Snow's phone buzzed in the darkness of the hotel room, illuminating her face with the screen's soft glow.
She checked the message, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Oliver's name. "Can you come by the pool right now?" he asked.
She slipped out of the room, telling Violet she'd be back, but her friend barely registered the comment. Snow made her way to the pool, asking staff for directions.
As she approached the pool, she saw Oliver sitting inside, the water glistening on his skin. "You mind coming in?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.
Snow hesitated, sitting on the edge of the pool instead. "I'm not much of a swimmer," she said, dipping her legs in the water.
Oliver chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You act strange sometimes," he said, his voice low.
Snow laughed, feeling a flutter in her chest. "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Oliver's gaze locked onto hers. "You're kinda cute," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Snow's cheeks flushed, but she tried to play it cool. "Cute? I'm way more than cute," she said, smiling.
Oliver's eyes sparkled with amusement. He swam closer, his movements fluid. "I know," he said, his voice low.
As he approached, Snow felt her heart racing. He placed his hand on her waist, and she felt a jolt of electricity.
Their lips were inches apart, the atmosphere was romantic.
Then, in a sudden movement, Oliver dragged her into the water. Snow surfaced, laughing and spluttering. "What is wrong with you?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Oliver laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're just so much fun," he said, holding her close.
As they floated in the water, Oliver's face inches from hers, Snow felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. "What if I actually drowned?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Oliver's smile was reassuring. "There's no way you'd drown," he said, his voice low.
Snow's eyes locked onto his, her heart racing. "You're just trying to take advantage of me, right?" she asked, her voice teasing.
Oliver's laughter echoed through the pool area, and Violet, watching from upstairs, smiled.
Oliver's eyes sparkled with amusement as he held Snow close. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle kiss.
Snow's heart skipped a beat as she felt a rush of emotions. "What was that for?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Oliver's smile was charming. "We're in a contract," he said. "We have to put on an act."
Snow's eyes locked onto his, her heart still racing. "But there's no one here," she said, her voice soft.
"Shhhh.." He placed his finger on her lips to silence her and that really made her want more.
As Oliver held her close, tucking her hair behind her ear, Snow felt a sense of intimacy and connection.
Their heads touched, Snow smiled.
As they stood in the pool, Oliver's eyes locked onto Snow's, the world around them melting away.
His voice whispered against her ear, "Let's get out of here." Snow nodded, her heart racing.
Wrapped in towels, they walked hand in hand, the night air filled with crickets and distant music.
Oliver asked, "Want to take a walk?" Snow nodded, feeling at ease with him.
Their hands touched, sending sparks through her body. Later, Oliver asked, "Want to grab a drink?" Snow smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sure."
As they entered the bar, Snow's anticipation grew.
What would the night bring?
One thing was certain – she was excited to find out, with Oliver by her side.
***
Violet moved away from the window and sat down on her bed when a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
She rose to answer it, finding Leo standing in the hallway with a charming smile.
"What are you doing here?" Violet asked, her tone guarded.
"I thought you'd be alone," Leo replied, his eyes sparkling. "I came to keep you company."
Violet's expression turned cool. "I'm not alone, and even if I was, I don't need your company."
Leo's smile never wavered. "Too late, I'm coming in." He pushed past her and sat down on the bed.
Violet's eyes narrowed. "What do you think you're doing?"
Leo's gaze locked onto hers. "I missed you. I wanted to have some fun."
Violet's voice was firm. "I'm not in the mood for your games. Leave."
Leo's expression turned thoughtful. "Why do I feel like you're pushing me away, but you don't want me to go?"
Violet's fingers touched his chest, a warning in her eyes. "Don't even think about it. Move away."
Leo's smile grew wider. "I wasn't thinking anything.
Maybe it's your thoughts that are getting ahead of themselves."
Violet felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she realized her own thoughts had betrayed her. "Never mind," she muttered, trying to composed herself.
Leo's smile deepened as he moved away and sat back down on the bed. "I'll stay until the girls return. Since the boys aren't here, I'm bored."
Violet's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Do whatever you want, just don't come near me."
As she turned away, Leo's voice followed her. "I'm not stopping you from doing so." Violet shot him a warning glance before walking away to sit down, her back to him.
***
As Snow sipped her drink in the bar, Oliver suddenly pulled out a small puzzle box from his pocket and began to work on it with impressive dexterity.
The sound of the pieces clicking into place was mesmerizing, and Snow couldn't help but watch in amazement.
Oliver grinned mischievously and handed her the solved puzzle box, revealing a small note inside with a message that made her blush.
Snow's eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but laugh at Oliver's antics.
As they sat together, Oliver's gaze drifted to Snow's lips, where a small droplet of milk had lingered from her drink.
He leaned in close, his fingers brushing against her lips as he gently wiped away the droplet.
For a moment, Snow's heart skipped a beat, and she wondered if Oliver was about to kiss her.
But instead, he pulled back and teased, "Looks like you need to work on your drinking skills."
Snow's face flushed, and she playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a goofball," she said, laughing.
Oliver chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's head back in," he said, his voice low and husky.
Snow nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation.