Private The Parent's Trap

[Danger Arceneau]

It was funny. Years ago, it would have bothered Danger for Judah to reach out like he did. To offer comfort with the sole squeeze of his firm, calloused hand. Stability. Reassurance.

Life had done Danger wrong in the department when it came to men. So much so that the Trade Queen used that mask of business to firmly put in place a wall in between herself and others. Oh, that wasn't to say that she was anything but the utmost cordial of hosts; it was just that for Danger, business was a familiar lover. Like lovemaking, she knew its success rested on both parties coming to a mutual satisfaction.

Matters of the heart, however, had taken their sweet time to come to fruition. She was happy now with Alric, although it wasn't to say that the path had been easy. That had been a thorn-riddled trek that, if Alric hadn't been stubborn enough to try and convince Danger otherwise, would have ended in distant friendship rather than their marriage.

That wasn't to say that Danger hadn't thought of what ifs and maybes in the past. When Makai was seven years old, she'd begun to see Judah for the good man he was and all his qualities: integrity, commitment, humility in nature, and thoughtfulness in action. Every interaction with the Dashiell men only shown a light on the faithful husband and caring father he was. As did the sense of selfishness, ungratefulness, and sheer thoughtlessness of his then-wife.

Had Judah decided then to take action on his missing wife and move on with his life, well... who to say where they'd be now. There was no fault to it in the end. Those very same values that Danger grew to love from Judah were part of his persistent, stubborn love. He was willing to fight to the end for his marriage. Few ever did.

This time, however, the firm clasp of his hand was a welcomed warmth. Danger's response held no words, just a subtle softening of her features at Judah and a subtle squeeze of gratefulness before he drew away. What manner the Dashiell men were in her life now, Danger was grateful. They were more than just friends. They were family.

Turning towards Makai, Danger's amused expression returned with mirth. With a perk of her brows, she acknowledged the awkwardness of those teen years, only to add, "Well... I reckon you've both grown enough to figure out how to handle a sailing ship together. " There was a pause, then an arch of a brow.

"Better to take up her time now than wait for another to offer up the opportunity." Myra's MaraTibx oversight meant she would be dealing not just with the mining sector but fuels, energy, and anything having to do with powering the technology of today and tomorrow. A lot of those required personal visits and parties. There was a particular revival in rejuvenating and rebuilding ravaged worlds, especially the Scar worlds.

"Be persistent Makai. That's my advice to you. Don't let her forget your presence. You'll likely rile her up for sure, but Myra needs to know you are serious. " While they may not share blood, Myra had a knack for having the same sensibilities as Danger.

"''sides, maybe a little riling up is just what she needs."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Waves gently lapped the boat as it drifted past a small island chain, giving it a wide berth. He had been visiting the small chain for awhile when he had time. One of Palanhis many active underwater volcanoes had been birthing a new island, the small stretch of land still steaming as molten rock hit tropical air. Makai could tell the island wasn't going to be large but it had been a fascinating process to keep track of.

Macro-binoculars left his eyes and he offered them to the young woman at his side.

Makai doubted she would be equally impressed and he refrained from excitedly explaining about how he had been coming out later after work to see the progress. To Ellie, he was positive it just looked like overly hot rocks.

Hot sun beat down on his bare back as his eyes squinted in bright light, trying to readjust. Somewhere in the distance he could make out a yacht, not an unusual sight on the extremely wealthy planet. His eyes weren't the only thing trying to readjust however.

With his new assignment at Salacia and the addition of dating one Myra Arceneau, it had thrown him for a loop. Makai felt tossed around in the surf after a particularly bad wipeout and he still hadn't found the surface quite yet.

It wasn't all bad, just different.

He had taken Miss Arceneaus advice to heart when it came to Ellie, intent on making sure he knew his presence in her life when he wasn't around. Dozens of deep-red Malreaux roses, making sure L3 had brought her caf or lunch, idiotic messages throughout the day, really whatever he could to keep himself front and center. Especially considering he had been working long hours at the new Salacia office and free time was extremely limited.

True to her word, Miss Arceneau had granted them some time together, much to his surprise and delight. Considering Ellie had not had the chance to check out his place on Palanhi nor take the boat out for some time, a perfect opportunity to combine both.

