Full Disclosure Ch. 04

Number 4:

After breakfast the next morning, Elijah and Natalie settled into a pair of lounge chairs near the middle of the pool as a base camp for the day, though after having studied the activities calendar, Natalie left within the hour to join the second round of morning yoga on the large lawn on the south end of the grounds that began at ten.

It felt good to get stretched in a such a relaxing way, with a view of the ocean and a gentle breeze. Mostly women, she noted as they began, which was also nice. And a very sexy, limber, male instructor who would walk through the group, correcting positions.

The resort definitely knew how to target their audience in even the most subtle ways, like this added detail. Having an exotic masculine yoga instructor pulling at their hips while in downward facing dog was just one of the many details they had installed to create their sensual free-love atmosphere. And Natalie couldn't deny that when he gently pressed against her back, quietly complimenting her form, that a little thrill was had.

Despite the reinvigoration of passion she'd shared with Elijah, things still felt forced at times. Last night when they'd returned to their room, for reasons unknown, they'd settled into bed with the formulated routine of the last year. A quick kiss, then turning their backs to the other as they fell asleep. It was getting there, and there was no doubt in Natalie's mind that Elijah was trying as hard as she. But while their time in the cavern at the pool had been entertaining with Beth, further impassioned once she'd left, in the safety of the hotel room the magic had dissipated.

While thinking through this during the hour of yoga, Natalie determined that some strategy would be necessary, though what that could be would take more thought than the hour given alone. And in no way did she blame Elijah for it; the fact that they'd slept without touching had been half on her. There were, after all, two of them.

Back at the pool, Elijah was looking over the week's calendar further, determining things he'd like to join that may or may not include Natalie. They'd already talked about how they both wanted to get in on the pool volleyball this afternoon, but he noticed a shuffleboard tournament tomorrow morning that began at the same time as yoga, and decided it would be fun to sign up for that today. One club was offering karaoke tonight--not his thing--but the other was hosting a 'Saints and Sinners' theme that might be fun.

The hotel had quite a few shops. One was just simple souvenirs. Another was a sex store that they'd had yet to even walk by to get an idea of size, but it no doubt was like any other sex store on earth; toys, protections, lotions, etc. He'd thought also lingerie, but the hotel also had a costume shop, and figured if they did themed nights in the clubs, that would be what they should hit up if he could get Natalie interested in what he figured would be a fun time.

Making mental note of other things; some golf, a snorkeling class, all things benign and standard for any tropical resort, he was interrupted by a voice.

"Mind if we sit down?"

Beth, standing before him with two women. Two he instantly recognized because he'd taken note of them during their tour. No particular reason he'd noticed and lingered in his gaze other than the fact that they'd been nearest when he'd walked by, taking in the sights of the pool. The lovely freckled red-head and tall curvaceous bleach blonde with fake breasts.

Glancing to the side and noting that the lounge chairs to his right were free, he shrugged. "Sure," he responded. "And good morning," he added with a smile. "These the sisters you talked about last night?"

Beth nodded with a blush, bordering on shy. "This is Erin," she said, gesturing to the red-head. "And Leah," she added as she sat down on the plush fabric.

Leah, the blonde who looked like she'd stepped from a centerfold, smiled flirtatiously at Elijah. "And this is the guy who kept you from meeting us on time last night?" she aimed at Beth, then held out her hand to Elijah. "I can see why. It's nice to meet you."

Only mildly amused, Elijah shook her hand. "You too," he replied. After getting to know a little of Beth last night, he'd expected her friends to be more like her; somewhat shy and naïve, though still adventurous or they wouldn't be here. This particular set, however, he would have never necessarily put together as friends. Though maybe that was just because of societal standards/assumptions of beauty. Still, all three were very different in their beauty. Beth, lovely in an adorable way, Erin attractive in a sporty, girl next door way, and Leah... well, Leah in the sort of sex-model way.

"I remember seeing you get the tour," Erin said, sitting down on the lounge farthest away as Leah took the one between the two girls. "You were with a woman?"

Elijah nodded. "My wife," he said.

This took Erin by surprise, and in seeing how Beth turned beet-red, Elijah's observation keenly noted that Beth hadn't told her friends that they'd all been together in that cavern. This was confirmed as Leah raised a brow, asking, "She doesn't mind you hooking up in a pool with Beth here last night?"

With a shrug, Elijah laid back. "We're here for the same reasons you are," he said casually, though that wasn't the truth of it at all. They were here to discover if they could light the fire once more that had burned out, and while it was on its way, he'd still felt some distance. "What can I say? We're very open sexually, and this seemed like the place to be."

"I'm surprised someone would share you," Leah said with nonchalance. She did, however, look at him with low brows, a more wicked smile crossing her face. "Though also glad. Take that as you will."

