A/N: Initially this was supposed to be one chapter for the whole date, but seems like I got carried a little away since about half of the date is already at 4k of words. So... as before, I'll make it a two-part event and add a few more things :) I'm almost certain maybe three or four mpre chapters at max and that's a wrap as well

The days ticked by and while there was lengthy contact between me and Carlos, scheduling another date seemed a little challenging. His schedule all of a sudden was packed with back-to-back shootings and my boss all of a sudden decided to schedule meeting after meeting and blocked me effectively as well. While my meetings didn't run long as such they were draining you of a lot of energy and often enough I came home and just went right to bed, being tired enough to sleep straight for a week.

We tried a call each night, which sometimes was successful and sometimes-due to time zones and me being just ridiculously tired- wasn't. About a week after our second date and our so far way too busy lives, I got a delivery of flowers. I didn't need a card to tell me that they were from Carlos, but the card attached left me somewhat confused and surprised, seeing as they, in fact, weren't.

Reading the name Bobby on the card was unexpected. As well as the addition of 'sorry we crashed your date'. I admit my mind went directions I am not proud of. For a moment, I wondered whether that card and the flowers were supposed to mean something. Not because I wanted it to mean something, nope. I was definitely happy with the way things went with Carlos, though. A date which wasn't interrupted by someone would be a nice change. I just worried that maybe I did unintentionally something that could lead Bobby Brown on? And how crazy was I? I needed to stop these crazy thoughts right now. Not every guy who showed any sort of attention was looking for something. Maybe I should take this for exactly what it was… a gesture of genuine regret that he thought he was crashing a date.

I mean, he did, no question about it. But it wasn't just him. It had also been Tank and Lester and while a normal date would be nice, it wasn't as if I minded. I was certain had I mentioned towards Carlos that I wanted it to be the two of us he would have found a way of making all of them disappear.

I grabbed my phone, snatched a picture of the gorgeous flowers and sent them to Carlos. While I was typing a message to accompany the pic, I already got a reply.

Do I need to worry?

I finished typing my message, deciding on sending my text without amending it in order to answer his question. In a way, it did anyway.

Look what was waiting at my door when I got home. Someone seems to feel bad about interrupting our date.

I typed quickly a second message, seeing the dots showing up on my screen, indicating he was typing as well.

Bobby has pretty good taste in flowers. Seems to run in your circle ;)

I saw the dots on his side stop for a moment, starting afresh a second later.

We wouldn't be friends if he was tacky.

I thought about his statement for a while. As if things always were that simple.

Starting to type a general reply to him, I didn't get very far, as my phone was ringing only a few moments later, his name flashing on my display.

"I don't have to worry, do I?" he rephrased his question, making me smile for a second at the display of uncertainty.

"Trust me, you'll never have to worry about anything or anyone," I replied honestly. "I just liked the sentiment, though, maybe a little exaggerated. It isn't like he was obnoxious or like he was interrupting something major important," I stated and realized a second too late how that last part could sound. "I mean… not that our date wasn't important or anything like that, but… you know, it wasn't like he was interrupting a moment or a …proposal." There, that was better. Unless… "I mean… not that you were proposing or that I um… see us heading there anytime soon…." I babbled, wondering whether I just managed to dig that hole deeper and deeper with each passing word. We had been on two dates and were far, far away from labeling anything or even thinking about four years from now.

I heard laughter coming from the other end. "I get it, no worries," Carlos said between more laughter. Glad I could provide tonight's entertainment. "But speaking of proposals," he went on once he was able to stop laughing at my clumsy attempt to save my dignity or explain myself.

"Is it my turn to worry now?" I asked, not really certain where this was going to head.

I heard more laughter for a moment. "I don't think so. I was just wondering whether you are available next week? My shooting got cut short since all went better and therefore quicker than expected and I get to head home sooner."

"I certainly can arrange to be available, Mr. Manoso," I replied, trying myself at a seducing tone in my voice, without even knowing why.

Hearing a groan coming from the other line, I guess I somehow succeeded at something. "I wish I had more time to explore what exactly you want to make yourself available, but they called my name to wrap up the last few shots."

"Shame," I just remarked, not entirely sorry about him having to leave. Sometimes, a little anticipation could work wonders. And it looked like I had finally a third date to look forward to.