“This feels weird without L3 reminding me not to get too close lest I perish.”

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Myra had sworn L3 to secrecy.

It wasn't that she didn't believe that the personal assistant droid would say anything to Makai, but her utter nervousness and anxiety over the sailing trip had caused her to overthink things. Like spending over three hours in front of a three-way mirror, trying outfit after outfit that would make Myra feel she was giving off a classy, grown-up look without making it seem like she was playing dress up with her mother's clothing.

Trying on different bathing suits took the longest. It had been a long while since Makai had seen Myra in a wet suit, much less a bathing suit. More than once, she'd often say she was an architect's delight: No curves, just a straight line.

It took a while before her body decided to bring curves to the table, but then again, they weren't much. When compared to Danger, Myra was willowy to her mother's buxom, full-bodied curves. What was there must be carefully accentuated to make Myra's feminity shine. Sometimes, even pop.

In this case, the bathing suit that emerged as the champion was a dusky orange one-piece with a plunging v-neck and a halter-style tie at the neck. With the ruched fabric up front to accentuate her slim waist and cut the length of her legs, Myra figured it was her best bet to make her debut to Makai that she wasn't no gangly little girl anymore. At least, that was the intent.

That is, once she removed the breezy cotton gause beach cover-up she wore. Saffron had told her that with her body type, she needed to gravitate to the classy, dreamy designs and fabrics that would accentuate her svelte figure. In this case, there was almost a romantic quality to the cover-up with the banded waist, slightly puffed sleeves, and, as Saffron relayed, a tempting amount of buttons that would beg any man to want to pop them off.

So far, not quite, Saffron, Myra mused, taking the binoculars from Makai's hand to take a gander at what excited him so - more so than this dress.

Seeing as their last sailing trip resulted in tripping due to her blasted, uncoordinated, gangly legs at the time, Myra ensured that she was wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion, with enough grip on the bottom to ensure she didn't go sliding to and fro. While the dress certainly was dreamy, it only went as far as past her knees. The last thing she needed was to trip herself up if the boat should lurch from one end to another.

Her day pack had a change of clothing in case the weather turned chilly. For now, her hair was braided into a thick plait, ensuring it stayed out of the way. However, that never stopped a few baby hairs from coming loose to tickle her temples and cheeks. With as much bright sun as there was, it was best she put on some sunscreen lest those blasted freckles made their appearance.

However, the binoculars did allow Myra an opportunity to drag her attention from the way the sun was casting shadows along the sinewy expanse of Makai's back. Her ma hadn't been wrong- Makai had grown up to be all man now. He was no Jamye Mckenzie, but it was a struggle keeping her eyes to herself or the sea when he took off his shirt, and those swim trunks of his had his waistband dipping low...

"Well, considerin' that chances are you'd be happy to swim up as close as you are able before realizing you're a fish in a boiling kettle, I surmise that El-three is right to remind you of it." the wryness in Myra's voice could not be contained. Out in the distance, she could see the lurch of steam and a bit of bubbling red hot magma gurgling from the depths of the sea. Okay, so maybe it was a little bit fascinating.

"So how do folks go about namin' the island? And can anyone claim it?" it was still awkward, but making conversation was what could keep them going. It was the silence that made the tension seem to swell between them.

Makai had taken it upon himself to make his presence a pointed fixture regardless of whether it was in person or by distance. At first, Myra hadn't really put much heart into it, or at least she told herself that. Never mind that she stalked his social holo-feeds now with a vengeance as if that would prove he wasn't serious. However, nothing came up that she could point a finger at and claim suspicion. In fact, all that resulted was just a mass of scenic photos matching the commentary and 'wish you were here' notes he'd sent along with the roses, lunches, and snacks.

When he suggested she join him in sailing, her mind came up with several methods of objection. However, it wasn't long before she started looking forward to it. Now, here she was. Alone with Makai. On a sailboat. Staring at a steaming mass of hot rocks.

Well, if that makes his day, why not?

Guess Myra did some growing too. At least it wasn't choco chews.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It was awkward still.

Makai no longer had the need to constantly talk. First it had been due to her being mute and he just naturally filled all of the parts of the conversation, his overeager child self happy to make a friend to quell some of the loneliness. As a teenager he talked to silence much of the gnawing feeling of being abandoned, to keep the dark thoughts that lived on the edges of his mind at bay. Even then, his ability to hold a conversation with Ellie was like a seesaw, up and down as he constantly got under her skin.

