Escape into 15 unforgettable contemporary romance stories that will transport you from Thailand's hidden beaches to Germany's medieval towns, from Portugal's sun-drenched cliffs to Vietnam's bustling streets.
Perfect for summer reading, this steamy collection follows passionate encounters, forbidden affairs, and heart-stopping connections that burn bright across continents. Each interconnected story delivers the emotional intensity you crave with the wanderlust you dream about â think Colleen Hoover meets Emily Henry with a passport and no rules. Whether you're lounging by the beach or curled up at home, these tales of love, lust, and goodbyes will keep you turning pages long into the night.
Meet Alexa, the "Fire Girl" whose copper hair catches flames on Thai shores. Follow Matthias as he discovers tantric secrets in mountain hideaways. Watch Christina navigate polyamory under starlit skies. Each story stands alone, yet weaves into a larger tapestry of passion, wanderlust, and the loves that shape us â even when they're temporary.
This isn't just romance, it's emotional geography. How we connect across dating apps and time zones. How some people become seasons in our lives rather than lifetimes. How love leaves its mark, whether it lasts three days or three decades.
Escape into 15 unforgettable contemporary romance stories that will transport you from Thailand's hidden beaches to Germany's medieval towns, from Portugal's sun-drenched cliffs to Vietnam's bustling streets.
Perfect for summer reading, this steamy collection follows passionate encounters, forbidden affairs, and heart-stopping connections that burn bright across continents. Each interconnected story delivers the emotional intensity you crave with the wanderlust you dream about â think Colleen Hoover meets Emily Henry with a passport and no rules. Whether you're lounging by the beach or curled up at home, these tales of love, lust, and goodbyes will keep you turning pages long into the night.
Meet Alexa, the "Fire Girl" whose copper hair catches flames on Thai shores. Follow Matthias as he discovers tantric secrets in mountain hideaways. Watch Christina navigate polyamory under starlit skies. Each story stands alone, yet weaves into a larger tapestry of passion, wanderlust, and the loves that shape us â even when they're temporary.
This isn't just romance, it's emotional geography. How we connect across dating apps and time zones. How some people become seasons in our lives rather than lifetimes. How love leaves its mark, whether it lasts three days or three decades.
The wind played with her hair, lifting strands of copper fire as the ocean whispered against the shore. Ginger, bold, untamed, her hair was a rebellion against the night, burning even under the soft glow of the moon. It was impossible to ignore, a striking contrast against the pale gold of her sun-kissed skin. The salty air curled its way through the straight locks, making them wild, just like her.
Sheâs Alexa.
A strikingly unique individual who shares a name with the familiar voice-activated assistant but is much more than that. Imagine a woman with a perfectly poised stature, a confident gleam in her eyes, and a natural charm that draws you in. Her personality is a vibrant blend of intelligence, wit, and a playful spirit. She has a knack for making people laugh with her sharp sense of humour. Yet, her most remarkable trait is her ability to flirt with the skill and boldness of a seasoned player, effortlessly weaving charm and allure into every interaction.
She closed her eyes, breathing in deep.
Sea breeze. Freedom. Possibility.
It had been months since she had felt this wayâalive.
The past months had been suffocating, locked inside a concrete apartment in Bangkok, where the only view was the city skyline, grey and lifeless, the hum of the metropolis replaced by unreal silence. The once-chaotic streets had emptied overnight, bars and night markets closed, and even the heat of a strangerâs gaze had been stolen from her.
Teaching English online had become a blur of faces through a screen, the same white walls, the same routine, the same suffocating stillness. She needed out. She needed space. She needed the ocean.
And now she was here.
Koh Samui.
It should have been bustling, the biggest of Thailandâs three paradise islands, usually packed with travellers chasing adventure, love, or both. The beaches should have been littered with sunbathers, the roads choked with scooters, the air alive with laughter and music spilling from beachfront bars.
But Koh Samui was different now. A ghost town wrapped in paradise.
Closed bars, empty streets, an island holding its breath. The few who remained locals, long-term wanderers, and the lucky ones who had escaped here before the world closed, moved at a slower pace, as if savouring the silence. The usual chaos was gone, but for Alexa, that only made it more interesting.
Here, she could breathe.
Here, she could be someone else for a whileâa traveler, an island girl, a woman who lived for the feeling of sand between her toes and saltwater on her skin.
Her best friend, Sophia, had warned her sheâd fall in love with it all over again. She had been right.
"Youâre glowing alreadyâ, Sophia had teased earlier, watching Alexa twist her long hair up into a messy knot, stray strands catching the light like flames.
