SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 52 out, this is Chapter 53 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny which, unfortunately, is still alive and kicking.

Chapter 53: What Happens In Santa Barbara, Stays in Santa Barbara


"Going Victorian on me, babe?" Archie joked, the couple having arrived at the doorstep of the Bath Street Motel and the A/V tech noticed the Victorian décor at the gates.

"Like you'd want it any other way." Adeline teased. "I have a reservation under Adeline Quicksilver." She told the receptionist.

"Right, Miss Quicksilver…" the college-aged receptionist scanned through the guest list. "A reservation for two?" she looked at the pair.

"Right." Adeline nodded.

"The Wisteria Room." The receptionist handed over the keys. "It's comes with a queen bed." She supplied.

"Thanks, sweetheart." Archie smiled, causing the receptionist girl to blush.


"Well, here's hoping we don't 'accidentally' get involved in any cases while we're here." Archie remarked, as he unpacked.

"Arch," Adeline gave him a look. "Please don't jinx us, love."

"Sorry." Archie grinned. "I'm starved. How about breakfast?"

"Under towering flowering trees in the patio garden?" Adeline's eyes twinkled. "You spoil me."

"Anything for the one woman I love." Archie purred into her ear.

"Just give me a few minutes to toss some stuff into my carrier bag." Adeline held down an involuntary shiver.

"Will do." Archie said and exited the room.

"Wow, I can't believe he still manages to affect me like that after so long." Adeline muttered. "Let's see…" she dug into her suitcase. "Sunblock lotion, check." She put the tube of sunblock into her carrier bag. "Lip balm, check. Room keys, check. Now, what am I still missing?"


"Hottie at the stairs."

Skye turned to see one of the most gorgeous guys she had ever seen; he was incredibly handsome and tanned. Skye grinned, he was just the type of guy she wanted. "He'll be mine in two minutes, tops." She turned to her friend, Stella.

"Maybe, maybe not." Stella replied. "Look who's coming down the stairs."

Skye turned again, to see a lithe female saunter down the staircase and the exquisite male specimen place an arm around her waist. "Damnit, he's got a girlfriend." She gritted her teeth.

"Look closer, Skye." Stella warned. "On the girl's finger."

"Engagement ring." Skye frowned. "Why are all the good guys taken?" she whined.


"Why the extra almonds?" Archie looked up from his fruit plate of Crenshaw melon, seeing Adeline tuck into her apricot French toast.

"It prevents breast cancer." Adeline took a sip of her organic coffee. "I prefer taking precautions."

"Right…" Archie smiled, drinking his orange juice.


"Time to hit the waves." Archie gave himself a stretch after breakfast, the couple having returned to their room to prepare.

"You just couldn't wait, can you?" Adeline grinned.

"Nope, I can't." Archie grinned back. "Pack the polka-dots one." He nodded towards the navy blue and black polka-dotted bikini.

"You always want me wearing that one." Adeline accused.

"What can I say?" Archie shrugged. "You look cuter in polka-dots than in kitten prints."


"Archie, aren't you forgetting something?" Adeline reminded, dangling the bottle of sunblock in her hand before Archie could hit the beach.

"Fine." Archie sighed and laid on his front on the beach bench.

"Good boy." Adeline grinned and applied the lotion on her fiancé's back.

"How about you?" Archie sat up after Adeline swathed sufficient sunblock on his back.

"I've already applied some before I got here." Adeline replied. "But I'll let you reapply it on me afterwards."

"You're a tease, babe." Archie shook his head as he grabbed the rented surfboard that was sticking in the sand behind them. "Just so you know."

"Break a leg, Archie." Adeline kissed him.

"Will do." Archie gave her a wave and dashed towards the water.


"He's a surfer?" Skye blinked, removed her sunglasses when she saw Archie hit the waves, then smiled when she saw Adeline alone by the beach chair, readjusting her ponytail. "It'll just take a little more work on my part; by the end of their stay, he'll be all over me and the engagement ring will be on my finger, and not hers."


"Drank enough seawater for the morning?" Adeline teased, the dripping wet and relatively exhausted Archie returning to the beach chair.

"Ha, ha." Archie muttered.

"Well, we still have enough time for a late lunch." Adeline checked her cellphone.

"Let me dry off first." Archie kissed her cheek and headed for the changing room.


"Hey." Skye shifted to block Archie's exit from the male's changing room.

"Do I know you?" Archie frowned.

"Skye, Skye Tyler." Skye introduced herself. "So, I was wondering if you could have lunch with me."

"I'm flattered," Archie replied. "But I already have a lunch date."

"I'm sure your date won't mind you ditching." Skye flattered her eyelashes.

"Actually," Archie gave the voluptuous blonde a small smile. "I know my fiancée will mind. Hey, Sprite." He looked over Skye's shoulder to see Adeline approaching.

"You ready?" Adeline weaved past Skye. "I'm in the mood of Danish."

"The 'Little Mermaid'?" Archie grinned.

"Spot on." Adeline kissed him, the couple walking off and leaving the fuming Skye.


"Already staking your claim." Archie teased, the couple brushing past Skye in the lobby that evening as they made their way back to their room.

"You just don't know how handsome you are, Arch." Adeline stated, pinching his nose. "Wanna hit the Jacuzzi later?"

"You read my mind." Archie smiled.

They're already sharing a room and a Jacuzzi. Skye gaped as the enamoured couple retreated upstairs. "Guess I never did stand a chance, did I?" she snorted.


SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.