He was her brother's best friend, 💘but he completely made her fall😳

Surprise Surprise

Bailey’s POV

I looked out the window, watching the winding road as we headed to our summer home in South Carolina.

We went there every summer, but this time, without our parents. Mom and Dad were away on an important business trip, and instead of canceling the vacation, they put my brother in charge, believing we were old enough to take care of ourselves.

I would be turning eighteen in a few days, but I wasn’t as excited as I thought I would be.

Why?

Because he wouldn’t be there.

Kaleb Hayes. My brother’s best friend.

Five years had passed since the last time I saw him, since he packed up and left without so much as a goodbye. For as long as I could remember, he had been a constant in my life, always teasing and toying with me.

He left when he was eighteen, and I was thirteen, still flat-chested, with silver braces and thick glasses perched on the bridge of my nose.

To everyone else, he was the classic bad boy; arrogant, tattooed, reckless, and dangerously hot.

But to me, he was also the boy who taught me how to ride a bike, the one who slipped candy in my hands when my parents said no. He was a walking contradiction. Too wild. Too off-limits.

And yet I remembered everything about him.

He always joined our summer vacations, jumping off docks and making bonfires too big. He and my brother would sneak beers in while I pretended not to notice, and he would always toss me in the water whenever I threatened to tell on them.

“We’re here Bailey.” My brother called, and I blinked out of the memory as we pulled into the driveway.

The house looked the same; wide front porch, sun-bleached shutters, and that lazy charm that only a summer home could pull off. The air smelled like pine and salt, and for a moment, it felt like no time had passed at all.

I headed inside with my bags, the wooden floors creaking beneath my feet. We already knew our rooms, and a wave of nostalgia hit me as I entered mine.

The first thing I did was take a bath, and as I settled into the warm water, I heaved out a long sigh.

I lost track of time, but when I finally stepped out, my stomach grumbled. I wrapped myself in a towel and padded into the hallway, my ginger hair turning brown from being damp, dripping against my back.

I let out a yawn as I stretched my limbs, making my way to the kitchen to get a snack.

But when I saw an unfamiliar figure standing there, his back turned to me, too toned and rigid to be my brother’s, I froze, my heart lurching in my chest.

He was bent over the open fridge like he owned the place, his presence swallowing the whole space.

I couldn’t move. I just stood there, wide-eyed. But I wasn’t scared.

His scent...a mix of cinnamon, lavender, and manly essence. It stirred something within me, but then I noticed the rose tattoo on his left shoulder.

A memory flashed in my mind at that moment, one of my ten-year-old self, choosing a random rose art from a magazine, telling a certain person that it would look better on his arm.

I stumbled back, my eyes rounding in realization.

No.

No it couldn’t be.

“Kaleb?”

He turned at the sound of my voice, eyes meeting mine with a flicker of surprise… and something else I couldn’t name.

It was really him.

Kaleb Hayes.

Older. Taller. Devastatingly hotter.

His brown hair was longer than I remembered, pulled back into a messy half-bun. His jaw was sharper now, highlighted with a stubble that only made him resemble the boys’ mothers warned their daughters of.

His muscles flexed underneath his tank top as he shut the fridge door, and his sweatpants hung low on his hips, revealing deep V-lines that made my face hot.

Then his tattoos. They were more now, black ink trailing down his arms, wrapping around his biceps, crawling up his neck.

He fully faced me, his gaze dragging down my body, leaving goosebumps in its trail.

When he met my eyes again, he smiled, showing perfect rows of white teeth.

“Long time no see, kid.” He said, his deep voice snapping me back to reality.

I flinched, and then the worst happened…..

My towel slipped.

For a split second, the world stilled.

His smile faded. His eyes were wider than saucers, and his jaw clenched.

And I?

I turned redder than an overripe tomato.

“Oh my God!” I gasped, scrambling to grab the towel. My fingers trembled as I snatched it off the floor, and with the speed of light, I turned on my heels and bolted.

I didn’t look back. I couldn’t dare.

Once I reached my room, I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, chest heaving, wondering what the hell just happened.

“Fuck.” I sank to the floor and collapsed in a heap of pure mortification and embarrassment, face buried in my knees.

Kaleb Halas was back.

He was here.

And I had just flashed him like I was the female lead of a shitty romcom

To make matters worse, I wasn’t a kid anymore.

And from the way he looked at me….

He knew it.

****

I stayed in my room for what felt like an eternity, but it was just a few hours.

I lay in my bed, face buried in my pillow as I replayed the dreaded moment in my head over and over again. A thousand and one questions plagued my mind, wondering why he was here.

Did he just return?

When did he return?

Why did he come here?

Why now?

A soft knock on my door pulled me from my train of thought.

“Bails?” It was David, my brother. The only one who calls me Bails. His voice was cautious yet cheerful. “You haven’t stepped out of your room since we got here, are you okay?”

Oh, I stepped out alright, and now I was deeply regretting it.

When I didn’t reply, I heard him sigh, then he spoke again. “Anyways, just wanted to give you a little heads-up...” He continued, “Kaleb’s back. Said he was in town and wanted to surprise me. So I figured we could throw him some kind of a welcome party tonight, it’ll be just like old times. ”

I clutched my pillow tighter, feeling my heart sink a bit.

Of course, he came for David.

I shook my head, brushing off whatever disappointment I felt. It has always been like that. Kaleb always looked for David first, and I would just be his best friend’s sister.

For some reason, that has always annoyed me.

I thought my brother had left, but not until I heard another knock on the door.

“You can come too, Bailey.”

My ears perked and I immediately sat up.

“Really?” I replied, but soon I heard his footsteps fading down the hallway.

It wasn’t long before the music came, resonating through the building in smooth beats. Cars soon parked in our backyard, more than what a welcome party should be.

David was throwing a full-blown party, and for the first time, he wasn’t ordering me to stay upstairs.

And for the first time, he wasn’t telling me to stay upstairs.

No “You’re too young for parties.”

No “Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

Just an open invitation.

I dragged myself out of bed and stood in front of the mirror, wrapped in a blanket of self-pity and shame.

My gaze lingered on my reflection, and something inside me stirred.

Without overthinking, I dried my hair and got dressed, wearing black denim shorts paired with an off-shoulder crop top. I pulled my ginger curls into a low bun, applied cheery lip gloss and a little mascara made my green eyes pop.

The moment I stepped out of my room, the whole house pulsed with energy. People danced, and laughter filled the air, mixing with the cheers and music.

But even with the crowd, I hated how easy it was for me to spot him.

The man of the hour.

Kaleb.

He casually leaned against the kitchen counter, a bottle of beer in one hand, while the other traced a tattoo on his forearm. And as always, he was surrounded by girls.

It wasn’t an unusual sight, and I should be used to it by now. But even after five years, it never failed to make my stomach turn.

I forced my gaze away and headed for the drinks, doing a double-take to make sure David wasn’t close. I was basically eighteen already, so it shouldn’t be a big deal if I drink a few days earlier.

I reached for a cup of punch someone left unattended, downing it in a few gulps. The taste was bland, but I shrugged my shoulders, now reaching for a bottle of beer.

Just as my fingers wrapped around it, another hand reached in and snatched it away.

I blinked, startled, then I shifted my gaze, only to find Kaleb looming behind me.

“You’re not old enough to drink yet, kid.”

I rolled my eyes and turned to leave, choosing to ignore him altogether, but then he stepped in front of me, his huge frame blocking my path.

“Aren’t you happy to see me?” He sounded genuinely confused, and overly casual, like he didn’t go AWOL without telling me, or like he didn’t see me naked a few hours ago.

I tried to go the other way, but he stopped me again. I heaved a sigh, but I couldn’t meet his gaze.

“Can you move?”

Kaleb raised an eyebrow, a taunting smirk playing on his lips, “Come on, Bailey. You’re still...”

“Truth or Dare, everyone! Get your asses in here!” Someone called from the living room, cutting him off.

Perfect timing.

I pushed through Kaleb to the living room, and he followed, his presence as heavy as his damn cologne.

They started the game, and I was lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I had never played truth or dare before, and David was nowhere in sight. It didn’t seem like people even knew I was his little sister, and it was refreshing.

“Are you sure you wanna play this game kid?”

I stilled as Kaleb’s voice tickled my ears, his breath fanning against my skin. I sat on the sofa, while he stood behind me, his elbows propped beside my head as he leaned forward.

He was too close. Too close for me to think straight.

But his tone held a silent challenge, maybe a hint of sarcasm, but I wasn’t going to let him tease me.

“Yes, I am,” I answered firmly, my heart pounding.

The game started easily, people revealed a few embarrassing truths, then a couple of dumb dares. I blinked for what seemed like the hundredth time today, suddenly feeling lightheaded.

The room spun a bit, and amidst my dilemma, Kaleb was chosen next.

“I dare you to pick any of the girls here and spend seven minutes in heaven with them. In the closet.” Someone dared him, and the room erupted in laughter and cheers.

My pulse thudded in my ears, and I could barely make out what was happening, but then, I felt a large hand wrap around my wrist and pull me up.

“Hey?!”

It was Kaleb, and he had chosen me.

I tried to jerk out of his grip, but he was too strong, and before I could do anything else, we were already in the closet, and the door closed shut with a resounding click.

Seven minutes in heaven

Bailey’s POV

The closet was stuffy and dark, with the only light coming from the thin line beneath the door. My back pressed against the door, and I could steadily feel the music from outside, thudding like a second heartbeat.

Kaleb casually leaned against the opposite side, watching me with narrowed eyes.

“Why are you giving me the cold shoulder Bails?” He finally broke the silence and I couldn’t help but scoff.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I crossed my arms against my chest, my gaze plastered on my sneakers. Even the floor was spinning, what the hell was wrong with me?

Kaleb straightened up, his gaze sharpening. “Look at me then.”

There was no playfulness in his tone, and it caught me off guard for a second.

Kaleb waited, but I couldn’t look at him, not with my head floating in the clouds. That wasn’t all. It was his composure that annoyed me the most. He was too calm, almost unbothered, even after what happened.

“Are you just going to pretend like everything’s alright?” I snapped, shifting my gaze to the old clothing rack beside me, anywhere but him.

“Is everything not alright?” He asked like it was the most obvious thing and I almost laughed, at myself, at the fact that I thought he would be affected.