"Thatâs what happens when you take a wild thing out of a cageâ, Alexa had murmured, smiling at herself in the mirror.
And now, standing at the edge of the islandâs deserted shore, she felt that truth in her bones.
She had always been restless. Always looking for the next thrill, the next place, the next pair of eyes that met hers and held the challenge of something deliciously unknown.
Flirting was her favorite game, and she played it well.
She liked the heat of a gaze following her across a room, the teasing dance of words left unsaid, the slow, deliberate brush of fingers that sent a promise straight to her spine. She didnât believe in love at first sight, but she believed in attraction at first glance, and that was way more fun.
Koh Samui wasnât just a place to escape the monotony of the past yearâit was a playground.
And that night, the game was just beginning.
* * *
The air was thick with salt and summer, the scent of coconut oil and sea breeze wrapping around Alexaâs bare shoulders. Music pulsed in the backgroundâa slow, rhythmic beat that matched the gentle roll of the ocean against the shore. The beach bar was alive, the golden glow of lanterns flickering in the warm night air as travellers and locals melted together in a haze of laughter, cocktails, and something unspoken.
Alexa tipped her head back, letting the night sink into her skin. She felt light, free, alive in a way she hadnât in months.
Sophia nudged her with a knowing grin, raising her cocktail as if to toast to the inevitable. âI swear to god, if you donât get laid on this trip, Iâm disowning you.â
Alexa laughed, the sound escaping her lips like a whisper of rebellion. âItâs not that easy, you know.â
Sophia rolled her eyes. âBabe, look at you.â She flicked a loose strand of Alexaâs hair, watching as the light caught the deep ginger strands, glowing like fire. âMen practically trip over themselves when you walk into a room.â
Alexa laughed, taking a sip of her drink. âItâs more fun making them work for it.â
Sophia groaned, tipping her head back dramatically. âYouâre impossible.â
"Or maybe I just like the chaseâ, Alexa teased, her tongue running lazily along the rim of her glass.
Sophia shot her a pointed look. âFine. But if you donât end up tangled in some ridiculously hot strangerâs sheets by the end of this trip, Iâm dragging you into a bar, blindfolding you, and picking one for you.â
Alexa arched a brow, her lips curling in amusement. âKinky.â
Sophia grinned. âDamn right.â
They laughed, the kind of easy, carefree laughter that only came after months of being locked in a city, starved of adventure, of freedom, of touch.
Alexa wasnât looking for anyone.
That was the thing about nights like this, when the sand was warm beneath her feet and the cocktail in her hand was cold, when the ocean whispered promises under the starsâit was never about looking.
It was about feeling.
* * *
And then she felt him. A shift in the air.
A slow burn against her skin.
A presence.
She didnât have to turn to know. Somewhere, someone was watching her.
Not just watching, studying.
Her fingers tightened slightly around her glass, but she didnât move, didnât let on that she had noticed. Instead, she let the moment stretch, let the anticipation build like the first crackle of fire before it burns.
Sophia leaned in, whispering against her ear. âOkay⌠donât look now, but thereâs a guy staring at you like he wants to eat you alive.â
Alexa exhaled a slow, knowing smile.
Across the bar, leaning casually against the wooden counter, he was watching her.
Not in the sloppy, drunken way some men did after too many rum punches. No, this was different. His gaze was steady. Confident. Curious. Like he already knew how this night was going to end, and he was just waiting for her to catch up.
Alexa lifted her drink slowly to her lips, her fingers deliberately slow, dragging over the condensation on the glass. Their eyes locked.
He smirked.
Not smiledâsmirked. Just enough for her to notice. Just enough to make her wonder what that mouth was capable of.
âHoly hellâ, Sophia exhaled, gripping Alexaâs arm. âThat man is staring at you like he wants to wreck your entire existence.â
Alexa fought back a grin, tilting her glass in his direction without breaking eye contact. âYou think?â
Sophia scoffed. âOh, babe. I know.â She pulled Alexa closer, whispering in her ear. âPlease, for the love of all things holy, do not let this one get away.â
Alexa flicked a glance back toward him, this time really looking.
He was tall, effortlessly sun-kissed, his dark hair messy in a way that suggested it had been touched by seawater, wind, and maybe a few too many women. A thin, white linen shirt hung loosely over his toned frame, unbuttoned just enough to tease the cut of his collarbone. Dangerous. Carefree. Exactly the kind of trouble she didnât need.
And yet, she still let her gaze wander down.
To his hands.
Big, strong, gripping a sweating beer bottle with just the right amount of pressure. Hands that looked like he knew how to hold things, or pin them down.
