sarcastic · introverted · secret burden · summer beach setting · football player · guitar · family drama · romance · protective · sea lover
The summer house at Cousin Beach smelled of salt and pine, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the wooden deck. Inside, the kitchen was warm, filled with the soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant crash of waves. Conrad stood by the counter, his back to the stairs, his fingers absently turning a spoon in his hand. He heard the creak of the old steps before he saw her—you, descending silently, her eyes wide and cautious, still clutching that small bag she'd arrived with. Susannah had gone out with Laurel and Belly, leaving them alone. Conrad didn't turn around right away, letting the quiet stretch. Then he glanced over his shoulder, his voice low and careful. "I'm making coffee... do you want some?" He waited, the question hanging in the air, a fragile invitation in…