It was the beginning of summer vacation before senior year started. My parents arranged a trip to our cottage by the lake so we'd have “quality family time” and a bit of R&R. The only problem was our neighbours and my parents best friends, Deb and Trevor tagged along. I don’t actually mind Deb and Trevor, in fact I love them like they were my second set of parents, the problem lay in the fact that their son Sebastian was also coming along.

Me and Seb are the same age and we'd actually been really close when we were little. We'd grown up together and been best friends, always getting into crazy situations together, then trouble hit when we hit puberty. Seb started taking an interest in swimming and girls which meant less time hanging with me.

I can't pin point the exact moment when me and Seb stopped being friends but it was a gradual progression which started with him missing one of my dance competitions. It had always been our unspoken deal that I went to all his swim meets and he came to all my dance competitions or performances. So I was beyond pissed and being the mature 13 year old I was, I purposely missed his next swim meet. And it was down hill from there....

So back to the present and the next two weeks of my parents, Deb and Trevor drinking, having a good time and doing the things general middle aged people did on holiday. Plus also having to find something to do to amuse myself and avoiding the general awkwardness that being around Seb always brought about. We just didn’t have anything in common any more and so always referred to things we knew the other loved when we were 10 (his love of tree climbing and miniature trains, my love of the power rangers and elephants) and since none of that was relevant anymore it usually meant we avoided eye contact and tried to exit as soon as possible.

“Kay are you excited?!” my mum asked bring me out of my reverie. “I already feel calmer breathing in this fresh air, don't you just love it here?!!”

“Yea mum its nice like every year you bring us out here.” I replied

“Yes but it's especially great this year because the D'angelo's are coming with us”.

We finally arrived to our cosy cottage. It sat on a hillside that overlooked the lake from the back garden. My favourite part of the cottage was the ivy that clung to the right side of the cottage which contrasted really well against the white brick wall. The outside looked small but when you walked in it was surprising how roomy it was. It had an open plan living, dining and kitchen area, four spacious double bedrooms and the piece de resistance the jacuzzi which was out on the deck in the back garden.

I quickly made my way to the bedrooms so I could pick my favourite room which had a beautiful view of the back garden and the lake. I decided to take a shower and get ready for dinner, really it may have just been an excuse to avoid Seb for as long as possible. When I got out the shower I decided to wear a simple yellow one shoulder dress which really made me look like I was glowing. I decided to put a little simple make-up on and put my hair into a simple pony tail. I finally slipped on some white strappy sandals before heading out to see what was for dinner.

Just as I walked out of my room Seb stepped out of the room across from mine.

“Oh hey, you look great” he said

“Umm thanks”

“I hope you don't mind, your mum told me to take this room.” he said as we made our way down the hallway.

“Its cool why would I mind anyway?” I replied noting his obviously nervous demeanour.

“I dont know” he mumbled as we walked into the living/ dining area to find our parents already getting merry on a second bottle of Pinot Grigio.

“Finally you two are ready and we can fire up the grill!!” Deb exclaimed as she made her way out onto the outside deck where my parents and Trevor had started making dinner preparations.

As we sat there digesting an assortment of meat and carbs, which I would burn of with an early morning run; my parents, Deb and Trevor were reminiscing about their college days and had finally got to Kayleesi and Sebastian: the early years edition of the story.

“You two were inseparable, I thought you would be married by the time you left high school.” my mum giggled as she topped up her glass of wine. I inwardly cringed and looked at Seb who looked just as uncomfortable.

“Sandra stop it now you are embarrassing these children.” my dad said coming to our rescue.

“But Sean you have to admit you even imagined the beautiful grand children they would give us.” Deb proclaimed adding fuel to the fire. This time Seb looked at me with an apologetic smile and I couldn’t help but smile back. We were both prisoners on this trip down memory lane.

“If you kids want to be excused from the table, just go apparently your mothers can't handle their alcohol and their mouths are getting a little loose” Trevor said and just as Sebastian and I made our exit I swear I heard Deb whisper “That's not the only thing that’s getting loose.” With that I made a speedy retreat to my room. But before I could get there Seb gently pulled my hand making me turn to face him.

“Sorry about my mum you know what she's like after a couple glasses of wine.”

“You don't need to explain, my mum was just as bad if not worse and when the two of them are together it's like they are 18 again.” I giggled and Seb looked at me and laughed and said “Yeah well we just need to stay away from them for the next two weeks and maybe we could hang out and give them hope for those grand children.”