Sophia gasped dramatically. âOh my god, are you checking out his hands?â
Alexa barely moved, but she felt the moment he noticed.
Thatâs Adrian.
Adrian tilted his head slightly, as if catching her in the act.
Caught, but not sorry. Alexa smirked back. Fine. Two can play this game.
She turned away, pretending to be absorbed in her drink, pretending she hadnât just felt something shift in the air between them.
Sophia nudged her. âOh, babe. Youâve done it now.â
Seconds later, a deep, smooth voice cut through the music.
âYou always stare at menâs hands, or am I just special?â
Adrian
That was the very first time she heard his voice.
Sophia squeezed Alexaâs arm in silent, giddy excitement, but Alexa didnât turn around. Instead, she took another slow sip of her cocktail, licking a stray drop of rum from her lips before glancing up at him.
âDepends.â
Adrian leaned in, just close enough that she caught the scent of salt and something faintly citrusy on his skin. âOn what?â
She let the silence stretch, watching the way his eyes flickered over herâbare shoulders, sun-kissed skin, the thin strap of her dress barely clinging to her collarbone.
Then, she smiled. âOn what you do with them.â
A beat. Then, a laugh. Deep. Low. Sexy as hell.
Adrian leaned even closer, dropping his voice to something just for her. âGuess youâll have to find out.â
Alexaâs pulse skipped.
Sophia, behind her, pretended to passed out into her drink.
This night was about to get interesting. Across the bar, leaning casually against the wooden counter, he was watching her.
Adrian leaned against the bar, his beer bottle dancing lazily from his fingers, watching Alexa with that same amused expression, like he knew she was playing a game and was more than happy to play along.
âI should warn youâ, he said, voice low, teasing. âThis is my last night in Samui.â
Alexa raised a brow, pretending disinterest. âOh? Running away already?â
He smirked, the corner of his mouth lifting in that smoothly sexy way. âNot exactly. I live in Koh Phangan. I just came here for a couple of days.â
Koh Phangan.
Koh.
Phan.
Gan.
The wild island. The wildest in the whole Thailand.
Alexa had been there beforeâthe land of hidden beaches, jungle parties, and sunsets that melted into the sea like fire. It was smaller than Koh Samui, less polished, more untamed. Just the kind of place that could get a girl into trouble.
Adrian took a slow sip of his drink, watching her. âEver been?â
Alexa tilted her head, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. She ran a finger along the rim of her glass, playing it cool. âJust once.â
âThen you already know itâs better than hereâ, he said, tilting his head slightly too. âI could show you around. Youâd like it.â
Alexa felt the heat of his gaze, the casual way he said it, like it was an offer, not a request. Like he already knew sheâd say yes.
She swirled the ice in her glass, lips curling into a smirk. âConfident, arenât you?â
Adrian chuckled, low and deep. âItâs your smileâs fault.â
Her pulse skipped.
Before she could answer, Sophia stepped in like the chaos agent she was, draping an arm around Alexaâs shoulders.
âOhhh, so you live in Phangan?â she asked, grinning like she had already planned Alexaâs entire future.
Adrian gave her a lazy nod. âYeah. Best island of the three.â
Sophia turned to Alexa, her grin widening. âWell, would you look at that? If you donât get laid tonight, you did get a new place to do it.â
Alexa choked on her drink, glaring at Sophia. âJesus, Sophia.â
Sophia winked. âJust saying, babe. Itâs important to set goals.â
Adrian laughed, shaking his head.
âPlusâ, Sophia continued, undeterred, âI mean, we already know heâs got nice hands.â She wiggled her brows. âAnd you know what they say about guys with hot tattoos.â
Alexa groaned. âWould you stop?â
Sophia ignored her completely, turning to Adrian. âShe should find out, donât you think?â
Adrian didnât take his eyes off Alexa. His smile deepened, gaze dropping for just a second to the curve of her mouth before flicking back up to her eyes. âIâd say thatâs entirely up to her.â
A long beat of silence. Tension thick, crackling like static.
Alexa arched a brow, fighting the heat rising in her chest. âGood answer.â
Adrianâs grin widened, satisfied.
Sophia gasped dramatically. âDid I just witness the rare occasion of Alexa actually being intrigued?â
Alexa rolled her eyes, throwing back the last sip of her drink and setting the glass on the bar. âCome on, letâs get out of here before you start planning our wedding.â
Sophia grabbed her drink, following her toward the exit, but not before throwing one last smirk over her shoulder at Adrian.
âSee you on the other island, tattoo boy.â
Adrian just laughed, shaking his head.
But Alexa didnât miss the way he watched her as she walked away.
Like he already knew sheâd come find him.
Alexa stopped.
