Amour Beach discussion

Madden folded her arms across her chest and gazed speculatively at the rack of surfboards in front of her. Had she ever been surfing before? That would be a definite, no. However it was on her list of things to do before she died, and she figured at the rate she was going it was never to early to do something you wanted. Or more specifically in her case, something that she had never pictured herself doing. Such as becoming a movie star, that had always been Sutton's dream and Madden never expected that it would become her reality.

It was clear to anyone around her, that Madden had no clue what she was doing...but she wouldn't ask for help. It wasn't a stubborn pride thing, it was merely her immersing herself in the 'role' set before her...so perhaps it was out of sheer habit. She was so focused on what she was looking as that Madden also didn't notice the surreptitious glances in her direction. Though she might not have noticed them much if she had been paying attention, this whole 'famous' thing was still new to her.

When Bennett first walked into the surf shop, planning to pick up a few things before he went to catch some waves this afternoon, he paid no attention to the movie star. He sauntered over to a rack that contained sunglasses, as he had apparently dropped his pair somewhere earlier. It was then that Bennett noticed that everyone seemed to be throwing glances in the same direction. He followed their gazes to find a girl who looked to be struggling in front of the surfboards. An attractive girl, at that. It looked to be just the kind of situation where Bennett could be the hero and make a new friend.

Leaving the sunglasses behind him, Bennett approached the girl from behind with a sly smile on his face. Before he spoke, he casually brushed his hair back with his right hand. "First time surfing, love?" He asked, his English accent coloring his voice. Bennett was known to use that to his advantage, as Americans seemed to have some obsession with it. It certainly helped him, though. And then there was the fact that he was charming. And attractive. And wealthy.

And a little full of himself.

Madden felt herself stiffen slightly at the sound of a voice from behind her, being caught by surprise wasn't something that she was fond of. Though the situation wasn't as embarrassing as it could have been. She turned around towards the voice, a light smile on her face, "That obvious, huh?" It didn't really bother her to laugh at herself, it wouldn't help much in her profession if she couldn't take a joke at her expense every once in a while. Not that he was making fun of her, at least that didn't seem to be what the ensnaring Englishman in front of her had been intending.

"I suppose this wouldn't be your first time?" Madden arched an attractive as she tilted her head to the side. Yes, he was quite a looker, and that accent of his didn't hurt in the least bit. However, Madden wasn't the type of girl to become smitten quickly with a pretty face...she had grown pass that. The thought of him perhaps knowing who she was didn't even cross her mind, Madden didn't just assume that everyone knew who she was like most of her...co-workers...did. Honestly, she didn't mind if someone didn't-- it was refreshing in a way.

With a chuckle Bennett shook his head at her question. "That obvious, huh?" He replied, repeating her own words. He had always been quite smooth when it came to women and never doubted himself. Bennett, as usual, studied the girl in front of him as he spoke, sizing her up in a way to see how difficult of a catch she'd be. Nothing he couldn't handle, of course. Then, Bennett realized something. This girl looked...a little familiar. He tended to forget women easily, as he knew way too many from past experiences. Bennett said nothing of it, though, thinking it would come to him later.

Then, Bennett took a step closer to her, reaching behind her with his left arm to grab a surfboard off the rack. He moved quite slowly, eyes not leaving hers as he easily pulled it down. Bennett then set it beside her, leaning against the rack, and stepped back once more. "If this is your first time, I'd suggest that board. You don't want to get hurt, love." He threw her a crafty looking wink. "The name's Bennett, by the way. Bennett Preston." Perhaps she's heard of me.

The corners of her lips upturned slightly when he shot her words right back at her, it was rare for a guy to speak to her with this much confidence. Most tended to be put off by successful females, which was okay with her...it made it easier to sort out those that were actually worth her time. "No, it doesn't look like it would be your first time for many things." She shot him a quick smile as if to show she was joking, more or less anyways. Ah, yes, she was a bit...snarky at times; but a few told her it was a part of her charm. Not that she agreed. Her smile faltered as he stepped closer to her, her aqua like orbs moving to watch his hands rather than keeping her eyes on him.