Add in the fact that since leaving university he was quite used to not having anyone to talk to and it was making for a doubly awkward situation. Safe topics had been work, their parents, the antics of L3 and Kuro. Those were limited in scope though and Makai was eager to rediscover the more personal side of Ellie once again.

That was proving difficult.

"So how do folks go about namin' the island? And can anyone claim it?" it was still awkward, but making conversation was what could keep them going. It was the silence that made the tension seem to swell between them.

"I don't know. Haven't lived here so long to know all the details. Are you looking to add to your expansive realty holdings, Mistress Arceneau?"

Hand grabbed the backstay line to steady himself, grin plastered across his features as he took her in. Ellie had a simple, classic look now that he wondered how she adopted. More importantly, was it so ingrained in her personality that she felt the need to keep up the look with him or was it a careful way of keeping at arms length? She was absolutely beautiful and the bathing suit did just the right thing in highlighting curves and valleys that weren't there six years ago. Makai had caught himself staring like he was now several times, then again, she could have shown up in a dirty burlap bag and he would have been equally excited to see her. Meanwhile, he was perfectly content in a pair of navy board shorts and barefoot, looking downright homeless in comparison.

"I guess you could name it. I mean, only we would know."

Broad shoulders shrugged. Aware this wasn't her thing, Makai wasn't going to press her luck being out near the little islands too often. Although once cooled, he imagined it could become a great fishing spot in the future. Again, more of a activity that was more centered around his likes. Mental note was made that it could be a great place for crab traps.

Pushing off the line, Makai headed for the helm to steer them away and back on a course to tour a small portion of the ocean. There were reefs marked on a map nearby, ones he had never visited. Seemed more appropriate for both of them.

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

"We don't have to go," Myra called out abruptly, turning at the waist towards where Makai was heading towards the helm. She suddenly felt embarrassed at the outburst, grabbing the backstay to steady herself as the boat gave a gentle rock. The wind swept those loose locks of mahogany hair against the softness of her cheek and made that sundress cling to her side like a second skin.

"....we don't have to leave if you want to... stay," Myra added, a blush rushing to her face that she hoped she could blame on the sun. "...I figure you likely come out here often enough to see what's changed." If she still knew him like she had in the past, he likely had some sort of diagram or map somewhere, be it on a datacube or on lobepaper to keep track of the changes.

It was an olive branch. "Maybe we get closer? Maybe then we can figure out a name for it."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Brows furrowed at her sudden outburst, his head coming up from plotting a course towards the reefs to look at her. It was clear he didn't quite understand her motivation to stay. Makai figured she would have been happy that they would be underway and looking at a brand new piece of scenery, to see more of what was on the planet. Was she trying to please him by asking to stay? It wasn't really necessary, Makai would never want to have Ellie do something she didn't like just because he was interested.

Hand came up and he rubbed a patch of scales on his upper neck, as if debating the olive branch. They didn't have a good track record on their recent sailings. He better take it.

"Sure, we can maybe make a semi-circle around, stay out of the steam and smoke but see the other side."

Makai worked on getting them in the other direction. Ellie was right of course, he had a lobepaper and graphite hand-drawn map of the little chains progress over the last month. It was safely stored below deck, he had no intention of bringing it out today. He didn't want to spend the day baking in the hot sun, ignoring her, when they only had a limited amount of time together.

He was still trying to convince her to stay in his guest room. Why leave when he had a perfectly decent room down the hall? Wasn't like anything was going to happen, their relationship was far too new and he too inexperienced to make the leap so quickly. Makai was just trying to be logical.

"I come out here after work sometimes. Watch the sunset, chart any progress. Most days I work past sunset lately, so I'm sure something might be new to see."

Makai paused, knowing when they traded messages it typically wasn't deep. Just little notes.

"How has everything been?"

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

For a moment, watching Makai rub his neck brought to the fore an image that made Myra's mouth dry. The few moments he took to ponder her suggestion highlighted the flex of bare, toned muscles as he mused, revealing the tone he managed to achieve while spelunking and hiking up and down all manner of caves, mines, and terrain. He was all the more mesmerizing when the sun hit the scattered patches of iridescent scales that decorated his skin like beauty marks.