She could feel Adrianâs eyes still on her, steady, waiting, as if he knew she wasnât quite done with him yet.
Sophiaâs voice rang out behind her. âOh my god. What is she doing?!â
Alexa turned back. Slow. Deliberate.
Adrian didnât move, just lifted his drink to his lips, watching her with that same damn smile, the one that had been teasing her from across the bar all night.
She stepped close, just close enough that the space between them felt charged.
And then, with a slow, lazy grin, she reached into her bag, pulled out a napkin, and slid it onto the bar in front of him.
âBy the wayâ, she murmured, âthis is my number.â
Adrianâs brow lifted slightly, pleased.
Alexa leaned in just a fraction, letting her voice drop to something almost dangerous. âNow itâs entirely up to you.â
And then she turned, walking away before he could say anything.
* * *
Later that night, Alexa lay in bed, tangled in soft sheets, the air still warm from the lingering heat of the island. Moonlight streamed through the thin curtains, casting silver shadows on the walls, but sleep wasnât coming easy.
Maybe it was the ocean air. Maybe it was the leftover buzz from the cocktails.
Or maybe it was the fact that her phone was sitting right next to her, and she was secretly hoping it would light up with a message from Adrian.
She hated how much she was thinking about him. The way he smiled. The way he looked at her like he already knew her next move.
Sophia, lying on the other bed across the room, was already half-asleep, wrapped up in a cocoon of blankets. Alexa had assumed she was out for the night, until her voice cut through the darkness.
âHeâs totally gonna text you.â
Alexa flinched, nearly dropping her phone. âJesus, Sophia.â
Sophia turned onto her side, propping her head up on her arm, a sleepy yet smug smile on her lips.
âYouâre waiting for it, arenât you?â
Alexa huffed, turning onto her back, pretending to be unbothered. âNo.â
Sophia snorted. âLiar.â
Just as Alexa opened her mouth to argue, her phone buzzed.
A single vibration. A message.
Sophia shot up like a damn detective solving a case.
âOh. My. God.â
Alexa hesitated for a second, thenâwith way too much casual effortâpicked up her phone.
Her pulse skipped before she even unlocked the screen.
Adrian texted her.
So, do you always walk away after delivering a line like that, or am I just special?
Alexa smiled, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Sophia leaned over, eyes wide with excitement. âIf you donât answer, I swear to godâŚâ
Without looking up, Alexa hissed a soft 'shh,' her fingers already flying across the keys.
Depends.
A pause. Adrian responded almost immediately.
On what?
Alexa bit her lip. She wasnât going to make this easy for him.
On whether or not you plan on using that number for something interesting.
There was a delay this time. Not long, but long enough for her to feel the anticipation curl in her stomach. The three dots appeared. Disappeared. Then reappeared.
Oh, I will.
Sophia let out an actual shriek, grabbing the phone out of Alexaâs hands before she could even react. âI KNEW IT.â
Alexa snatched it back, scowling. âWould you relax?â
Sophia fell back onto her pillows, fanning herself. âI cannot. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.â
Alexa rolled her eyes. âPretty sure this is happening to me, not you.â
Sophia shrugged. âSame thing.â
Alexa was about to turn off her phone when it buzzed again. Another message, from him.
So when are you coming to Koh Phangan?
Sophia's eyes widened as her hand flew to her mouth, and a sharp breath escaped her lips. It was as if she had just seen a prince drop to one knee, offering a dazzling diamond ring to his beloved. Her expression was a mix of awe and disbelief, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She seemed to be caught in a whirlwind of emotions, her heart racing with the thrill of the moment.
âHeâs inviting you to his island.â
Alexa stared at the message, her stomach flipping. Then, without looking up, she murmured, âItâs not his island.â
Sophia grabbed a pillow and threw it at her head. âOh my god, go. Just go.â
Alexa smirked, typing back.
You tell me, tour guide.
I have a ferry ticket waiting for you.
Her stomach did a weird, inconvenient thing.
Sophia clapped her hands excitedly, as if her favorite fictional pairing had just become reality.
âOH MY GOD!â
Alexa stared at the words. A ferry ticket. He actually meant it.
Confident, arenât you?
If I can't rely on myself, then who else will?
Alexa inhaled slowly. She should say no. Or at least pretend to hesitate. But the idea of getting on a boat, stepping onto a new island, seeing him again, it wasnât a bad one.
And Adrian? He wasnât a bad view.
Fine. Iâll come. But only because I heard the sunsets are better there.
They are. But thatâs not why youâre coming.
Alexa bit her lip.
