I am so sorry you guys. I'm a horrible person for making you all wait so long for an update. But, I've updated now, and I hope that you guys will forgive me.

I want to thank all y'all who reviewed the last chapter. You guys really rock!

Alright, alright, enough of me rambling on here. It's time for you to read what you've been waiting for. So, here's the latest chapter.

Chapter Twenty-one

A large wave rose up from the ocean. Looking back over his shoulder, Bradin calculated the wave's speed and size before quickly paddling his surfboard forward. The wave approached swiftly and Bradin jumped up on his board just as the water beneath him surged upward. A feeling of excitement filled him, mingling with the adrenaline that ran through his veins, as he sliced through the wave turning tricks and riding the water. Never did he feel so alive as when he was surfing.

On the shore, Marie cheered him on. Though he couldn't see from where he was, he knew that she was smiling that smile that turned him into a girly-man with knees weakening and stomach twisting with excited butterflies.

It had been a week since they'd gotten back together, and what a week it had been. They had been everywhere together. None of Playa Linda had been left unexplored by the couple. And every place they visited, became a new favorite make-out spot.

Bradin was equally grateful that Kyle had seemingly disappeared from Playa Linda. The thought that Kyle would no longer be a casting a shadow over Bradin and Marie's relationship was something that the surfer was appreciative of.

Little did Bradin know, however, that Kyle had not disappeared.

> > > > >

Back on the shore, Marie sat with her chin resting on her knees and her arms wrapped around her sunscreen-slick legs. A contented smile tugged at her lips as she watched Bradin move over the waves with a grace akin to that of a swan. It didn't matter how clumsy he could be on land, when he was on a surfboard, Bradin had more grace than a ballerina. It was as natural to him as breathing.

Something very much like pride filled Marie as she watched Bradin. He was so beautiful, and he was all hers. Bradin Westerly could have any girl he wanted, and yet it had been Marie that he had chosen to love.

The thought caused a wave of guilt to wash over her.

Marie hated lying to him, she hated sneaking around behind Bradin's back. But what else could a girl do when her boyfriend and friend hated each other?

When Bradin worked, Marie would still see Kyle. They would talk and hang out, never mentioning Marie's relationship with Bradin or anything about their own brief stint as a couple. Those subjects were strictly off limits.

Though she wished that she didn't have to lie, Marie knew that she could never tell Bradin about her friendship with Kyle. She'd known Bradin long enough to know what he would do if she told him.

He came in with the next wave, his face beaded with salt water and his hair plastered to his forehead. All in all, he looked nothing less than drop dead sexy. Marie rose and brushed the sand off her shorts. Bradin placed his board down and pulled her into a wet hug.

"Hey," he greeted her, kissing her lips softly.

"Hey yourself." She replied with a happy grin.

They stood like that, his arms wrapped around her waist, and hers wrapped around his neck; their bodies flush together, for endless minutes. Marie didn't care if her clothing became soaked. She only wanted to hold Bradin, and, in return, be held in his strong and comforting arms.

"I was thinking-" Bradin pulled away slightly, his arms still remaining around Marie's waist.

"Never a good sign." Marie teased, her lips pulling ever so slightly at the corners. Bradin glared at her playfully.

"As I was saying," he continued, "I was thinking that you should come over tonight for dinner."

"I think that's a terrific idea." Marie reached up and gently placed her lips against Bradin's.

"Really?" He smirked. "Well I have many more terrific ideas. Would you like to hear them?"

"Maybe some other time." Marie giggled, before bringing his face down to hers for a searing kiss.

> > > > >

It was as if no time had passed since Marie had last eaten dinner with the mish-mosh family as Bradin's girlfriend. The only things that had changed were that Ava and Johnny were now married. Aside from that, and the fact that everyone had grown older, nothing had changed. And Marie liked that. She liked the fact that things were as they'd once been. It was nice to fall back into that roll of "girlfriend eating dinner with boyfriend's family." It was comforting.

Bradin's hand lay over hers on the table, their fingers entwined. Every once in awhile, his thumb would trace lazy circles around the top of her hand, sending a thrill through Marie's skin.

Marie could not stop the happy smile that was permanently plastered to her face. She was just too damn happy.

Marie sat in the hammock with Bradin, her back resting against his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around her. Dinner was over with and everyone was off doing their own thing, leaving the couple alone on the patio. She stared out at the stars suspended above the moonlit ocean and sighed. She had never been more content in her life.

"What are you thinking about?" Bradin's words tickled her ear as he spoke softly. His cheek was pressed against hers as his chin rested on her shoulder.

"I was just thinking of how beautiful it is out here." She whispered, afraid that if she spoke too loudly the serenity would disappear.

"It is, isn't it." He replied, tightening his hold on Marie. His lips kissed her neck softly, moving down her ivory throat to the top of her shoulder. Marie smiled slightly, shivers running through her body. It was just so perfect to be sitting out there with her boyfriend who she loved so much. But the wonderfulness of it all was marred by Marie's ever present secret. She needed to tell Bradin, she knew that. But, the question was, could she? Could she risk all that they had just so that she would no longer feel guilty? Because surely Bradin would be mad, more than mad, he would be pissed to the fullest extent. Would he want to even speak to Marie after she told him? Would he forgive her for keeping her friendship with Kyle?

The questions continued to run through her head until Marie felt dizzy. It didn't help matters that Bradin's lips were covering every inch of bare skin that he could find with soft, tender kisses.

"I love you so much." He whispered against her throat. Marie couldn't help but smile. Maybe she would wait 'til tomorrow to tell him.

> > > > >

Alright, so it was an extremely short chapter, sorry 'bout that. I will try and make the next one longer. Also, I'll try and make sure that it doesn't take me as long to get the next chapter out. Anyways, I hope that you guys liked this one and will review. Again, sorry 'bout how long it took me to update.