Temptation of the Past [Mature Content]

10. [Seeing him]

As the sisters exited the house, the morning sun rays shined down on them. Amara looked up to the sky and embraced the feel of the sun on her face. "I've missed the feeling of the sun on my face like this." Merristwood is a beautiful place to be, especially in the morning as the sun shines over the town, the birds sing to each other and the trees dance to the melody. Saying its beautiful doesn't do it justice, but seeing it for yourself is an experience you won't want to forget.

Aurora was already seated in the car beckoning for her sister to get in so they can start the shopping. She was missing her fiancé and needed to see him. So, the sooner they were done with the shopping the sooner she would get to see him.

"Sorry, it's just been so long since I felt the sun so warm on my skin. Working in the city has been a nonstop train. It's always work and then home. Occasionally I'll hang out with my friend Alice but other than that it's just work."

"Yeah I get it... so maybe you can visit more after the wedding, mom and dad have both missed you Mara and so have I. It's hard not spending time with my best friend."

Amara looked int her sister's eyes and saw a glint of sadness and it played with her heartstrings. When she had left Merristwood, her focus was to get a prestigious education so she can become a good journalist but she had forgotten about everyone else she was leaving behind especially her family.

"I'm sorry Ro. When I got the letter for the scholarship I was so excited about going away to study that I forgot I was leaving you behind. Also, mom and dad. I am just hoping I can at least make up for some of it by making sure you have a bomb ass wedding to remember."

"You better do."

Amara side hugged her sister and felt their bond grow even stronger. "I love you sis."

"I love you to Ro."

They released from each other. "Let's get this show on the road, yeah! I want to go see Trent after we're finished."

Amara started the engine of the park and reversed of the driveway. It was a warm day out so the girls were each wearing a jean and a tank top. After being away from home for so long, this kind of attire and weather feels like something new for her. She always enjoyed the sun in Merristwood because it wasn't too hot but just cool enough to warm the town. She loved it.

As she pulled up to a café, Amara hopped out with Aurora behind her. "What are we doing here?" Aurora asked questioningly. Amara walked around the car and joined her sister on the sidewalk as they entered the café. "Just need a little pick me up...something tells me it's going to be a lot of walking and I need a lot of caffeine." Amara stated as she joined the line.

Just when Amara was about to place her order, the doorbell of the café rang alerting the entrance of a customer. "Don't turn around." Aurora told her trying to hold her in place. But being the inquisitive one Amara turned around to see what Aurora didn't want her to see. Unfortunately, what she saw, she could've never been prepared to see, or should I say who.

"Well.well. well, when I heard you were back in town, I didn't believe it but now seeing you standing here in front me, makes it all too real."

"Hey Liam." She simply said.

Although it had been years since they last spoke or seen each other, Amara's heart was beating at a thousand miles an hour. It took a lot of strength to keep standing after seeing the man she was once madly in love with. It wasn't something she was ready or even the least prepared for but nonetheless there he was standing in front her still looking as handsome as ever.

"Amara. City looks good on you." Liam paused as he passed the other customers and stood in front Amara. She can feel her hands trembling but not from fear but from the fact that old feelings were stirring inside her. She knew eventually she would see him but she wasn't expecting it to be so soon. Some part of her was even hoping for not at all.

She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear as she drops her gaze to the floor. "Hey Liam." Aurora greeted. As the on lookers in the café looks on between Liam and Amara the tension in the air rises. "Well it was nice to see you again and welcome home." Liam said as he nodded in Aurora's direction.

It took a moment for Amara to regain her composure. "Are you okay sis?" Aurora asked placing a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder for comfort. "Yeah I'm okay, just wasn't expecting to see him here or so soon. I know it was bound to happen but still--." She cut her sentence midair as she now rejoins the line and places her order.

After receiving her order, Amara walked out of the café and back to the car. She placed the coffee in the cup holder and threw the bag on the back seat, losing her appetite. As she sat and waited for Aurora to come out of the café, memories of Liam rushed back in head. It was hard enough to leave him all those years ago but now, being back in Merristwood and seeing him again. It was too overwhelming.

Shortly Aurora returned to the car, "Don't ask please."

Aurora hated seeing her sister in such a state but there was nothing she can do to help her sister get over the current problem she was facing. Amara started the engine looking up and down to make sure nothing was coming before she pulled off in the traffic.

The shopping went smoothly and quicker than expected. Aurora was left to go see her fiancé and Amara headed home to have some quiet time alone. Or was she.

In the driveway of the Castillo's home was a pickup truck with tools in the back. So, since the driveway was blocked Amara parked the car on the side of the road and rushed into the house. "Mom. Whose truck is that outside?" She asked as she entered the kitchen looking for her mom. With no one in sight Amara headed up to her room to drop her bags and take a shower.

Naked and in the bathroom, Amara was about to enter the bathroom when she heard a hammering sound coming from the backyard. Wanting to know what was causing all the ruckus she wrapped a rope around her slender form and headed to the back patio.

Amara walked out onto the patio and stood dumbfounded with the sight before her. Unknowing and least concern was Liam in a blue ripped jean and a protective glasses covering his eyes, repairing damages to an old swing the girls used to swing on when they were younger. She was mesmerized by the way he worked with his tools and the way sweat dripped off his toned muscles.

She shook her head and walked onto the lawn, closer to where Liam was standing viewing his work. "Looks nice." She said folding her arms on her chest.

Immediately Liam turned around and was lost for words. Never did he imagine seeing Amara in a robe would make him feel the way he was feeling at that moment.

Noticing his stare, Amara cleared her throat, "Are you trying a bore a hole through my robe?" She asked pulling the robe even tighter.

"Sorry." Was all he said and went back to work.

Amara left him there and went back to her previous mission, which was taking a shower. Suddenly the hammering returned.