Accident Prone

Max and Liz arrived at the sandy beach which opens up to a lagoon.

It is on the property of the resort their group is staying at.

They took a five minute ride with a vehicle from the resort which looks like a small bus without sides, but with a roof. It reminded Liz of a creation that would emerge if a bus and a golf cart had a baby.

The bus takes an established route which goes in circles on every 15 minutes covering stops at: the suites, main building, four restaurants, boutiques, golf course and three different beaches (including this one).

People who took a ride with Liz and Max are Mia, Hunter, Ashton, Jake, Derek, Mike, McKenzie, Oliver and Lewis. Since the bus accommodates up to eight passengers, they made a call in advance and requested a second vehicle, so that all of them can go at the same time. It's not fun waiting for the rest of the party to come 15 minutes later.

The beach they arrived at has a hut which provides two sections with privacy: two big changing booths, one for males one for females where about five people can get in at the time (more than five and it will be overcrowded). It is obvious that designers of this place assumed how the people of the same gender are not shy of changing clothes in front of each other.

There are also lockers where people can store their valuables.

Beach towels are provided, courtesy of the resort, and various equipment can be rented, such as surfing boards, snorkeling gear and flotation devices.

Of course, there is a bar which offers snacks and refreshments.

Their destination is the tall cliff which towers above everything on the right side of the beach (when looking from the direction of the ocean). There is a ladder which helps people reach the top and from there the brave adventurers can cliff-dive into the clear blue ocean below.

Liz tilted her head up to see the top of the cliff and it looks… high. Very high. Are people really jumping from there? Reckless. Did she say earlier that she is OK with cliff jumping? This does NOT look OK.

Mia and Liz had their swimsuits under their clothes, so the two of them didn't want to go with others and change in the hut-like structure. It's not necessary. The two of them removed their shorts and t-shirts and they were down to their bikinis, ready for the beach.

Liz waited for Max and Mia for Hunter to come out so that they can keep their things in the same locker.

While waiting, the girls walked on the soft sand of the beach and admired the beautiful surrounding.

There is about ten other people relaxing on the beach and few are in the water. Liz and Mia like that it's not crowded. They don't need to worry about bumping into people.

\"The waves are low… perfect for you to learn surfing.\", Mia told Liz while the two of them gazed at the calm blue ocean.

Mia and Liz observed that everyone from their group is out from the changing areas and keeping their things in the lockers, except for Max and Hunter.

\"Why are the guys taking so long?\", Liz asked.

\"It must be Hunter.\", Mia responded. \"For some reason, he always takes forever to dress up.\" She paused and added with a giggle: \"The undressing part he does at the speed of lightning.\"

Liz laughed seeing how silly Mia is. \"Is that something you should talk about openly?\"

\"I am a woman in love, and I have no shame.\", Mia declared. She inched closer to Liz and asked with a whisper: \"I see that Max is treating you with extra care today. How far did you two go?\"

Mia observed Liz's expression and her smile widened as Liz's blush increased.

\"I see you are making a progress.\", Mia grinned.

\"Stop teasing me!\", Liz hissed.

\"Don't get me wrong. I think that both of you are adorable for taking the snail pace.\"

Liz looked at Mia suspiciously. \"You do?\"

Mia confirmed. \"Absolutely. The moment Hunter got close to me and we had privacy, the two of us exploded straight into lovemaking, unable to resist the strong attraction we feel for each other. I am not complaining, it's intense and amazing… but a small part of me is jealous of you for enjoying simple things like holding hands.\"

\"You don't enjoy holding hands with Hunter?\"

\"Of course, I do. But a minute later I wish to rip his clothes off and straddle him like a cowgirl who is about to tame a wild horse.\" Mia saw that Liz is looking at her with eyes open wide. Shocked probably. \"You will understand what I am talking about when you go all the way. Once you taste the meat, tofu is unable to satisfy you.\"

Liz burst into giggles. \"It's just like you to make food analogies.\"

In the changing booth for men…

The others left, leaving Max and Hunter behind.

\"You wanted to talk?\", Max asked Hunter.

Hunter nodded in confirmation and glanced out to make sure the other guys will not overhear them. He wants to talk with Max in private, but it's nearly impossible because someone is always around.

Mia told Hunter that Liz and Max got a room service order from suite 308 when she asked him who is staying there. Hunter knows that McKenzie is in 308, Oliver is in 310, and Lewis is across the hall in 309 (suites with even numbers are facing the ocean).

Hunter is aware that McKenzie has a thing for Max since forever. That combined with the fact that Max is here with Liz and the call, left Hunter feeling unsettled.

Hunter loves his brother, but he is a good friend with McKenzie also and if possible, he would like that the two of them don't end up in a conflict. Hunter prefers to get along with everyone.

McKenzie always had a silent crush on Max, without doing anything about it, so Hunter assumed that McKenzie might frown at the sight of Liz, brush it off and move on. After all, she never had a chance with Max (if she did, Max would make a move on her years ago).

Hunter is not sure how much in love Max is with Liz, but if his brother feels for Liz half of how much Hunter is into Mia, and McKenzie manages to draw a wedge between them, Hunter is concerned what Max will do.

\"Do you want me to warn Zi to stay away?\", Hunter offered.

Max's face darkened. \"Did she do something to Liz?\"

\"Not that I know of.\", Hunter quickly responded. Hunter knows that this might go wrong, but Max needs to know: \"She is the one who placed a dinner order to your suite last night.\"

\"How do you know about that?\"

\"Mia and Liz investigated.\"

Max realized that even though he brushed it off, Liz didn't. And that means that Liz is bothered.

Max shoved his hand into his hair when he remembered that he needs to talk to Liz about McKenzie. He wanted to do it last night, but he slept off and the topic got pushed at the back of his mind. The last thing he needs now is that Liz thinks how there is something going on between McKenzie and him. If that girl dares to do anything, he will give her a piece of his mind. Last time someone interfered successfully, Liz went all the way to New York, damnit!

Hunter saw that Max's expression is getting worse by the minute. \"Max, let me talk to Zi. OK?\"

Max snapped out of his thoughts and agreed. \"It's your birthday. But if she crosses the line I will not be polite.\"

Out on the beach…

\"Oh, we should take a selfie and send it to Bri!\", Liz exclaimed while getting her phone from the backpack.

\"Do you need help taking the photo?\", one young man asked as he approached Liz and Mia. He saw them posing while Liz held her phone.

\"Yes, please.\", Liz responded with a smile and gave him her phone. It is not unusual for strangers to offer their photography services.

The man looked at them through the phone and waved his hand, gesturing to Liz and Mia to move to the right. \"Lighting will be better, and the background also…\"

\"You know about photography?\", Mia asked.

\"A bit.\", he smiled.

\"A bit? Zack is modest. He is one of the hottest photographers on the market!\", another man approached, obviously his friend.

\"Really?\", Liz asked while giving a knowing glance at Mia. \"Well, then… Zack, the hottest photographer on the market, please instruct us where to stand and which way to turn.\"

\"And make me look taller!\", Mia demanded.

Liz burst into giggles and hugged Mia around shoulders, pulling her closer for their photo.

Max and Hunter got out of the hut and paused at the sight of Liz and Mia goofing around with Zack kneeling few steps away from the girls while pointing a phone toward them. Another man was behind the one with the phone (aka Zack), moving his limbs half-wildly obviously suggesting poses.

Max admired Liz's figure in a bikini. Her curves are in the right places and he could look at her all day. Well, that is a lie. After some looking, he would definitely come closer, craving to touch her. When his sight fell on her perfect legs, Max's right palm felt hot, remembering the feeling of her flawless skin at the side of her thigh. Max swallowed hard but it didn't help. His throat was still dry.

\"Are you OK with your girlfriend flirting with another man in front on you?\", McKenzie asked Max.

Max didn't miss McKenzie's fake-concerned tone. In the next second, Hunter's hand was on Max's shoulder, reminding him of their talk from few minutes ago. Max understood that Hunter wants to talk to McKenzie, but he can't keep quiet either.

Max's gaze didn't leave Liz when he said in a low voice: \"Hunter, tell your friends not to meddle in my relationship.\"

McKenzie inhaled sharply. Did Max refuse to talk to her?

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