Chapter 14

"Right here." It was as if time had stopped once more. They locked eyes, grinning from ear to ear. They could feel everyone's eyes on them; they didn't care. Loren ran up to Eddie and wrapped her arms around his neck. She nuzzled her head into his neck and he did the same. He smelled like the ocean. She smelled like strawberries. She didn't want to let go but she heard Nora and Max awkwardly shift.

She pulled back and kissed him on the cheek, "Hi," She smiled.

"Hey" he breathed. They were still holding each other's arms.

"Hey, Eddie." Mel said coming down the stairs.

They snapped back into reality. "Hey, Mel" he said kissing her cheek.

"Where were you?" Max said giving Eddie a hug.

"Swimming. That's kind of why I'm wet and shirtless" He smiled. Loren hadn't even noticed. She looked him up and down, and bit her lip. When she realized Mel was looking at her she looked around; Mel giggled.

Everyone settled into their rooms. Loren was standing in hers, it smelt like flowers. There was a view over-looking the ocean. The balcony had a chair and a table; it was so peaceful.

Eddie knocked on her door, "Come in" she said.

"Hey Loren. Just wanted to see how you were, uh, if you were okay."

"Yeah, I'm fine, I'm good. This week has been… good."

"Yeah, it's been for me too."

They looked at each other; they seemed to do that a lot.

"I-" they said at the same time, "No go ahead." the said again.

"Sorry, you first." Loren said sitting on her bed.

"I just wanted to say, I'm so happy you're okay," he said sitting next to her, "I, uh, I was worried about you. I missed you."

"I missed you, too."

"Really?" Eddie breathed.

"You were all I thought about. The only reason why I didn't call or text was because I needed space. But I didn't want space. I dialed your number, so many times. I missed being around you, so much." she smiled.

He faces her. "I wanted to call you too but I wanted to give you space."

"Space is over rated." Loren leaned in to kiss him but Nora knocked on her door.

"Loren, you okay?" Their noses were touching, they sighed in frustration.

"Yeah, mom I'll be out in a minute." Loren stood up and walked to the door. "This… we will continue this later."

She winked and walked out. Eddie smiled and shook his head, 'God she's amazing.' He got up and left the room.

Everyone went swimming after they ate. Loren was wearing a pink bikini, and Eddie had to be slapped in the head multiple times because he was staring so much. Loren caught him a couple times and blushed.

"Room for one more?" Eddie heard the familiar voice say.

"Ian!" Eddie got up to hug his old friend, "What are you doing here?"

"I invited him. It seemed everyone had someone to hang out with but you." Max said.

"Well hello, Mr. Accent." Mel said walking up to him and shaking his hand.

"Hello, Ms. Beautiful." he said in return, kissing Mel's hand.. Mel got all giggly and Eddie introduced Loren.

"Oh, Ian this is Loren."

"So, you're the famous Loren Tate. I've heard so much- maybe to much- about you. I'm Ian."

"Okay, hi" Loren said looking at Eddie who shot a look at Ian."Well, I'm going to go find my room"

"I'll help you." Mel said walking with Ian. "Remember Mel, it starts with an A" Loren said.

"Apple? Yeah, I'll have one!" Mel yelled back before she turned on her flirtation mode.

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Hours later, everyone had taken a shower. Nora was cooking with Max, no they were flirting more than cooking. Eddie was sitting on the couch with Loren, who had her head on his shoulder. Mel was talking to Ian who was enjoying Mel's company.

"So our conversation earlier." Eddie said, turning to look at her.

"I don't know what else to say. I think I've said it all" She said.

Eddie was disappointed he opened his mouth to say something but he was interrupted by Max announcing dinner.

He wanted her to say "I love you" or even "I like you" just something to let him know the feelings were returned. They ate dinner and once again Loren and Eddie played footsie.

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It was late Max and Nora went to bed, together. Mel and Loren were putting their plan into action.

Mel walked up to Eddie, "Loren went to bed, and she's waiting for you"

Eddie was confused. He went up to her room and knocked on the door. He went in, "Loren?"

The room was empty, but out the balcony was candles, he opened the double doors to see Loren standing there, looking up at the stars.

"Loren?"

"I wanted to do this differently. I wanted you to want me right away; I wanted to be with you. I wanted what I couldn't have. Then all this happened and I couldn't be happier."

"Loren, what are you trying to say?"

She turned and leaned on the balcony, "Do you still love me?"

He was shocked by the question, he walked over, wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder, "Yes, I love you. I always will, Loren."

"Good," She said turning around to face him, "Because I love you, too."

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