Two days after our call, I received a large flower bouquet and a card that stated, Just so I really don't have to worry

I laughed at the silliness of the card for a good hour, and every time I actually thought about it, I started giggling once more.

We set up our date for Saturday, mainly because Carlos wanted to make a day out of it, and I was unable to get any time off. He didn't seem to mind, but also kept me in the dark about what he had planned. While this might have ticked me off with previous men and also Morelli, I somehow found it less annoying with Carlos. Maybe the fact that he had technically done incredibly well the past two times had anything to do with it. Whenever Morelli had planned a surprise date, it usually ended being… something sport related or just a lousy excuse of foreplay to get me in the mood.

Friday, I received a message with a few details.

I pick you up by 8.30am. All you need to bring is yourself. Oh, and maybe swimwear.

A swimsuit? While this request ruled out a lot of possibilities, it also opened a whole bunch of yet unexpected ideas. This didn't sound like some sports event or a cheap and rushed lunch/dinner.

You better make it worth my while in order to be up by 8:30am for you ;)

The three dotes indicated he was replying to a statement that left a lot of room for interpretation.

Have I ever let you down?

A pretty bold reply for someone I hadn't even known half a year ago. Not that he was wrong.

Deciding on letting his question remain unanswered for now, I went on with my day and started planning already what swimsuit or bikini to wear. While I hadn't an extraordinary collection and huge number of pieces, I had a small variety, ranging from modest and simple to daring and sexy, though I am almost certain the sexy option actually still had the tags attached. It had been a purchase right after I had filed for divorce and had been in an odd state of mind. But just to be safe, in case we would end up somewhere that required decency, I cramped the modest option in my tote as well. Better be prepared that sorry at a later stage. For all I knew, I could meet his parents today, which I hope was not the case. But by the way our last two dates had gone, it was maybe a realistic and unplanned option.

Hearing my doorbell ring, I slipped into a pair of sandals and was out the door, being greeted by the vision that was Carlos Manoso in a simple white t-shirt and navy-colored shorts.

He reached for my tote at the same time his other arm slung around my shoulders and pulled me into his side. I felt his lips press against my forehead and decided this was already the best date, regardless of what was to come. None of y previous guys had ever been that physical right from the start and that should tell you all you need to know.

He held the passenger door open for me and closed it once I was inside, strolling to his side of the car a second later.

"Will you at least tell me where we are heading?" I asked, curious, just before his expensive sports car roared to life.

"The same direction our first date took place," he replied ominously. Well, maybe not ominous as such, just cryptic. While that obviously told me we were heading for his place again, it left still a lot of options regarding the exact location. From what I remembered, he had quite an impressive outside deck with a jacuzzi. For which you might need a swimsuit. He also lived on the beach. And there was the whole town of Point Pleasant with its boardwalk and all the entertainment you could wish for. There was technically also a pool close by, but somehow, I didn't figure that's what he went for.

About half an hour later, we pulled into his driveway and he once more opened the door for me to get out of the car. He grabbed my tote, and we went inside his place, which still left me as amazed and in awe as the first time.

"Can I get you anything before we head out?" he asked, limiting the options of location once more. I shook my head, being awestruck with the view once more.

"Maybe I shouldn't have had to plan a whole date and just parked you in front of my windows," I heard him laugh behind me. Turning around, I noticed he was holding my tote in his hands as well as another bag, which looked like a fancy cooler bag.

"That would have been perfectly fine," I reply, seeing him probably making a note for another date.

We left his place through the back and walked towards the beach, but didn't stop before reaching it fully. I was surprised when I saw a 4x4 in front of me and Carlos putting both bags in a box on the back. While I had no real idea what to expect of this date, a 4x4 somehow hadn't been a part of all the possibilities.

"I'm… surprised," I just remarked, not even certain whether the comment was for myself or for Carlos.

"It is a bit of a way for what I have planned," he just smiled and helped me a moment later on the vehicle. There was not a lot of room to work with and when he got on, it became quickly very obvious, there was no way of avoiding to be pressed against him. I certainly didn't mind and figured neither did he. We started moving a few moments later until we hit the beach.

Despite it being September and the weather still warm and nice, there was hardly anyone at the beach or in the water. Yes, we were pretty much at the end of the stretch of beach, but you'd figure some people would prefer a more deserted stretch of beach compared to the much busier main part.

