Abbie and Jake have company in the grotto

Abbie and Jake mirrored each other as they turned back toward the entrance to the grotto. The sound was a small splash of water, but as it hadn't come from either of them, they were both instantly curious as to what it was.

Two figures stood in partial silhouette, their outlines visible but details and features obscured. The lighting wasn't strong in the grotto, and there was more light behind than in front of them.

"Hello?" said Abbie, half expecting it to be someone from hotel security telling them they had to get out of the grotto.

One of the people waded toward them, gliding smoothly through the water. Abbie's eyes adjusted to the low light, and she started to make out that it was a woman, though other features were still unclear. Behind her, but also coming a bit closer, was a man.

"Sorry, we --" Jake started, but was interrupted.

"You found our hideaway," the woman said. Her voice was low and husky. As she got closer, more details of her appearance became clear. She was stunning, with olive skin that reflected 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.

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.

Any concern Abbie felt had faded, but she kept her eye on the newcomers.

"Not really ours, of course," the woman continued. "I imagine we had the same idea as you. A private nook, away from the crowd."

They had gotten quite close by this point, and they both sat on the small ledge along the edge of the grotto's pool, just a few feet away from Jake and Abbie.

Abbie couldn't quite stop giggling and Jake wasn't sure what to make of the situation.

"I'm Nicole," the woman said, wrapping her arms around her partner, and sliding her leg over his. "And this is Simon."

"Oh, we're introducing ourselves!" Abbie said with a laugh.

Nicole smiled. "I suppose the alternative is for us to leave. But something tells me that it might be better to stay."

Abbie giggled again. "Maybe so!" She leaned a bit toward Nicole. "I'm Abbie. And this fellow here is Jake." She poked Jake. "Say hi."

Jake nodded politely, but he was still quite leery of the way things were unfolding. He was thrilled beyond belief to be doing any of these things with Abbie. And following her lead on breaking normal societal barriers when they were together but separate from other people, he was warming up to that. But this was different. This was two more people within a few feet, exchanging names and pleasantries. What, are we supposed to just ... keep going? he thought.

"Don't let us stop you," said Nicole. "Keep going."