A Summer to Seduce You

Spencer's Pov.

I simply could not believe the first year of college had flown by already. I survived my first year– if anything, I didn't just survive. I annihilated it with my GPA kept at exactly 4.0. I was beyond excited about what my future held for me.

I knew now that I could manage college and now I was ready to slowly open my social life a little more. I already had Annie and Lena. They were my true best friends and not like the others I encountered in high school. These girls were true friends, the epitome of girlhood was experience with them and I couldn't have asked for better friends.

“Are you sure you don't want to pack this?” Lena asked, holding up the skimpiest red bikini I had ever seen. I may or may not have been half-asleep when I purchased some clothes online.

“Where the hell would I even wear that?” I asked, heat creeping up my cheeks. Just looking at it made me embarrassed—I definitely didn't have the confidence to pull that off.

“Uhm? Hello, you're literally going to New Jersey—Wavy Beach,” Annie reminded me, flipping the shorter strands of her blonde hair over her shoulder.

“Yeah, Spence, you'd have people breaking their necks if you wore this,” Lena smirked, inching the bikini closer to my suitcase. She was good at convincing people, I knew that much.

She once worked at a fancy boutique, her commission was crazy.

I stared at the bikini simply taken aback by it. It was beautiful, truly. I just could not picture myself in it, “I– I can't wear this.”

“Fine, but I'm removing the tags and keeping it,” Lena said, twirling the bikini between her fingers.

“Have at it. I'm sure Killian will love that,” I laughed. Lena could totally rock that bikini and Killian? He'd lose his damn mind.

“I still can't believe you get to spend your summer in Wavy Beach,” Annie sighed dreamily. Just hearing the name of the beautiful beach town had me grinning.

“I know right? When Uncle Ray called I could've jumped through the roof.” I grinned.

“We were there when you squealed,” Lena laughed. I blushed slightly as I was reminded of that.

Uncle Shawn was a successful businessman and lawyer, with an incredible reputation. He and Dad truly elevated the Stillman name. Uncle Shawn had built a life of many great achievements, but his most prized work, the one thing he was the proudest of was the small bookstore he owned right by the shore. It was his gift to Aunty Aurora who had a deep love for books. That little bookstore had been her pride and joy, a place she poured her heart into until life took her children and eventually the entire family abroad.

With my cousins gone off to Spain for school, and the rest of the family relocating overseas, Aunty Aurora managed the bookstore through someone else but in the summer someone else needed to pick up the shift and I was chosen. It was perfect for me—taking care of the shop while soaking in the warm, salty air of Wavy Beach.

On top of that Uncle Shawn sweetened the pot, and they didn't stop at just offering me a summer job at the bookstore. He went above and beyond and somehow pulled strings to secure a position for me at his law firm. It wasn't a full-time job, but I'd be freelancing, and writing legal documents for some of his clients. It was the perfect summer job for me to get some real experience. I would be preparing myself for law school one day.

I couldn't have asked for a better summer opportunity.

“Not to forget the stunning apartment your family left you there.” Annie smiled, helping me pack up my shoes.

The best part about this summer job was that I had no rent or utilities to pay. Aunty and Uncle had a beautiful beachside apartment that was vacant and awaiting me.

I set down the stack of t-shirts and turned to my girlfriends, “I extended the invite, there are two bedrooms, I don't mind taking–”

Oh, how I wish they could join me.

“Girly, you know I'd love to come but the internship at the vet is exactly what I need.” Annie pouted, rubbing my arm. Annie had been dreaming of being a vet since she was only six. In college, she now has to pursue her dreams.

I more than anyone understand that these internships shape you for a better chance.

“I know, you?” I groaned dramatically and looked towards Lena. “Maybe I can still convince you?” I wiggled my eyebrow.

“Sorry, Spence, I made promises to Killian but maybe next time?” She put her phone aside, brow arched.

“Oh yeah, If you get the chance again I will for sure plan something so I can join you,” Annie said, her tone loaded with excitement and eyes sparkling.