He knew exactly how to take it, and couldn't deny the thought that she intrigued him. One could tell just by looking at her that she would be the wildest of the three without her obvious flirtation. As he'd slept last night, he'd been unable to shoo the thoughts away that made him feel an element of guilt. The regret they hadn't invited Beth back to their room. The possibilities of experiencing other women through more than just a quick blowjob in the pool.

He'd wondered if Natalie had been thinking the same. Further, he found it didn't really bother him if she was. It was only if she wasn't while he was that instilled the guilt. The doubt. Fixing what they had was far more of a priority than getting to fuck other women. And that was the only thought that had allowed him to sleep peacefully instead of tossing through the night.

The conversation continued as he learned more about them, awaiting Natalie's return from Yoga. They were all heading into their senior year working on their bachelor's degrees, Leah and Beth in communications, Erin in environmental studies. They had just over a week left here before returning to Auburn in time to plan for the freshman rush. Beth was an Alabama native, Erin from Maine, and as he'd suspected, Leah from Orange County. California blonde, indeed.

He told them about his schooling, his work, sharing some of his history with Natalie. How they'd dated exclusively from the moment he met her at one of his fraternity's parties as a Junior, her a freshman, then figured he may as well explain their relationship, delving into how they were pretty open early on, and she'd spent a summer in France where they'd allowed an open relationship. That had ceased for the next year as he'd finished his bachelor's degree, but when he'd left for law school, they'd been a six-hour drive away, and decided to continue allowing the other to have partners on the side since they only saw each other every two weeks or so.

Questions were asked about this arrangement, nothing he hadn't heard before when this sort of history had been shared once they'd become close with new friends, but he was not close to these girls; it was only where they were that allowed him the confidence and freedom of sharing this history. And partially, he felt it important--possibly even selfishly so--to let them know that they were here to experience their wild days again.

He left out the why. That their sex-life had run dry almost a year ago. It was a detail no one here needed to know. Their private problems were no one's business.

Natalie approached, noticed Elijah heavily in conversation with Beth and two others, and sat down on the lounge beside Elijah, placing her hand on his thigh.

"We were just talking about you," Elijah said, glad it wasn't a lie. He noticed the little smile appear on her face before she leaned down and laid a brief kiss on his lips. "How was yoga?"

Natalie nodded her head vigorously, her features serene. "Really, really good," she said warmly. "Refreshing. Beautiful backdrop with the ocean. Probably something I'll do regularly. I feel great." She looked over at Beth and her smile warmed further. "Good morning, Beth. These your friends?"

Beth introduced Leah and Erin, who said hello with a jubilance that felt a little over the top, but they were young and excitable. Still, it felt oddly too warm. But they were genuine enough with their words that they were happy to meet her, that Elijah had been bragging about her, to which Natalie received a squeeze on her thigh from Elijah and a smile was shared.

Elijah began telling Natalie what he'd learned of them, then the three took over telling Natalie stories from school, which caused her to truly warm to them over the shared experience of having been in a sorority.

It wasn't long before Erin stretched and said, "I think I need to hit the pool. Cool off from the sun. Anyone?"

"I could stand a drink from the bar," Leah agreed. "As long as we make our way in that direction, I'm in."

Elijah noticed that Beth looked to him on whether she should join her friends, searching for any indication that he or Natalie might like her to stay. It was sorta cute, he realized, and knowing Natalie liked her, maintaining a good relationship with her might mean more shared fun in the future.

"I'll come as well," he said, then turned to Natalie. "Come with?" he asked.

Natalie pursed her lips to the side. She wasn't actually in the mood yet for a swim, or any drinks other than her bottle of water. Though she'd sweat a bit through yoga, she wanted to just lay back and relax after all the stretching and difficult positions she'd put her body through.

"Give me a bit," she decided. The peace and quiet might be nice as well. "But you go," she insisted, knowing full well it meant Elijah disappearing with three beautiful college girls and what that could entail, as it was abundantly clear they were taken with him. But, she also had no illusion that they'd be spending every waking moment together, and knew wholly that he wouldn't take anything too far. Some flirting was fine, and inevitable. "And have fun," she added, giving him the permission he didn't require.

It's just that she felt it necessary, given where they were. This was what it was all about, after all. Limits needed to be pushed or they'd never find the answers they both needed on how to proceed once they'd returned to real life back home.

"If you're sure," he said, then leaned in and kissed her, toying with a lock of her hair. He rose, winked. "I'll bring you back a drink."

"No need," Natalie replied with a smile. "I'll find a cabana boy by the time you get back, I'm sure. They're all over!"