As he moved the board beside her, she barely caught his words, "Getting hurt doesn't bother me much as long as the pain was worth all the effort in the end." Shrugging she forced herself to smile once more, one thing about Madden was she hated to be unhappy. It was rare for her not to be smiling. A flicker of recognition passed over her her lovely features at the mention of his name, but not quite what he had in mind. "Preston? As in Maria Preston?" The woman was one of the hottest event planners around right now, and was responsible for throwing several of Madden's array of parties. She quite adored the woman, she was kind and quite the miracle worker. There had been times when Madden had to plan an event in less than a day, and if not for Maria she would have failed...miserably.

Bennett's smile only grew at her comment. His ego grew larger, as well. He quite enjoyed a girl who pointed out things like that, as he was quite proud of his accomplishments. The way this women smiled, though...Bennett thought there was an innocence about it. Perhaps he was wrong, but he thought surfing wasn't the only thing she was new to. "I've always said experience is key." Bennett smirked slightly, a little devious glimmer in his eyes shining for a moment. Sometimes, it was unclear whether Bennett was more of a Casanova or more of a snake.

And then, surprise ran threw Bennett and his eyes grew quite wide. Most of the time people recognized his name because he shared it with his father, not because his mom planned weddings and parties and birthdays and other ridiculous things. He quickly composed himself. However, a girl who knew his mother did send up a red flag. Bennett's mother certainly didn't need to know about the kind of activities he engaged in, though she must have some sort of clue by now. "You know my mother?" He asked, pretending to be pleasantly surprised. "She's quite an outstanding women, is she not? Fortunately the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." If his mother helped him pick up girls, so be it! Bennett wasn't complaining.

Had Madden not been used to acting, or training her face to be blank when it needed to be, she would have blushed at his 'experience' comment. Thankfully, she didn't, otherwise she was sure his head would have grown more than it already had. Not to mention that the glimmer in his eyes was a tinge but unnerving, he was most certainly used to getting what he wanted. She only wondered what exactly it was he wanted from her...though she was sure she'd be able to guess correctly if she had three choices. "Yes, but having too much experience can be a bad thing." She returned his sexy smirk with one of her own.

Which turned into a grin as she caught the surprise that was shown in his eyes replacing his look of wickedness. Madden couldn't help but to laugh, Maria had often joked that she should try to set the two of them up together. Was it odd that it amused her to know who he was, when he had no clue who she was? Perhaps...but it was rather fun. "She's helped me plan a few parties, and you're right she's quite amazing. I owe her a lot." As she had helped Madden save face a few times when she was still new to the workings of Hollywood. "Are you asking as a way to find out who I am? No...something tells me you're not really interested in my name...well remembering it anyways." Madden couldn't help but to tease him, she doubted he found himself in that situation often.

Raising an eyebrow at the girl in front of him, not expecting such a bold comment. "Touche." He said softly, a new light in his eyes mixing with the snake already inside them. Who was this women? He knew he knew her from somewhere...No girl could possibly resist his charm and anyone that could must have something wrong with them. Like insanity. Surely any women who could resist him must be insane. That was the only logical explanation. However, Bennett had not given up on this girl just yet. What kind of player would he be if he gave up the game just because his opponent hit back? And of course, like any other man, Bennett tended to be attracted to things he couldn't have...

Bennett locked his jaw then, securing his expression in place. He wasn't used to being put in this position at all, as he was always the one in control. Good thing I'm going to be a politician, he thought to himself. Having always been in front of the public, Bennett was used to hiding his emotions and faking new ones. And he was not going to lose this game. Bennett smirked down at the girl and took another step towards her, placing his hands on either side of her head against the rack. "I don't think you're a woman I'd be forgetting anytime soon, love." He said, voice low and seductive. "Is a name too much to ask for?" His voice just a little above a whisper as he spoke again. Bennett didn't doubt that they were attracting the attention of other customers in the store, and they were, in fact. But, when the people in the surf shop would glance over and see it was Bennett Preston doing the things he does best, they would simply wave it off. This was to be expected of him, anyways, and nothing out of the ordinary.

Usually Madden would have panicked when he moved closer to her, especially when he placed his hands on the display directly behind her, effectively boxing her in. She had a thing about being more or less trapped, it just didn't sit well with her and she tended to act rashly in situations like that. However, Madden was shocked to learn his close proximity to her didn't unnerve her in the slightest. If it had at all, it would have certainly vanished the moment his alluringly low voice graced her ears. Mr. Preston the third was quite the charmer...which he undoubtedly knew.

