Beneath the surface

Chapter 6

The sun was shining brightly as Ava and the rest of the staff arrived at the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was music to Ava's ears. She couldn't wait to relax and have some fun.

Ariel, who had been bubbling with excitement since the announcement of the vacation, grabbed Ava's hand and pulled her towards the water's edge. "Come on, Ava! Let's go swimming!"

Ava laughed and followed Ariel into the waves. The cool water enveloped her feet, and she felt a sense of freedom wash over her. She splashed around with Ariel, enjoying the simple pleasure of being in the ocean.

As they played, Ava noticed Ethan standing on the shore, watching them with a hint of a smile on his face. She felt a flutter in her chest, but tried to brush it off. She was here to have fun, not to think about work.

Ethan eventually joined them, and Ava was surprised to see him laughing and joking with the staff. He seemed like a different person, relaxed and carefree.

As the day wore on, Ava found herself having more and more fun. She built sandcastles with Ariel, played beach volleyball with the other staff members, and even tried her hand at surfing.

Ethan, who had been watching her from the sidelines, walked over to her as she was wiping off her board. "Not bad for a beginner," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Ava smiled, feeling a spark of electricity as their hands touched. "Thanks. I guess I'm a natural."

Ethan's gaze lingered on her face, and Ava felt her heart beat a little faster. She looked away, trying to compose herself.

As the sun began to set, Ethan suggested they have a bonfire on the beach. Ava helped gather firewood and snacks, and soon they were all sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories.

The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, and Ava found herself laughing and joking with Ethan like they were old friends. She couldn't help but notice the way the firelight danced in his eyes, making them seem even more piercing and intense.

As the night wore on, Ava felt a sense of camaraderie with the other staff members that she hadn't experienced before. She realized that they were all just people, with their own strengths and weaknesses, and that Ethan was no exception.

As they sat around the fire, Ethan turned to Ava and asked her about her favorite book. Ava was surprised by the question, but she happily launched into a discussion about her love of literature.

Ethan listened intently, asking thoughtful questions and sharing his own insights. Ava found herself feeling drawn to him, despite herself.

The sparks between them were undeniable, and Ava couldn't help but wonder if this vacation might be more than just a break from work.

As the night wore on, the bonfire crackled and spat, casting a warm glow over the beach. Ava felt a sense of contentment wash over her, enjoying the company of her coworkers and the relaxed atmosphere.

Ariel, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly piped up. "Hey, let's play a game!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What kind of game?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Ariel grinned mischievously. "Let's play truth or dare. But with a twist."

Ava's eyes widened in surprise. "What kind of twist?" she asked, feeling a flutter in her chest.

Ariel's grin grew wider. "We'll make it a team effort. Each team will have to decide whether to answer a truth question or complete a dare."

The group nodded enthusiastically, and Ethan suggested they divide into teams. Ava found herself on a team with Ethan, Ariel, and two other staff members.

As the game began, Ava felt a sense of anticipation build inside her. She had no idea what questions would be asked or what dares would be issued, but she was excited to find out.

The first question was posed to Ariel's team, and they chose to answer the truth question. Ariel giggled as she revealed her favorite guilty pleasure TV show.

When it was Ava's team's turn, Ethan suggested they choose the dare option. "Let's do it," he said, his eyes glinting with challenge.

Ava felt a surge of excitement mixed with a little fear. What would the dare be?

The dare was for Ava's team to sing a song together, with Ethan on the guitar. Ava's heart skipped a beat as Ethan strummed the chords to a popular love song.

She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she sang along with the others, her voice blending with Ethan's deep tones. The atmosphere was electric, and Ava couldn't help but notice the way Ethan's eyes seemed to lock onto hers as they sang.

As the song ended, the group applauded, and Ava felt a sense of accomplishment. She glanced at Ethan, and their eyes met in a sparkling moment of connection.

The game continued, with each team taking turns answering truth questions or completing dares. Ava found herself laughing and having more fun than she had in weeks.

As the night wore on, the questions became more personal, and the dares more challenging. Ava felt a sense of vulnerability, but she was determined to play along.

When it was her turn again, Ava chose to answer a truth question. "What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?" the questioner asked.

Ava hesitated, feeling a flutter in her chest. She glanced at Ethan, who was watching her with interest.

"I once went on a last-minute trip to the beach with friends," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's eyes seemed to hold a hint of approval, and Ava felt a sense of relief.

As the game ended, the group decided to cap off the night with a swim in the moonlight. Ava felt a sense of excitement mixed with a little nervousness as she followed the others into the water.

The moon cast a silver glow over the waves, and Ava felt a sense of freedom as she splashed around with the others. Ethan swam up to her, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

"Having fun?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Ava nodded, feeling a sense of joy wash over her. "Yeah, I am."

Ethan's gaze lingered on her face, and Ava felt a spark of electricity run through her body. She knew she was having fun, but she was also aware of the undercurrents of attraction between her and Ethan.

As they swam back to shore, Ava felt a sense of uncertainty.