Sophia grabbed another pillow and screamed into it. âOh my god, I cannot deal with this tension.â
Alexa ignored her, quickly typing back.
Goodnight, Adrian!
A few seconds later, the response came.
Sweet dreams, Fire Girl.
Fire Girl.
Alexa felt the warmth spread down her spine.
Dammit.
The next day, Alexa sat at breakfast, staring at her phone like it had the answers to the universe.
Sophia tapped her spoon against her plate. âOkay, spill. When are you going?â
Alexa sighed, setting her phone down. âTomorrow.â
Sophia nearly fell out of her chair. âTOMORROW? Oh, babe. That means you have like⌠less than 24 hours to mentally prepare for your first date with Tattoo Boy.â
Alexa rolled her eyes. âItâs not a date.â
Sophia smirked, leaning forward. âItâs an island. With beaches. With sunsets. With Adrian. Yeah, babe, itâs a date.â
Alexa tried to ignore the way her stomach flipped at the thought.
Tomorrow, sheâd step onto that ferry.
And she had a feeling this wasnât just going to be a trip.
* * *
The moment Alexa stepped off the ferry onto Koh Phangan, she felt itâthat shift in the air, that quiet hum of excitement beneath her skin.
The island was different from Samui. Wilder. Less polished. More raw. The streets werenât lined with massive resorts, and the vibe wasnât about luxury. It was about freedom.
But as much as she loved being spontaneous, she wasnât reckless. So, instead of going straight to Adrian, she had booked herself a small, private resort room for the night, just to keep her wild side in check.
Baby steps.
She and Adrian had agreed to meet at Haad Rin Beachâthe infamous Full Moon Party beach. Normally, it would be packed with backpackers, fire dancers, and neon-painted bodies moving to bass-heavy beats. But now, thanks to the worldâs mess, it was surreally quiet.
The sun was relentless, the kind of heat that made the air heavy, made clothes cling to skin, made you crave the ocean like a lover.
So, instead of just walking along the beach with drinks, they did the only thing that made sense.
They ran straight into the water.
The water was warm and clear, the kind of perfect temperature that kissed Alexaâs skin and made her whole body sigh with relief.
She waded deeper, letting the salty little ripples move around her, droplets sliding down her sun-kissed shoulders.
Adrian was in front of her, just a few meters away. His wet, messy hair clung to his forehead, his toned chest glistening under the sun. They were both floating, letting the water hold them, the space between them charged, but neither of them moved closer.
Not yet.
Alexa tilted her head, studying him, her lips curving in playful curiosity. âSo, tell me, whatâs your favorite tropical fruit, Adrian?â
Adrian chuckled, raking a hand through his wet hair. âHmmm⌠what kind of question is that?â
Alexa smirked. âWell, look at the country weâre in. I love the fruits here. And youâre the lucky one who actually grew up with them.â She lifted a brow, teasing. âCome on, tell me yours.â
Adrian exhaled, pretending to think hard. Then, he smirked. âMy favorite one? Itâs actually a fruit we donât have here. Itâs called Jabuticaba.â
Alexa blinked. âJabu⌠what?â
Adrian laughed, his deep, low chuckle rolling through the air. âJabuticaba.â
She squinted at him. âThat sounds made up.â
Adrian shook his head. âItâs real. I swear.â
Alexa floated a little closer, intrigued. âOkay, so what does it look like?â
Adrianâs fingers skimmed the water as he thought. âItâs small. Round. Black.â He smiled. âLike tiny grapes.â
Alexa arched a brow. âOkay⌠not bad. But how does it taste?â
Adrian tilted his head, considering. âThatâs hard to explainâŚâ
Alexa narrowed her eyes. âOh, come on. You canât just tell me about some magical fruit and then not describe the taste.â
Adrian grinned, amused. âAlright, let me ask you this, how would you describe the taste of an apple?â
Alexa opened her mouth. Paused. Then frowned. ââŚIt tastes like an⌠apple.â
Adrian grinned wider. âExactly.â
Alexa rolled her eyes. âOkay, fine. What about a strawberry?â
Adrian folded his arms, smug. âDescribe it.â
Alexa pursed her lips, thinking hard. âWell⌠itâs sweet. But also tangy. Kind of⌠fresh?â
Adrian raised an eyebrow. âThatâs vague as hell.â
Alexa huffed, splashing water at him. âOh, shut up. You try doing it, then.â
Adrian laughed, dodging the splash. âI just did. You canât describe a taste without tasting it. Jabuticaba is like that. You have to try it.â
Alexa crossed her arms, floating closer, their legs almost brushing underwater. âSo what youâre saying is⌠if I want to know, I have to put it in my mouth?â
The moment the words left her lips, she realized what she had just said.
