Rian walked into the dressing room to find it empty. She had no idea who she was going on a date with. It was a great opportunity to spend some time with new Islanders. Bill met her at the door. ” There you are.”

Rian smiled, “Here I am.” 

“Love the outfit. I guess you got picked for a date.” Bill said. He was smiling, but a flutter of worry passed over his face.

“How’d you know?” Rian asked. 

“The prettiest girl in the villa is all dressed up and walking out the door. How could I not notice?” Bill said.

Rian smiled. “Flattery will get you everywhere.” She gave him a quick kiss.

He beamed for a moment before his face became slightly anxious. “Look before you go. I want to know where is your head at?”

Rian sighed, “I like you, but I’m not one to commit to anything right away. I’m keeping my options open.”

Bill smiled. “Thanks for being honest with me, even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. It’s nice to know I’m in the running.” A jeep pulled up. “It looks like your ride is here.”

Rian smiled, kissing Bill on the cheek before she stepped in the jeep, and it sped away. About fifteen minutes later, she arrived at a small wooded clearing. A waterfall ran into a crystal clear pool. There is a wooden picnic table with nibbles and champagne. Rian wondered if the producers learned from the last dates where she had nothing but champagne for an entire day.

She sat down at the table and poured a glass of champagne, and spread some cheese on a cracker to nibble on while she waited. 
Rian didn’t have to wait long. Someone gently tapped on her shoulder, “Guess who?”

Rian smiled, “Yasmin?”

“How did you know?” Yasmin asked as Rian poured another glass of champagne and handed it to her. 

“I had a feeling,” Rian replied with an enigmatic smile.

“You aren’t the least bit surprised?” she asked. 

“I had a feeling you fancied me a little,” Rian replied. 

“Who wouldn’t?” Yasmin said, her gaze going to the clear pool. They walked over to it. Yasmin stood there looking at the clear water for a moment before turning to Rian. “So apart from rummaging around in people’s luggage, what do you do for fun?”

“Hey,” Rian turned to her, “You told me I could.” 

Yasmin grinned, “Just teasing babes. You’ve got a curious mind. I like that.”

“I found your pin badge. Enchanted husband?” Rian asked.

She smiled mischievously. “What do you think it is?”

“An Indie Band,” Rian said, smiling, “But I only know that because Seb told me someone came into his shop asking for Enchanted Husband merch.”

“Curious and honest,” Yasmin nudged her gently. “Enchanted Husband was my old band.”

“Were you the singer?” Rian asked. 

“Nah, I was the bassist,” Yasmin explained. “But, I sing as well.”

“Bass is sexy,” Rian said. 

“Yes, it is, isn’t it?” Yasmin said with a smirk.

“Absolutely,” Rian answered, taking a sip of her champagne.

“Means I’m good with my hands.” Yasmin flirted. “What kind of music do you like?”

“I admit I like a bit of everything Indie, Pop, Rock, Grunge, Classical,” Rian answered. “They evoke different feelings. I would be interested in listening to your band.”

 Yasmin smiled at her answer. “You know I’m not surprised.”

“So how come you’re not with the band anymore?” Rian asked.

“I’m trying to find my own weird and wonderful sound,” Yasmin said. “I’ve played with all kinds of people. I’ve written songs for some big-name artists when I needed the money. But I’ve never been able to just make my own music exactly the way I want. That’s my mission, anyway, to discover my voice.”

“That’s great. I hope you find it.” Rian said. 

Yasmin ran her finger over the lip of her champagne glass. “I’m not usually this much of a chatterbox, but … I’m trying to impress you because, like… I feel I’ve got to sell myself on this one tiny date.” She looked over at Rian shyly.

Rian raised her eyebrows in surprise.”You don’t have to impress me. You are terrific as you are.” 

Yasmin fanned herself with her hand. “This has made me more nervous than I expected. I need to cool off. Want to join me?”

“Sure,” Rian pulled off her outfit, so she was in her underwear as Yasmin did the same. “Shall we?” She asked, holding out her hand to Yasmin.

