𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬

04

Stopping outside Teddy's beach house, the wind blows my brunette hair over my shoulder, carrying the salty scent of the ocean. I huff, biting my lip out of instinct, and I'm also nervous. Very nervous. Dixi, Summer, and Kimberly are paused beside me, their eyes filled with anticipation. "Sooo... are you going to open the door or not?" Summer looks at me curiously, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I take a deep breath and slowly raise my hand to the door. Kimberly beats me to it impatiently. "Kimberly!" I groan, glaring at her. She gives me a playful push, chuckling.

I'm wearing a pink sleeveless top that hugs my figure and blue-washed American Eagle shorts that show off my tan legs. Underneath, my pink swimsuit is hidden, ready for a dip in the pool. Fidgeting with the waistband of my jean shorts, I look down, my heart pounding in my chest. I hear the door slowly open and watch as water drips down on the wood flooring. I draw my eyes up slowly, blessing my eyes with perfectly sculpted abs, each ridge defined and glistening with droplets of water that catch the light, making them look almost like they're carved from marble. His legs are equally impressive, muscular and strong, with defined quads and calves that hint at hours spent working out. The skin stretches taut over the muscles in his thighs, and his calves flex slightly as he shifts his weight.

I trail my eyes up to already see him looking at me. He eyes me and slightly smirks as he just caught me checking him out. The blaze in his hazel eyes slightly turns me on. I blush as he opens his mouth, tongue running over his soft, plump lips. "Hey, Alina," he says, his voice deep and smooth like honey. I drop my head in embarrassment as he just caught me checking him out. "Hey, Teddy," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Teddy's face lights up with that charming smile that always makes my heart skip a beat. "The rest of the boys are already here. They're in the pool," he continues, stepping aside to let us in. I glance past him through the back window and see Quinn, Trixy, and Jaxsy messing around in the pool. The volleyball net is set up beside the pool, ready for a game later. The sound of splashing water and laughter fills the air, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

"Come on, let's join them," Teddy says, taking my hand and leading me towards the pool. His touch sends a tingle up my arm, and I can't help but smile, feeling the excitement and anticipation of the evening ahead.

I glance over Teddy's shoulder and catch sight of the girls trailing behind, their giggles and playful expressions making me blush. I roll my eyes with a smile and turn back, my hand still nestled in Teddy's. As we step out the back door, the boys' shouts of greeting fill the air, though Quinn remains silent, as usual. Teddy releases my hand and dashes into the pool, creating a massive splash. The boys shield their faces from the water, and the girls and I burst into laughter. Teddy emerges, water dripping from his hair, his grin wide and infectious, his dimple making my heart skip a beat. I find myself mesmerized, unable to look away from his captivating presence.

Summer's foot nudges mine, jolting me back to reality. I turn to her just as Dixi lets out a spirited "Cannonball!" and leaps into the pool. Kimberly and Summer quickly follow after, their laughter echoing around us. "Come on, Alina, jump in!" Dixi calls, her eyes sparkling with excitement.