Adrianâs grin turned wicked, his eyes flickering with amusement.
Alexaâs stomach flipped.
Adrian leaned in slightly, his voice low, teasing. âThatâs usually how tasting works, yeah.â
Alexa splashed him again, laughing. âYou are the worst.â
Adrian wiped the water from his face, still grinning. âAnd yet, youâre still here.â
Alexa bit her lip, looking at himâreally looking at him.
The ripples rolled between them, but neither of them moved away.
The heat wasnât just from the sun anymore.
Alexa had been teasing, laughing, playing the game like she always did. But the way he was looking at her nowâsteady, dark, unreadableâmade her chest tighten.
And then, he said it.
âWell, hard to describe the taste of fruits, but how would you describe the taste of your lips?â
Alexa froze.
For a second.
A single, suspended second where the air thickened, and she swore she felt the electricity between them crackle like heat on bare skin.
Then, she smirked.
But before she could throw out some teasing replyâbefore she could even breathe properlyâAdrian moved.
Closer.
His hands found her neck, fingers brushing against damp, sun-kissed skin, his touch gentle but firm. And before she could think, before she could react, his lips were on hers.
It was slow.
Deliberate.
Stolen, but in a way that felt like she had already given it away.
His lips were warm, tasting of salt, of ocean, of something she hadnât even realized she was craving until right now.
He pulled back, barely, his breath mixing with hers. His eyes danced with satisfaction, with something smug, something dangerous.
âDefinitely tastes better than an apple, at least, better than your explanation of one.â
Alexa laughed against his mouth, breathless. âYouâre terrible. I canât with you.â
But Adrian wasnât laughing anymore.
He dipped his head again, pressing his lips to hers, this time deeper, harder, hungrier. His hands found her hips, gripping them, pulling her against him in the water, and suddenly, the teasing was gone.
The tension that had been building, stretching, pulling since the first time she saw him finally snapped.
Alexaâs fingers slid through his wet hair, pulling him closer, kissing him back with just as much intensity. His tongue teased hers, slow at first, then deeper, hotter, rougher.
The water swirled around them, but she barely noticed it anymore.
Because nowâhis hands were roaming.
Her bikini straps slipped over her shoulders. Adrianâs fingers traced the wet fabric, tugging, peeling it away.
Alexa gasped against his lips as his hands slid lower, finding her waist, pulling her fully against him. And gosh, he was hard, pressed against her in a way that sent a rush of heat straight between her legs.
The ocean surrounded them, but her body was burning.
There was no one around. Not a single soul. The next person in sight was at least 100 meters away.
And yet, it felt like the whole world had shrunk to just them.
Adrian read her hesitation before she even had time to voice it. His hand slid to her cheek, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his eyes.
Dark. Intense. A silent question.
Alexa didnât answer with words.
Instead, her hands found the waistband of his wet shorts and pushed them down.
His breath hitched. His fingers curled into her waist.
And then, in the middle of the ocean, in the water that had seen thousands of partygoers, thousands of drunken hookups, thousands of fleeting moments, Adrian and Alexa didnât make love. They took each other. Hard. Desperate. Like the world was ending and they were trying to burn their names into each otherâs skin.
Intensely.
The way they had been planning in their dirty minds since the very first sight.
The waves rocked them, carried them, moved in sync with them, a perfect rhythm, a perfect storm.
And as Alexa moaned against his lips, fingers digging into his back, bodies moving together as if they had done this a hundred times before.
She knew. She was in deep trouble, caught in a whirlwind of overpowering sensation. She hit the peak with such force that it shattered her control, leaving her defenseless and trembling. In that breathtaking moment, clarity struck her like a lightning bolt, she craved more, an insatiable hunger igniting within her.
* * *
They spent hours immersed in the water, splashing and wrestling with each other in a frenzy of laughter and energy, their bodies twisting and turning as waves crashed around them.
But they still had a whole night to have fun and felt the need to retreat and rejuvenate, to gather her energy and prepare for more.
The door to her hotel room clicked shut behind her, but Alexa barely made it three steps before collapsing onto the bed, still dripping wet, her body humming, her mind a complete mess.
What. The. Hell.
She needed a shower. Desperately. But there was something she needed to do first. Something urgent.
She grabbed her phone. She was texting Sophia.
Babe. Pick up. Right now.
It took exactly three seconds before her phone started ringing.
âTell. Me. Everything.â Sophiaâs voice wasnât even a question, it was a demand.
Alexa exhaled, still staring at the ceiling, her skin still burning from Adrianâs touch. âI literally just walked into my hotel room.â
Sophia couldnât hold herself, âAnd you better be prepared to never sleep again because youâre telling me everythingâ.