I laughed too and noticed that he had not let go of hand and he was gently rubbing it. Normally I would have let go and gone straight into my bedroom but I just stayed there looking at his beautiful stormy blue eyes.

“Yea we can do that” I barely whispered, taking notice of how full and pink his lips were. A smirk formed on his lips as he said “ You really do look great tonight. I'm gonna head to sleep. Night.” And just like that he released my hand and released me from the trance he had me under. I watched him make his way to his room and began to understand his popularity with all the girls at school.

With that thought I went into my room and threw myself on my bed.

The next two weeks were going to be difficult especially since my body reacted in such a ridiculous way to him holding my hand for god's sake. My stomach was still doing flip flops and I felt very moist in my core. How was I going to keep myself out of trouble?!!

I woke up the next morning feeling slightly disorientated. It always took me a while to get  
acquainted with new surroundings. But I did love waking up at the cottage, it was always sunny and I could see the back garden from my patio doors. I wasn't really into nature but I could definitely appreciate the beauty that the cottage had to provide.

I got dressed in my work out clothes and decided to go for a run down by the lake. While I ran I tried to figure out my odd reaction to Sebastian's touch, it was like a crazy spark. One that I hadn't even felt with my ex boyfriend or anyone else for that matter.

I guess me and Seb had always had chemistry and that's what made our friendship exciting, we just clicked and I suppose I just missed that. He had also got smoking hot with his ridiculous swimmers body, stormy blue eyes, cushiony full lips and gorgeous curly hair that I just wanted to run my fingers through. Although I wouldn't ever go there, he wasn't my type and it was just weird.

While I tried to explain away my body's reactions, I reached the lake which looked deserted since it was early morning. I started stretching and noticed something in the water. There emerging from the depths of the lake was the teen god, worshiped by the entirety of the female population at our school and any female that got to witness him in his scandalously tiny speedos. I couldn’t help but stare as he rubbed himself down with his signature swim-team towel, it was just impossible for him to look like he was about to shoot an editorial so early in the morning.

"Hey. So I guess I’m not the only one who got an early start.” Seb observed as he casually walked over to me.

“Uh yeah. I guessed the parents are all hung over so I just decided to go for a jog.” I said gesturing to my workout outfit which consisted of black skin tight shorts with a pink stripe and a matching halter neck. “And it’s so great coming down here at this time since no one is usually around.”

While I was saying this I couldn’t help but notice Seb’s eyes roam the length of my body in a way that made me feel I wasn’t the only one who felt the heat between us.

“Do you want to head back?” I asked breaking the silence and drawing Seb’s attention back to my face.
“Yeah, lets go.” He said while pulling on his sweats.



                                    …............................................................................

We walked into the house to the glorious aroma of pancakes and bacon. I was glad everyone was up, seeing as the walk back had been a walk down memory lane with the occasional sizzling tension caused by our arms brushing next to each other. I literally couldn't take it anymore and I blamed it on my hormones and his sexy lazy smirk.
It was okay when we were back home because we only saw each other from a distance. I had my friends and boyfriend - well ex boyfriend now- and he had his friends and a string of random hookups.
But here it was just us and I half of me wanted to jump him while the other half wanted to trip him up and laugh like we used to when we were kids.
“Something smells good” Seb said walking into the kitchen and grabbing a banana from the counter.
“We thought we would rustle up something for everyone but we thought you two were asleep. Where did you sneak of too?” My mum asked eyeing me suspiciously.
“I woke up and went for a run and Seb was already down by the lake swimming so we walked back together.” I quickly explained before my mum and Deb could get excited.
“Sandy face it we raised good kids.”
“I know, I just thought they might have gotten a little loose and gone to one of the parties at the lake I saw.”
"Does this mean we get permission to go? Cos it sounded pretty wild last night." Seb said with a smirk.
"No it does not. Do you see what you've done Sandra? You can't just say things like that to him without him using it as an excuse to go."

I took a seat at the table outside and poured myself some orange juice. Seb came out and sat across from me. I did everything in my power to not make eye contact but I could feel him staring at me, taunting me to look at him. I would not give him the satisfaction so I looked out at the view of the surrounding mountains.

