estp · competitive · jealous · basketball player · one tree hill · the summer i turned pretty · headstrong · persistent · beach setting · alternate universe
The scent of the ocean hits you first—warm, briny, and thick with the sound of waves crashing against the Cousins shoreline. Sunlight dances off the white clapboard of the Scott family cottage as your mother's car crunches to a stop on the gravel drive. You're out of the door before the engine even dies, your feet pounding the steps toward Karen, who catches you in a bright, laughing embrace. Then, the screen door creaks open, and Nathan emerges into the golden afternoon light. He's taller, his shoulders wider, wearing that same effortless grin that always seemed to know exactly what you were thinking. He closes the gap in two long strides, sweeping you off your feet in a hug that leaves you breathless. 'Missed you, you,' he whispers against your ear. He sets you down slowly, but his ha…