"It's private," I heard Carlos say. "This part of the beach, it's private. The only ones who have access are me and about five or six of my neighbors. You see the large house in the distance? The read one?" he asked, and I turned backwards, trying to locate what he was talking about. It wasn't hard to make out what he referred to. You needed to be blind to not see the huge red blob in the distance. Bold choice for a beach house.

"That's where the private part of the beach starts. While I don't mind people as much and wouldn't care a whole lot about someone walked their dog on this stretch of beach, some of my neighbors are notorious when it comes to their privacy. Actors or something like that."

We went on for another few minutes, moving steadily, though not extremely fast. We had long left the beach and were cruising through a mix of dunes and what could be a meadow. I could see what looked like a cliff in the distance and had a feeling that was where we might be heading. We drove along a path that seemed more improvised than an official route and after a few moments we stopped at the cliff and I looked down the steep decline and saw a small cove that looked like in the movies. A few scattered trees, soft waves and the whitest of sand. Nestled between large cliffs on either side, it was the perfect hideaway.

"If anyone finds us here, it just isn't meant to be for us to be by ourselves," Carlos commented and I laughed. He had a point, seeing how far we had traveled, and he knew where he was going. So someone more or less stumbling onto us was unlikely. Especially when you factored in that we were on a private part of the beach. Or were we? We had passed meadows and dunes and all sorts of land.

Surprised at finding stairs that lead down to this little paradise, I tried to not ponder about the ascent once this date was over. These were quite a lot of steps to climb at the end of the day, but…we weren't there yet, so for the moment I just enjoyed the way down and didn't think about the way home.

On our way down, I realized how deserted and secluded it really was. No one would ever find us here. There was no one here, apart from us, and judging by the location, there also wouldn't be. The cove was quiet and just so picturesque that I couldn't get over the fact we were still in Point Pleasant.

"Who… owns this?" I asked, curiously.

Carlos looked thoughtfully my way for a moment, seeming to think about his answer for a very long minute. "Bobby."

"Your friend… Bobby Brown? The football player? The one I met during our last date?" I asked, and I wasn't even sure why I kept adding facts as if to clarify anything. I was almost certain he himself knew who Bobby was without the added facts.

He just nodded. "It… he actually had bought it years ago. As a matter of fact, he owns all the land we just passed since leaving the beach. You couldn't see it, but way, way back there is a house on the land which he uses for recreation when he wants to get away from everyone. Or when he's out for a few games or the season."

"So, he doesn't live here full time?"

"No, while the commute could be worse, he has plenty of property in Trenton. He had never actually planned on buying land in Point Pleasant, but when it became available, it was a deal too good to pass on. He sees it more than investment than actual property to move into."

I hadn't seen it from up the cliffs, but down here was a small shed-looking something that Carlos also walked right towards and pulled out another bag, which turned out to contain blankets, towels as well as cushions. This looked like it could easily turn into the most comfortable beach day I ever experienced.

"If you require the shade, you can either opt for the trees over there, or I also have an umbrella in there," he remarked, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Someone is prepared."

He just grinned as a response, handed me a blanket and let me choose what I preferred. While I didn't mind the sun, I hated to have it in my face. So, I went for the trees, but placed the blanket in a way that only the upper part was covered in shade. I piled a bunch of pillows at the top as well.

"This is perfect, no worries. I don't burn easily and I guess when it gets too hot I can always escape into the water," I laughed and saw him look at me oddly for a moment.

"I can certainly make sure it gets hot very soon," he finally laughed, at which I grinned at him.

"That's not what I meant," I corrected him and got out of my sundress a moment later. I was not stupid and obviously realized that when it came to me getting out of my dress, I had all of Carlos Manoso's attention on me. Sometimes it was a little too easy and predictable. And maybe it was totally coincidental that I moved slower and more controlled. Not that there was a lot to control to begin with, but something inside me liked the idea of giving Carlos a little show.

"What else do you have in your bags?" I asked, after I had gotten comfortable and looked at him. I noticed he had left the bag he had taken from the house at the shed and had placed my tote bag next to me.

"The bag I brought with me is filled with supplies. I brought quite a large selection of food, since I wasn't entirely certain what you liked. Also, wine as well as water and several sodas. And of course, sunscreen," he explained, retrieving a bottle of the aforementioned.