“Okay then.” I shrugged, my teeth sinking into my bottom lip.

Gosh, why does this annoy me so much?

My chest throbbed painfully, and the room spun, making me sway in my spot.

“Whoa there.” I felt his hands settle on my shoulders, but the contact did more harm than good.

“I’m fine.” I shrugged him off, my voice holding a twinge of venom. I hoped it would hide the tremor underneath.

Kaleb's eyes widened then narrowed, his gaze sharp as he examined me like I was a specimen under a microscope.

“How much did you have to drink?” he asked, but it sounded like an order, like how my brother sounds when he scolds me.

But Kaleb wasn’t my brother. So I didn’t owe him an explanation.

“What is it to you?” I snapped.

“Bailey...”

“You know what not to say.” I raised my hand to stop him, already guessing what he was going to say next. “You’re going to say it’s because I’m your best friend’s little sister, or because you have my best interest at heart, or whatever bullshit excuse that comes to your mind….”

My chest heaved as I took a step forward, finally having the courage to look at him. I could feel my emotions rush out like water from a broken dam, overflowing and drowning.

“You’re going to say that I’m not old enough to drink, or I’m too childish to understand the real world…”

I should shut up. I should stop talking and just wait for the seven minutes to blow over. I was drunk and I knew it. I wasn’t making any sense and I knew it. But even then, I felt like I would burst if I continued to bottle up these raging feelings.

Kaleb watched me in silence, his expression unreadable. It only infuriated me more.

“You!..” My hands balled into fists and I collided with his chest from pure frustration his chest. He barely made a reaction, so I just kept hitting him. “You probably see me as just a silly teen who you have no choice but to look after ” I hissed, my fists weakly thudding against his chest. “That’s all you see me as, right?”

I hated how my voice cracked, my anger bleeding into something I didn’t want him to hear. My throat felt tighter than the knot in my chest, and I wished I could blame the alcohol for the tears stinging my eyes.

“After all…” I trailed off, my fists trembling against him. “….you’ll never see me the way I see you.”

The confession slipped out before I could stop it. The words hung heavy between us, louder than the bass pounding outside the door.

A moment of excruciating silence passed. I kept my head low, unable to meet his gaze. I just stood there, realizing I had said something that should have never been uttered, a realization that struck harder than lightning.

“Say something.” My fists tightened around his shirt, and I feared he would laugh, or worse, pity me.

When no response came, I spoke again.

“Why did you leave without saying anything?” I whispered hoarsely, a question I have been asking myself for the past five years since he left. “I’m sure you gave David an explanation….so that just means I wasn’t worth the trouble huh?”

I waited yet again, but he remained silent.

“God, I hate you,” A lone tear slid down my cheeks, my shoulders slumping as I finally accepted the truth. But what I hated more than anything was how he could make me feel so small, so unseen, yet completely consumed by his presence.

“Two more minutes!!” Someone called from outside, and I heaved out a sigh before letting him go.

But just as I took a step back, Kaleb’s arms wrapped around my waist.

I gasped as he pulled me close, my palms landing flat on his chest.

“What..”

My words were cut off as his mouth crashed against mine.

It was as if the world stilled.

The air in the closet suddenly got thicker, and I could barely process anything. But one thing I could clearly feel was his lips, the only thing I could feel was his lips.

It wasn’t gentle. It wasn't careful.

It was rushed, hot, and messy: almost desperate, like he had been holding back all this time. His lips claimed mine with a hunger that stole the breath from my lungs, and for a second, I forgot how to think.

He tasted of beer and a faint trace of smoke, and when he angled his head, his tongue exploring further, I crumbled, my knees nearly buckling.

I was painfully aware of the warmth of his body flushed against mine, fearing he could feel how hard my heart was beating. His arms tightened around my waist, holding me there.

This wasn’t the Kaleb who teased me growing up, he wasn’t the one who playfully ruffled my hair when I was upset, he wasn’t the one who took my hand in the dark when I was a child. This was someone else entirely, someone I could hardly recognize, but amidst this unfamiliarity, I found myself curious to know more.

So I kissed him back.

I melted into him, following his lead, letting his lips steal pieces of me I had sworn I’d never give away.

Then, as suddenly as it started, it ended.

Kaleb jerked back like he had been burned, his chest heaving, his eyes wide in shock, almost horrified.

I stood frozen, the fog clearing from my mind. My fingers instinctively reached for my lips, and they still pulsed from the feel of him. My heart raked havoc within me, thrashing like it was trying to escape my ribcage.

There was an unsettling silence after. Neither of us dared to break it. We couldn’t.

The weight of what just happened pressed heavily between us, thick and suffocating.

And then...

The closet door swung open.

Light spilled inside, and cheers erupted from the crowd outside, snapping us back into reality.

“Time’s up!” someone laughed.

Kaleb stepped back instantly, his jaw clenched, as he walked out, not sparing me a single glance.

My legs finally gave out, and I pressed my back to the wall to steady myself, dazed.

What the hell just happened?

Kaleb didn’t look back, instead, he was naturally blended into the noise and chaos of the party, as if nothing had happened at all.