Elijah walked over to the stairs to the pool, the girls already in the water, watching him as he entered. Beth was in another bra-like bikini, this one navy with white polka-dots, that pushed up what he knew to be magnificent breasts; he'd spent enough time with them last night to know. Erin wore a one-piece that had a plunge to just above her stomach with a metal clasp just below her breasts to keep the top together. And Leah was in a turquoise string bikini that defied all reason; it seemed impossibly snug and tiny, he had no idea how it could keep anything in place.

"This way," Leah said, taking his hands and seductively pulling him into the water to the northern end where they'd find the swim-up bar.

Elijah shook his head with a small roll of his eyes, glanced back at Natalie who smiled, sharing the eye roll, then settled her head back and paying them no more attention. She really was taking this in stride, just as she had in college. Forget that, she'd been the one to initially suggest their openness in college, but it still was both impressive and a little surprising.

And so he followed, swimming after them as they laughed and splashed toward the northern end of the pool, taking them by the waterfall and through one of the three caverns throughout the pool.

Natalie relished in the hot sun, stretching out fully on the lounge with one knee crooked up, her arms firmly at her sides. Closing her eyes, she spent a brief moment thinking through what she felt she could accept this early on. What she felt she could accept later once they were more acclimated and fully engaged in what the resort had to offer. Briefly allowed her imagination to create a worst case, which would be Elijah disappearing for the rest of the day with the three girls, and knew that was out of the realm of possibility, so let it go. If he flirted, if he touched, so be it. No big deal.

So what was allowable in the future? Well, more sex, likely with additional partners. But the eternal question she still hadn't decided on was whether or not she could be on board with a tryst on the side. Only time could tell. There wasn't a rule against it, only that they be honest. Really not worth worrying about just now, anyways.

She heard the voices of two men beside her and glanced over, eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses so they wouldn't see that she'd noticed them. They'd taken up the lounge chairs to her left, and they did not speak English.

Natalie, however, spoke five languages. She'd spent her youth travelling the world with her family, and it had been a hobby of hers to learn foreign languages early on. Some people caught on to other languages easily, and she was one of them. She'd also found in studying Italian, her third language, that there were similarities that made it easier to learn more once you knew a few.

They spoke in French, and they were commenting on her. The man closest to her was thin framed with straight wisps of dark brown hair that swept across his forehead, parting on the far right of his crown. His friend had black hair that was cut short and brushed back, held with either product or he'd been out swimming. She pinned them both in their late twenties, probably closer to Elijah's age of thirty, though her twenty-seven was possible as well.

But they were openly discussing her without reserve, no doubt under the fair assumption an American girl didn't understand a word of it. The wispy haired man had begun by saying he wanted first crack at meeting her, while the darker haired guy argued that he felt he had more of a chance. A debate started in a light-hearted tone she recognized as trying to make it sound as though she was not the topic of conversation at all.

"Je comprends chaque mot que vous dites," Natalie said without making a move, not even looking their direction, and their debate instantly ceased, Natalie having told them she could understand everything they'd just said.

"Ah! Tu parles français?" she heard, then looked over to see that she had achieved the desired effect; the wispy haired man having spoken up with widened eyes, his friend openly gaping at her in terror.

Natalie turned to her side, using her elbow to prop her head up in her hand. "Oui. Parlez-vous anglais?"

"Yes," the guy closest to her replied, staring at her in awe as the corner of his mouth curved into a grin. He appeared impressed. She kept her amusement at bay. "My apologies for both of us," he said, entranced. "Everyone we meet speaks English."

"Or Spanish," the other added in a thicker accent, more embarrassed than his friend. "Truly sorry."

"But now you know we saw you from away and decided this was the place to be," the first explained casually. "No way to hide it now. Je suis désolé," he said, apologizing once more. "I'm Etienne, he is Luc."

The English was imperfect, but pretty close. "Natalie," she said simply, with feigned disinterest. After all, they had been pretty open in their commentary of her beauty, if not even a bit explicit. Jambes sexy had been mentioned, albeit quickly with the 'sexy' part glossed over quickly and quietly, as the word was obvious in any language.

But she warmed her attitude in the next second. Licking her lower lip, she smiled. "It's actually very nice to meet you," she said. "You were quite complimentary, so no apology necessary."

"Then let me say in English, you are the most beautiful woman we've encountered, I have nothing to hide by saying so," Etienne told her, unabashed. His eyes travelled her body, and Natalie could not deny that it was welcome. They were the first men she'd met thus far, it seemed only women approached. However, in all fairness, that was because she'd yet to be alone, and it was only women they'd met because of their accidental fling with Beth.

"Merci," Natalie replied. "Vous êtes tout à fait attrayant," she added freely, complimenting him on his own good looks; how attractive she found him.

Attractive and French, two great tastes that went great together. In her travels, she'd had a weakness for foreign men, no matter what country they were in. Sweden, she hadn't known where to look as a fifteen-year-old; they were all so beautiful. But after spending time with the French, most of the men she'd encountered had been bold and sexy, and completely at ease with sharing affection.

