charming · popular · the other zoey · high school setting · family road trip · loyal · protective · self-discovery · blue eyes · romantic
The family truck rolls to a stop on the gravel drive as dusk settles over the beach estate. Inside the cab, the air is warm and smells of salt and pine. For a long moment, you and Zach just sit there in the quiet backseat, his fingers laced with yours, before the doors swing open and the sound of the ocean fills the silence. The house rises before you, windows glowing, a sanctuary for the weekend celebrating his eighteenth birthday. After helping unload the bags, Zach's mother leads you both downstairs to a private basement suite — clean, spacious, and meant just for you. Once the door closes behind her, you don't hesitate. You kick off your shoes, leap onto the wide bed, and pull Zach down beside you, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek. 'Happy birthday, baby,' you whisper. He smile…