Skinny dipping

Bailey’s POV

I woke up the next morning with a splitting headache, my dry as sandpaper, and my stomach rolling with regret.

I didn’t even remember how I ended up in bed, and the events of last night were a blur.

I could only remember getting ready for the party, the burn of beer sliding down my throat… and..

Kaleb.

My eyes flew open as a flashback of Kaleb kissing me crossed my mind.

I sat up with a gasp, immediately regretting it as my head throbbed painfully. With a groan, I buried my head into my pillow, and what was once a blurry memory became as vivid as a haunting dream.

Kaleb’s lips on mine. His firm hands are gripping my waist. The heat and rush that came with the kiss, the hunger, the way it felt like my body wasn’t mine anymore.

No. I shook my head. I must be hallucinating or something. Kaleb…he would never….

Another groan slipped past my lips as I pulled at my hair roots. There was no way Kaleb would kiss me. It felt like a dream, so it had to be. Yes. Just a stupid drunk dream and nothing else.

I stopped pulling my hair and looked up at the ceiling, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth. My lips still tingled like they remembered, making it harder for me to reject it.

“God,” I muttered, pressing my palms over my face. “I’m losing it.”

Just as I was about to talk myself into believing it was a dream, I heard a loud knock on my door.

“Bailey!” David’s called, “Breakfast!”

“Coming!” I called back, but I wasn’t really hungry, and I knew a certain someone would be there.

Taking a deep breath, I got out of bed and headed to the shower. I continued to tell myself it was just a weird dream, and it kinda worked.

My heart stopped racing, and instead I felt a bit disappointed. But that was normal, why the hell would Kaleb kiss me of all people?

I glanced at my reflection before leaving the room. Messy bun, flushed cheeks, and lips slightly swollen.

My thumb glided against my bottom lip. “It was just a dream, Bailey,” I said to my reflection. “Just a dream.”

I was welcomed into the kitchen by a whiff of bacon and coffee. My stomach growled in response, but my steps faltered as I spotted him sitting at the table. Kaleb looked unbothered, brown hair tousled like he had just jumped out of bed, tattoos peeking from beneath his t-shirt, coffee mug in one hand while the other casually scrolled through his phone.

He glanced up, and our eyes met.

My heart skipped a beat, my stomach turning not from hunger, but from anxiety.

“Good morning Bails.” He greeted me with a small smile.

I nodded, gauging his reaction. Maybe it really was all a dream. Now all I had to do was act normal.

“Good morning..Kaleb.”

David sat across from him, shoveling eggs into his mouth. His eyes flicked up to me as I took a seat, and his brow curved in a way that meant he was going to scold me.

“You were drunk last night.” He started and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “I didn’t remember giving you permission to drink.”

“I just took a cup, big deal.” I huffed, irritation rising in my chest.

“Big deal?” David scoffed, waving his fork at me. “I also heard you played truth or dare in that state too.”

“You invited me, so if you wanted me to just sit and do nothing then you should have left me in my room.”

“That’s because I thought you would be responsible enough not to do anything stupid, if it weren’t for Kaleb, who knows who would have been stuck with you in the closet—”

“What?” I cut him off, looking between both men. Why’s David talking about what happened in my dream?

David shook his head at me. “Weren’t you and Kaleb in the closet during seven minutes in heaven?”

I nearly choked on my food, while Kaleb remained unfazed. Instead, he casually leaned back into his seat.

“She was drunk,” Kaleb said smoothly before I could speak. His eyes slid to David, not me. “It seemed someone spiked the drink she took, was just looking after her like I always do.”

David barked out a laugh, clapping Kaleb on the shoulder. “Thanks man, God knows what would have happened if you weren’t there.”

“No need to thank me, Bailey is more like family to me,” Kaleb muttered, taking another sip of coffee.

His words stung and I sat there, wondering if it was really all a dream. My chest felt heavy with an unfamiliar emotion, something that burned deeper than the hangover.

Without a word, I dropped my fork and stood.

“Bailey?” David called after me, but I didn’t look back. I stormed down the hallway, until I felt another presence behind me.

“Bailey, wait.” A hand closed around my arm, firm yet gentle and I didn’t have to turn to know who it was.

“Let go.” I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

Kaleb stepped in front of me, his gaze locked on mine. “About last night. Let’s forget it ever happened.” His voice lowered, as if he was telling a forbidden secret, and that was when I knew.

It was a dream.

“What happened last night?” I feigned ignorance, finally jerking back from his grip.

Kaleb's eyes flashed for a moment, his brows pulling together. “You don’t remember?”

I wanted to laugh, but I just shrugged my shoulders.

“As you said, I was drunk. So I don’t remember anything, did I do something stupid?”

His jaw flexed, and if I didn’t know better I would think he was disappointed.

“Bailey…”

“You don’t have to worry about me, Kaleb.” I started, my voice surprisingly firm. “I’m not the kid you have to babysit anymore. And I think you already saw that.” I concluded, referring to when my towel slipped.

Kaleb’s eyes darkened, but he turned away from me, getting the hint. “Sorry…”

I forced a smile. “Yeah, and welcome back, didn’t think I told you yesterday.”

I turned before he could say another word, my smile falling.

If he was going to dismiss me after kissing me, then so be it. I would rather pretend than be treated like a mistake.