"How is it possible you sit here alone?" Etienne asked, gesturing out at the many guests who surrounded the pool, the groups swimming in the cool water. "I'm surprised you're not surrounded by men."

Natalie could not control her grin, and sat fully upright, her left leg dangling off the side of the lounge. "The man has gone swimming with a few women," she responded, vaguely gesturing with her right hand out toward the pool. "Which he is perfectly allowed to do, and I decided to stay behind."

"It is his loss," Luc responded as he began to settle in his seat, leaning back and losing interest in the conversation. He'd lost the war to Etienne and was letting his friend take the lead.

Deep down, Natalie was glad. Etienne was definitely more her type, that carefree styling of hair, the thin Abercrombie model-like body; unlike Elijah who was also thin, but toned with muscles, athletic, which was of course also very much her type. But Luc, while attractive in his own right, would not have held her interest.

"And our gain," Etienne added. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees as his eyes narrowed in speculation. "Tu es mariée."

Natalie raised her hand an inch from her thigh, gazing down at her wedding ring that had gone noticed. "Oui," she responded, then shrugged, flattening her palm on her leg. "I am married, which you can see is irrelevant here, as he's off at the pool bar with some girls while I talk to you."

"How very, ahhh," Etienne paused, swirling his hand as he searched for the word, "liberal?"

Natalie nodded, still slyly grinning. "If we weren't, we'd have found a very different place to spend our holiday," she told him, using the European term for 'vacation'.

It was easily noticeable that this confirmation had excited Etienne. The way his eyes had travelled her frame with more speculation, as though he was imagining what lay beneath her bikini, made Natalie's heart flutter, and in a silence that followed, their grins turned bashful as they exhaled breathy chuckles.

Halfway through Elijah's margarita, the bartender delivered the round of tequila shots Leah had ordered. Five, in total, as a very attractive, built black man named Terrance had joined them, someone whom Erin must have known awfully well, as he'd instantly greeted the red-head with a kiss before sitting down on the submerged stool, pulling her onto his lap, to her sheer delight.

On his lap was the petite brunette, Beth, perched on his right thigh with her legs dangling between his knees. Between Elijah and Terrance was Leah, whom had not disappointed as the louder, more outgoing of the three girls, taking the lead in conversations and the ordering of drinks.

Elijah picked up his shot, feeling it too early in the day for this; he put the time at somewhere around one pm. Mostly he just didn't want to get shitfaced this early and be useless through the rest of the day, crashed out in the hotel room by early evening. "Alright, just this one for now," he acquiesced finally after having put up a mild fight when she'd ordered.

The five clinked their shots together in the middle with cheers and laughter. Leah had drizzled salt on both her wrists, and offered one out to Elijah as she licked her own. Sucking the salt from her wrist as they made eye contact, he then brought the shot back and drank it down. Beth held out the lime, which he swiftly bit into without taking it from her fingers, grinning.

He then watched in pleasure as her lips wrapped around her own lime, how a little bit of lime juice dribbled down her chin. When the lime was removed, he gently brushed at the drop with his thumb, then sucked it clean, to her delight. It was clear to Elijah that she was urgent with her attempts to keep his attention, so obviously fearful she might lose a second chance. The second they'd sat down she'd taken up residency on his lap, as though planting a flag that laid claim.

Not that he minded. He rather liked Beth, had enjoyed their evening the night before. And with her upon his lap, his arm snaked around her waist, he had quite a view of her lovely breasts anytime he'd glance down. In addition to having this sexy body against him, there was one other consideration. Until he had more of a read on how he and Natalie could behave here, Beth was safe. Natalie liked her, which was exactly right for wading into these waters before they discovered if they could truly swim.

It was easy to fall into a rhythm conversationally as the liquid lubricant made its way into his brain. He regaled them with his own stories as they shared theirs and time passed without one moment of awkward silence. It wasn't long before he ordered a second round of drinks for everyone on him.

"Don't let them take mine," Beth whispered, her breath warm against his ear as she raised from his lap. "I'll be right back." Looking at the others, she raised a hand into the air, striking a pose. "Potty break!" Then, without waiting for any answer, she swam away to leave the pool.

Elijah watched her climb the stairs, admiring her ass and figuring it would be worth suggesting to Natalie that they pick things up again tonight out of the pool with Beth. After the club, anyways. His thoughts were interrupted as Leah hopped onto his lap, the water splashing as she nearly fell backwards before he grabbed her so she wouldn't fall off the other side.

"Careful there," he chided her with a chuckle, steadying her in place.