"Well I suppose that depends on why you want it, Benny Boy." Perhaps it was low of her to use his mother's nickname for him against him...but she was having too much fun. Plus he sort of deserved it for trapping her in like this, something that was a usual fear for her. Yet, here she was; not even making a move to free herself from it. "I think a guy such as yourself would be quite capable of getting that information...should you truly want it...no?" She smiled cheekily up at him, now she was baiting him...the old Madden; the one before the fame would have died at this very moment, she was completely shy to the core. It was safe to assume that Madden had grown out of that.

Certain that he would have her blushing like a schoolgirl, Bennett was surprised when her expressiom didn't change. She didn't even make an attempt to move, for crying out loud! Bennett hated not having control of the situation, having to be strung along with a girl instead of the other way around. Strangely, he found her quite...alluring. Look at him, falling into the trap of a women as if he was the mouse and she the cat. This was not the way Bennett liked for these things to go, but he found it oddly exciting. Besides, he had more tricks up his sleeve and had no problem cheating a little.

Benny...she called him Benny. What did his mother tell people about him? They were going to have to have a talk when he saw her again. This was degrading and made him feel as if he were little kid forced to hold the hand of a lady as she led him across the street. No, Bennett would not lose. He would stay calm and not point it out. He leaned forward, so that barely any space existed between them, and placed his lips next to his ear as he spoke. "Why not save me the trouble, love? That way we could have time for...other endevours." He whispered provacotively.

As he moved in her heart started pounding, perhaps the old Madden wasn't as far gone as she had thought. She could only imagine the sort of headlines that would be flashing all over the tabloids if there had been a reporter around, or even if one of the many onlookers decided to snap a quick picture. 'Presto the Unobtainable Deveraux becomes Obtained.' Or something clever like that, the gossip columns were always buzzing for news about her...uh, personal life. Much to their displeasure, they haven't been able to find much yet...because there hadn't been any. Though she didn't doubt they would have a heyday with the picture this scene painted.

As he whispered in her ear, Madden felt herself shiver, she needed to get a handle on herself-- fast. She leaned forward herself, putting her hands on his shoulders as she moved up on the tips of her toes, "I'm not that easy, darling." From the distance it would look as if they were locked in an intimate embrace. She laughed softly glancing over at his face, "Besides, I like to think I'm worth the trouble..."

Bennett paid no attention to the others in a shop, as he never really paid much attention to many people. He thought he was above them, afterall. Besides, he was used to being watched. Good thing no one would ever dare print anything about the politician's son, for if they did, he would be screwed. Presently, Bennett was confident that he had this girl...whoever she was. Until she put her hands on his shoulders. Then, Bennett had no clue what he was doing or what she was up to. Darling... At least she hadn't called him Benny again, but the endearing name left him equally as stunned, and he got the feeling he was being mocked.

Worth the trouble? It seemed to Bennett that she was indeed worth the trouble. Because Bennett Preston wouldn'y back down so easily, he wouldn't be rejected by anyone. Especially not a girl who knew his mum. So, Bennett brought his lips to her cheek, placing a gentle kiss there, lips lingering for a moment before he moved his head back to look at her. "Careful, love, you're making quite the scene." He smiled a half-smile. "Please try to contain your attraction to me, as we are in a public place." And with that, Bennett took a step back, letting his hands fall as if she was the problem all along. "Darling, I do believe you're worth more trouble than climbing Everest."

Madden's hand rose to her cheek as did a soft scarlet hue, touching it gently she felt her mouth open slightly; almost as if she was shocked that he had actually done that...which she was. He was much more bold than she had originally thought...she had underestimated him. A foolish mistake on her part, but something that wouldn't happen again. Her lips morphed into a frown at his next words...well more of what they implied...yes, Madden had definitely underestimated him. However, she found that she wasn't cross with him; rather she was merely amused.

"I bet you say things like that to all the girls, love." If he was going to use her words, she would use his. Grabbing the board he suggested from behind her, Madden walked around him. "Thanks for the help, Benny Boy, maybe I'll see you around." She flashed him a charming smile as she made her way up to the check out counter. She didn't doubt that he would be able to find out who she was if he honestly wished to; it's not like it would be hard. She found that she quite liked the idea of seeing him again, perhaps Amour Beach wouldn't be so bad after all.