“I'll be sure to convince Aunty Aurora,” I smirked and looked down at my suitcase. I zipped it up and to my surprise, I did not struggle to do so. “Well, that this is it,” I muttered, staring at it.

My friends drove me to the airport. I had quite the journey ahead of me. After a flight followed by a train then I'd arrive in the beautiful town, of Wavy Beach.

—

I stood with my suitcase in front of the apartment, trying my best to keep my jaw from hitting the pavement—but goddamn. This place looked stunning.

My cousins always raved about this place, but I had no clue it was this incredible. The beachside apartment of my dreams. Three whole months of calling this paradise mine and only mine.

The building itself had a cute modern charm to it but not to the minimalist kind, no this place had a lot of character and oozed coziness. The building had large glass windows that reflected the beautiful sun and all I could think about was how the sunset would penetrate through. The white stucco walls gave it that classic beach-town feel, while the blue-trimmed balconies added a touch of elegance.

I spotted the private patio and couldn't wait to spend my morning there, admiring the sun and getting up with an ocean view.

I walked towards the apartment, patting the key that rested in my pocket. The breeze carried the salty air from the beach along with the soft sound of waves crashing against the shore. A damn reminder that the beach was literally in my backyard. Not to forget that the bookstore was a little less than fifteen minutes away and all the hotspots in town were also ten minutes away.

This apartment couldn't have been in a more perfect location. Three months in paradise.

Holy shit.

Two apartments down from mine, I caught movement. The sliding balcony door glided open, and there he was.

A guy around my age stepped outside, his blonde hair perfectly tousled, the kind of messy that only came from days spent under the sun and nights tangled in saltwater air. His skin had that irresistible golden glow, and then there was that body.

Broad shoulders, sharp lines of muscle, and nothing but a pair of shorts hanging low on his hips. It offered me more than enough of a view of his thick, toned thighs. My eyes then trailed up and I then saw his abs, so damn toned it made me forget I was staring.

Wow.

Snap out of it, Spencer.

I grabbed my suitcase, forcing myself to move, to breathe, to do anything but shamelessly stare. I made it all of three steps before slamming straight into solid warmth and muscle.

Strong hands caught my arms before I could stumble back.

"Sorry—" I started, but the words died when I looked up and locked eyes with Mr. Shirtless himself.

My neighbor. There's no way I just ram into him.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked, flashing me a smile so damn charming it should've been illegal.

Oh, hell. He was even hotter up close—sharp jawline, perfectly sculpted nose, kissable lips that curled at the corners.

I swallowed hard. Speak, Spencer.

"Yeah, sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," I muttered, heat creeping up my face.

"I wasn't paying attention either." He let out a low chuckle and extended his hand. Big hands. Rough palms. "Name's Ryan."

"Spencer. Nice to meet you," I said, shaking his hand. Firm grip. Strong. Confidence. That's what he oozed.

“You're new here?” His eyes raked over me slowly.

Did it just get hotter out here?

"Yeah, I guess I'll be your neighbor?" I said, forcing a casual smile. I had no idea how to handle this level of attention.

Ryan was the kind of attractive that came with a group of ladies and no doubt many friends.

“Oh, sick,” he nodded like this was the most natural thing in the world. We held each other's gaze, something passed between us for a moment and then he casually asked, “Care to join me for a morning swim?”

Oh.

"Uh, sadly, I have to settle in." I pointed at my apartment, my heart pounding.

He was interested in me?

“Can I invite you to a bonfire later, then?” he asked, casual—too casual.

“Really?” The word slipped out before I could stop it.

Fuck. Now he knew I doubted myself. Way to scream insecurity, Spencer.

Ryan just smirked. "Yeah. The beach in our backyard? It's the go-to spot for people like us." He winked.

People like us.

I had no idea what that meant to him, but I knew exactly what it meant to me—I could never compare myself to someone like him.

"Sounds perfect, Ryan," I smiled, deciding to take a leap of faith.

"I'll see you later."

