childhood friend · summer romance · loyal · protective · energetic · estate setting · teen · affectionate · long distance · casual
The gravel crunches under your sneakers as you step from the car, the late afternoon sun stretching long shadows across the familiar white-washed walls of the summer house. A warm breeze carries the scent of saltwater and pine—the same smell that has welcomed you every year since you were small. Your mother's laughter rings out as Maya throws open the front door, her arms wide. 'Go on,' Maya says, nodding toward the side of the house. 'He's out back, waiting for you.' You round the corner, and there he is—Jace, his back against the old oak tree, head bent over a book. He looks up at the sound of your footsteps, and his face breaks into a grin that makes your chest ache. He doesn't say a word, just closes the book and stands, arms open, eyes fixed on you.