𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬

03

After getting our mani-pedis done, we all agree to head to a nearby café called Beach Breeze. As we walk in, the faint smell of coconut wafts through the air, mixing with the salty sea breeze. The coastal-themed café is adorned with white shutters, adding a touch of charm and elegance to the relaxed atmosphere.

We sit down at a comfy booth, upholstered in a rich navy blue fabric. Dixi slides in beside me, while Summer and Kimberly settle across from us, their animated chatter filling the air for about ten minutes. A petite strawberry blonde waitress with light brown eyes approaches our table, her friendly smile adding warmth to the cozy ambiance. We all decide to order the Beach Picnic subs, and as we do, the waitress's smile broadens. She jots down our orders swiftly and gracefully, then leaves us to continue our conversation. The buzz of the café, combined with the scent of coconut and the sound of waves crashing faintly in the background.

The café is packed with people, and as I look around, a rich, smooth laugh makes my head pop up a bit more. My eyes widen as I see Teddy sitting across the restaurant. He's with Quinn, Trixy, and Jaxsy, and the same strawberry blonde waitress who was just at our table is now blatantly flirting with him. Teddy's laughter is infectious, his eyes squinting with amusement, and his right dimple adorably poking out. His hazel eyes sparkle with mischief, and his charming smile is almost too perfect. This sight somewhat irritates me; I haven't even known him for 24 hours, but I'm weirdly jealous.

Like he can feel my gaze, Teddy averts his eyes to me. My jaw almost drops as he gives me a sexy smirk, hazel eyes holding an emotion I can't decipher. His gaze lingers, making my heart race. The connection feels electric, and for a moment, it's like we're the only two people in the crowded café.

I quickly crane my head back to my friends' conversation, trying to shake off that intense moment. But the memory of his smirk and those captivating hazel eyes stays with me, making it hard to focus on anything else.

Dixi shakes my arm, looking at me amused. "Why are you so quiet? You're like a mouse." I point to where Teddy and his friends are sitting, and she gasps, holding her hand up to her mouth.

"What?" Summer says, staring intently between Dixi and me.

"Alina's love rescuer is here!" Dixi whisper-shouts, her eyes wide with excitement.

Kimberly giggles, raising her eyebrows. "Go talk to him!"

Dixi ushers me out of the booth, and I nearly fall over. My heart pounds as I take hesitant steps across the cafe towards Teddy, feeling the weight of my friends' encouraging gazes behind me. As I walk, I can feel my palms getting sweaty, and my mind races with what I should say.

Reaching his booth, he gazes up at me with long lashes and hazel eyes. "Hi, Teddy, is it?" I ask, pretending like I didn't already know his name.

He smiles warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and nods. "I didn't really catch your name at the party," he says honestly, his voice smooth and inviting. The scent of his cologne drifts towards me, making my heart race a little faster.

"Alina, my name's Alina," I say, proud of myself for not stuttering under his intense gaze. His eyes seem to sparkle as he repeats my name softly, "Alina." His two other friends Jaxsy and Trixy look friendly, sending me small smiles, while Quinn, just like his sister, looks distant and off.

Teddy looks up to my forehead, his eyes softening. "I am truly sorry for hitting you in the head with the volleyball, I had no intention of hitting you."

I send him a small smile. "It's totally okay, I'm just happy I don't have a concussion," I laugh. He joins in, letting out a warm laugh that makes me feel at ease.

"These are my friends, Jaxsy, Trixy, and Quinn," he introduces. Jaxsy, with a thick head of light brunette hair and light green eyes, sends me a flirty smile. I can already tell he has a goofy personality.

"Hey cutie," Jaxsy says, smirking and winking at me. Teddy sends him a glare and playfully hits him atop the head, causing everyone at the table to laugh, except Teddy and Jaxsy, who are now in a glaring battle.

"Hi, I'm Trixy," says the guy with dark brown hair, big brown eyes, and full dark eyebrows, extending his hand. His hand is giant compared to mine.

"I'm Alina," I say, smiling sweetly at him.

"You here on vacation?" he asks curiously.

"Yeah, one more day," I say sadly. "We live in North Carolina, though, only two hours away."

"No kidding," Teddy says, joining the conversation. "We live in North Carolina too, just three hours away." Shocked, I raise my eyebrows, encouraging him to continue.

"We came down here for a couple of days in my family's beach house to celebrate Quinn and my commitment to play basketball at UNC."

My jaw drops. "I also just committed to UNC!" I say excitedly. I glance back at my friends for a second before looking back at Teddy's face. "My friends over there are going to UNC too," I say, pointing towards them.

"Isn't that just great," Quinn rolls his eyes, clearly bothered by my appearance. Teddy looks at Quinn, confusion written all over his face as he tries to understand the source of Quinn's anger. Jaxsy jumps in first, attempting to smooth things over. "Don't worry, sweetheart. He's always got an attitude," he says, rolling his eyes and bringing a glass of water to his mouth, sipping on it.

Feeling like I'm being a bother, I decide it's best to leave. "Well, I should probably get back to my table; I don't want my friends waiting on me," I say, casting my eyes down and taking two hesitant steps away. Just then, Teddy's enormous, rough hand gently grasps mine, stopping me in my tracks. He scratches the back of his head with his other hand, looking a bit shy. "We're having a small get-together at my house tonight. Do you want to join? Your friends can come too," he says, his voice warm and inviting.

Blushing, my eyes widen in surprise and excitement. "Of course, that sounds great!" I respond, my heart racing in my chest. His handsome face slowly lights up with a smile, making me feel even more giddy. "I'd be happy to come over."

"Well, I'll see you later tonight, Alina," he says, the sound of my name on his lips giving me butterflies. I wish the boys goodbye and make my way back to my table, a smile spreading across my face.

Scooting beside Dixi in the booth, all the girls screech in excitement. "What happened?" Summer asks, curiosity radiating off her.

Blushing, I can't help but smile. "Teddy invited us to a small get-together at his house tonight," I say, my voice trembling with nervousness.

Dixi gasps and exchanges thrilled glances with the others. "No way!" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling. "Tell us everything!"

I take a deep breath, replaying the moment in my mind. "Well, I was about to leave because I noticed Quinn was grumpy, but then Teddy stopped me. He grabbed my hand so gently, and he looked a bit shy as he scratched the back of his head. He invited us all over, and when he said my name, I swear I felt butterflies."

Dixi nudges me playfully. "Sounds like someone has a crush!" she teases, winking.

I laugh, feeling my cheeks heat up even more. "Maybe," I admit, glancing down at my hands. "But there's just something about him. His smile, his eyes, his plump lips... the way he makes me feel special."

Kimberly claps her hands together. "This is going to be so much fun! We have to get ready and look our best."

The booth is filled with excited chatter as we start planning our outfits and imagining the evening ahead. My heart flutters with anticipation, knowing that tonight could be the start of something truly unforgettable