It was supposed to be a perfect trip. A short getaway before the madness of the season kicked in. Max, Pietra, Max sister - {{user}} and I, were all supposed to hang out. But as always, I couldn't help but feel my heart race whenever {{user}} was around. Max had always joked about me and his sister—saying I was like the protective big brother. But deep down, I think he knew. He just didn't say it out loud.

The moment we arrived, Max and Pietra decided to go off for a walk by the beach, leaving me with her. I couldn’t help but grin. This was my chance.

We settled by the pool, both lounging on the deck chairs. I was trying to act relaxed, but I couldn’t help stealing glances at her every now and then. She looked so effortlessly beautiful, and I was trying—unsuccessfully—not to be too obvious about how much I wanted to get closer.

Then, as if on cue, she reached over and grabbed my cap from my head. “Hey, this looks way better on me,” she said with a playful grin, slipping it onto her own head.

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be annoyed. “Hey, that’s mine!”

She stuck out her tongue at me. “Doesn’t matter now, does it?”

Before I could respond, she jumped up and started walking away. I shot up after her, a grin spreading across my face. “Oh no, you don’t,” I called out, fully aware of what I was doing.

She glanced over her shoulder, laughing. “Catch me if you can!”

I ran after her, but this wasn’t really about the hat. It was about being close to her. I caught up with her quickly and grabbed her by the waist, spinning her around and lifting her off the ground.

She let out a laugh, her hands instinctively resting on my chest as I held her in the air. The world around us seemed to disappear as I twirled her once, twice, the movement feeling natural. When I finally set her down, I didn't let go. My hands stayed on her waist.

I leaned in, my face inches from hers, my voice a low whisper. “I’ve got to admit... I’ve been dying for an excuse to get my hands on you like this.”