â summer secret â
pairing: fem!reader, non mc reader x caleb + older brother zayne
summary: it is finally college break and for you to see your lifelong crush caleb again at the lakehouse your and his family share. how will he feel when he sees you again after almost a full year apart? how will you handle your feelings with your overprotective brother zayne around?
genre/word count: lots of smut, fluff and a little angst | 11k
warnings: mature themes minors dni! multiple sex scenes, virginity loss, fingering, handjob, oral (m&f receiving), edging/orgasm denial, protected and unprotected sex (they are basically sneaking around for most of the fic)
a/n: another summer fic because i love this time of year! i don't fully know how i feel about this fic i feel like i struggled with the flow a bit because i had so many ideas but it is what it is. i also am not the biggest fan of the title but i hate coming up with titles. ANYWAYS i still wanted to get it out for you all to enjoy so i hope you do.
the last final of junior year ends with the scrape of chairs against the lecture hall floor and the collective sigh of hundreds of students finally set free. by the time you step outside, campus already feels lighter. people are hugging goodbye. suitcases rattle over uneven sidewalks. someone is blasting music from a car across the parking lot.
it's summer.
you slip your phone out of your pocket while waiting on the front steps, your thumb hovering over one familiar contact â caleb.
the cursor blinks in the chat box as contemplate your messageâfinally free, can't wait to see you!
no that sounds too eager. delete. maybeâhope your drive to the lakehouse isn't awful.
thats stupid, why would you care about his drive? you let out a sigh damatic enough to earn an odd look from a student walking past.
it has been almost eleven months since you last saw him. not that you've been counting.
last summer ended with caleb wrapping one arm around your shoulders on the dock, laughing at something you'd said before pulling you into a quick hug.
"don't become a stranger, alright?"
then life happened. classes. internships. different schedules. the occasional family group chat. a handful of likes on each other's posts. but nothing substantial.
now you can't decide whether texting him before you see him would make you look excited...or embarrassingly obvious.
your phone buzzes and you groan as you stare at the message
zayne: outside. parked. hurry up.
perfect timing. your older brother is leaning against his suv with one hand tucked into his pocket and an iced coffee in the other. he looks exactly the same as when you hugged him goodbye outside your dorm last fall. neatly pressed clothes. perfect posture. the expression of a man hardened from med school.
"took you long enough to realize i was here" he muttered as you got close enough to him
"you've been here thirty seconds," you say rolling your eyes
you still wrap your arms around him despite his reluctance. zayne returns the hug with one arm.
"you get taller every semester?" he asks.
"your'e the doctor in training, shouldn't you know i stopped growing by now."
before you can reach for your suitcase, he's already lifting it into the trunk.
"i could have done that."
"thatâs highly doubtful. you are incapable of packing less than your entire dorm room" he says before adding the rest of your bags and slamming the trunk closed.
the drive out of the city settles into an easy rhythm. you catch each other up on classes, professors, your parents, and whether your mom inevitably forgot something important for the lake house.
once you are on the highway, you get stuck in a perpetual loop of locking and unlocking your phone again.
"you expecting to hear from someone?" zayne asks without looking away from the road.
you huff, crossing your arms, "no of course not."
though you were secretly a bit disappointed. had caleb even thought about you in all your time apart? was he as excited to spend time with you as you were?
silence stretches between you for another few miles.
then, "thinking about caleb?"
your grip slips, and you nearly drop your phone into your lap, "what?"
"you heard me."
"i wasn't...i was just wondering if everyone got there already."
"if you were thinking about texting calebâdon't."
heat creeps into your cheeks before you can stop it.
you sink lower in your seat mumblin, "i wasn't going to text him."
for a while, the only sound inside the car is the steady hum of tires against the highway and soft music blending into the background.
then zayne clears his throat, "and before we get there..."
you already know what's coming.
"the usual rules."
"zayne."
"no disappearing after dark."
"i'm twenty two."
"no swimming in the lake alone."
"i know."
"no taking the boat out without telling someone."
"i know!"
"and if caleb suggests something stupidâ"
"he doesn't suggest stupid things." you jump to his defense
"he once convinced you to jump off the roof into the lake."
"we were fourteen."
"you broke your wrist."
"i landed wrong." you laugh, unable to help yourself.