Alexa bit her lip, closing her eyes as the memory of the ocean, of Adrianâs hands, of his lips.
Nope. Nope.
Deep breath.
âOkay, so⌠we met at the beachâ, Alexa said.
âObviously, then????â
âAnd we were just walking, talking, nothing crazyâŚâ
âLIES.â, Sophia screamed.
Alexa laughed, running a hand through her still-wet hair.
âOkay, fine. The beach was empty, it was hot, and we decided to go for a swim.â
A loud gasp on the other end.
âYOU GOT NAKED IN THE WATER?â
âJesus, Sophia. No! Not at first.â
âOh my god, ânot at firstâ⌠Aleeeexa. ALEXA.â
Alexa grinned, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks as she curled her toes against the sheets.
âIt was just supposed to be a dip, okay? Then we started talking about tropical fruits.â
Silence. ThenâŚ
Sophia was in shock, âWHAT.â
âYeah, like, whatâs his favorite tropical fruit, stuff like that.â
âPlease tell me he didnât seduce you over a goddamn mango.â
ââŚNo. Jabuticaba.â Alexa said, kind of smiling and laughing at the same time.
âJabu-what-the-fuck?â
Alexa laughed, shaking her head.
âApparently itâs a tiny, black, jelly-like fruit from Brazil. He tried to explain the taste, and I said he wasnât making any sense.â
âOkay⌠and then?â
âAnd then he asked me how I would describe the taste of my lips.â
Silence.
Then, a high-pitched scream so loud Alexa had to pull the phone away from her ear.
âI AM GOING TO PASS OUT.â
âSoph, I swear to godâŚâ
âDID HE KISS YOU RIGHT AFTER THAT?â
Alexa licked her lips, still feeling the phantom pressure of Adrianâs mouth.
âOh yeah, babe. Oooohhhhhh yeahâ
âAND?â
âAnd then he kissed me again. And again. And then I may have lost all sense of self-respect.â
âYOU DID NOT.â
âBabe, I did.â
âAlexa. ALEXA! Did you fuck him?â
Alexa bit her lip, waiting just a second too long to answer.
âOH MY FUCKING GOD YOU DID ALEXA.â, Sophia couldnât wait her answer.
âYes, I didâŚIn the ocean.â
More screaming. Actual screaming.
âI AM NOT OKAY. IN THE OCEAN?â
âWHERE? HOW? WAS IT SLOW? WAS IT HOT?â
âI NEED MORE DETAILS IMMEDIATELY.â
Alexa groaned, covering her face with one hand.
âSoph, I literally havenât even showered yet.â
âDID YOU DROWN IN PLEASURE?â
âSophâŚI hate you.â
âNO YOU DONâT. YOU LOVE ME. YOU LOVE ME BECAUSE I SUPPORT YOUR NEW ERA. YOUR NEW WHORE ERA. I LOVE IT GIRL!â
Alexa laughed so hard she actually had to sit up.
âIt was⌠really fucking good.â, Alexa confirmed.
âLike⌠really good or âoh my god I need to change my entire life plans and stay on this islandâ good?â
Alexa paused, blinking at the ceiling.
Fuck.
Sophia: ââŚOh my god.â
Alexa: âItâs notâŚâ
Sophia: âBabe.â
Alexa: ââŚIâm fucked.â
Sophia: âYouâre so fucked.â
Alexa exhaled, shaking her head. âAnd now I have dinner with him in like two hours.â
Sophia: âSo what Iâm hearing is⌠round two is happening tonight?â
Alexa rolled her eyes, already getting up. âIâm hanging up now.â
âBabe, youâre glowing. I can hear it through the phone.â
Alexa smiled, biting her lip. âBye, Soph.â
âHave fun at dinneeeeer! Donât forget to taste dessert! If you know what I mean!â
Alexa ended the call laughing and feeling sexy, tossing her phone onto the bed.
She pressed her fingers against her lips, still feeling the ghost of Adrianâs mouth on hers, the way his body felt against hers, the way his hands had moved over her so confidently.
A shiver ran down her spine.
She was in so much trouble.
The next two days passed like a fever dream.
* * *
Adrian took her everywhere: hidden waterfalls tucked in the jungle, remote beaches where the sand was soft and untouched, clifftops where they sat together watching the sky explode into shades of orange and pink.
He was the perfect guide.
And she was completely, ridiculously into him.
The desire between them was undeniable. Every glance, every brush of skin, every moment when his hand lingered just a second too long on her lower back, it built and built until she thought sheâd lose her damn mind.
