The Royal Contract

She adjusted her dark glasses to cover her eyes, slightly lowering her hat to further shield her face from possible prying eyes.

So far, she liked what she saw, but still, she was apprehensive that someone might recognize her and ruin their fun.

"Are you ready?" Adam asked her as he parked the rental car. "I chose this place because they said fewer people visit this area."

He might be right, seeing fewer tourists roaming the vicinity, comparing it to the resort he stayed at. It was easier to hide from people around kids. But just the two of them, especially with Adam looking like that. People were bound to snoop around.

"Yeah, I guess." Serena could only shrug her shoulders as she looked outside her window one last time. "I suppose backing out is out of the question."

She was never a scary cat. Having cold feet was never her style. But the chances that people would identify her were high. Was she ready to be seen in public dating another guy?

She did not mind her fans asking for autographs and pictures. However, she hated the meddling paparazzi who did not know their boundaries.

They would print anything that would sell despite the integrity of their story. Telling a lie was easy, but taking it back, that was another story. Once the story was out to the public, there was no turning back.

"It is up to you." He placed his hand on hers, assuring her that whatever she decided, he would respect.

She guessed her excitement outweighed her doubts. Therefore, she turned to her date and cheerfully smiled. "Then, let us go out there." She took one long deep breath before she climbed out of the car to join him.

She guessed she should stop worrying about things that might not even happen. And if something did happen, she would have to deal with it then.

But she would not let her insecurities and doubt ruin their first official date. She wanted this to be just like her dreams or maybe more.

"I think we should camp over there." He picked a spot on the beach where fewer people were visible. "We could go somewhere else if you are not comfortable here," Adam suggested, probably sensing her slight hesitation.

She assessed the place and found it beautiful as she had expected. The area Adam chose had fewer people. Chances that someone would spot her were less likely.

"I think this is a perfect spot." Serena stopped at the sand, with enough space between the shoreline and the last couple they had passed by.

She had to acknowledge that the more she stood with her feet feeling the grainy soil underneath the sole of her slip-ons, the more she looked forward to spending the day with him.

"Then, why don't you stand there and be pretty while I fix the blanket and our picnic basket," Adam told her as drop the basket that the nuns had prepared for them.

She could still remember the eager faces of the Sisters when she told them that she had agreed to go on a date with him.

"That is not fair. You can't objectify me by saying I am but a pretty face." She teasingly said. "I have capable hands. I can help, you know."

She quickly dropped to her knees to help him spread the blanket on the sand. Besides, she could not let him get all the fun.

"I was not objectifying you, just stating the obvious. But feel free to help. I can use one." Adam boyishly smiled at her, suddenly making him look a couple of years younger than his age.

But she could still see the maturity in his eyes, the one that told her. He was not just an intelligent person but a caring one.

She knew his looks, handsome it might be, did not define him. It was his character that made him who he was. It was his personality that attracted many to him, including her.

After setting the picnic treat on a small tray, Adam grabbed a cold drink from the small cooler. He opened one and handed it to her.

"Better stay hydrated. It is a bit hot today." He commented.

She took the cold bottle of lemonade and had a sip. She would admit she felt refreshed from the warm climate.

"Thanks, that is a relief." She sighed after she felt the cold liquid flow down her throat. She did not even realize she was thirsty until she felt the cold drink on her lips.

"It will be much nicer if we hit the water soon," Adam suggested. Moreover, they were here to swim and not only laze around under the sun.

"Yep, that is the plan." She told him. But she turned to her left and right to check if anybody was looking their way. So far, everyone seemed to be minding their business.

She watched Adam peel his tight-fitting shirt off his body. Damn! It was more magnificent than what she imagined in her dreams.

She had touched his chest before, knowing he had a fit physique underneath his clothes. He used boxing and martial arts as his past time, so it was a no-brainer he looked a like a Greek God.

But she had never seen his body without his clothes. At least not completely naked, at least the upper portion. And it was pleasing to her eyes.

"Hey, close your lips before sand enters your mouth. And would you please stop objectifying my body? Now, I feel self-conscious." Adam tried to cover her chest with his arms to make his point, which made her laugh.

"Well, I like what I am seeing..." But she paused for effect. "I think I have seen better." She nodded as if she had just finished criticizing a masterpiece in an art gallery.

"That is funny. But seriously, mine is unique." Adam would not let her dampen his spirit. "It has a history to tell." Then, he turned his back to show her a massive design covering his back.

She had no idea, but how could she? Now, she was curious to discover the story behind the ink in his skin.