It was a good thing Makai took her recommendation, his commentary drawing her slightly abashed attention back to his face. Only to meet that little boy's grin in turn— he likely did not miss her lingering appreciative gaze or the way her throat bobbed with a quick swallow.

Where is that water bottle?

Turning her gaze back to the steaming rocks in the distance, Myra took the chance to try and gather her bearings before attempting to look at him again. It was aggravating how good-looking he was.

"Busy. There are tensions between the Mandalorian clans and the Galactic alliance. It's causing a potential issue in navigating border checks and restocking stations in areas with the most tension." A pause, then added, "Navigating your request for the borers and how to deliver them whole so you don't have to deal with putting them together at the site."

As they drew round, the sailboat began to sway in that gentle rock. This one was a new model. She hadn't been to this one before.

"So how long have you had this sailboat?" Myra crushed the mental whisper that followed that wanted to know who else has he taken out on a trip with.

She didn't need that nonsense now.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Boyish grin flashed in her direction, resisting the urge to make a comment about her blatant staring. She had quickly turned back to the little island before he could muster up the courage. It was probably for the best, he had already seen the flush across her cheeks.

Ellie started to answer him and he did his best not to be disappointed. Now, that wasn't to say galactic or business matters weren't interesting and the fact was that was part of their lives, no getting around it. Yet he had expected a nugget of information about her. Ellie had given him a rundown like he was just some guy she had ran into at a party.

Should he address it? No. Things were already awkward enough.

“Umm..let's see…however long I've been here minus one week. I went to get the old one out of storage and it had delamination and stress cracks. I've christened this one the Atergatis.”

Leave it to him to name a boat after a genus of crabs.

“Oh look, rocks steaming at a slightly different angle. Riveting.”

He was poking fun at himself now that they had drawn around to a different angle, although from his eyes from his previous visit it appeared this side had the most growth from all the molten lava.

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

“The Atergatis?” Myra swung her head back to Makai, an incredulous expression blossoming with perplexity.

“Why that?” Myra was raised to be a well educated lady, but she wasn’t a xenobiologist nor did she have the uncanny ability to identify the scientific names of various marine life. She’d stick to the common names.

Deciding that doing something would help out that situation and their interaction rather than standing pretty and trying not to fall overboard, Myra carefully made her her way over - thank you grippy shoes - until she was almost next to him.

“Also I saw that.” She told him, giving Maki a side eye that said she caught his perk of interest at the growth of lava formations. Some were even breaking the surface, able to see the crash of waves that sent billows of steam upward. It had a slow oozing motion, the lava a bright camera yellow coated with ochre, only to hiss and steam as it turned black.

“You want me to make any notations for you?” She offered, leaning against the forward section of the helm where she wouldn’t be blocking his movements.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

“Well, most crabs in that genus are quite adorable but also poisonous. In my own warped way, I just find it amusing.”

Head dipped down to just double check their location,only to raise his head a moment later to be greeted by the decolletage of one Myra Elspeth Arceneau.

Mouth went dry and he made sure he wasn't just staring,open mawed like some caveman. Seeing Ellie leaning over the helm, sun kissed, and asking….something of no importance was an image that was going to live in his head for a long,long time.

“Are you trying to kill me?”

Gaze went up to those stormy gray eyes, then drifted again before back up with a smirk.

“Is this a test to see which I find more tempting? You or molten lava. While it's a very difficult choice, I think you win out by a small margin.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

This was one of these instances where if Myra had her mother's flirty wit, she'd likely say something provocative, going on about how at least he'd go with a smile on his face.

However, Myra had precious little experience with flirting. While Saffron had provided some tips to keep the conversation going or redirect would-be persistent gala guests, she hadn't entirely gone over what to do in a situation like this.

Never mind that Myra had spent three hours perfecting her attire, makeup, hairstyle, and poses to present the best side of her silhouette or assets for casual observers.

A little bit of a mastermind? Yes, but a girl had to do something to see if she could draw a man's attention.

Okay, one man. Makai.

That wave of heat went up that deep vee over her chest, along the curve of her neck, to settle in a vibrant rouge over the apples of her cheeks.

