SUNBURN | JOHN B ROUTLEDGE

009

Gabriella and Kiara made their way to the Boneyard, spotting John B, JJ and Pope from a distance in a sea of people. Before heading towards them, Kiara put her number, along with the rest of the Pogues numbers, in Gabriella's phone, incase they got lost from each other or if they simply just needed one another.

The beach illuminated by a massive bonfire at its center, flickered with warm, golden light that danced across the faces of the gathered crowd. The flames cast long shadows over the sand. The air was blended with the sound of crashing waves and the murmur of countless conversations. The scent of saltwater mingled with the tang of beer, creating a heady aroma that defined the essence of the Boneyard kegger. Clusters of people stood around the bonfire, their faces glowing in the firelight, red cups in hand. The kegs were strategically placed, surrounded by a sea of partygoers eager to fill their cups and join in the festivities. Coolers filled with ice and bottles of various drinks dotted the sand.

Gabriella, experiencing her first party, soaked in the sights and sounds with wide-eyed wonder. The sheer intensity was both exhilarating and overwhelming. She could feel the sand between her toes and the cool breeze off the ocean, grounding her in the moment.

"Hey!" Pope shouted, motioning the girls to come forward. "Kie, here's your drink."

"Gabs, can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?" JJ smirked. Without hesitation, Gabriella took the drink, downing the burning goodness as JJ watched.

"Fuck JJ, what's in this?"

"It's better if you don't ask." Kie whispered, "Tequila with a drop of lemonade. From past experiences, keep a hair tie with you for later on tonight when it comes back up." Kiara laughed while passing Gabriella a hair tie.

JJ and Pope left after they topped up his cup and found their seat, quite comfortably, close to two girls who seemed to be close friends. Kiara's attention was diverted from Gabriella as soon as she saw a familiar figure appearing from behind her.

Gabriella was no stranger to alcohol, in fact, she sought refuge in the familiar comfort. Back in New York, the harsh, medicinal taste of liquor was no stranger to her lips. She had become accustomed to the burn that followed each desperate sip, using it to numb the relentless ache of depression that gnawed at her soul.

However, in the Outerbanks, things had changed. It wasn't the taste of JJ's Milwaukee beverage being different to what she was used to, but it was the feeling of the intoxication throughout her body. Gabriella found herself sipping it without the usual grimace, without thinking of everything she had done wrong in her previous life to give her a father like Dean.

Gabriella's foot caught on a loose piece of driftwood, and she stumbled backward with a startled yelp, arms flailing. Time seemed to slow down in those few moments until she felt a pair of strong, yet gentle hands catch her, halting her fall with a surprising softness.

John B's touch was electrifying, sending a jolt of warmth through her as he steadied her. His hands lingered on her arms, firm, as he helped her stand upright. She looked up, her breath catching in her throat as their eyes met. His deep, soulful gaze seemed to pierce through her, making her feel exposed at once. The world around him seemed to blur, and he was the only focus, making her heart race. The orange hues from the crackling firewood between them seemed to dance across his face, highlighting his every freckle, his every perfection.

"Watch your step, sunshine," John B whispered, his voice low and soothing, carrying a hint of a playful smile. The nickname sent a flutter through her chest, and she couldn't help but smile back, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and the sudden, intense attraction she felt toward him.

He held her gaze for a moment longer, ensuring she was steady on her feet before slowly releasing his grip, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he did. Gabriella felt a sense of loss as his hands left her, but the tingling sensation where he had touched lingered, a reminder of the brief but powerful connection they had just shared.