"Whoops," she said with a playful shrug, snaking her arm around his neck now that her balance had been gained. Her legs situated between his, much like Beth's had. The only difference was that he could feel the side of her large breast against his pecks; how its unnatural firmness pressed against him, and he couldn't help but take a long look down at this new angle.

"Leah," Erin sang with warning. She was staring at them with her head snuggled against Terrance, the stark contrast of her light freckled skin against his dark coloring rather lovely as a pair. After a tsk, she added, "Beth's not going to like that."

Leah shrugged again, not caring in the slightest. "I'll move when she comes back," she said dismissively, then changed her facial features as she aimed a look at Elijah. "You don't mind, do you?"

Elijah did not mind at all. Beth was the safe bet, which made Leah a bit more exciting in this moment, due to the unknown element. Exhilarating, really, this tall extraordinary beauty now on his lap who had the 'every man's fantasy' appearance. In addition to this, she was more outgoing and forward, and changed Elijah's mindset from playful to naughty.

"Not at all," he said, placing his left hand on her flat stomach beneath the water and allowing it to roam around, feel her skin. She began to twist a lock of his hair, giving it a little tug as she bit her lip, eyes fixated in his with yearning.

The height of the waterline was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it was below her breasts, so he had an amazing view of her bikini clad chest unobscured by the ripples of the water. On the other, it meant his hand couldn't slide upwards, allow him to 'test the waters', no pun intended, on what he could safely get away with. Not that people around him would even notice if he did. Down the bar were two topless women surrounded by five guys without a care in the world.

"I thought not," Leah said seductively, still toying with his hair. She lowered her tone. "And I don't have to move when Beth returns, if you don't want me to."

Elijah squeezed her just above her hip bone, in this instant absolutely certain he'd be hard pressed to let her go. Beth was adorable, and certainly sexy. But Leah was sex, simply put. "We'll see," he said, then ran his hand downward until it came to rest on her upper thigh. With his other arm around her, steadying her, he allowed it to lower as well until it rested half on skin, half on her bikini bottoms.

It was a bummer when their drinks arrived just then, meaning his underwater exploration would need to pause so he could hold his drink. "Cheers," Leah said, clinking her Mai Tai against his glass before sucking through the straw, her cheeks hollowing.

Elijah took a sip, then glanced over to find Terrance and Erin fully involved in one another, kissing and speaking in whispers. He and Leah had been forgotten. "Mmm," she hummed, bringing his attention back to her. "Have a sip."

Taking the straw between his teeth, he sipped at her Mai Tai, then nodded his approval. "Good," he said. "Little sweeter than I like."

"Says the guy drinking a margarita," she teased back.

"A lime margarita," he corrected her, "and only because a scotch on the rocks doesn't really fit the island vibe."

Leah's gaze managed to get sexier, defying all logic. "So you're a whiskey man," she noted appraisingly.

"I am," Elijah said with a nod. "I wasn't for a long time, but working where I do, it's what everyone has in their office. The taste developed quickly."

Still, her features darkened, bordering on dangerous. And Elijah was well aware of the true danger presented here. "What are your other tastes?" she asked daringly, her face growing nearer, chin tucking lower against her neck.

Though he'd had Beth on his lap first, and now the sexy blonde, he'd had yet to feel any real arousal until this question was posed. She was so forward, and given the circumstances--they'd only just met, she knew he'd messed around with her friend, and he was married--her advances were audacious.

"Ohh, fine dining," he began innocently, watching her suck on her straw. "Tropical vacations..." He raised his hand to the back of her neck, gently toying with the strings that hung down. All it would take is a tug of just one and her bikini top would fall. "Beautiful blondes."

"Like your wife?" Leah asked, quirking a brow as she bit on her straw, drawing attention to her plush lips.

"Like my wife," he agreed, bringing his hand down her back once more before he did something he shouldn't. Leah had made a mistake bringing her into this, as Natalie hadn't really entered his thoughts, and by the look on her face, she recognized her error in judgement. Looking down at her breasts, however, he added, "And blondes who toss themselves onto my lap."

Leah leaned impossibly closer until her face was inches from his. "So you do like me," she stated, meeting his eyes. Hers were a dark blue with long lashes, and she gently bit her lower lip.

Elijah fought the urge to kiss those lips, conquered it after a few seconds, though still lowered his hand and gave her ass a squeeze. "I'm interested," he said coolly, then took a sip of his margarita. "So I guess we'll see."

"I'm back," Beth said, sliding onto the stool beside them, the one Leah had previously occupied. She didn't seem to mind that Leah had taken her place, though that could have just been for show. "Is this mine?"

Leah released the arm that had been wrapped around Elijah's neck and leaned forward, steadying herself by placing a hand on his knee. "That's Erin's," she said, answering Beth's question about the drink. She then laughed as she slid Beth's drink in front of her. "Not that she'd mind. Pretty sure they're minutes away from taking this to a more private place."

It was true, Erin and Terrance had gotten friskier; so much that they obviously hadn't noticed Beth's return.

Taking a large gulp of what Beth now knew to be her drink, not someone else's, she raised her brows. "So, should we head back?"

Elijah breathed a laugh. Despite Beth appearing indifferent, she wasn't. He knew had she been able to reclaim her place, the suggestion wouldn't have been made. "Finish these and we'll go?" he asked, then took three long gulps of his margarita.

They had met the bottom of their glasses a minute later, and as Beth gently tapped Erin's shoulder to let them know they were going out to swim, Erin only nodded her indifference before returning her full attention to Terrance. Elijah sighed as he regretfully removed his hand from Leah's ass, which he'd enjoyed massaging for the last few minutes, but it really was for the best. They'd been gone for awhile now, and three drinks in, his decision making skills were not operating at full capacity. It was definitely time to return to Natalie.

About half way back, he saw her in the distance sitting beside a thin guy on the edge of the pool, their legs hanging down into the water as they shared an animated conversation. He was glad to see it, as it meant she'd had some company instead of sitting alone, possibly wondering what had been taking him so long. As the distance was crossed, he was able to notice that the guy was attractive, (who wasn't here?), but thinner than he was with less muscle. They weren't touching, only shoulder to shoulder, the guy's hands gripping the side of the pool with Natalie swiveled his direction, her long lean arm straight behind, other on her thigh.

Not that he really cared if they were. He'd just spent the last hour partying it up with three girls, two of which had taken their place on his lap. She deserved to have someone's attention while his was elsewhere. Still, he couldn't help but size the guy up. He knew deep down that he had more jealousy than she did when it came to other partners. While he enjoyed his freedom back in the day, it had still always gnawed at him a bit more than he liked wondering who she was with; another element that had been met with open honesty

Nearer now, he could hear them, and they were speaking in French. For some reason, this was what alarmed him, of all things, and unfairly; such a minor stupid thing in the scheme of things. But having this commonality that he could not share, as he only spoke English and a bit of Spanish, made whatever friendship the two had struck up mean something more than his own friendships made, as in any other world, there was really nothing he had in common with Beth or Leah other than attraction.

"Hey, how was the bar?" Natalie called, spotting Elijah swimming their way with Leah and Beth in tow.

Elijah warmed instantly, forgetting his petty comparisons and whatever else had made him momentarily uncomfortable. "It was great," he replied, crossing the rest of the distance until he was three feet from Natalie and the stranger. "I may have had a few drinks."

"We had a round of tequila," Beth informed Natalie, sidling up beside Elijah. "Who's this?"

"Le mari?" Etienne inquired to Natalie.

Natalie smiled with closed lips. "Yes, this is my husband, Elijah," she said, answering his question. "And that's Beth," she added, pointing, then re-aimed her finger at the blonde Barbie who had joined them. "And Leah?" She felt embarrassed she hadn't remembered her name, but they'd hardly spoken. She'd been able to remember Erin, because it was such an Irish girls name, matching her red hair, and briefly wondered for a minute where she'd disappeared to.

"Yes, Leah," was the blonde's response. "And you're...?" she queried, holding out her feminine hand.

"Etienne," he said, shaking it. He released it abruptly, turning his attention quickly to Elijah and offering a hand shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Etienne said. It didn't go unnoticed by Natalie that Etienne hadn't given a shit about the girls while recognizing the importance of getting on Elijah's good side. He knew how to work things, and she was grateful, as he was definitely someone she wanted to spend time with here, even if nothing turned sexual.

"Likewise," Elijah responded, impressed by Etienne's warm greeting, extinguishing any reservation he had about the guy.

"Oh, and back there," Etienne began, gesturing behind him. "My sleeping friend Luc, who partied a little too hard last night." This made all three girls laugh delightedly as they eyed Luc, fast asleep on the lounge and lightly snoring. "You must excuse him. Bad manners."

Natalie knew what a girl looked like when a Frenchman spoke, and both Beth and Leah were enraptured, waiting with bated breath for him to continue speaking. She'd lost that initial thrill over an accent, but accents were still sexy, even though the mystique had disappeared long ago.

Aiming her gaze at Elijah, Natalie said, "Etienne lives in Paris, but is originally from Toulouse. Luc is a childhood friend."

"Who has never escaped his parent's home," Etienne added.

"Comme si echapper a Toulouse est une priorite," Natalie groaned sideways, shouldering Etienne playfully.

"Vous ne diriez pas ça si vous aviez grandi là-haut," Etienne replied with a roll of his eyes, despite grinning.

Elijah stared at them in question as their rapid fire exchange finished, his gaze dulled. Be that as it may, he loved it when Natalie spoke any of her languages in front of him, ordering in Italian at a restaurant or speaking in German at a themed tourist trap town they'd once stayed a few nights in.

