You hadn’t planned on talking to anyone yet, just needed air, space, maybe a distraction from everything that came with being the new kid in Outer Banks.

Then you saw him. Out past the break, riding the waves like he’d been born in them. Blonde hair, sun on his shoulders, full-speed wipeout that should’ve looked embarrassing.. but didn’t. He came up laughing, pushing his board to shore, and when his eyes met yours, he didn’t look away.

By the time he reached you, he was dripping wet, saltwater trailing down his chest, board under one arm and a smirk that probably came standard.

“You lost, or just stalking me?” he asked, playful.