With that, he turned and walked off, leaving me grinning like an idiot as I rushed inside.

I barely set my suitcase down when my phone rang—Noah.

Noah Murray, my best friend since diapers. The one person who knew me better than anyone else.

We'd grown up together in upstate New York, but when college came around, we went our separate ways—me still in NYC, him to California to be near his grandmother but also because it was freaking Stanford he was accepted into. Distance didn't matter, though. We talked every single day.

I couldn't lie—I missed Noah.

We talked about everything– but our love life but that aside, we spent time together whenever we could. Attended the same daycare, same kindergarten, and everything in between all the way till the last day of high school. Noah had been my greatest friend—besides Lena and Annie, of course. But Noah was different. He always had my back, stood up for me no matter what, and on top of that? The guy was a genius.

“Hey, Noah,” I answered, putting the call on speaker as I unzipped my bag.

“Hello, Spence,” his scruffy, familiar voice brought an instant smile to my lips. “Tell me, are you rocking a sun-kissed glow yet?”

“Calm down,” I laughed, shaking my head. “I just got here.”

“I still can't believe you took off just when I got back for summer,” Noah groaned.

I felt that. With him in California and me in New York, it was already hard enough to find time together.

“Hey, you spend your entire school year by the beach,” I pointed out. “I had to stare out of a classroom window at gray skyscrapers, listening to a constant sound of honking cars while you probably heard waves crashing against the shore.”

“Fair enough,” he laughed then after a beat followed a sigh. “This is our first summer apart.”

That hit harder than I expected.

Our first summer apart.

Last year, Noah had stayed until the very last moment before heading back to California. It helped that he had his grandmother's place, so he never had to rush back to dorm life. But now, for the first time in forever, he wasn't here and I wasn't there.

I put off the heavy feeling and instead focused on just talking to him, ensuring we enjoyed our conversation. I began to unpack and we filled each other in on our plans. I conveniently left the part about my new neighbor. It's not like he cared about my love life.

By the time we hung up, I had managed to swing by the bookstore and take care of my tasks for the day, and before I knew it, the sky had darkened with the sunset slowly.

The bonfire was happening tonight so I had to rush. I threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, quickly fixed my glasses, and stepped outside. Instinctively, my gaze flicked to Ryan's apartment.

Empty. He had already left. Damn it.

I made my way toward the beach, the sun slowly sinking into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold, orange, and pink. The ocean breeze created a cool chill over my skin unlike the sand underneath my feet that still radiated the heat of the sun. It was so incredible here but then I looked ahead. I spotted the group of college students gathered around the bonfire, and a wave of doubt crept in.

This wasn't my scene.

Sure, I was in college, but I had always stuck to Lena, Killian, and Annie. I never really went to parties, and when I did, I never stayed long enough to actually connect with anyone.

What the hell am I doing here? I was way over my head, I'd make things awkward.

“Hey, guys! Look, my friend finally arrived!”

I turned toward the sound just as Ryan's eyes met mine. And when he smiled–this effortlessly warm, inviting smile of his made my worries wash away.

“Spencer, get over here!” he called out.

And just like that, I knew. This summer was going to change everything. Because Ryan was about to teach me things no one else ever had, make me feel things no one else ever did, and make me experience things like no one else ever had.

Spencer's Pov.

It had been two weeks since the bonfire, and I had to admit—going had been one of the best decisions ever.

Ryan had practically appointed himself my personal tour guide, and honestly? He was damn good at it. So far, I'd been to every must-visit dessert shop, had the best pizza of my life, and picked up adorable shirts and trinkets I knew Lena and Annie would love.

The bookstore had been booming ever since I started making marketing posts, and within days, the place was packed with visitors and tourists. Sales were through the roof, and on top of that, I had been working on some incredible legal documents with Uncle Shawn.

I'd learned so much already, and it had only been two weeks into my summer.

I just knew—this was going to be the best summer ever.