He threw the bottle on my blanket and a moment later spread his own next to mine, which was technically a little pointless seeing how large mine was. We could easily both fit on here and still would have room left. When he seemed satisfied, he started undressing. And somehow I could imagine he had been as transfixed with me getting semi-naked as I was currently transfixed by his show.

While I had seen him in various states of undress during our first meeting—here's a sentence you don't read often—I hadn't really had time to appreciate what had been presented. I mean, sure, to some degree I had, but more along the lines of 'catch a quick and hopefully unsuspecting glance'. Now I could fully enjoy and feast my eyes on what was presented and didn't even need to be subtle or shameful about it.

I obviously had been aware of the shape he was in. I didn't even need that first date to state the obvious. All you needed was to take a look at his Instagram or even just one of the covers he was on. But seeing it in front of you was a whole different story. It was all for me and my eyes only and I was almost certain, if things between us became steady and long-term commitment, I still would be as amazed about his form as I was now.

"I just want to dip something into the chocolate-dessert that you are and just feast on it for hours," I remarked absent-minded and heard him laugh after a second long silence. It was then that I hadn't thought about what I was saying and, even more importantly, how what I had just said sounded. "I …blame the heat, the sun, and the fact that I only had one coffee this morning."

That made Carlos laugh some more. "You can dip whatever you want into me any time of the day, Babe."

Oh god, that sounded just as dirty as what I might have unintentionally hinted at. Somehow, I was playing a very dangerous game.

"How about you feed me first?" I suggested and saw him just nod. He got up, walked over to where he had stashed the cooler bag and brought it back to us, as well as something that looked like a picnic basket, which he had probably already stored here beforehand. Opening the cooler bag, I could see a wide selection of food. Bread and some salads, pasta, several dried meats, some slices of cake and other delicious looking things. I realized nothing of the items in the bag were problematic if exposed to warmer temperatures for a while, making these the perfect beach day snacks. He retrieved a bottle of red wine from the basked, as well as two shatter-proof glasses, and I could see cutlery as well as dishes in the basket. This was impressive and I don't think anyone had put in that much effort in a date before.

"What would you like to try first?" Carlos asked, while opening the wine bottle.

I looked through the bag and went for some of the dried meats and a few pieces of cheese that I found further down the bag. Breaking off a piece of bread, I realized how simple yet thoughtful everything was. Carlos handed me a glass of red wine and it felt almost like a holiday, sipping wine by the beach and just being him and me.

"You know, I will need help with the sunscreen later on," I remarked between bites of meat and saw him only grin widely at me.

"Who am I to decline such a cry for help?"

"That was hardly a cry," I laughed, taking a sip of wine. "But I hope you are thorough, Mr. Manoso, since I'd hate to find myself sunburned by the end of the day."

"Oh, I can guarantee you, no one will ever be more thorough than me. I will take my time and make sure every last part and patch of skin is attended to."

I enjoyed my glass of wine and the absolute tranquility this place offered. It felt almost like a place far away from the crowds and the action. While Point Pleasant Beach was not as busy anymore by this time of year, with the end of summer inching closer with each passing day, it was still popular and could even get a little crowded. So, having this little alcove to ourselves seemed almost a little too good.

About ten minutes later, I was ready for Carlos to start his task of getting sunscreen on me.

I was expecting a single splash of cold sunscreen, but was surprised when I only felt warm hands that slowly started spreading the concoction over my back, covering every possible inch of skin several times over. It actually felt almost like a sensual massage and not like someone spreading sunscreen all over my back.

His hands moved slowly from my back to my shoulders and along my arms, rubbing thoroughly everything evenly over my skin. From my arms, he moved back down my back and all the way along my legs, making sure he took care of the edges of my bikini as well. I would be lying if I said this wasn't nice and had me close to several inappropriate sounds, but I really couldn't help it. His hands felt heavenly against any patch of skin they skimmed over and while this task could have been quickly dealt with, I definitely didn't mind the time he took and the thoroughness he put into it.

"Want me to do your front as well?" I heard his sulky voice and I admit it might have taken me a few moments to clear my head.

"I…um," I replied, unable to phrase a clear sentence. There wasn't a whole lot left for him to do, actually, seeing that he did my legs from all sides and angles. Same could be said for my arms. So…