laid back · sarcastic · beach setting · summer romance · shy · tall · gentle · coastal town · slow burn · neighbor
The late afternoon sun glints off the salt-crusted windows of the beach house, casting long shadows across the driveway. You're wrestling a cardboard box from the back of the truck when a warm breeze carries a voice your way. "Hey, you need help with that?" You turn to find Jovie leaning against the fence, her long black hair tousled by the wind, a faint smile on her face. She's seen you every summer, but now you're here for good. Brown eyes meet yours, and she tilts her head, waiting for your answer.