Noticing her flushed cheeks and slightly shocked expression, Bennett couldn't help but smirk. There it was, the expression he'd been waiting for, the flustered look he left on all women. A sure sign of his victory. He moved out of her way willingly as she went to leave, quite ammused that she still picked out the board he chose for her. If she hated him, she would have picked a new one, right? Normally, after a so called victory, Bennett would celebrate with the girl. This didn't seem to be the case...

All the girls...That was pretty much true, except he was much more persistant with her than any other. If Bennett saw a girl wasn't interested, he usually quit while he wad ahead, but not a tease like this. He would have her, and that was final. And she just had to go calling him Benny Boy again, didn't she? If only he knew her a name so he could call her something clever to...He would not only get a name, but a phone number. And guess who he'd be calling then? "You'll definitely be seeing me around." Bennett said, voice smooth and rich. He then passed her at the check out counter, making his way towards the exit. Time to go have a talk with mum...

Tarren was browsing the surf shop absently. He had an urge to spend money that rarely got and a new surfboard seemed the perfect way to do it. He had awoken that morning to a fresh salt breeze and hot sunlight streaming in through the French doors that lead to his balcony. He had dressed in black and red board shirt and a loose, sleeveless, blue tee shirt and set off. But he hadn't know what he wanted until he had passed by the surf shop and felt the urge. He ran his hand across and dark blue long board before continuing on to find something else.

Julietta had never been particularly fond of surfing, but she thought it wasn't a bad idea to pick up some tanning oil. She planned to go out to the beach later today and relax a bit on the tan. Juliet had never been one for anything that could result in her being sweaty and/or physically harmed, such as sports. She walked through the store and over to the specific rack, not really in any hurry. This was the kind of thing she had been looking forward to; leisure time away from her crazy family and problematic lifestyle at a place where she knew she had nothing to worry about. Juliet kept everyone wrapped around her finger, caught up in her selfish little games.

As she sifted through the different oils, looking for the one she normally bought, a man caught her eye. She recognized him, as he was a regular beach here at Amour. And, Juliet always knew what was happening at the beach. He wasn't bad on the eyes. Julietta noted this and the fact that he looked like an average rich boy that she was used to seeing. So, Julietta didn't say anything, even though he wasn't that far away from her in the store. Instead, she grabbed a brown bottle, looking at the ingridients on the back. Of course Juliet would only use natural products on her skin, as that was one of the health crazes she followed.

Tarren realized he wasn't alone in the store. He saw the girl, had seen her around before he thought. She was cute, light brown hair with lighter highlights. It wasn't in his nature to pay attention to other people unless he thought they had earned it. Something he was sure came from a privileged upbringing because many of the other seasoned beachers were the same way. That was the reason all of the beachers got along. They were all the same, understood each other, could empathize with the way they all were wrapped up in their own lives. That was one of the many reasons all these newcomers were such a problem. They didn't fit.

Tarren, not seeing anything he really like strolled over to the girl and looked at what she was holding. "Now if you go that dark you'll have to dye your hair to match." He said with a slight smirk. She was holding a tanning oil that was supposed to help one get at least four shades darker than she was right now.

As soon as she heard the voice, Julietta raised an eyebrow. She didn't really like being wrong. Ever. Besides, this wasn't the first time she had used tanning oil. She knew what kind to get, for heaven's sakes. "Come's out lighter on me." She said, turning to face him and matching his smirk. It was true afterall, as her skin didn't darken as well as some others did. Juliet had always guessed that that meant her skin was more sunlight resistant? If that made any sense. "And it's not as dark as the bottle shows it to be."

Julietta kept her hold onto the bottle, making it clear that it was the one she intended to get. She didn't appreciate anyone pointed out that she didn't know what she was doing, even if they were right. "Tarren, right? I'm Julietta. Julietta Bellinato." She rather liked her name, as it was an extension of herself. And Julietta liked herself quite a bit. "Though," She began to add. "Most people call me Juliet." And where was Romeo? She had no idea. Julietta had never been one for real romances. She only used men for whatever she wanted at the time, and then disgarded of them. Juliet had never considered herself emotional, though she was to an extremity.

Tarren shrugged. She sure took that comment personally. Really did all girls have to be so defensive, especially about how they looked. His sister could be the same. Make the smallest comment about how her blush is too dark and she goes off about how would he know anything because he was a guy. But the fact was that he had a sister which meant none of this surprised him. He took it all in the stride of a seasoned professional which, really, he was.