***

By late afternoon, the sun was on a rampage, and I couldn’t stand the suffocating air inside the house anymore. My nerves were still buzzing from this morning, every word from Kaleb replaying in my head.

So I figured a quick swim in the lake would cool me off. The lake shimmered just beyond the wall of trees, cool and tempting. I changed into my bikini, slipped it on beneath my shorts and shirt, and headed down the worn wooden path.

I stuck my feet in the water first, heaving out a sigh of relief at the refreshing feeling. Slowly and gently I took off my shorts and shirt before diving in, letting the water wrap around me like silk.

As I closed my eyes, I felt it wash off the heat and some of my frustration. I let myself float on my back, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. For a few blissful minutes, I forgot Kaleb even existed.

“Having fun without us?”

I flinched at the sound of David’s voice, whipping my head back to see him and Kaleb emerge from the trail, both shirtless and carrying beers.

I rolled my eyes at them, pretending not to acknowledge their presence.

David tossed his shirt aside, grinning as he dove straight in. Kaleb, however, took his time.

He took off his shirt with a sharp tug, revealing the sharp cut of his abs. Then his shorts hit the ground next, leaving him in dark swim trunks that clung low to his hips, showing off the V line that led at the end of his torso.

I tried not to look. Really, I did. But I couldn’t help it. My gaze lingered for a little too long, drinking in every movement, every ripple of muscle as he strode into the water.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look away.

Get it together, Bailey.

The three of us swam aimlessly for a while, and I made sure to keep my distance from Kaleb.

But his eyes kept drifting off to me, each glance searing, making it impossible to breathe normally.

Then David’s phone rang from the dock. He cursed under his breath, wading back to grab it. “It’s probably Mom and Dad. Don’t drown without me.”

With David gone, I was left alone with him.

I continued to swim, focusing on keeping my strokes steady, refusing to notice how the atmosphere shifted.

I tried to do a swimming technique I once saw online, and it ended up being my biggest mistake.

As I dove deeper, that was when I felt it—the sudden slack against my shoulder.

My bikini strap.

Then my bikini top slipped loose and floated away like a tiny flag of humiliation, carried by the water and straight toward Kaleb.

My breath caught in my throat, my cheeks bursting red as panic flared within me. I immediately turned my back, crossing my arms against my chest.

What the hell was this situation?!!

Why now?!

I stilled as I felt him mine through the ripples.

“Don’t come any closer!” I hissed, but there was not much I could do.

“I can help”

“Don’t!”

Despite my desperate plea, Kaleb continued to swim towards me, my top dangling between his fingers.

My brain went blank in that moment, and I just sank deeper, the water seizing my breath as I tried to hide from him.

The cold water did nothing to quell the heat crawling up my body. I kicked harder, deeper, desperate to escape both him and myself. But then, a sharp pain sliced through my calf.

“Agh” I jerked back against the water, bubbles flying from my mouth. My leg went stiff, refusing to move. My lungs burned as I began to sink, the surface dragging further out of reach.

I reached out weakly, and then, a strong hand clasped around my wrist. With effortless power, I was hauled up, breaking through the surface in a violent splash.

I gasped for air, coughing out the water that slipped into my lungs. I clung to him without thinking. And that’s when I realized..

My bare chest was plastered to his. Skin to skin.

Every nerve in me went rigid. And I felt him freeze as well.

His heart thundered against me, faster, harder, matching mine. I tried to twist away, but it only made me press tighter against him.

“Stay still…” Kaleb huffed, his voice gruff and strained.

That’s when I felt it, felt him, hard, pressing into my stomach beneath the water.

Oh God.

“L-Let me go…” I wanted to hit myself for stuttering, but I was falling apart.

A groan rumbled in his chest, his jaw was tight, his eyes dark, as if he were fighting something savage inside him. And yet his grip didn’t loosen.

The air between us felt hotter than fire, thicker than the water we floated in.

I should’ve yelled, punched, kicked, and shoved him away. But all I could do was tremble, trapped against him, in his closeness, his heat.

“Bailey…” his voice lowered dangerously, like a warning and a confession all at once. “You’re driving me insane…”

Kiddo

Kaleb’s POV

Despite the ocean I felt hot everywhere. Bailey’s hard nipples pressed against my chest, her heartbeat thumped wildly matching mine, her hands wrapped around my neck and her breath fanned my face.

Her wet hair clung to her face and droplets slid down her collarbone glistening. The small wave pushed her closer and my groin got even harder. I groaned, pulling her closer.

“You’re driving me insane,” I muttered, my mouth lowering dangerously close. My breath touched her lips and she closed her eyes.

I shouldn’t,

Kissing her once could pass as a mistake, doing it a second time would be deliberate but I couldn’t hold back.

My lips pressed against hers desperately. She moaned and I lost all control. I pulled her tighter, deepening the kiss.

Every warning in my head vanished and I only knew I wanted her.

“Bailey!”

I froze as David’s voice rang.

Bailey’s eyes widened and she tried to pull back, but I held her closer refusing to let go.

“Bailey!” David called again, closer this time.

“Let me go,” she whispered.