“Yes,” Yasmin took her hand, and they jumped in together. They spent the next fifteen minutes splashing and enjoying the cool water. Rian, curious as to how deep the pool was, walked out further.

“Where are you going?” Yasmin asked.

“I was curious about how deep it goes,” Rian answered as Yasmin moved toward her.

“Be careful. It could drop off suddenly,” Yasmin warned. 

Rian turned and found she was face to face with Yasmin, with their noses almost touching. Rian swallowed thickly as Yasmin’s gaze flitted to her lips and back up to her eyes. “You’re so pretty,” Yasmin whispered. Before pressing her lips to Rian’s.

Yasmin’s lips were soft. Rian gently combed through Yasmin’s curls, then traced her way down to Yasmin’s waist. The sound of a text was heard. The girls ignored it. Yasmin tugged Rian closer to her, cupping a breast, causing Rian to gasp. Yasmin took advantage of it to deepen the kiss as she ground her hips into Rian’s. Rian’s hand drifted up Yasmin’s back to gently fist her hair.

Suddenly a voice broke through their moment, “Woah,” Tai said with a smirk. “I’d ask to join you, but I think Yasmin has another date.” Both girls blushed profusely, looked at each other, and giggled.

“You’ve another date?” Rian asked.

“Yea, I thought I’d see what Seb is about.” Yasmin looked at Rian and smiled, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I guess it’s time.”

“I think you’ll like Seb. He’s my bestie in here for a reason,” Rian said teasingly, as she gave Yasmin a nudge.

Yasmin quickly pulled on her clothes. There was a spring in her step as she walked off. She stopped looking over her shoulder at Rian. “I’ll see you back at the Villa.”

“Since you’re already wet, would you like to go check out the waterfall?” Tai asked curiously.

“We didn’t get a chance earlier.” Rian smiled at Tai as he stripped down to his shorts.

They walked through the pool. “You know, I used to think that waterfalls were communal showers for giants.”

“Really?” Rian smiled, “that’s actually cool.”

“I used to think about giants a lot as a kid.”  He said.

“How come?” Rian asked. 

“Everyone used to call me ‘big-boned’ or ‘the big friendly giant.’ It kind of got me down actually,” Tai said.

“That just means you give the best hugs,” Rian replied.

“Would you like a hug?” Tai asked. 

“Yes.” She grinned. Tai held his arms out to her, and she stepped in. He hugged her for a moment. Rian had to admit she felt ridiculously safe with his massive arms around her. She placed her head on his chest.

“I don’t think they were mean. I was well-liked in school.” Tai’s voice vibrated through his chest as he spoke.

“One tiny comment about someone about something like weight can lead to a whole bundle of insecurities,” Rian said softly.

“I’ve grown to love my size. I know I’m a big guy, and I’m happy with the space I have in the world.” Tai stated firmly. “And everyone says I give wonderful hugs, which is never a bad skill to have. That’s how I got into pottery and rugby.”

He stepped back, and they continued to walk to the waterfall. “So why pottery and rugby?” Rian asked.

“I wanted to prove to people that being bigger didn’t mean I was like a bull in a china shop,”  Tai explained. “On the field I am, but in the workshop, I’m careful. That means I’m good with my hands.”  He raised an eyebrow at her.

Rian chuckled, “I may have to test this claim.”

“Whenever you like,” Tai smirked.

“Well, that explains the pottery in your suitcase,” Rian said.

“Yea, it’s from the first pot I ever made,” Tai said. “The pot broke, and my dad kept all the little bits because he wanted to put it back together again. Then a bit fell in my bag one day when I was going to a new school. It became this whole thing that whenever I was doing something new, and I was a little nervous, he’d slip one of the pieces into my bag.”

“That’s really sweet,” Rian said, thinking briefly of her own parents. “It was sort of a confidence boost?”

“Yeah, and also a reminder that it’s okay to fail at first,” Tai replied. “I’m delighted you found it. We wouldn’t have a chance to open up otherwise.”

