Abbie and Jake aren't the only ones having fun in the pool

As Abbie and Jake arrived in the grotto, they saw another couple already lounging there. There was plenty of room back there, and the other made vague eye contact as if to say, hey, we're here just like you, probably to get away from the crazy out there. This couple was sitting on the bench that was built into the grotto pool. The bench was U-shaped, and as Jake and Abbie swam into the grotto, the couple was to their right, at the far right end of the U.

The man was Black, tall, statuesque, and towered over his partner with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular frame. His yellow swim trunks hugged his narrow waistline, drawing attention to his chiseled abs and toned thighs. His clean-shaven face and immaculately groomed hairline accentuated his sharp features.

The woman, on the other hand, was a vision of sensual femininity. Her olive skin glistened in reflection of the grotto lights, highlighting the curves of her voluptuous figure. Her white bikini, with its clasp at the back and daring top, showed off her ample cleavage and flat stomach. Her long, dark hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, giving her an air of sophistication and confidence.

Nicole Flores and Simon Jackson

As they moved and laughed together, it was clear that they were a couple comfortable in their own skin, unafraid to flaunt their physical beauty and magnetic energy. It was impossible not to be drawn to them, to feel the heat of their sensuality and the pulsing beat of their passion. The man had his arm wrapped around her as they snuggled together in the water. He either didn't really notice or pretended not to notice Jake and Abbie as they arrived, but the woman smiled and said a quiet, "Hey."

Abbie waved. Why is it always the women who are willing to say hello to strangers and never the men? she wondered. Jake was doing the same thing the Black man was doing -- pretending no one else was there.

Jake sat on the opposite end of the U, and Abbie sat next to him, just to the inside of the curve. She put her right leg over Jake's leg, and her right arm around Jake's neck.

Anyone looking at this scene would think this was two couples enjoying a quiet mid-day escape in the hotel pool grotto. Abbie considered that for a moment, wondering what kind of couple people thought she and Jake were. They hadn't really been out that much together -- but this weekend, there were likely to be hundreds of people who would see them together. Guests at the wedding, people in Jake's family, strangers at the hotel. She imagined that most of them would assume she was Jake's girlfriend. Why not? Two young attractive people together, obviously enjoying one another's company.

So why aren't we a couple? she wondered. If Jake asked me out, if he just said, 'Abbie, will you be my girlfriend,' I'm sure I would want to. She stared at him as she thought. He was looking at the water. I could just ask him myself, she considered. She opened her mouth as if to speak, and just then, Jake looked up.

He glanced past Abbie at the couple on the other side of the grotto. Like Jake and Abbie, this couple was getting cozy together. Jake observed the woman's hands feeling her partner's upper body, touching his strong chest, his tight abs. She rubbed the back of his head, where his skin fade probably felt like velvet.

The man leaned around the woman and began to kiss her. He had a hand behind her back, holding her close to him. They would make out for a moment, then one of them would whisper to the other. They'd smile or laugh, and go back to making out some more.

Jake looked at Abbie. "Those two are making out. Maybe this is a love tunnel."

Abbie giggled, but quietly, so as not to disturb the other couple. "That would be funny."

Jake gave her a questioning look. "What's so funny? What if it was? We'd have to start making out too."

Abbie leaned in toward Jake, inviting him to kiss her. "Yes, we would."

Jake looked back at the other couple. "Maybe it is," he repeated, somewhat distantly.

Abbie scowled at him. "And if it is, I'm right here, Jake," she said quietly, but sternly. When he didn't respond quickly, she put her hand on his face and pulled it to look at her.

Jake was clueless for a second, then realized. "Ha! Oh, you want me to kiss you?"

Abbie rolled her eyes. "Yes, of course I do. But it would be nice if you could just, you know, do it without needing step-by-step instructions."

Jake put his hand behind her head, and slowly pulled her to him as they kissed one another. Jake peeked out to see what the other couple was doing, and it must have distracted him, because Abbie quickly pulled out of the kiss.

"What is going on?"