The early morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as you frantically tossed clothes into your suitcase. You checked your phone for what felt like the hundredth time that hour.
Nicholas: "I'll be there in twenty. Hope you're ready!"
Twenty minutes. That's all the time you had left before Nicholas would be pulling into your driveway to whisk you away for the most anticipated trip of the summer.
"Okay, swimsuit? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Sunscreen?" you muttered to yourself, scrambling around your room like a tornado. This wasn't just any vacation—it was a week at a private beach house with Nicholas.
You couldn't help but smile, thinking about how excited he had been when he surprised you with the invitation. "You, me, and the ocean," he had said with that irresistible grin. How could you say no?
Just as you zipped up your suitcase, you heard a car horn outside. Peeking through the window, you spotted Nicholas leaning against his car, aviator sunglasses perched on his nose, and a boyish smile on his face as he waved up at you.
"Come on! We've got a plane to catch!" he called.
Hurrying down with your luggage, you were greeted with a quick kiss on the cheek before Nicholas grabbed your suitcase and loaded it into the trunk.
"Ready for the best week of your life?" he asked as he opened the passenger door for you.
"Only if you're ready to impress me," you teased, sliding into the seat.
He laughed, a low, warm sound that made your stomach flutter. "Challenge accepted."
The airport was a blur of bustling crowds, rolling luggage, and excited chatter. Nicholas took charge, navigating the check-in and security process with ease, his hand occasionally finding yours as he guided you through the chaos.
The flight itself was peaceful. Nicholas had booked first-class seats, of course, and he spent most of the flight pointing out landmarks from the window and making you laugh with stories from his childhood. By the time you landed, your excitement was at an all-time high.
The drive to the beach house felt like stepping into a dream. Palm trees lined the winding road, and the smell of saltwater hung in the air. When the house came into view, your jaw dropped.
It wasn't just a house—it was a mansion. A sprawling white villa with wraparound porches, towering windows, and a private pathway leading directly to the beach.
"Nicholas, this isn't a house; it's a resort!" you exclaimed as he helped you out of the car.
He chuckled, grabbing your suitcase. "Only the best for you."
The inside was even more breathtaking. Vaulted ceilings, chic coastal decor, and a view of the ocean that could rival any postcard.
"Do you like it?" Nicholas asked, watching your reaction.
"Like it? I love it," you said, throwing your arms around him.
"Good," he murmured, pulling you closer. "Because this is just the beginning."
After settling into your room—a luxurious suite with its own balcony overlooking the beach—you wasted no time changing into your swimsuit. Nicholas was already waiting for you downstairs, a towel slung over his shoulder and a mischievous grin on his face.
"You look incredible," he said, his eyes sweeping over you appreciatively.
"Flattery will get you everywhere," you quipped, grabbing your beach bag.
Hand in hand, the two of you made your way down the private pathway to the beach. The sand was warm beneath your feet, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore was soothing.
The next few hours were pure bliss. You swam together, the cool water a welcome relief from the heat of the sun. Nicholas tried—and failed—to teach you how to body surf, resulting in both of you laughing until your sides hurt.
Afterward, you stretched out on a beach towel to soak up the sun. Nicholas sat beside you, his hand idly tracing patterns on your arm as you talked about everything and nothing.
"You know," he said, breaking the comfortable silence, "this is exactly what I needed. Just us, no schedules, no pressure. It's perfect."
You turned to him, shielding your eyes from the sun. "I couldn't agree more."
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, you returned to the house to freshen up. Nicholas disappeared into his room, promising to meet you on the patio for dinner.
When you stepped outside later, you were greeted by the sight of a beautifully set table, complete with twinkling fairy lights and the soft glow of candles. The ocean stretched out in the background, the waves glistening under the moonlight.
Nicholas was waiting for you, dressed in a crisp white shirt that contrasted beautifully with his sun-kissed skin.
"Wow," he said as you approached, his eyes lighting up. "You look stunning."
"Not bad yourself," you replied, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks.
He pulled out your chair for you, and you sat down to a delicious meal prepared by a private chef Nicholas had hired for the night. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and you found yourself getting lost in the warmth of his gaze.
As the evening went on, Nicholas reached across the table to take your hand.
"Can I tell you something?" he asked, his voice softer now.
"Of course," you said, your heart fluttering.
"I know we've only been here a day, but...I already know this is going to be one of the best weeks of my life. Because I get to spend it with you."
You smiled, feeling your heart swell. "Nicholas, you have a way of making everything feel special."
He grinned, standing up and walking over to you. "That's because you're special," he said, pulling you to your feet.
The two of you stood there, swaying to the sound of the waves as the moon rose higher in the sky.
"I don't think I'll ever forget this night," you whispered.
Nicholas leaned in, his lips brushing against your ear. "Good. Because I plan on giving you a whole week of nights just like this."
And as his lips found yours, you knew he was keeping that promise.
