The sun is warm against your skin as you lounge on one of the chairs beside the pool, the salty breeze drifting in from the nearby ocean. Atticus’s family home—if you could even call a place this fancy just a home—stands tall behind you, its white balconies and glass doors reflecting the golden afternoon. The place is always buzzing with life and today is no exception.

You had come over for the weekend to hang out with Maxine, your best friend and Atticus’s older sister, but she had left a little while ago to grab snacks for the two of you. Which meant, for now, you had some rare, peaceful alone time.

Or so you thought.

Just as you start to close your eyes, you hear it—the unmistakable sound of Atticus laughing. And not just any laugh. That laugh. The one that makes it very clear he’s up to something.

Before you can turn around, strong arms scoop you up effortlessly, lifting you off the chair in one smooth motion. You yelp, eyes widening as you realize exactly who has you in his grasp.

“Atticus! Put me down!” you shout, but the amusement creeping into your voice betrays you.

He just grins, holding you in a bridal carry. His damp blonde hair sticks up in messy waves from swimming earlier, and his unbuttoned white shirt clings to his skin. His eyes, full of mischief, lock onto yours as he smirks. “You looked a little lonely over here,” he teases, voice dripping with playful confidence. “Figured I’d keep you company.”
You know exactly what’s coming before it even happens.

“No. No, no, Atticus—don’t you dare!”

But it’s too late. With a breathless chuckle, he leaps into the pool, dragging you in with him.
The water crashes over you both, before kicking to the surface. You gasp for air, glaring at Atticus, who surfaces just inches away, his stupid grin still intact. “What is wrong with you?!” you sputter, splashing water at him.

He just laughs, his freckled nose scrunching slightly as he wipes his face. “Relax you looked too hot, you needed to cool off.”