"I'm sorry," Natalie said, noticing Elijah's eyes that didn't seem too pleased. "I was just saying that being stuck in Toulouse wasn't exactly torture. The city is beautiful."

"To those who haven't spent their lives there," Etienne added, loosely translating his response. "My apologies, my habit of speaking English here was forgotten now able to, ahhh... ehh, converse... in French, if only for the hour."

Elijah stepped forward, placing himself between Natalie's legs with a hand on each knee. "It's a beautiful language," he acquiesced, though his physical action was to send a sign, selfishly so. "I love hearing your French," he said to Natalie, then leaned in for a brief kiss.

"And she speaks it so well," Etienne said. "If not for small, ahh... variations of accent... differences? You may not know she's American."

"Not true," Natalie said as Elijah backed away, sinking down so the water covered his shoulders as his arms gently treaded water. "My particles are poor."

"Particles, such a de, have lost their relevant," Etienne told her with a grin.

"Relevance," Natalie gently corrected.

Etienne's smile widened. "Relevance," he repeated. "You see? Even I fail at times with English."

A net was being spread out and hooked to the sides of the pool about ten feet down, and two guys swam over. "We're playing some volleyball, anyone in?" they asked of the group.

"Oh yes," Leah cried, grabbing Elijah's arm and pulling. "Let's all play!"

Elijah quirked his brow at Natalie. "You guys in?"

While Natalie wanted to, she'd also really been enjoying talking to Etienne, sharing stories of her visits in France. She wanted to continue their discussion, mostly because she didn't want to accept and hear him decline, ultimately regretting that he may leave.

Before she could answer, Elijah had noticed her brief hesitation. "You know what?" he began, his act of kindness and chivalry. "You guys keep visiting." He swam forward once more, out of Leah's hold of his arm, and gripped Natalie's calf. He'd had his few hours of misbehaving at the bar and ultimately was pleased that she'd made a friend, as he would have felt guilt returning to find her alone. He rose to kiss her cheek. "You do your French thing, join us in the next game."

"Absolutely," Natalie replied, beaming. She eyed Leah and Beth. Elijah knew what he was doing, giving her this favor without her having to ask for it, and she was alright with it being returned. "I'm glad you're having fun."

"Likewise," he replied, holding her chin between his thumb and forefinger. He kissed her one last time, then turned and dove into the water toward Beth and Leah, who were making their way toward the net.

Natalie watched with a pensive smile as the two girls each grabbed at him as his head emerged. It was fine. They were fine. And she was happy. Etienne had made her happy just by keeping her company, so any slight jealousy that may have crept up that Elijah was receiving so much attention never surfaced.

"Your husband is very nice," Etienne said to her, and she felt his hand cover hers where it rested between them, lacing his fingers between hers. "Generously allowing me to continue spending time with you."

Natalie looked over at him, relished in how the breeze swept at his light brown hair, how thin and wispy it was. "We are at our best when we allow freedom," she responded, as this fact was becoming more and more apparent, though it was still too early to tell.

Etienne's smile disappeared as he eyed her levelly, his look austere. "He is a fool," he said quietly. "Those girls combined aren't a fraction of what you are. I see it."

Sucking in some air, Natalie's lips parted in surprise. The compliment, how it had been worded, had made her tingle in all the right places. But how it had finished...

"What is it you think you see?"

With his eyes on their entwined fingers, he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "I'm too forward," he determined. "It is a large flaw."

Natalie peered at him with more urgency. "But?" she inquired.

Taking a deep breath, Etienne met her gaze with pity. "You changed as he arrived," he said, then removed his hand. He raised it toward her face, hesitated for a moment, then dared forward, sweeping her hair back over her shoulder. "You tensed. Your muscles. You love him and he loves you, anyone could see such a thing. But maybe you are unhappy?" His hand drifted down her arm, light as a feather, sending a tingle down Natalie's spine. He smiled softly, having noticed that she didn't make any effort to answer. "Yes, I think I am right. But it's not my business."

"We've been unhappy," Natalie suddenly blurted, shocked she'd even said it aloud to a stranger. But Etienne had an uncanny ability to be both perceptive and empathetic. No doubt he could get people to confess their deepest secrets, and this was something she'd yet to say to anyone other than Elijah and her sister. "We were happy for a very long time. We had an open relationship when we dated. We were wild. You're right, we are in love. We're just trying to find out if that's enough."

Etienne held her hand once more. "I hope you succeed," he said honestly. "And perhaps I'll benefit in one way or another?" Natalie chuckled, as did he. For a moment she considered; she knew she was interested in something with him while here, but if they failed, perhaps he'd be one to consider. Way too early to even think that way, and Natalie instantly let the thought dissipate. "But those girls," Etienne continued, his tone straightening into a more serious level. He pointed toward the net, where teams were being divided. "They are hoping you fail, even if they do not know it."

