Blair came back to see Todd sitting outside the hotel.
"What are you doing? Aren't you hot?"
"Of course I am. It's a hundred and two freaking degrees out. But I had a great idea. Come with me."
"I'm not going anywhere with you. Where do you want to go?" she asked suspiciously.
" I found the coolest spot by the lake. You'll love it."
"What makes you think I want to go swimming with you?"
"Because it's a hundred freaking degrees out. Quit your crying and come with me Blair. You know you want to."
Todd grabbed her by the hand and they were half way towards the lake when Blair froze up. "Wait a minute. My swimsuit!"
"It's in here. I got you covered. But barely. Just who were you trying to impress? Any less material and I'd say that would be illegal over here," Todd grinned.
She hit him. "Stop that. And who said you could go through my things anyhow?"
"I did. You won't complain when we get there. I had a little time on my hands when you were sitting around talking about boys and clothes and hair and whatever it is you girls talk about."
Blair rolled her eyes. "Don't be dumb, Todd."
"I bet my name came up, didn't it? Tell me the truth, your friend hates me."
"Hate is a strong word."
" I knew it. Good thing I don't give a damn."
"Just be good. I don't want a scene at her wedding. It is her big day."
"I can behave. You've seen me at my best," Todd reminded her.
"I've also seen you at your worst. Not the most pleasant sight in the world," Blair retorted.
"No, but how about this?" As Todd pointed, Blair stopped and took in the sight of the lake. At the stopping point was a waterfall, surrounded by the bright tango color of the sun reflecting off the lake. Blair hadn't seen anything that gorgeous in a very long time. Despite herself, she had to stop and smile.
"It's beautiful, Todd," she commented as she finally caught her breath.
"See, I told you so."
As they admired the view, all thoughts of the past escaped them. Sounds of birds tweeting and the water flowing hit their ears, as they let their minds wander away. Finally Todd broke Blair away from her thoughts as he tossed her two-piece swimsuit at her.
She looked around for a place to change; finding one, she walked away, and he did the same. Minutes later they returned and Todd smiled, pleased at the sight in front of him.
"Not a word, Manning." But Blair's smile gave away the fact that she liked his own grin of approval.
"Ladies first."
Blair started to say something, but decided against it as she walked gracefully into the water.
"Cold?" Todd asked as he saw her reaction.
"No," she laughed.
"Liar."
As he walked in, he shivered while she splashed him.
"Hey!"
"You gotta get used to it!" she laughed again as he started to chase after her. Before she knew it she was up to her chest in water, and before she could protest Todd picked her up and then dunked her underneath.
Once she came up for air, she playfully screamed. He laughed at her state of distress and she grabbed him by the arm and attempted to drag him under, but he held his own. They started to wrestle, but again he pulled her under. When she came up she wrapped her arms around his neck for support and their eyes met. Before she knew what was happening she found herself kissing him. Who kissed who was a matter of debate; all she knew was that she was not resisting him.
"Do you want me to stop?" Todd asked in between breathless kisses.
She shook her head.
"What?"
"No. Don't stop."
With the rage of the waterfall flowing in the background, the two followed their passions right there in the heat of the July tropical day. Blair didn't even stop to question her actions; she would have time for that later. Right now all she knew was that it was familiar and right, and that was all she needed at that moment.
TBC