Reading rehearsals were usually normal in the business. But today it was hell. The air conditioning was broken, and it was almost 95°F outside. Still, it was necessary because the whole cast was here today. Inside the room, it smelled like deodorant, perfume, or sweat—you couldn’t tell the difference anymore.

Drew was sitting beside you. Two empty plastic water bottles were placed next to his script, which he was reading along while the others practiced their scenes.

You and he had been a couple for nine months now, and both of you had been cast in the same movie, so that’s why you were here together.

After what felt like days, the director clapped his hands, signaling the end. You stood up and grabbed your phone and script.

“God, I need a shower—like immediately,” you said as you walked out of the room with Drew. He chuckled and looked down at you because of the height difference.

“I might have a better idea than a shower.”

“Better than a shower? Not possible in this situation,” you answered.

“You trust me, right?” he asked in reply.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Good. Come on, drop your things here,” he said, grabbing your hand and gesturing to the stairs of your nearby trailer. You did as he said and placed your belongings on the stairs, following him as he tugged on your hand.

“Where are we going?” you asked, curious.

“Impatient much? Don’t worry, baby. You’ll find out soon enough,” he teased.

You answered with an eye roll, but your mouth stayed shut. After a while, you could make out the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Right on cue, Drew turned to you.

“I hope you have your bikini under your clothes.”

“You know me,” you answered, smiling.

“Perfect. So, what do you say? The ocean is way better than a shower, right?”

“Yeah, yeah. You were right. Happy?”

“Very,” he answered.

After you arrived at the beach, you both started taking off your clothes until he was just in his swim trunks and you were in your bikini. When you both finished undressing, he took your hand again.

“Ready, beautiful?”

You nodded in response, and you started making your way to the water. At first, it was cold against your feet, but as your body got used to the feeling, it became refreshing. Drew guided you deeper into the water until it was waist-deep, and he pulled you closer to him by placing a hand on your back. The moonlight lit his features just right, and it was hard for you to look away.

“You’re staring,” he observed, a sheepish smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.

“I’m just admiring my beautiful boyfriend,” you replied, chuckling.

“That’s just a smoother word for staring, you know,” he said before leaning down and capturing your lips in a gentle kiss. Your hand moved to his cheek in an instant, like you had done it millions of times before—which you actually had.

Drew felt your hand on his cheek, your touch sending a shock of electricity through his body. He kissed you deeper, his hand slipping down to your waist, pulling you closer against him.

And now you finally realized completely that this was better than any shower.