I dunked her into the sea wrapping my legs around her waist to hold her up. My hand brushed against her breast as I clamped her bra in place, then hooked my arm under her and carried her up.

She coughed, sputtering, and I lifted her out of the water.

“What happened?” David came running towards us. I lay her on the sand kneeling and crouching over.

“She had a muscle pull; I carried her out just in time.” I said gruffly.

Bailey coughed again, rolling to her side. Her face turned red, and she kept her eyes on the sand, anywhere but me.

David knelt beside her. “Are you okay?” His hand hovered above her shoulder.

“I’m fine,” Bailey rasped.

She sat up slowly, moving her leg and I pulled back slightly.

“How does it feel now?” I asked. She winced a little but nodded.

“I’ll go grab a towel,” David said.

The second he turned, I stood up. I was still as hard as fuck and crouched over Bailey so he wouldn’t notice.

I dove back into the water and swam away. The cold sea did nothing to calm my thoughts.

My summer plan didn’t involve lusting after Bailey. I wanted to spend a quiet summer at the beach house, and look into what I’ve been avoiding all these years but with Bailey here it seemed like all my plans were thrown to the wind.

The last time I saw her, she had been thirteen. She used to follow me around every summer when her family came to South Carolina for vacation.

I remember her pigtail bouncing as she tried to keep up with me asking questions about everything and begging me to teach her everything.

But that was five years ago.

I haven't come back since then. Not since what happened.

Bailey wasn’t a kid anymore.She had grown into a beautiful, graceful lady and was so damn tempting.

Everything about her pulled me in, and that was fucking wrong, because Bailey wasn’t just anyone.

She was my best friend's sister and someone I couldn’t mess around with.

When I dragged myself out of the water, they were gone. My arm and sides were sore from swimming for hours.

I grabbed a towel from the chair and rubbed the salt from my skin and headed back to the house.

I found Bailey at the dining table, her laptop open. She was hunched over it, tense, her fingers hovering above the keyboard.

She didn’t even look up when I walked in and I doubt she noticed I was back .

“Are you okay, kiddo?” I asked,

Her eyes flicked up for a second, then dropped back to the screen. “Yeah.”

I frowned. “Where’s David?”

“He left, went to the mall to pick something.” she said briefly, her voice clipped.

I nodded and started to turn away. I had to keep my distance, I couldn’t linger around her any longer.

“Wait… Kaleb?”

My heart jumped at the sound of my name. I turned back. “Yeah?”

She bit her bottom lip, nervous. “I need your help?”

I walked toward her slowly, trying not to overthink. “What’s up?”

“The college entrance results are out. I need to know if I got into Brown.” She said standing and pulling the seat for me.

“Really,”

“Yeah, I can’t bring myself to click it, I'm so scared.”

“Alright,” I muttered, leaning down to look at the screen.

The moment I did, she let out a little scream and grabbed my hand, holding it tightly. My whole arm tingled at her touch, and I swallowed hard.

Her face was suddenly right behind my neck, her breath warm against my skin. I tried to focus on the laptop, but my whole senses were screaming for me to kiss her.

The scent of her shampoo filled my nose and I inhaled deeply.

“K…”

“Yeah,” I snapped out of it and dragged the cursor across the screen.

“Hurry!” she whispered, squeezing my hand tighter.

I finally clicked the link, nervous for her too. The words flashed across the screen clear as day.

“Congratulations,” I read the first word.

“Congratulations!” she screamed, her whole body shooting forward. She hugged me, arms tight around my neck, holding me tight.

I froze for half a second, the shock of her pressed against me making every nerve in my body burn.

Then I hugged her back pulling her closer, my hand on her waist and she sat on my lap.

“Congratulations, Bails,” I said, proud of her. She pulled back just enough to look at me, her eyes bright.

“Thank you.” She smiled brightly. Her face was close, her green eyes glowing.

“Bails,” I murmured, her name slipping from my lips before I could stop myself.

Her smile faltered, and for a heartbeat we just stared at each other.

“Kaleb… I”

“What’s going on?” David walked in.

I raised my head and saw him at the doorway, his eyes flicking from her arms around my neck to my hands still holding her waist.

Kiss

Bailey’s POV

“I got into college and you’re buying me a chipotle bowl” I grumbled biting into my food.

“I promised you a party tomorrow, didn't I?

and you’re the one who insisted you wanted to eat here tonight.”

David said and I ignored him, focusing on the food.

Kaleb sat across from us, his elbows on the table eating slowly and smiling watching our squabble.

His overgrown brown hair fell slightly into his eyes, and I hated the way my stomach flipped every time he looked up.

Chipotle at Berry’s place was a tradition, I’ve eaten here every summer since I remembered and like always the food slapped still.

“I’m glad you’re here,” David said to him, pointing his fork across the table. “I can’t handle her anymore. Her mouth gets sharper the older she gets.”

I rolled my eyes at my brother and shoved another bite into my mouth.

“Don’t blame me because I speak the truth,” I muttered. “You lost the bet and you’re buying just food, you’re so cheap David.”

David had bet with me that I wouldn’t get into Brown; that was his own way of encouraging me to study.

He had also promised that by sheer luck I got in he would buy me something I love and his big idea was getting me food.