“Here comes the good food kids.” My dad exclaimed bringing out a plates stacked with bacon and eggs.
I greedily took my plate, suddenly feeling famished and began wolfing down my meal.
“Woah there honey, we didn’t even say grace yet.”
“Well we never say grace around the D’angelo’s and I was starving.”
“I know we don’t but we can try and introduce it, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind, would you Seb?”
“Not at all Sean, I have always believed in some form of a deity watching over us.”
This statement made me cave in and look at Seb. When in the world did he become a philosopher? Also I was sort of shocked he knew the word deity. But the minute I looked at him I knew he’d done it to get a rise out of me. The smart ass smirk on his face made him look so smug like he’d won some unspoken battle of wills.

Everyone finally joined us at the table and started sharing their plans for the rest of the day. My mum and Deb wanted to go to the local spa for a full day of treatments while Dad and Trevor wanted to go play a game of tennis and maybe go hiking. While I would have loved to play tennis with Dad and Trevor I knew that was where Sebastian would want to go so I opted for a relaxing day at the spa. Plus I would have time figure out why Seb was already getting under my skin after barely 12 hours of being here.

The spa was pretty amazing I took a couple lengths in the pool and had a facial as well as a mani-pedi. I felt so relaxed I could barely bring myself to pick up the glass of cucumber water next to my lounger.
“Hey there Leesi, how are you doing?” Deb asked claiming the lounger next to me.
“I’m feeling pretty chilled out right now, like a fire could start right here and I wouldn’t move a muscle.”
“I know exactly what you mean honey, I just had a massage that sent me to another plane. That Sergio had some magic fingers.” Deb replied with a devilish wink. I couldn’t help but laugh at her suggestive nature, I loved that about Deb she always treated me like I was her friend no bullshit and trying to be my second mum just completely fun and cheeky.

“What are you telling my daughter?” My mum asked Deb, eyebrows raised. She knew better than anyone how naughty Deb was seeing as it was one of the reasons mum loved Deb so much.

“Nothing Sandra, just talking about how relaxing this place is.” Deb answered giving my mum her big stormy blue doe eyes. “I was just about to ask Leesi if she was looking for new man now that her and Spencer split up.”

I glared at Deb seeing as this was one of my least favourite topics of discussion at the moment, all of which involved why me and Spencer had broken up and how I was going to move on. I didn’t know the answer right now. I knew that me and Spencer were going to end eventually since he was going to college and I was going into my senior year but the way he had done it was so callous. Claiming I was a frigid cock tease because I wouldn’t give it up to him after nearly 2 years of dating. I’m glad I hadn’t done it with him if thats all he’d wanted from the relationship.

But these weren’t things I wanted my mum or Deb to know. They would start drama and since Spencer is our minister’s son that would make church going very awkward if mum cussed him out.

“I don’t know Deb I’m not looking for anything I just want to graduate and get through senior year.”

“What about a nice summer fling? No strings attached? Some of the young men I saw by the lake were looking pretty nice.” Deb teased.

“Will you leave my daughter alone with your scandalous ideas? You’ve got the right idea baby theres plenty of time for boys after school is done.”

I smiled at my mum but couldn’t help but think about Seb emerging from the water like some mythical creature with his hair all glossy, abs perfectly sculpted and his sexy smirk. A summer fling suddenly sounded like a fun idea.

Later that night Deb, Trevor and my parents left for their dinner date. I decided to go to the patio and read my book, my favourite passtime whenever I was at the cottage. I also usually snuck a glass of wine to really unwind.

I was so absorbed in my book I didn't notice Seb sneaking up behind me. When he grabbed me I let out

Later that night Deb, Trevor and my parents left for their dinner date. I decided to go to the patio and read my book, my favourite passtime whenever I was at the cottage. I also usually snuck a glass of wine to really unwind.

I was so absorbed in my book I didn't notice Seb sneaking up behind me. When he grabbed me I let out blood curdling scream and also spilled the entirety of my glass of rose all over over myself.

Sebastian was beside himself with laughter which only enraged me further.

"You're such a dick Sebastian!" I exclaimed while trying to wring out the rose from my shirt. "I reek of alcohol now! If mum and dad came back right now they'd think I was out doing keg stands with frat boys!"

This only amused Seb further and he continued to laugh while I stormed into the kitchen to get a towel.

Took me a while to write this probably cos of the holidays but here you go!

