Day 1 April 13, 2010

Rhea stared at her gold skin, brilliant in just the right light. She lay in the suns rays soaking it's strength through her skin. Moments like this she loved this thing she'd become. The feeling of power and beauty enveloped her mind and body.
Here on a beach she fit in more than anywhere else. Her too golden skin attributed the eternal beach bunny title. Sun drenched, oiled, and tanned bodies littered the beach all around her. This was one place she could hide in a crowd and let her guard down, a little. Besides any one of a number of dangers, she could hear or smell for at least a quarter mile.
"Excuse me," a shadow fell across her face stealing her sunlight and her momentary escape, only to replace it with a racing heartbeat, butterflies in her stomach and anticipation of his touch.
"Can I help you?" a mock innocent expression gracing her face. She peered up into his dark silhouette, "My what a shadow you cast strong boy."
"Casting shadows is what I do," he turned, flexed and struck a few poses. "Did you know you are about the hottest thing on this beach?"
Rhea smiled just savoring the sweetness of him, the sweetness of his scent. Fresh cut oranges emanated from his every pore. She stretched longing to bring him closer to touch and consume that scent. As if reading her mind, he dropped to the ground beside her propping his head in hands behind his head. She sat up and leaned in for a hug, her face nuzzled into his neck. The strong orange scent filled her nostrils making her mouth water. Maybe just a little taste she told herself.
She bit her lip trying to maintain her self control. He smelled so delicious. I won't hurt him; just a sample is all I'll take. Part of her knew she was lying to herself; a taste would only make her want more. She lifted her head looking down at his sharp jaw below angular cheekbones. She avoided those gorgeous eyes begging her to kiss him. Every time he tried she turned away, ran away or conveniently busied herself pretending not to notice.
This is the part she hated most about herself as this thing she was now. Her love hate relationship with herself that ruled her relationship with everyone and everything. How could she be with him and not hurt him? It was only a matter of time.