"he'd never let anything happen to me."
the words leave your mouth before you have time to think about them. you glance over at zayne's hands tighten around the steering wheel.
his voice is calm, but there's something unreadable beneath it, "but that doesn't mean i trust him."
your smile fades just enough to hide behind the window's reflection. he has never liked caleb. not really. not beyond years of playful competition that slowly sharpened into something neither of them bothered to disguise anymore.
and yet...despite the teasing. despite zayne's lectures. despite nearly a year apart. in just a few hours, you'll see your caleb again. somehow, that single thought is enough to make the rest of the drive feel impossibly long.
the familiar gravel crunches beneath the tires long before the lake house comes into view. you don't even wait for zayne to put the car in park. the second the engine cuts off, you're already out the door.
"seriously? you have luggage! " zayne calls after you.
"i'll get it later!" you shouted back
"you absolutely won't!"
he's right. you won't.
the screen door bangs shut behind you as you hurry inside, the scent of cedar, sunscreen, and whatever your mom has cooking wrapping around you like a memory. nothing has changed. the old framed photos still line the hallway. the grandfather clock still ticks a little too loudly. someone left a deck of cards scattered across the coffee table exactly the way they do every summer.
"sweetheart?"
your mom appears from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel before immediately pulling you into a hug.
"hi, mom."
she squeezes you once more before letting go, taking a step back to look you over.
"you look exhausted."
"finals will do that."
your dad looks up from where he's pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"made it in one piece?"
"zayne insists on driving exactly the speed limit."
"because that's how speed limits work," zayne calls from outside.
your dad laughs, "good to know i taught him well."
you smile despite yourself, but your eyes have already wandered toward the back deck. toward the wooden staircase. toward literally anywhere that isn't the kitchen.
your mom notices immediately, "you could at least pretend you're excited to see us."
"i am!"
she raises an eyebrow, "then why do you keep looking over my shoulder?"
heat creeps into your cheeks, "i was just...looking at the house "
"uh-huh."
your dad chuckles into his coffee, "let the poor girl breathe, honey."
"no," your mom says, laughing. "come say hello properly before you disappear."
five whole minutes. you answer questions about exams. about your dorm. about whether you're eating enough vegetables.
you swear you've never looked at the staircase this many times in your life. then finally your mom waves you off and you race upstairs.
your room is exactly the way you left it. the same pale yellow comforter stretches across the bed. the same bookshelf tucked into the corner still holds the worn novels you've been rereading every summer since middle school. even the tiny string lights around the window remain untouched.
some places never really change. you set your backpack on the bed before turning slowly in the middle of the room. home for the summer.
a soft knock sounds against the open door. then a familiar voice "hey, pipsqueak."
your heart forgets how to beat. you turn quickly and caleb is leaning casually against the doorframe, one shoulder resting against the wood like he hasn't just completely derailed your ability to think.
he's changed. not dramatically. just enough for you to notice. he's taller than you rememberâor maybe he just carries himself differently now. his hair is a little longer. his shoulders broader beneath a faded navy t-shirt. there are laugh lines beginning to settle at the corners of his eyes that definitely weren't there last summer.
he catches you staring, "what?"
you blink, "you look older."
"ouch."
"i didn't meanâ" you quickly begin to stutter
"i know."
his grin only grows, "you, on the other hand..."
he lets his gaze travel over you for a few seconds too long before meeting your eyes again.
"still look tiny."
you scoff, "i am not tiny!"
he pushes himself off the doorframe, "no?"
"as a matter of fact, i've matured."
"oh is that what we're calling it?"
you fold your arms, "and seriously? still with the pipsqueak!"
"i've been calling you that since you were ten."
you groan, "i am an adult!"
"mhm...whatever you say"
you narrow your eyes, "if you keep calling me that, i'm telling everyone about the time you fell off the paddleboard because you swore you saw a shark...in the lake."
his smile falters for exactly one second, "you said we'd never speak of that again."
"i lied." you said lightly sticking out your tongue.
"damn...since when did you fight dirty."
"i learned from the best."
for a moment, neither of you says anything. the teasing fades into something quieter. caleb studies your face like he's trying to memorize it all over again.
"it's good to see you," he says, softer this time.
your heart stumbles, "you too."
the words come out almost embarrassingly quiet.
his smile changes, it's warmer. like maybe he'd missed you just as much. before either of you can say another word, footsteps sound in the hallway and zayne appears carrying two of your overstuffed duffel bags with another tote slung over one shoulder.
"you forgot these," he says.
"i was coming back."
"no, you weren't."
he steps into the room, finally noticing caleb standing in the doorway.
they manage a polite greeting and caleb flashes the same easy smile he gives everyone, "need a hand with the rest?"
instead of responding, zayne brushes past him, setting your bags beside the closet with a little more force than necessary.
"next time you are responsible for your own crap." he says slightly out of breath
"no i think i will just get caleb to do it"
caleb chuckles at that before the room falls quiet for a beat. you glance between the boys. caleb is still smiling. zayne absolutely isn't. some things, it seems, never change.
except as caleb catches your eye one last time before stepping backward into the hallway, he gives you the smallest wink. so quick you almost think you imagined it.
after changing into your swimsuit, you make your way down the worn wooden steps toward the lake. the familiar smell of pine trees, charcoal and fresh water hangs in the warm afternoon air.
"well, look who's finally here"
caleb's mom smiles from the grill, an apron tied around her waist.
"there she is," his dad adds. "college hasn't made you forget about us, has it?"
you laugh, greeting them with hugs and chatting for a few minutes. they're warm as ever, asking about your classes, teasing you about how quickly you've grown up.
but your attention keeps drifting. out to the lake. caleb is waist-deep in the water, and when he emerges, he runs a hand through his wet hair. sunlight catches on the water running down his chest.
"everything alright?" his mom asks.
"what?"
"you've been staring at the lake."
you clear your throat, "i was just...thinking about swimming."
"go on," she laughs. "lunch won't be ready for another half hour."
you almost leave too quickly. the lake is cooler than you remember. you barely get waist-deep beforeâa splash. cold water hits your chest.
"caleb!"
he looks entirely too pleased with himself, "what?"
"you did that on purpose!"
"i have no idea what you're talking about."
"you absolutelyâ"
another splash.
"oh, you're dead."
"you've gotta catch me first, pipsqueak."
you charge toward him. he backs away, laughing. water flies everywhere. at one point you manage to splash him square in the face.
he wipes his eyes dramatically, "you fight dirty."
"you started it!"
"i regret nothing."
"you will."
you cup your hands and throw another wave of water. he reaches for your wrists to stop you. for a second neither of you moves. his hands remain around your wrists. your laughter fades. you're suddenly very aware of how close he is.
water laps quietly around both of you.
"you've gotten stronger," he says softly.
his thumbs unconsciously brush your skin. with his other hand, the pad of his thumb brushes just beneath your eye, sweeping away a bead of water that had begun to trail down your cheek. his fingers linger just long enough to tuck a damp strand of hair behind your ear.
his eyes search yours for a moment before dropping just brieflyâto your lips. when they lift again, something has changed. the easy teasing is still there. but underneath it is something neither of you has ever acknowledged aloud.
before either of you can reactâ"HEY! lunch is ready!"
zayne's voice echoes across the lake and caleb let's go immediately.
he groans dramatically, "you know... for just one summer, it'd be nice if your brother stopped interrupting me."
"and what exactly was he interrupting?"
caleb's grin turns almost mischievous, "you will just have to wait to find out."
the lake house is quiet by the time the fire burns low. the adults have gone inside. zayne disappeared after claiming he was "actually going to get decent sleep for once."
you're content to sit alone, staring into the flames. the dock stretches out into a lake painted silver by moonlight. footsteps approach behind you. you don't have to turn around. a familiar weight settles over your shoulders. a blanket and caleb is standing behind your chair.
"you looked cold."
"i wasn't." you muttered
he doesn't say anything just grins before sitting beside you, poking at the fire with a stick.
a moment later he holds out a bottle, "beer?"
you take it and clink your bottles together in a silent cheers. for a while, neither of you says much. the silence isn't awkward. it never has been.
"so..." caleb says eventually.
"how's school?"
you tell him the unfiltered version. the one's the grown ups don't get to hear. about professors you hated, friends you've made, parties you were dragged to. he tells you stories from his own campus and eventually the conversation drifts.
"i saw your pictures."
he glances sideways, "oh...which one's?"
you fiddled with your fingers, "the ones with all the girls hanging off you."
he laughs, "oh those ones"
heat flushes your face, as a hint of jealousy rises up, "you looked...busy."
he only laughs harder, "busy?'"
you suddenly regret even bringing it up. but caleb smiles into his beer, "they're just friends."
yeah of course he would say that. there is no way he is the kind of guy willing to settle for a relationship right now.
"and none of them were my girlfriend."
despite your thoughts, you hate how relieved you feel.
"what about you? you seeing anyone?" he asks.
you shrug, "not really."
he tilts his head, "what about...hookups?" he asks nonchalantly
you nearly choke on your drink, "caleb! you can't just ask people that!"