Kaleb chuckled softly, and his eyes on me. I dropped my gaze quickly, swallowing hard. It had become too obvious I couldn’t be rational around him.

I couldn’t trust my thoughts or my body anymore, not when he was around. All I could think of was that kiss at the beach, the way his body pressed against mine, the imprint of his hard length against my stomach, the heat that stole my breath.

I shouldn’t be thinking about that here, at Berry’s, in the middle of dinner with my brother. But the memory wouldn’t go away.

“Kaleb!”

The sound of her voice made me stiff.

We all turned at once to see Lila. The queen bee herself was in Pawley for Summer.

She strolled toward us like the restaurant was her runway, glossy hair swinging, lips painted perfect pink. She looked at Kaleb first then David glossing over me like I was invisible.

“You’re in town?” she smiled widely. “Can I sit here?”

My fork froze halfway to my mouth. Sit here? At our table?

This was our Summer tradition. Me, Kaleb and David.

“Yeah, of course,” Kaleb said and she slid into the booth right next to him satisfied.

“Hi, David,” she said casually. Her eyes slid to me.

“And… is that Bailey? Snotty-nose Bailey?”

My face burned.

I nodded stiffly looking away.

“You look…” She tilted her head looking at me slowly.

“Human now.”

Human? Did I look like an animal before?

She turned her whole body toward Kaleb.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming back,” she said to him, brushing her hand against his arm.

I clenched my fork so hard coughing. David passed me a glass of water and I gulped it down.

Lila and Kaleb always had something between them.

Every summer they would flirt, hook up, then stop talking only to circle back again the next summer like nothing ever happened.

They had broken up that summer five years ago or so I thought.

But the way she leaned into him and the way he smiled made me wonder if they had ever really ended.

She had a claim on him and I hated it.

Her eyes landed on the paper David had tossed carelessly on the table earlier.

It was the list of things he had to buy for the party.

She picked it up between two polished fingers. “What’s this?” she asked.

“We’re having a party tomorrow. Bailey got into college.” David said.

Lila’s eyes flicked to me, then back to him. “A party? That sounds fun.”

“You should come.” David casually added.

“Yeah,” Kaleb added his eyes on me. “You should come by.”

Of course he invited her.

Lila’s smile widened. “Of course I’ll be there.”

My fork slipped from my fingers and clattered to the floor.

“I’ll get you a new fork,” Kaleb said, already standing.

I shook my head quickly. “Don’t bother. I’m not hungry anymore.”

He ignored me and walked toward the counter, leaving me with David and Lila.

“Oh…Congratulations, girl,” Lila said finally, sparing me one glance.

“On the college thing.” She said like it wasn’t worth anything.

Who gave Kaleb permission to invite her to my party?

I kicked David’s shin under the table, and he winced. “Ow! What was that for?”

“For being useless,” I snapped.

“What’s wrong with you today, Bailey?” David asked.

“Nothing,” I muttered.

Lila leaned her chin into her palm, eyes glittering. “So, Bailey you’re still following Kaleb around? Some things never change.”

I stared at the table, my jaw tight.

“The same way you follow every guy with a pulse.” I murmured.

“Mm,” Lila hummed, uninterested. Her eyes followed Kaleb across the room like a hawk.

I wanted to throw my drink in her face.

Kaleb returned a moment later with a new set of utensils, sliding them in front of me. His hand brushed mine lightly, and even that small touch sent heat rushing up my arm.

“Thanks,” I muttered, avoiding his eyes.

He turned back to Lila and gave her his full attention again.

I stabbed a piece of chicken, furious. They were laughing at something she said and he leaned in a little closer.

“Kaleb, can you walk me out?”

My head shot up.

She batted her lashes at him. “I’m sure they don’t mind.” He added glancing towards me and David.

Kaleb stood. “Sure.”

I stared at him.

My appetite died and I pushed the bowl away.

“You done?” David asked, glancing at my food.

“Yes,” I snapped.

He grabbed my plate and started eating.

I squirmed counting the minutes he was gone. David was too engrossed in my plate to notice my unease.

I couldn’t sit still and my eyes kept flicking to the door. What were they doing out there? Talking? Laughing? Or worse, kissing?

Finally, I stood up.

“Where are you going?” David asked.

“Bathroom,” I lied.

I walked outside, the cool night air hitting my face.

I finally saw them;

Kaleb stood in front of Lila whose back was against her car.

She was leaning, smiling up at him, her hand on his chest.

And he wasn’t moving away.

My heart sank.

She tilted her head up.

He didn’t stop her even though their faces were inches apart.

I gasped quietly,

Was he going to kiss her?

My chest squeezed so tight I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t watch anymore and turned back immediately going back inside.

Kaleb

Bailey’s POV

“Kaleb Hayes is so fucking hot… I had to come for the party once I knew he’d be here.” Some girls giggled walking past.

My party had turned to a tourist spot not because of me but because everyone in Pawley Island came to see Kaleb. He was the hottest boy back then

Still is.

Maybe him dipping and ghosting everyone for years and suddenly coming back even hotter and more handsome gave him this mysterious appeal.

He was by the pool with David downing drinks.

A plethora of guys and girls ogled at them and I rolled my eyes walking away.

It was my party, I got into every college I applied for, I should have fun but why was my head filled with Kaleb.

