I groan softly to myself. It’s probably just the mailman, but if I ignore it, it might keep going. Reluctantly, I stand up from mybed and make my way to the stairs. The creaky steps groan under my weight, but they’re familiar and it’s not enough to distract me from the growing curiosity about who’s at the door.
By the time I reach the bottom of the steps, I feel a little annoyed. The doorbell rings in tandem with the knocks, and I huff out an exasperated breath. I pull open the door with a little more force than necessary, not expecting what I see.
Standing there is Cole.
He’s holding a bouquet, a mix of soft pink and white hibiscus, and in his other hand, an iced coffee with a plastic lid on top.
For a moment, I’m just standing there, blinking at him, unsure of what to say. His smile is effortless, charming, and suddenly my chest tightens in a way I can’t explain. I feel shy, like I forgot how to breathe. Maybe it’s the flowers or the iced coffee. He clearly remembered that I’ve been trying to like coffee, but I can’t find the words. I don’t know why I’m feeling like this. We’ve been together for two years, for heaven’s sake.
“Hey, Sunshine,” he says, his voice warm. “I brought you flowers.” He shifts them toward me and adds, “I thought I’d surprise you, and I brought you an iced coffee cause you were talking about trying to like it.”
I blink again, suddenly aware of the heat creeping into my cheeks. He’s right—I’ve been trying, but I didn’t expect him to remember. Or to show up like this. I glance down at the iced coffee, unsure of how to respond.
“Uh, thanks, Cole,” I manage, my voice coming out softer than I intended. I can’t even look him in the eye. I feel a little flustered, surprised by how sweet he’s being in front of my brother.
He chuckles lightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “I was gonna text you and ask if you wanted to hang out, but I thought this might be more fun.” His mischievous grin makes my heart flutter.
“Surprise me, huh?” I ask, half-laughing, still unsure how to shake off the strange wave of shyness.
“Exactly,” he responds, then gestures toward the steps. “So,how about we spend the day together? I’ve got another surprise for you, too.”
My heart skips a beat at the idea. “Another surprise?” I repeat, feeling the stirrings of excitement.
“Yeah,” he says, voice dropping low in that inviting, almost conspiratorial way that always makes me feel like we’re in on something special. “Go grab your bathing suit, and anything else you want. We’re going to have some fun in the sun.”
The words hit me like a rush of excitement. “Okay, hold on,” I say, my heart racing a little faster now. “I’ll be right back.”
Before I can even respond, Cole steps inside, his presence filling the space with a quiet, calm confidence. His smile is so familiar, it makes me feel like I’ve known him my whole life. My mind is still spinning, but I try not to overthink it. A surprise day with Cole? Definitely something I’m up for.
I rush upstairs, feeling the flutter in my chest the entire way. Changing quickly, I put on my favorite black floral one-piece swimsuit. I gather a towel, sunscreen, a beach bag, and a book in case I want to read. There’s a little excitement brewing in me, the kind that makes everything feel fresh and new.
As I’m packing, I pause by the mirror. I glance at myself. Barefoot in my swimsuit, hair already frizzing from the humidity. There’s a nervous energy buzzing under my skin, and it’s more than just the surprise of today. It’s him. It’s the way he showed up, casual and unshaken, as if loving me was the most natural thing in the world.
When I’m done, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This is just Cole, right? Just my boyfriend. I’ve been with him for two years, and yet today feels different. My heart beats a little faster as I head back down, feeling a little self-conscious.
I reach the living room, and when Cole looks me up and down, I can’t help but feel a strange mixture of nerves and happiness. His gaze moves over me, and there’s this slow smile that spreads across his face, one that makes my heart race even faster.
“You look incredible,” he says, his voice steady, and there’s a warmth in his tone that makes me blush.
I try to smile nonchalantly, but I feel like I’m burning up. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”
Cole laughs, but it’s soft, almost like he’s savoring the moment. Without warning, he reaches out, taking my hand and pulling me into his arms. I can feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat against mine as he presses his lips to mine in a kiss that’s slow, soft, and full of meaning.
When he pulls back, his forehead rests against mine, and I feel a rush of tenderness, a wave of emotions I can’t quite name.
“Kenna,” he murmurs, his voice low. “Has anyone told you how beautiful you are?”
I laugh, almost nervously. “I don’t think so,” I reply, still reeling from the intensity of his kiss.
“Well, Sunshine,” he says with a smile that reaches his eyes, “you are. You’re the most beautiful girl in the world.”
I don’t know why, but those words hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. My chest tightens, and I feel like I might burst with the emotions I can’t quite control.
“Thank you,” I whisper, and I mean it more than he’ll ever know.
“Anytime,” he responds, squeezing my hand before leading me outside to the car.
The sun warms my skin the moment we step out. The air smells of cut grass and blooming flowers, and everything feels almost cinematic—like I’m about to step into one of those perfect summer memories that stay with you forever. I glance sideways at Cole. He’s whistling as he unlocks the car, eyes glinting with that familiar boyish excitement. It’s contagious.
