amelia
The Hamptons beach stretched before us like something out of a luxury travel magazine—pristine white sand meeting the endless blue Atlantic.
I adjusted my pale floral sundress while watching Olivia, Sophie, and Rachel frolic near the shoreline in their designer bikinis. Olivia's gold sequined two-piece caught the sunlight with every movement, making her look like a walking disco ball. Sophie's navy ensemble highlighted her youthful curves, while Rachel's sophisticated black swimsuit complemented her athletic build perfectly.
Four men lounged in designer chairs nearby, all sporting expensive sunglasses and casual beachwear that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent.
I caught Ethan watching me despite the parade of barely-dressed women splashing in the surf. His gaze felt like a physical touch across the distance.
"Dr. Thompson," his low and intimate voice sounded suddenly beside me. "While other ladies chose bikinis, you opted for this lovely dress. Though I must say, you look beautiful in anything."
I adjusted my sundress, feeling a little self-conscious. Honestly, I usually go for comfort over style, and after the difficult twin delivery that left a scar on my stomach from the C-section, I didn’t want it to draw attention or make anyone feel sorry for me. I’d rather forget that painful time.
"Dr. Thompson keeps a professional image even in public, Mr. Black," I lied.
Ethan leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "And what about Mrs. Black? Does she get special treatment?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks that had nothing to do with the summer sun. "Mrs. Black believes some views are for private appreciation only."
His eyes widened with pleasant surprise as he took my hand. "Are you saying...?"
I gave him a playful wink. "I did pack a bikini, but it's intended for a very specific audience."
Ethan couldn't resist placing a quick kiss on my forehead. "Then I'm very much looking forward to nightfall."
The sound of distant laughter and crashing waves filled the air, blending with the salty breeze that tousled our hair. For a moment, the world seemed to pause around us, as if the beach itself was holding its breath in anticipation.
"Amelia!" Olivia's voice cut through our moment. "Stop flirting and come play volleyball with us!" She waved enthusiastically, gold bikini glinting like treasure.
I joined the women at the volleyball court, where Olivia immediately scrutinized my outfit. "Darling, you're at a serious disadvantage in that dress. I brought at least ten bikinis and would be happy to lend you one."
"Thanks, but I prefer this," I replied.
Olivia raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Don't you think it's too conservative? Look at me—Noah hasn't taken his eyes off me since we arrived."
Sophie laughed as she passed the ball to me. "That's because your bikini has less fabric than the beaches of Maldives."
"A woman should showcase her assets," Olivia said with a theatrical hair flip, "especially in front of the man she's interested in."
I glanced toward Noah's direction. "So, you and Noah...?"
Olivia's smile turned mysterious. "Let's just say I've got him wrapped around my little finger."
The way she said it made me wonder how many other games were being played beneath the surface of this sunny afternoon.
Sophie served the ball and asked, "Speaking of which, do you think James and I have a chance?"
Olivia immediately perked up. "Hayes's ice king CEO? God, Sophie, you're still hung up on him?"
I gently reminded her, "James is considerably older, Sophie, and his personality is rather... complicated."
Sophie caught the ball with determination in her eyes. "Age is just a number. I like mature, established men, and I've been watching him for quite some time."
Olivia suddenly turned to Rachel. "Dr. Rachel, any boys in Boston falling at your feet and medical brilliance?"
Rachel didn't even look up. "Med school life is all about cases and rotations. No room for romance."
Sophie probed further. "But you must have a type? Everyone has a type."
Rachel finally looked up. "Talented, independent, and most importantly, someone who respects my career. Definitely not a controlling egomaniac."
James happened to be walking by and raised an eyebrow. "I heard the word 'egomaniac'."
Rachel waved him away dismissively. "This is private girl talk. Please proceed elsewhere."
Olivia tossed a flirtatious look toward James. "You know what they say—take action. The worst that can happen is rejection."
The volleyball suddenly flew toward the men's area, and Noah caught it with one hand. He walked over, deliberately flexing as he approached Olivia. "Ladies need some professional guidance?"
"Only if that professional can show me the proper form," Olivia purred, striking a deliberately alluring pose.
Noah stepped behind her, one arm around her waist and the other holding her serving arm. "You need to position like this. Feel it?"
Olivia leaned back against him. "What I'm feeling isn't exactly volleyball-related, Mr. Randall."
Noah squeezed her waist playfully, making her giggle in a way I'd never heard before.
I whispered to Sophie, "Seems like someone's 'finger-wrapping' strategy is working beautifully."
Sophie nodded mischievously. "I bet they'll be missing the barbecue tonight."
Rachel approached with ice-cold drinks for everyone. "Stop staring. I've seen this flirtation routine a hundred times already."
She handed me a glass and added, "Classic Randall charm offensive. Noah's family men are all like this, just with varying degrees of charisma."
Olivia turned and stuck her tongue out at Rachel. "Jealousy doesn't become you, dear doctor."
Rachel remained unfazed. "Jealous of what? All those girls Noah has left heartbroken?"
Noah feigned injury. "Rachel, you're assassinating my character."
Sophie curiously asked, "So Noah really is a player?"
I tactfully changed the subject. "Weren't we here to play volleyball, not discuss Noah's romantic history?"
Olivia pressed herself closer to Noah. "I vote for discussing the latter. I find comparisons... educational."
Noah's hand slipped to Olivia's hip. "I'm only interested in you now."
Rachel rolled her eyes. "Are we playing or not? Let's continue."
Noah smiled and walked away, but not before giving Olivia one more appreciative glance that practically burned through his designer sunglasses.
As we resumed our game, I couldn't help but smile at how the sunshine seemed to illuminate everyone's happiness. For once, the complications of our Manhattan lives felt distant, washed away by the rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic waves.