Summer

Chapter 2

It's only a 20-minute drive from the private airport to our summer house. I should've known when we entered the gated, long pebbled driveway that the mansion Liam rented us was going to be something spectacular.

As soon as I walk in, I'm immediately taken aback by the panoramic windows that lend view to the sparkling ocean. The white marble floors perfectly match the neutral, yet clean aesthetic of the rest of the house, and it's not hard to notice the massive crystal chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. After walking through the luxurious living room, we head outside to find a courtyard that leads to a pool area. There's also a tennis court and a basketball court. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Liam tells us that there's a guest house in the back, and a spa with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room on the bottom floor.

"This mansion screams house parties," Jacob says as we walk back inside. Liam and I simply respond with an eye roll at the same time. That's pretty much how we answer Jacob these days. He doesn't seem to mind, though.

"You did good, Liam," I compliment my brother.

"And, that's not all," Liam holds up a finger and says. "We also have 24/7 staff, which includes a chef, security guard, and two housekeepers. They'll be here later today. You guys already met Howard, our driver. Now, what do you say we head upstairs, unpack and then grab a bite to eat in town?"

"Sounds like a plan to me. What about you, Jacob?" I turn around to ask my younger brother only to realize that he's nowhere to be found. "Jacob?"

"Upstairs," he shouts. 

Typical. He couldn't wait five minutes. Knowing him, he's already found the best room in the house.

My prediction becomes a fact when we find him. Not only is the room that he decided to claim huge, but it also faces the water, and there's an 100-inch flat-screen situated on the wall across from an intricate fireplace.

I end up choosing the smaller, yet still massive, room that's full of light-blue tones. A silk canopy surrounds my bed, and the room is decorated with a glass dresser that matches the nightstand, along with other overly priced designer décor. My favorite part, though, is the balcony that overlooks the water.

We agree to tour the rest of the house after lunch, and decide to hit up the local diner, Val's, because apparently, it's the town's hotspot.

***

Val's is like those retro diners that you see in movies. You know, the ones with the checkered black and white floors, neon jukeboxes, and red cushioned bar stools.

"We're going to be four, please," Liam tells the hostess, who brings us to a booth in the back. We've only been in Charleston for about an hour, but the vibe is a complete one-eighty from Greenwich, and I'm loving it.

We end up sitting next to a posse of guys and girls that look about my age. You can just tell by their demeanor that they're the popular kids in town.

"Noah, over here," one of the guys calls out, and my eyes follow his waving hand to the most gorgeous 6-foot-2 guy that I have ever seen. No, seriously. The. Most. Gorgeous. Guy. I. Have. Ever. Seen. I'm talking ocean-blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and short, caramel-colored waves that complement a sun-kissed skin tone. Unlike his fancy friends, he's wearing a grey crew neck t-shirt that's fitted perfectly enough to display his toned arms. I'm pretty sure that there's a tattoo on his right bicep.

As he walks by me, the scent of his fresh cologne lingers, captivating me even more. He finally makes it to his friends, but almost looks misplaced when he sits next to them. They're all primp, proper, and preppy in their polo button-down shirts, khaki shorts, and boat shoes, and he's, well, the opposite.

"Can I get a Coke?" I overhear him ask the waitress as soon as he sits. His voice is even gorgeous. It's manly, yet kind of raspy.

Just as I'm about to turn away, he glances in my direction, so I give him a quick smirk. What can I say? I panicked. But, I'm slightly disappointed when he doesn't return the gesture. Instead, he flicks his gaze back to his friends.

"Earth to Fee," Jacob calls out, waving his hand in front of my face to bring me out of my daze.

"Huh?" I look at him and say, trying to collect my composure.

He bobs his head at the server who's standing in front of us waiting patiently for me to give him my order. "What do you want to eat?"

"Oh, sorry! I'll have the grilled cheese, please," I say. The waiter jots down my request and I hand him my menu, making sure to avoid eye contact with my brothers.

"What was that about?" Jacob chuckles.

"What was what about?" I say, trying to play it off coolly.

"Who were you gawking at?"

"Gawking?" I nervously laugh. "No one."

"You were staring at that guy over there. I saw it."

"You're delusional," I roll my eyes at him and say, even though he's completely right.

Liam looks over his shoulder to see who Jacob's referring to, and when he turns back to face me, I can detect his uneasiness.

"Don't even think about it," he says about the guy that I was staring at. "He's not for you."