The soft chime of the doorbell pulled me from my thoughts, signaling a new visitor. I sighed, locking my laptop. The document I had been working on was driving me up the wall because there were too many parties involved, and too many clauses and conditions making my head spin.

I glanced toward the entrance and there he was. Ryan.

“Hey, shortstack,” he smirked, leaning against the counter like he owned the place.

The nickname was purely to tease me—not because I was actually short because we didn't differ much in height. I'm actually not sure why he calls me that but I found it cute since he still towered over me like a damn tree. Neither of us had realized the height difference until we went grocery shopping a few nights ago. I struggled to grab the cake mix I wanted and Ryan easily towered over me.

Big mistake. He hadn't stopped teasing me since.

“Ryan,” I warned, narrowing my eyes at him. My greeting was clipped, unamused.

“Oh, come on, don't be mad over the name,” Ryan flashed me that smile—the one most girls would probably melt over. But not me– well, not this time because usually, I'd fall for that charming smile.

I rolled my eyes dramatically, and he let out a defeated sigh before pulling out a cup with a familiar logo.

“Fine. I got you a peach lemon iced tea,” he said, holding it up like a peace offering.

My favorite drink. From the new place in town, he had introduced me to.

“For me?” I asked, a giddy smile creeping up my face with excitement.

“Sure is, shortstack. Enjoy.”

I accepted the drink happily, taking a long refreshing sip. The cool, sweet drink was exactly what I needed since the AC in my section of the store was still broken, while the rest of the shop remained perfectly chilled.

The repairman was supposed to come by later but in the meantime, I had been melting.

Ryan casually browsed the shelves, his fingers skimming over the glossy covers of the latest bestsellers I had displayed.

“So,” he glanced over at me, grinning. “How's the job going?”

“Really great. I sold a bunch of copies this morning, and I think another wave of customers is about to come in soon,” I grinned, setting my drink aside.

“That's amazing,” Ryan hummed, his eyes locked on mine.

“The document I'm working on right now, though…” I let out a small sigh. “It's so time-consuming, but I'm learning a lot.”

Ryan nodded, leaning in just slightly. “That's really great.” His voice was huskier than usual, and my heart raced suddenly.

“Are you free later, Spencer?”

“Yeah? Why?” I blinked at him, feeling my pulse quicken. Whenever he was around I swear my heart worked overtime.

He hesitated for a second, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Well… I won't lie to you, Spencer,” he said, clearing his throat. His expression softened and I think I saw some nervousness in his eyes for the first time. He was genuinely overthinking something.

“I like you, Spencer,” he admitted. “I'd love to take you out on a date.”

“What?” The word tumbled out of me before I could stop it. My eyes widened as I stared at him. “A date?” I repeated.

Ryan immediately looked down, a light blush creeping up his neck. “Yeah, but if you don't—”

“Yes,” I blurted out, cutting him off before he could second-guess himself. “I'll go out with you, Ryan.”

His head snapped up, his lips curving into a relieved grin.

I scored a date with Ryan. How the hell did I get this lucky? He was funny, handsome, and caring—the kind of guy I never imagined would be into me.

This summer was actually unreal. This was definitely my year.

“Are you free tonight?” Ryan asked with a proud grin still plastered on his face. Did he think I'd turn him down?

“I am,” I confirmed, still a little shocked.

“Perfect. Then our first date is happening tonight, shortstack,” he smirked, throwing in a wink that made me smile.

First date he said. As if he was already planning on more.

“I can't wait, Ryan. Truly,” I said to him, refusing to grin too brightly or I'd most likely scare him off.

In the back of my mind, I was already mentally digging through my very limited selection of date-worthy outfits.

—

Ryan left soon after, mentioning something about planning the date. I finished up work as fast as I could and rushed home. I had until seven to get ready.

I combed my hair, well, I tried but failed since the unruly curls decided to not behave. After a long battle that ended in my defeat, I used some hair clips to put the strands in their palace. Then, I dug through my suitcase, panicking slightly when I realized I didn't pack anything remotely fancy. I settled on the first dress I found—simple, not the prettiest, but it would do.