"If you say so." He sais with a smile. "I just think you're less of a dark bronze." He nodded to the bottle she still clutched in her hand. "And would look better as more of a light caramel." He reached around her and grabbed another bottle off of the shelf, which he presented to her. "Oh, and nice to meet you Juliet." He said with a wink.

"Thanks, but I don't need your help, sweetheart." The statement that pretty much summed up her entire personality. Juliet didn't make any move to take the bottle from him. Who did he think he was, anyway? And what did he mean by that, would look better? Julietta didn't think there was anyway she could look better than she already did. She took great pride in her looks, that being the main way she got her way. This guy, Tarren, had no clue who he was dealing with, for Julief had ways of making sure she didn't have to deal with annoying people...

She wondered briefly how her dad would handle someone correcting him like this. Franco didn't have an obsession with beauty like his daughter did, though. But Julietta had seen the look in his eyes whenever anyone insisted he should change the way he made his famous barbecue. He had the same stubborn headedness that she did. "And I said most people call me Juliet." She narrowed her eyes, that devious glimmer forever in place in their blue depths. "I didn't say you could." She had a habit of making her decisions on people based on first impressions and instinct, which had never led her astray before. Normally, a guy like this was someone Julietta would have tried to have some fun with. Seeing as he had kind of ticked her off already, Julietta didn't see that happening.

So much spirit. She perfectly summed up the typical, egotistical, vain beacher. She hated being corrected. She was positive her way was right. She didn't even pause to consider the option that she might be wrong. Now, Tarren wasn't without his pride but he recognized it at least. Really, if every beacher was right in his or her mind then really who was right? Who won and who lost. The answer was no one. No one won when everyone thought they were right. Tarren had learned this while sitting in on business meetings with his father. He had also learned how to deal with it.

"Well darling Juliet." Tarren used a pet name the same way she had called him sweetheart just to show it hadn't slipped his notice and he called her Juliet just because she had said he couldn't. But after that it was time to end the ridiculousness and walk away. "I suppose you're right." He sighed and put the bottle he was holding back on the shelf where he had originally taken it from. "I'm sure you know what will look best for your own skin." He stepped back. "But if I see you walking around looking like a chocolate ice cream cone I will make a comment." With that he turned to go upstairs.

Now that pissed Julietta off. She tossed the bottle of tanning oil back on the shelf, not really caring about it anymore. Suddenly, Juliet no longer was concerned with tanning. Her main focus right now was controlling herself from grabbing one of those surfboards and hitting Tarren in the back of the head with it. Yes, she did have anger issues at times. And in the past, Julietta had acted on those issues and landed herself in elementary school detentions for gluing a kids eyes shut before. That one had been a little hard to explain, but it was technically the little boys fault for using that same glue to stick a popsicle stick to her hair earlier. Only later did Julietta find out he had a crush on her. Either way, he shouldn't have disrespected her like that.

With a smirk, Julietta replied to the man as he had his back turned. "See you around, darling." With that, she swiveled on her heel, ready to leave the store. Part of her was wondering where her brother was, hoping he hadn't got himself into any trouble. Unfortunately, Vito Bellinato had a habit of being too smart with guys a lot bigger than him. He would make one comment, and even though the homo erectus wouldn'y understand it, Vito would get a black eye out of the deal. Julietta looked out for him the best she could, though.

The other part of her just needed a drink.

Okay, Tarren could have handled that better. He could have smoothed over the whole situation with a few carefully chosen words and Juliet would have left the shop feeling justified and content. Like that time that he satiated and entire board of investors who were worried about sales being down. His plan had only been half sound but he had phrased it and presented it in a way that made them feel perfectly secure. When his father got well from the illness that had been plaguing him he heard the praises of his son sung from every single investor for months. When things really had turned around his father had realized what a sound business mind he had.

He could have fixed things with Juliet but even with all his knowledge he still had a hot head. This part of him was fueled by his sister who was very act first and think later. She could be just as logical and cunning at dealing with people and business as Tarren but she chose not to use this more often than use it. Because the two were so close these tendencies had rubbed off on Tarren. He watched Juliet go with a faint smile. He wasn't so sure they would meet again.