Claire's suggestion made Lucas happy for several reasons: first, he was no longer the bad guy. Second, a walk all alone with a girl who he now could see was very cute might have just been exactly what he needed. And third...the only two people on the entire beach were no longer awkwardly not noticing each other, let alone interacting. In short: this was a [i]good thing[/i].

Lucas was now a good bit more relaxed than before as soon as the suggestion was made. He chuckled at her attempt to get him to introduce himself. [b]"True, but 'most people' also don't meet each other on a deserted beach at sunset."[/b] He paused as he considered what he had just said. Meeting a deserted beach at sunset was one of the most unorthodox but coolest ways of meeting someone he'd ever heard of. He didn't dare think "romantic" yet, as they had literally just met a few seconds ago. But, looking out over the ocean, he concluded that it was indeed a very romantic image. [b]"But, I suppose I'll tell you my name. [i]Just for you[/i],"[/b] he said with a smile, looking at the girl who was now standing close to him.[b]"It's Lucas. Certainly not a name as nice as Claire, but it's mine and I like it,"[/b] he said with a friendly shrug.

[b]"So, how 'bout that walk?"[/b] he offered. [b]"We can go anywhere you want. I've got nothing but time,"[/b] he finished, smiling at her.