Man, I was so damn nervous. I was all over the place. I was just about to step out when a knock sounded at the door. I took a breath and opened it.

Ryan.

His dark jeans and fitted polo did things to me, and the hoodie slung over his arm made my heart squeeze. His usual messy hair was now gelled back, looking like he belonged in a magazine.

“You look beautiful, Spence,” he murmured and smiled at me.

Before I could even process his words, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

I froze.

Then heat rushed to my face, I couldn't stop it at all. Not when I felt his soft lips press against my warm cheek. A small, breathless giggle escaped me as I looked up at him.

“Thank you.”

Ryan's fingers slipped through mine, his warm, calloused hand completely wrapped around mine to remind me of our size difference. Wow.

“Come on then,” he murmured.

And just like that, he led me out into the night, my heart racing every step of the way.

—

The movie ended up being really good. When I got cold halfway through, Ryan casually gave me his hoodie as if he had planned all of this. And maybe he had since I never saw him use the hoodie.

The date felt magical. After the movie, we walked through the dimly lit streets and had our favorite flavor of ice cream on a cone. We laughed together as we discussed the movie we just watched.

Ryan was easy to be around. He made me laugh and made me feel seen. When we finally stopped in front of my door, Ryan stopped and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked down at me with a pleased smile.

“So… does this mean I get another date?” he asked, flashing me that signature smirk.

“Yes, Ryan. I had a ton of fun,” I laughed. I'd be a fool to decline a second date. Lena and Annie would actually kill me though I was yet to tell them about Ryan.

His smirk widened as he leaned in. I held my breath. Frozen in place. I could smell the ocean breeze cologne he wore, it fitting him perfectly. I thought that for a second he'd kiss me but then he pressed his lips to my forehead. The soft feeling of warmth entirely, I never thought he'd be this sweet.

I'd never had a boyfriend before. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to dating or intimacy. However, I was about to do a deep dive into Google searches because I needed help and did not want to mess this up.

“Have a good night, shortstack,” he said, throwing in a wink at me as he tucked his hand in his pocket.

“Good night, Ryan,” I wished him and smiled briefly, keeping eye contact for a few seconds longer.

And just like that, everything changed that night.

—

After that night, I started prepping for our dates. I didn't freestyle things anymore, I put in the effort for Ryan to like me like he did. One date turned into two. Then three.

Suddenly Ryan was just always there, a part of my life.

We went to the movies, had late-night dinners, explored the town, found new ice cream flavors, and took long walks down the beach. We were inseparable and I simply couldn't have asked for a better summer.

I couldn't wait to tell Lena and Annie about it all. Their reaction would be gold but I worried they'd chase after me for keeping secrets though. Noah, on the other hand… wasn't the type to care about my dating life. So I didn't tell him much.

Tonight was yet another date. Three weeks in. Ryan wouldn't tell me where we were going, only that I should dress up. So I did. But right now I was on the phone with Noah as I fought with my unruly hair to make it behave.

“So, how's everything over there?” I asked and rested my phone on the desk whilst it was on loudspeaker and I struggled with the brush.

“Perfect,” Noah said easily. “Missed the city, but it feels empty without you.”

His words made me pause, my lips tugging into a soft smile.

“Oh hush, you're just happy to have the pizzas all to yourself,” I laughed, shaking my head.

It was no secret that we both loved pizza. And we always fought for the last slice.

“Yeah, it surprises me how I don't have to fight anyone for it,” Noah quipped, making me roll my eyes.

“You're so dramatic,” I snorted.

After a beat, he asked, “What about you? How's work treating you?”

“Really well,” I said, finally getting the brush through my hair. “The bookstore's been super busy, and drafting these documents just makes me even more excited about becoming a lawyer. But, ugh it's gonna take so many more years.”

“You'll kill it,” Noah said with zero hesitation. “I know you will.”

“I know…”

“What are you up to?” He then asked.

“Getting ready to head out, you?”