I managed to get in touch with Duncan the next morning and met him at a little coffee shop by the marina.
"So the kid was actually jealous of me and you?" He smirked as I filled him in on the events from the boat party.
"Oh I don't know if he was actually jealous, I think he was just pissed at the rapey jock and he just probably felt left out since we were bumping and grinding all night." I said as I sipped my latte.
"I think it was more than being left out, he probably wished he was the one bumping and grinding with you probably even more when he found out it was pretty much wasted on me." He said
"Pretty much?" I asked raising my eyebrow.
"Hey I am fully able to appreciate the female form, especially when it comes in that video vixen-esque package." He said flirtatiously.
I would probably have been blushing but Duncan was the biggest flirt I knew besides my best friend Carmen. If the two of them ever met the world would probably  implode from the sheer amount of sexual innuendos they would come up with.
"No Duncan, we barely started talking again and I am not his type. He goes for the chicks with the Kate Upton look and I clearly don't have that." I said rolling my eyes.
"Please she's just big boobs and long legs, you on the other hand, have the milkshake that brings all the boys to the yard." He replied while he drank his frappuccino.
I burst out laughing at his ridiculous statement. "Oh my god, that song really? It's like 50 years old." I said trying to catch my breath.
"Hey I am bringing it back, you know that when you hear that song you can't help but shake everything you got." He said with a cheeky grin.
"Fine whatever." I said still giggling. "What happened with the hottie you made out with on the boat last night?" I asked wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.
"Ugh nothing." He said rolling his eyes. "It started off great, we were dancing and then we made out but he wanted to get to know me and cuddle under the stars or some shit."
"And what's wrong with that? He looked really cute."
"He was cute enough but he's going to college on the east coast and why should I bother getting to know the guy since we wouldn't ever establish a real relationship after this summer." He said with a dismissive wave.
"You never know it could be the beginning of something beautiful." I said with a smile
"You really are just a hopeless romantic aren't you?" He said returning my smile. "But I was just looking for nice traditional teenage summer romance."
"Still a possibility my friend, just don't write him off."
"And you shouldn't write off the possibility that Sebastian might want some summer lovin too."
"You are so corny." I giggled throwing my napkin at him.


                 ................................................................................................

I returned later that day to an empty house and decided to take a nap since I was still tired from the night before.
I was woken up by a shirtless, sweaty Sebastian standing in my doorway telling me to get ready to go to dinner. I swear he hated wearing clothes, like speedos were the most he could bare to wear.
I quickly changed into a white bodycon dress with white wedges, spritzed myself with my favourite summer scent and walked out the door.
I walked into the lounge and saw everyone else was all ready to go.
"I swear you always look like you should be on the cover of some magazine." Deb exclaimed when I walked in.
"Sure Deb, apart from the fact that I'm 5 foot 4 and not exactly a size zero." I replied shaking my head
"And who actually likes size zero girls? You fill out that dress like they couldn't."
"Deb would you stop talking about how my baby girl fills out her dress." My dad replied.
"Oh stop being such a prude Sean, your baby girl is all grown up. Back me up here Sandra?"
"All I know is my baby is beautiful." My mum said.
"Exactly, much more beautiful than those models. Right Seb?" Deb enquired with a devilish smile.
I looked over to see a very uncomfortable Sebastian try to come up with something to say that would probably not offend me.
"Yeah she looks great, beautiful." He said clearing his throat. He also definitely looked like he was blushing which was weird for a guy like Seb, who wasn't exactly the blushing type.
"Well this is awkward. Can we get going?" I asked making my way to the door. All I could hear was Deb laughing her ass off while Trevor tried to scold her with little success.

Thankfully dinner was mainly uneventful and there was no more talk that related to me or Seb. My parents along with Deb and Trevor decided to go to a local salsa club after dinner. They asked me and Seb along but I could just tell the club would be filled with middle aged couples who still thought they had the groove and I was not interested in enduring that so I passed. I'm pretty sure Seb had the same thing in mind so we both left the restaurant and went home together.