Myra immediately straightened, crossing her arms over her chest to block the view. Not that it worked because all that did was just deepen the cleavage by mere physics. Not a very well-thought-out move.

Again, it wasn't like she'd practiced flirting before.

"A small margin?" Myra didn't bother objecting to his claim regarding what was more tempting, although she really did mean it when she offered to take notes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Also, you didn't answer the question. Do you want me to take notes for you or not?" Stormy grey met ice blue, almost in challenge but not quite.

At least this was a small change from the past. Previously she'd have gone on the defensive and turned Makai's teasing into a fight.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

“No, no notes. Sorry, I didn't hear the question.”

He really hadn't. Tunnel vision had been on Ellie and the way she was leaning across the helm.He vaguely remembered her speaking but his mind had been far, far elsewhere.

Confusion was etched all over his features. While his attempt at a half-tease, half-flirt had admittedly been lame it was harmless. At least in his eyes it was. Mind was racking if he had been too lewd? Makai would have expected a hard, justified slap if he had been.

Eyes locked with hers, searching, trying to understand. Makai didn't have much experience flirting, he had tried his hand at frat parties but his heart had never been in it. Ellie had always weighed on his mind.

“Am…am I not supposed to find you attractive? Or compliment you? Or mention anything about you?”

Hand ran through his hair a moment, trying to think.

“Yes, what I said was lame. I just thought, well, I don't know. Guess it's still awkward between us."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

"No, that isn't what I —" Myra began to explain, feeling more embarrassed and disconcerted by the second after seeing Makai's confusion and even more so with the following questions.

The boat gave a gentle rock, prompting Myra to uncross her arms and brace herself against the helm she had leaned over a few moments earlier.

"That isn't what I meant." She began again slowly, staring off toward the burbling lava flows again. That was easier than looking into the depths of his eyes again or seeing that hurt confusion. Things just always seem to backfire, she mused.

Face pink anew, Myra began to nibble at the fullness of her lower lip. This was hard.

"I-I want you to notice me." Myra finally admitted aloud. "Only me. " blast I just said that, which made her feel equal parts vulnerable as much as pathetic.

"To know that you think I'm pretty." Myra swallowed hard, and she took a deep breath, half laughing out of nerves as much as embarrassment for saying this aloud.

"That you want me."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai watched as she turned away from him, speaking her vulnerable truths about the situation, about how she wanted to be viewed. Silence stretched between them once she had finished laying out her hopes, her desire to be noticed.

Quietly he ambled away from the wheel of the boat, moving to join her. Arm slipped around her, pulling Ellie to his side. Rough hand went under her chin, gently tilting her head towards him and away from the molten rock.

“I already think all that.”

A small smile.

“You're beautiful. Not to mention smart, funny, determined. To me, there are no others. No one else captures my heart and imagination like you do. I only want you.”

Hand dropped from her chin.

“I love you more than I think you can fathom.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Myra's breath caught in her throat. At this proximity, she could feel the heat of his body along her side when he pulled her close, that ice-blue gaze seemingly taking her in. He said all the perfect things she'd been wishing to hear. She yearned desperately to validate the time and attempts at cultivating his attention.

Was it silly? Stupid? Likely so. Most of her life had been spent trying to capture Makai's attention, only to go sideways in a mess of miscommunication and self-deprecating comparisons of better bodies. Despite all of Myra's education and training, the young woman still felt very self-conscious.

There was the faintest tinge of sting in the stormy swirls of her eyes, and she had to swallow hard the wave of emotion that followed.

When Makai's hand fell away, Myra finally made a move. Her hand came up to catch the one that fell, bringing it back toward her face. She directed his palm back to her face, settling it to cup her cheek instead, needing the rough warmth of his graze against the softness of her cheek.

Lashes fell shut, and she nuzzled that hand as if she were Kuro seeking the comfort of his touch.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

He cupped her cheek, thumb grazing against smooth skin. There were small freckles there, not as many as when they were kids, but if he looked closely he could see them. It was easier with her eyes shut to study her, to take in the changes over the years.

Other hand came to rest on her hip, pulling Ellie to face him, to rest against his chest instead awkwardly at his side. Boat gently bobbed as he held her, a comfortable silence falling between them.