Last night, he never came back to the diner. He had left with Lila and I only saw him when he walked into the party with her.

It didn't matter anymore. The whole town knew Kaleb was a playboy and belonged to no one. Falling for him or hoping for something was a waste of time.

The party was lit and every corner of the summer house was filled up.

Determined to have fun I went to the drink table and grabbed a plastic cup of fruit punch.

“Congratulations, Bailey.”

I turned, startled. A tall guy stood beside me, holding a cup. He had messy dark hair, bright hazel eyes, and a pretty face.

“Uh… thanks,” I said, blinking.

“Are you drinking that?” He nodded to my fruit punch.

“Why? What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing. Except it’s a kiddie drink.” He lifted his own cup. “This one’s better.”

I had no idea who he was, but he was hot. Tall, lean, broad shoulders. He wore a polo shirt half unbuttoned and looked like he belonged at a college frat party.

“Sorry, do I… know you?” I asked, tilting my head.

“I’m Sam. I’m friends with David. I’m in my final year at Brown.” He sipped his drink, watching me

“He was boasting his little sister got into, like, ten schools?”

I blushed. “Not ten. Just… five but yeah.”

“Five?” He whistled

“Okay, smart girl, you have to try this” He held out his cup.

I hesitated. “What is it?”

“An alcoholic sweet mix.”

I raised my brow. “And you’re not secretly trying to poison me?”

He gasped dramatically. “Me? Poison David’s sister? I value my life.”

That made me laugh and I took a small sip.

“Okay… not bad,” I admitted.

“See? Told you.”

We ended up talking for hours and told me dumb stories.

I laughed so hard I spilled drink on my dress.

“Crap.” I looked down at the red stain spreading across the yellow fabric.

Sam grinned. “Perfect excuse.”

“For what?”

“The pool.” He pointed toward the pool where people were splashing, laughing, dunking each other. “Come on.”

I hesitated,“I don’t know…”

“Bailey,” he said. “It’s your party. If you’re not having fun, who will?”

That pushed me. I stripped down to my bikini, tossed my dress onto a chair, and ran to the pool.

More kids jumped in after me, waves splashing everywhere. I laughed, hair plastered to my face, kicking and playing with Sam.

I tried so hard to ignore him but out of the corner of my eye, I watched Lila and Kaleb.

She was sitting on him laughing at something but his eyes were on me. He was glowering at me.

Even David who was overprotective sometimes didn’t seem to care and was too busy flirting with two girls by the hot tub.

I left the pool and Sam came up behind me, lifting me playfully.

The crowd laughed, cheering as he carried me bridal-style into the house.

His body was warm and he smelled faintly of cologne and alcohol.

We reached my room upstairs and he set me down carefully, still grinning.

“Thanks,” I said, brushing wet hair from my face.

“No problem.” His eyes lingered on me a second longer than usual.

I grabbed a towel, patting my arms. He leaned against the door, watching.

“You look good when you laugh,” he said softly.

“Do I?” I asked, a little breathless.

He nodded. “Yeah.” He stepped closer. “Can I?”

His face was inches from mine, his lips parted as he pulled me closer. My chest rose and fell, and for the first time that night, I wanted it too.

I tilted closer, my hand brushing his shirt, pulling him toward me.

Our lips almost met…

The door banged opened amd Kaleb’s fist connected with Sam’s jaw.

Sam staggered, hitting my dresser and knocking over a picture frame, clutching his face. “What the hell!”

Kaleb stood there, his eyes flashed in anger.

“Kaleb!”

Sam groaned,

“Are you insane?”

Kaleb moved closer again. “Stop!” I cried, my heart pounding but he looked so angry.

“Kaleb!” I shoved myself between them, my palms on his chest.

Sam’s lip was bleeding. He wiped it with the back of his hand, glaring at Kaleb who was two seconds away from charging again.

“I’ll kill you if I see you close to her again.” He swore.

“Sam, please just leave!” I glanced at him desperately.

He was fuming but he turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

He slammed the door shut and pinned me against the wall

“Who the hell said you could kiss him?” he growled.

“You’re too young to fuck around like that.”

“Too young?” I spat, heat rushing to my cheeks.

“Are you insane? Fuck you, Kaleb,

You kissed me. Twice!”

His eyes flickered for a second and he leaned closer.

“That was different,” he snapped.

“Different? Oh, right.

When it’s you, it’s okay. But if it’s someone else, suddenly I’m a child who doesn’t know what she’s doing?”

His hands curled into fists at his sides. “You don’t get it.”

“No, you don’t get it!” My voice shook.

“You left with Lila yesterday. I saw you kiss her at the parking lot.

Why the fuck do you care who I’m with?”

His eyes widened just a fraction,

“Kaleb I haven’t seen you in years and suddenly you’re back acting like my guard dog.

Tell me. Why?

Why does it matter to you if Sam or anyone kisses me? If I want them to? You’re not my fucking parent!”

His hand slammed against the wall beside my head, making me flinch.

“Are you jealous I left with Lila?” He asked after my rant.

“Get away from me,” I slammed his shoulder leaving.

Everything I said went to shit. While I was boiling in anger he only cared if I was jealous.