When we got home Seb went off to his room, so I decided to go to the patio and read my book with a glass of wine. I don't know how long I was out there before Seb came out only wearing his swim shorts. I forced myself to look directly at his face so I wouldn't get caught staring at his perfectly toned abs.
"I just thought I would go chill in the jacuzzi for a while." He said nodding his head in the direction of the shed that housed the jacuzzi.
"Thats cool." I replied
"You can come too, if you want and bring your wine of course." He said with a smirk.
"Yea sure I'll just go change." I said as I watched him make his way down to the shed. I went to change into my favourite yellow bikini quickly trying to rid myself of the nerves I suddenly had.
Why are you so nervous?? This is Sebastian. The boy you once dared to eat a worm, which he did, with an insane amount of pride. Nothing could ever happen.
After my inner pep talk, I walked into the shed and removed my towel since it was already pretty steamy in there. I couldn't help but notice Seb's eyes roaming over my body before they reached my face. I smirked, glad I wasn't the only one who couldn't help roaming.
I got in the jacuzzi and passed Seb a glass of the wine I had brought with me.
"I'm not much of a wine connoisseur, I prefer beer." He said while taking a gulp of the wine.
"Well you never were very cultured and I suppose you can't shotgun a bottle of wine." I replied with a smirk.
"So what if I'm not some hipster trying to act like a 30 year old european from the 80's."
"Touche." I said tipping my glass to Seb. I couldn't help but laugh at his comment even if it was a dig. I sometimes forgot that behind his man whore jock persona is a genuinely smart, witty guy.
"So you and Spencer called it quits?"
I couldn't help but groan because I knew where this was headed.
"Yup." I answered
"How come? You two were like the Michelle and Barack of Chesterton."
"He was going to college.Long distance never works." I knew I was being short but I really hated this topic.
"Isn't he like 2 hours away?"
"Okay Sherlock maybe he dumped me so he was free to hook up with any loose college girl he wanted." I didn't mean to snap at him but this conversation just brought up raw emotions.
"Wow okay, I didn't mean to pry. I just never thought anyone would actually dump you."He said with a kind smile.
"Well that's sweet but apparently I was too frigid for his liking." I said giving him a pointed look.
"What, so you mean you two never had sex the entire time you were together?"
"Yeah it just didn't feel right. I get that we were the perfect couple. He's the pastor's son and I'm the doctor's daughter but it felt so contrived, like I was living the plot of some story I didn't even like." I caught myself mid rant realising who I was actually talking to.
"He was clearly a massive dick and didn't deserve you especially if he dumped you just because you didn't want to sleep with him. Guys like that don't deserve girls like you."
I had to smile at how sweet he was being to me, just like the Seb I knew when we were 10.
"Also I'm kinda glad you're still a virgin." He said with a half smile.
"And why is that?" I asked
"It still means you're still my Kay."
I looked deep into those blue eyes and I don't know if it was the memory of what we used to be or the bottle of wine we managed to get through mixed with the heat of the jacuzzi, but I felt myself gravitate towards him and before I knew it my lips were on his. They tasted better than I could have imagined.
The kiss started of slow and tentative then progressively became more intense and passionate. I straddled him to get more comfortable and felt a rather large bulge on my thigh. Instead of shying away I fell deeper into the kiss, my body moving with his. Seb had definitely gotten better at kissing since we were 12.
Probably because of all those girls he's hooked up with at school. He has definitely had plenty of practice.

These thoughts brought me straight down to earth and I pulled away from him.
What are you doing?! You can't hook up with one of Chesterton high's biggest players.
Was I really that desperate to feel wanted?

"Wait  what happened?" Seb asked trying to pull me back into another kiss.
"No Seb, this is a mistake, we had wine and the steam just made it worse." I tried to explain, scrambling off him.
"Let's forget about it okay and just act normal okay?" At this point I was climbing out the jacuzzi trying to get out of there as soon as possible.
"So you want to go back to pretending we don't find each other attractive? Go back to not talking to each other?" Seb asked sounding pissed.
"No I just don't know if this is a good idea. Where could this go? We don't even hang out normally." I babbled.

"You know your problem? You overthink everything." Seb said getting out of the jacuzzi. "Even when we were little you always thought of what would happen if we got caught when we were up to no good. You need to just think of what you want right now." He said taking my hand.

"Well I don't really know what I want." I said nibbling my bottom lip.

"I know I want you now so..." Seb said as he leaned in to me.
What the hell. A summer fling might be just what I need to get the Spencer ugliness out my system.
With that I stood on my toes and kissed him, fully aware about how little clothing we were both wearing. I embraced him and tangled my hands into his soft curls. His kisses genuinely took my breath away and I thought my legs might give him.
I finally didn't care. I was on vacation and vacation Kayleesi didn't think before she acted. She just acted.