Summertime Smiles.

1.

This is the story of a typical office romance.

The cold work obsessed, geek, gets obsessed with a bossy, 5'3 girl.

He's the one who needs everything on time and she's the one who procrastinates. His voice is manly but hers is still of an eight year old because of less vocal chord development.

Meet Nathan Richards, our male lead, the heir to Richard's inn, the best law firm in the country.

Meet Alaya Navaeh Martinez, the daughter of Anthony Martinez, a retired army general.

Let's navigate into thier story now.
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A 23 year old girl was on her way to her graduation party today. She was late because the shower at her dorm wasn't working.

It was her duty to take care of the final arrangements but her clumsy ass for late yet again.

Rehearsals must've ended.

She thought and it was true. Everyone who participated had even gotten ready already and she was still not there.

"Alaya!" Her bestie shouted.

Alaya ran to her and pulled her into a hug.

"Aaaa.....you freak." Sophia whine.d.

"Everyone was calling you." Sophia said. Alaya looked at her apologetically.

"You've not even done your freaking makeup.' ' Sophia said.

"It's ok. I'll just hurry up." Alaya took out her makeup pouch and did her makeup in a hurry.

As Alaya rushed to finish her makeup, Sophia helped her with her hair, tying it up in a quick bun. "You look beautiful, Alaya !" Sophia exclaimed, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

Alaya  smiled, feeling a bit more confident. "Thanks, Soph! I don't know what I'd do without you."

Just then, the emcee announced Alayas name, and she took a deep breath before walking up to the stage. As she approached the podium, she saw him - Nathan Richards, the guest speaker and heir to Richard's Inn, standing tall and handsome in his tailored suit.

Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Alaya felt a shiver run down her spine. She quickly brushed it off, focusing on receiving her degree.

As Nathan handed her the diploma, their hands touched, and alaya felt a spark of electricity. She quickly pulled her hand back, trying to compose herself.

"Congratulations, Ms. Martinez," Nathan said with a smile, his deep voice sending a flutter through her chest.

Alaya smiled back, trying to play it cool. "Thanks, Mr. Richards."

Chapter 1: Graduation Day

Alaya Navaeh Martinez beamed with pride as she accepted her diploma, her heart racing with excitement. She had done it! Four years of hard work and determination had finally paid off.

As she walked off the stage, her  best friend, Sophia, rushed over, squealing with delight. "Oh my god, Alaya! You did it! You're finally a graduate!"

The two friends hugged, basking in the thrill of this milestone moment.

After the ceremony, Alaya's parents hosted a grand party at their luxurious estate, complete with a live band, delicious food, and a guest list that included close friends and family. Alaya's father had even invited Robert Richards, Nathan's father, and his wife, Catherine, as a gesture of goodwill.

As Alaya  mingled with her guests, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this celebration. Her parents had spared no expense in making this day special, and she felt loved and cherished.

Meanwhile, Nathan Richards, the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony, was nowhere to be seen. His parents had attended the party, but he had politely declined, citing work commitments.

Alaya didn't notice his absence, too caught up in her own joy and celebration. Little did she know, their paths would cross soon enough, changing the course of their lives forever.

Anyhow, as the party wore on, Alaya let loose, dancing with her friends and laughing until her sides hurt. She felt carefree, surrounded by people she loved, and the stress of graduation finally behind her.

Sophia grabbed her hand, pulling her into a circle of friends. "Come on, Alaya ! Let's take a shot!" Alaya hesitated for a moment before clinking glasses with her friends and downing the tequila.

The music pulsed around them, and Alaya  found herself lost in the beat, spinning and twirling with her friends. That's when she saw him - Alex, a classmate she'd had a crush on freshman year.

He caught her eye, and alaya felt a flutter in her chest. She made her way over, and they started dancing together, their bodies moving in sync.

As they finished the dance, she could feel her heart racing with excitement. She had always thought he was cute, and now, with the music pulsating around them, she felt a sudden urge to kiss him.

Alex, sensing her approach, turned to her with a smile. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.

Alaya thought to herself, "What am I doing? This is crazy!" But her body seemed to have a mind of its own, moving closer to Alex as if drawn by a magnet.

Alex, on the other hand, was thinking, "Yes! She's finally making a move!" He had had a crush on Alaya  for ages, but never had the courage to tell her.

As they drew closer, their lips almost touching, Alaya felt a rush of adrenaline. She closed her eyes, and their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment.

But as they pulled away, reality came flooding back. They were met with cheers and applause from their friends, who had been watching the whole scene unfold.

Alaya's s face flushed with embarrassment, but Alex just grinned, looking pleased with himself.

That's when Alaya saw her brother, Jake, glaring at Alex from across the room, his eyes narrowed in disapproval. Alayaa rolled her eyes, thinking, "Great, here we go..."

Alex, sensing the tension, took a step back, his smile faltering. "I should probably go," he said, nodding at Alaya a.

Alaya nodded, still feeling the effects of the kiss. "Yeah, probably a good idea."

As Alex walked away, Alaya  turned to face her brother, who was still glaring at her. "What's your problem, Jake?" she asked, hands on hips.

Jake's expression softened slightly, but his voice was still stern. "You don't even know him, alaya. You can't just go around kissing random guys."

Alaya sighed, feeling a familiar argument brewing. "I do know him, Jake. He's a classmate. And it was just a kiss, not a marriage proposal."

Jake shook his head. "You're going to regret this. You're going to get hurt."

Alaya felt a surge of frustration. "You're always so quick to assume the worst, Jake. Can't you just let me live my life for once?"

His friend, sensing the tension, intervened. "Hey, hey, let's not ruin the celebration. Alaya's grown up now, Jake. She can make her own decisions."

Jake scowled, but backed off, muttering under his breath.

Alaya watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions. She knew Jake was just trying to protect her, but sometimes his overprotectiveness suffocated her.

She turned to her parents, forcing a smile. "Thanks, guys. Let's just enjoy the rest of the party."

But as the night wore on, alaya couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't control.