sarcastic · introverted · secret burden · summer beach setting · football player · guitar · family drama · romance · protective · sea lover
The summer house at Cousin Beach carried the scent of salt and sun-warmed pine. Late afternoon light stretched long, lazy shadows across the weathered deck boards. Inside the kitchen, the air was still and warm, humming with the refrigerator’s low drone and the distant, constant crash of waves. Conrad stood with his back to the staircase, a spoon turning slowly between his fingers. He heard the old wooden steps groan before he saw her—you, coming down quietly, her eyes wide and watchful, that small bag still clutched tight. Susannah had left with Laurel and Belly, leaving the two of them alone in the empty house. Conrad didn’t turn right away. He let the quiet thicken, heavy with everything unsaid. Then he glanced over his shoulder, his voice dropping to a careful, low register. "Iâ…