Rian realized they had stopped walking again. The waterfall was right in front of them. “This waterfall reminds me of something that happened back home.” Tai mused. “I set up a picnic for this guy I had met in front of a waterfall. It turns out he couldn’t swim. He got so funny about it! Kept saying how I should have known. Like I’m some kind of swimming ability, mind reader.”

“Wow, he sounds like drama,” Rian said, shaking her head.

“He was,” Tai chuckled, “The water wasn’t even this deep. It was a waste of a good date idea. I like a person who is up for trying new things, you know?”

“I like to be a bit spontaneous,” Rian smiled.

“You mean like not letting anyone know who you were picking at the recoupling?” Tai said.

“I didn’t decide until I was at the fire-pit,” Rian admitted.

“In that case, let’s go.” Tai took her hand, and they walked through the waterfall. Tai sat down and patted the ground beside him. Rian sat beside them as they watched the waterfall in front of them. “It’s kind of magical here, isn’t it?”

“It really is,” Rian agreed. 

“A great place to escape for a while.” Tai shifted closer to her. Rian could feel the heat radiating off him. “I love the way you sound, Rian.”

She looked up at him curiously. “The way I sound?” He nodded. “What is it about my voice you like? The accent, the tone, or something else?”

“It’s hard to explain,” Tai said. “The first time I heard your voice, I was in the kitchen. The telly wasn’t even loud.” His eyes sparkle as continued. “I stopped washing up and turned up the volume.” He moved closer. His breath tickled Rian’s cheek.

Rian turned and hugged him. He smelled good, like some sort of flower mixed with sandalwood. He finally pulled away, but his gaze lingered on her mouth. “I could listen to your voice all day.”

Rian smiled roguishly, leaning toward his ear. “I could say anything?” He nodded. “Mulch.”

He chuckled with amusement. “Still sexy.”

Rian moved closer. “I could talk dirty to you.” His quick intake of breath was just what she had hoped for. She was quiet for a moment, increasing his anticipation before the first word left her mouth. “Dust… slime, soot, scum, dirt, scuz, rubbish…” she pulled away, giggling maniacally.

He chuckled, “You’re right funny, but it’s still hot.”  His gaze went back to her lips.

“See something you like?” Rian asked innocently.  

Tai smiled, “I do.” Before she could reply, his lips sealed hers. She ran her fingers up his chest and shoulder as and sighed, permitting him to deepen the kiss. His hands traveled over her. They were warm in contrast to her cooled flesh.

He gently pushed her onto her back as he came to lie beside her.  A rush of heat went through, imagining all the things he could do to her with his strength. Her hands moved over his chest as she traced the paths of his tattoos. Finally, slipping under his shorts between his legs. He groaned and pressed against her before stripping off his shorts.

 His hands moved over her as well, but she barely noticed until his finger made a circle over her apex. She gasped and let out a soft moan. “That’s it, Rian, tell me what you like.”

Knowing that they didn’t have protection. Rian wasn’t one to take chances. She firmed her hand around him and moved faster. “Damn, Rian.” He shuddered as her lips met his. They lay together cuddling for a few minutes before Tai sat up. “I want to taste you.” He looked at Rian, who nodded her agreement.

The act of oral never really did much for her, but she was willing to let him try. Unfortunately, this time was the same. There was never enough friction. Saliva just made everything too wet and slimy. Not to mention mouths were cold.  After a few minutes, Tai looked up at her. “This isn’t your thing, is it?”

“Not really, sorry,” Rian admitted sitting up. “I appreciate the effort, though. I used to think something was wrong with me because I didn’t go nuts over it like other girls. But I accept that it is the way I am.”

“You should just tell the person from the start. I feel a bit bad about that.” Tai said. 

Rian smiled, “I am never sure what the protocol is for telling someone something like that. The few times I had brought up, the person insisted on trying anyway, thinking they had some sort of magic to make me change my mind. Don’t you dare feel bad. I’ve had an amazing date, and it takes time to learn about each other.”

“Thanks,” Tai said, hugging her. “You’re right. The first time is not always the best.”  Tai stood up, holding out his hand. “We should probably check our phones. I imagine we have little time left.”