“Look at you, such a social butterfly,” he teased then replied, “I might go by the milkshake shack with Sonia or she'll call me the worst brother ever.”

“Sounds lovely–” I said when I heard the knock on the door. “I have to go, talk to you later.”

I opened the door and smiled when I saw Ryan standing there with a bouquet of yellow flowers in hand.

“For you,” he said, holding them out with a small and shy smile on those pink lips.

I blinked. Yellow? It was a little unexpected since I'd always preferred pink, but the fact that he'd brought me flowers at all made my heart melt. No one ever brought me flowers.

“Thank you,” I said softly, taking them from him. “These are lovely.”

“As are you,” he murmured. His eyes swept slowly down my body, and my cheeks heated instantly.

He whistled. “Wow.”

I let out a breathy laugh, tucking my hair behind my ear as I quickly turned to put the flowers in some water, trying to compose myself. I don't think I can control myself around him.

Once the flowers were taken care of I returned to Ryan and Ryan reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine as we headed outside.

“Where are we going?” I asked as we walked down the street.

“Not far,” he hummed, squeezing my hand.

As we approached the beach, I noticed something up ahead—a blanket spread out on the sand, a picnic basket sitting in the center, and small stones placed at the edges to keep the fabric from blowing away.

I gasped and looked over at Ryan instantly.

“Is that… for us?”

“Sure is. Come on,” His lips tugged into a mischievous grin.

I stared at him in awe as he led me forward.

He kicked off his shoes and stepped onto the blanket, holding out a hand. “C'mon, shortstack.”

“Ryan… oh my god,” my heart fluttered at the realization that he did such a romantic thing just for me.

“I know, right?” Ryan smirked.

I laughed, taking his hand as I stepped onto the blanket. The second I was settled beside him, Ryan pulled me closer. He had his arm wrapped right around me and gave me a subtle squeeze.

“This is incredible,” I whispered, admiring the basket filled with our favorite snacks.

Ryan didn't even look at the food. His eyes were locked on me.

“So are you,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face. His fingers traced the line of my jaw. He was slow and deliberate, sending shivers through me.

I swallowed hard. The way he was looking at me was just panty-melting.

“Spencer,” he whispered and continued to caress my face, “Will you be my girlfriend?”

I felt my heart skip a beat as I looked into his stunning blue eyes, glowing under the moonlight.

“Yes.” I didn't even hesitate.

Ryan then smirked and pulled me to straddle him. I let out a surprised gasp as I straddled him. My hands went and pressed against his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin through his shirt.

I felt his finger slide under my chin, making me look up at him. His own eyes flickered between my eyes and lips then he finally crashed his lips to mine.

The kiss was hot and urgent and lived up to expectations. It felt just right with everything that had been simmering between us. My fingers slid into his hair as I melted into him, tasting the faint hint of chocolate on his lips. His hands gripped my waist, fingertips trailing up and down my curves, and the thing fabric of my dress didn't stop me from feeling his warmth.

We only pulled away when we were both breathless. We just stared at each other, a soft laugh passing between us.

“My girlfriend,” Ryan whispered, brushing his nose against mine.

This was our official start. That night, I told Ryan he was my first boyfriend, my first real relationship. I told him I wanted to take things slow, and that I wasn't ready to lose my virginity yet. And of course, Ryan was perfect and didn't mind it one bit.

He kept surprising me with flowers, chocolates, and sweet little gestures that only made me fall for him more. He dragged me along for his early morning swims, organized the cutest dates, and spent hours in my apartment where I'd bake cookies and make pizza so we could watch movies together and make fun of them.

It was when I was five weeks into being his girlfriend that I knew I was finally ready.

I didn't know how to say it, but tonight our date was us sitting beside the bonfire, a little private spot on the beach no one else came to. Ryan made it extra cute and romantic just for us. We ate our s’mores, laughed, and stole kisses in between everything.

I finally gained the confidence and looked over at him, eyes dropping to his lips. “Ryan.”

“Yeah?” His gaze softened.

“I'm ready.”