But then he told her.
His time in Thailand was coming to an end. One month.
And then heâd be gone.
She played it cool, like it didnât matter. Like it was fine. Like it wasnât already messing with her head.
And then, the text came from Adrian:
Iâm going to Koh Tao for a week. Scuba diving course. Wanna join?
I think itâs the last island we need to explore before I leave.
Alexa stared at the message, her stomach flipping.
She should have said no. She should have made this easier on herself.
But she never made anything easy.
Are you inviting me for the diving or for something else?
Both.
Her lips curled.
Fine. But if I get eaten by a shark, itâs your fault.
Sharks donât like ginger meat. Youâre safe.
Oh my god, shut up.
See you in Koh Tao, Fire Girl.
Youâre paying for my drink when we get there.
And what do I get in return?
Youâll see.
She smirked, throwing her phone onto the bed.
They booked a hotel room together this time.
This time, she wasnât playing it safe.
* * *
She knew this moment was coming.
It didnât make it any easier.
A week had flown by in Koh Tao. It had been perfect. Too perfect.
They had spent every second together, exploring coral reefs, drinking beer on the sand, making love under the moonlight.
And now, he was leaving.
The message arrived late at night, when she was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling.
His message was silly, of course.
Maybe see you in the future. If you donât find a husband and have kids by then.
Alexa swallowed hard, staring at the words.
She typed. Deleted. Typed again.
That will never happen, probably.
A long pause. Three dots appeared. Then disappeared.
She waited.
But he never sent another message.
And just like that, he was gone.
It took exactly one day, then Sophia called.
Alexa sighed, answering immediately.
âGo ahead. Say it.â
Sophia gasped dramatically.
âI WAS RIGHT. YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH HIM.â
Alexa groaned. âNo, Iâm not.â
âBabe, I can hear the heartbreak in your voice. You sound like a tragic novel.â
Alexa rolled onto her stomach, muffling a scream into her pillow.
âSo? How was the last island? How was the sex?â, Sophia again, trying to get more from her.
âI donât know why I tell you things.â
âOh, shut up. Spill it girl.â
Alexa hesitated, then smiled. âWe had sex hidden in the boat he was using for diving.â
âYOU DID NOT.â
âOh, I did.â
Sophia screamed.
âWas it hot? Was it dangerous? WAS HE STILL WET FROM DIVING?â
Alexa laughed, shaking her head. âAll of the above.â
âBabe. You realize what this means?â
Alexa arched a brow. âThat I have unresolved issues?â
âNo. That you need to write a book about this man.â
Alexa snorted. âShut up.â
âNo, seriously. This is best-seller romance material. Tropical locations. Mysterious hot man. Steamy forbidden sex. You have it all.â, Sophia said.
Alexa rolled onto her back, smiling up at the ceiling. Stayed quiet.
âYou better start writing, babe. But now itâs my time to go to bed, Sleep well Lexi!â
Alexa bit her lip. Maybe she should.
Between Loves and Goodbyes is a collection of fifteen short stories that explore the themes of love, loss, and human connection, set against a backdrop that stretches across Europe and South-East Asia. The author shares in the closing notes that many of these stories grew out of overheard conversations, places he has visited, and his own lived experiences. This sense of authenticity runs throughout, with each piece feeling grounded, relatable, and, in its own way, very real.
The stories are atmospheric and often romantic, sometimes raw, and always tinged with the fragility of fleeting moments. Each narrative follows characters on their personal journey to find meaningful relationships. Modern dating culture plays a strong role, with texting, dating apps, banter, and brief but intense encounters shaping many of the storylines. Coincidental meetings often spark profound connections at focal points of the charactersâ lives, highlighting the way chance can alter the course of love.
The author captures both the art of seduction and the unpredictability of desire with evocative atmospheric language. Shifting perspectives, sometimes male, sometimes female, keep the collection dynamic, while the varied locations add a richness of atmosphere. Stories set in Thailand in particular carry a hedonistic energy, blending romance, travel, and self-discovery.
Despite exploring themes of loss, the collection avoids heavy melodrama. Even in moments of goodbye, there is a sense of growth and acceptance rather than devastation.
The inclusion of stories touching on the pandemic feels timely and relevant, especially those that capture the tentative steps of reconnecting after isolation and the renewed hunger for human contact.
This is an ideal book for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance fiction that is thought-provoking yet easy to dip in and out of. Each story stands alone, making it perfect for reading in short bursts or quiet moments of reflection. I found the collection a refreshing departure from my usual reading choices, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written reminder of loveâs fleeting nature, travelâs transformative power, and the memories of loves once held close.