Following his finger, Natalie looked at Elijah's strong back. Beside him, the darling Beth was bouncing up and down in the water in unbridled excitement, listening to one of the organizers determining who was on which side. The Barbie-doll blonde was closer to Elijah, her hand on his bicep and peering at him with starry eyes.

And she shrugged. "It doesn't matter what they want," she said, then turned to Etienne with a comfortable smile. "They'll have no say in the matter. You are right, about all of it. All but one thing." With a determined swallow, she was glad that she could make her next statement and know it was true. "He isn't totally a fool. He knows what he has, even though we've recently struggled. It would be more his loss than mine."

Sucking on his upper lip, Etienne nodded in amused agreement. "You are absolutely right about that," he said. "Vous êtes exquise. And if I may be so bold as to inquire for my own selfish reasons, what exactly is allowed?"

As this was said, he had leaned closer, now only inches from her face, his gaze again on their hands. Hers as well, as she wasn't certain she could look at him just now. "Well, we've yet to hardline anything. We both kissed Beth last night. There will be more than that." She could hear his breathing, watched how his hand looked splayed on top of hers on the concrete deck of the pool. "We both enjoy others together. I'm not sure..."

Her breathing had sped up as well, heart racing. It felt as though they'd entered their own private universe. It had to have been centuries of promiscuity with the French that made them so direct and sexy, always pushing the limits of what was to be accepted in society. Then again, maybe it wasn't his nationality at all. This place made everyone bold.

"If I were to kiss you?" Etienne asked, his lips drawing nearer as his forehead met hers. "Is that a hard line?"

Was it? Elijah was behind her, albeit twenty feet away. But he could see. Would it bother him? It had not bothered her last night, sharing him with Beth, but he was not directly involved. And while no rule had been created that they couldn't have a private tryst on the side, the stipulation was that the other knew it was going on and gave consent on a case by case basis. But that was under circumstances involving sex. A kiss...

"He's not even looking our--"

Natalie stopped him with her lips, leaning in and taking to his mouth with a pent up frustration and desire. She rationalized for a moment that this was fair. There had been Beth. And this was just a kiss, not a blowjob. The rationalization, however, was what made it unacceptable. The fact that she felt she needed to rationalize meant it was wrong. Elijah was not here, this was something on the side, without permission.

Still, his lips. His lips created a rhythm that she wanted to explore for hours, learn to speak their language. The man could kiss.

Regardless, she drew back after only a few seconds had passed. Ten, maybe, at the very most. She swallowed deeply, then leaned back further, scratching her cheek just to have an action other than the action she wanted to make, which was to kiss him even more. Draw up closer and wrap her arms around him.

She dreaded the glance, but made it anyway, looking down the way in search of Elijah. She didn't know if it felt better or worse that he hadn't seen, as his back was still turned and he was heavily in conversation in a huddle with his team, sorting out positions and strategies or something. Relief was there, but it didn't feel good. She now felt like she had a secret, and determined immediately that she would tell him at their first opportunity alone.

"I want to be with you," Etienne said urgently. He gently touched her cheek, coaxing her head to face him. Studying her, eyes darting rapidly between her eyes and lips and hair, he asked, "What does it take to be with you? I'm not afraid of another man, I've shared a woman before."

That jolt of electricity struck once more, directly between her legs, and she grew damp, she could feel it. She wanted him too. But things like this needed to either be impromptu or carefully planned and scheduled. Either way, she determined she'd find a way. "Donnez du temps au temps," she replied. "Give it time," she repeated in English. "Be my friend first. If you can handle that, of course, knowing it may not happen at all."

Etienne backed away abruptly. "You think I wouldn't be your friend just because I can't sleep with you?" he asked, feigning offense. He laughed delightedly. "I spent the last two hours talking to you without any expectation, just glad to find someone so smart and charming. Doesn't mean I don't hope, bien sûr. But I assure you, ma chère, you have a friend in me for as long as you wish."

It was hard not to kiss him again. Leap his way and wrap her arms around him, cover him with her lips. "We're going to one of the clubs tonight," Natalie told him. "The one doing the Saints and Sinners theme night? Bring Luc and come sit with us. Get to know Elijah." This was almost a plea, though she was careful with her tone. To keep it light, she added with a laugh, "Keep me sane while girls chase him down."

"And keep other men from chasing you?" Etienne asked, raising his brow. "We will be there."

Another shy grin was shared, and with their hands laced together, their conversation returned to French as they pointed people out around the pool, commenting on the topless, the brazen, the loners and of course, the great plays and great failures of the volleyball game, before finally joining in on round two.