It pained him to think that Ellie didn't believe she was everything he mentioned and more. Makai had watched the gaze of other men, Ellie was definitely noticed even if she didn't see it. There were times he felt there was a line of suitors waiting behind him, hoping for a fatal mistake.

Makai would do what he had to in order to keep convincing her he was serious. They were out on a shaky limb, trying to figure out the new layers that made them both up into who they were today. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

There was a strange comfort to Makai's embrace. It was equal parts due to the familiarity as it was to the novelty of the grown-up version of himself taking her into his arms. Their childhood had plenty of hugs between the pair, but as they got older, things took a different turn. Hormones and the angst of teenage years certainly didn't do the pair any favors.

Who knows how long they stood there like that Myra's cheek pressed against the firm smoothness of his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. At any other time, Myra might have been flustered by being against the bare skin of his chest, but at this point, other thoughts dominated her mind. Like the reassurance that Makai gave that was slowly mending old hurts.

Still a bit embarrassed, Myra shifted in his arms and rested her forehead against his chest, her fingers coming to rest against the sides of his rib cage, prompting a fluttering of her fingertips as she tried to determine what to do or say next.

Deciding that breaking the ice was a method to moving forward, and since Makai had put himself out there telling her how he felt about her and that she thought she was beautiful, Myra decided she might as well admit what she'd told El- Three to keep hidden.

"…so I reckon taking three hours to find the right dress worked out?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Ellie had pressed her cheek against his chest and he listened to her breathing even out as he held her close. Arm was firm around her but she would be able to break away at any point,not that he was in any rush to have her do so. He had been itching to hold her close once again but there was a small issue of knowing exactly when.

Makai felt her fingertips drum against his bare skin. She was thinking, that much he could tell. There was no need to break the silence, no need to let her warm body drift away from his.

It took a moment to register her words. Eyes widened as she spoke, admitting how long it had taken to pick out one outfit.

“Three hours?!”

Makai gave her a gentle squeeze, chuckling for a moment.

“Oh it worked. I've been distracted since the moment you've stepped onto the boat.”

Distracted was quite the understatement. Makai hadn't been able to take his eyes off her for long. He couldn't tell if she had noticed before this moment or if he was getting better at being more subtle.

“You don't have to take three hours to impress me. You could show up in a burlap sack and I would be equally turned on.”

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

“Distracted? I thought it was because of the lava fl —“ cue sudden interruption of thoughts when Makai’s revelation of his level of excitement in her in a burlap bag registered.

She abruptly lifted her head up, a few loose tendrils of her hair tickling his chest and neck, her face flaming.

“Stop teasing me. You can’t be serious!” She told him, bringing her right hand up from his side to push at his chest slightly as if to say stop joking around like that. Who would get turned on by wearing a burlap bag?

Never mind the rush of thoughts and musings that came in wondering just what really did perk Makai’s interest. Perhaps he would be surprise to believe that she’d hadn’t caught him staring at her with interest in his face. Maybe he had gotten better at hiding it.

Besides he didn’t seem to be distracted. Little did Myra know is that she was using Outworlder, a romantic time traveling series, as her basis of what a man who was interested in a woman would look like. The smothering intense glances by Jamye McCalister were poignant enough to give any fan the tingles.

Little did she realize that those scenes were created to stir that exact titillating reaction from the viewers, like an expert Cafarel utilizing her skills to seduce.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Mirth danced in those iced blue eyes at her reaction. This was the Ellie he liked to see, more carefree and less worried about being the Arceneau heiress. It reminded him of easy times as teenagers when he could tease Ellie and not constantly aggravate her to no end.

“I am being serious!”

While he certainly appreciated and was awed by the thought Ellie had put into her outfit, it wasn't needed, especially if they were just hanging out together. If it had taken her three hours to pick a bathing suit and dress, how long would it take her to get ready for dinner?

Her face was flushed and he planned to make it even more so, a grin spreading across his face.

“Fancy dress, bathing suit, burlap sack….”

Head moved towards hers, invading her space, he whispered near her ear.

“... nothing at all. Doesn't matter, I still want you.”

Before she could protest or exclaim that he was being far too bold or even have a proper reaction at all, lips met hers in a kiss.

Take that Jayme McKenzie.