"sure i can."
you hide behind your beer bottle suddenly feeling very exposed, "there've been...a couple"
his eyebrows rise, "a couple?"
you groan, "i'm not answering follow-up questions."
"i wasn't going to ask how many." he throws his hands up
"you were thinking about it."
"yeah you're right i was."
you laugh despite yourself.
he leans back in his chair, "so what qualifies as a hookup?"
you cover your face, "oh my god."
you stand, hoping movement will hide how warm your face has become.
"i'm going to bed."
"so soon?"
"it's late."
you take one step then feel gentle fingers close around your wrist. caleb's grip isn't firm. just enough to make you look back.
"stay a little longer."
his voice is quieter now. the teasing is gone. and it's just him. looking up at you in the firelight. waiting. you look down at his hand. then back at him. those purple eyes shining, silently pleading you not to go.
you have to will yourself to say, "...i should go."
he doesn't let go immediately, "why?"
you swallow, "because if i stay..." you laugh nervously, "i think this is going to get complicated."
you say it more to yourself than to him but he still hears you. his expression changes. more serious than you've ever seen it before he releases you.
"maybe it already is."
the next morning you sluggishly come downstairs a little late, hoping to avoid everyone...well, just caleb. much to your dismay he is already sitting at the dining table, coffee cup in hand. bags under his eyes. maybe he didn't sleep well either?
the second your eyes meet across the kitchen, you both look away a little too quickly.
"so what does everyone plan on doing today?" you ask no one in particular
immediately everyone starts pairing off. your mom and caleb's mom want to stay behind to read and relax. the dads and zayne are going fishing. which just leaves you and caleb.
"we could take the jet ski's," he suggests
before you or anyone else can respondâ"no." the word comes from zayne so quickly it almost overlaps yours.
caleb leans back in his chair, looking entirely too amused, "didn't realize i was asking your permission."
"you weren't."
"so why are you answering?"
"because my sister's involved."
you let out an exasperated sigh, "i'm sitting right here. i can decide for myself."
"i know."
"then why are we having this conversation?"
zayne levels caleb with a look.
"because every time the two of you are together, one of you comes back soaking wet, sunburned, or with a story that starts with, 'you won't believe what happened.'"
caleb grins, "in my defense, those are usually good stories."
"they build hospital bills."
a laugh escapes you before you can stop it.
"zayne," your dad says, shaking his head, "they're adults."
"they're adults who share one brain cell."
your mom smiles into her coffee, "they've been riding those jet skis since they were kids."
"and caleb knows this lake better than anyone," his dad adds. "they'll be fine."
zayne's jaw tightens. for a moment, you think he might actually argue. instead, he sighs, "stay where people can see you."
"we will," you promise.
down at the dock, you put on your lifejacket and silently stand off to the side watching caleb prepare the jet ski.
before you get on he reaches over to tighten one of the straps because that had gotten twisted. his fingers sliding down your arms lingering there for you aren't sure how long.
"you remember how to hold on?"
"i think so."
"you think?"
"i haven't been on one since last summer."
he grins, "i guess you'll have to trust me."
as he accelerates, you instinctively grab his waist. your cheek is close enough to his shoulder to smell his sunscreen.
he smiles to himself because he can feel your grip tighten every time he takes a sharp turn.
eventually he slows down in a secluded cove. the water is perfectly still and there is no one else around.
you let go of him, "you did that on purpose."
"what?"
"the turns."
"i have no idea what you're talking about."
"you absolutely wanted me to hold onto you."
he looks over his shoulder with the cockiest smile imaginable, "did it work?"
heat rushes to your cheeks, "you're unbelievable."
"i'll take that as a yes."
"i grabbed you because I didn't want to fall off!"
caleb laughs quietly before cutting the engine completely. the sudden silence settles around you. the jet ski rocks gently with the movement of the water. the cove is secluded, hidden by tall pines that wrap around the shoreline. it feels like the rest of the lake has disappeared.
"you haven't changed at all."
his smile softens, "i don't know." he looks out across the lake for a moment before speaking again, "i think we both have. i used to think college would make it easier," he says.
"easier?"
"being away."
you frown, "it didn't?"
he shakes his head, "at first, sure. classes kept me busy. practice kept me busier."
he glances back at you, "but then i'd see something that reminded me of you."
your breath catches, "like what?"
"i don't know." he shrugs. "a song you'd probably make fun of. someone reading one of those fantasy books you're always trying to get me to borrow."
"you still haven't read them. you promised!"
"i did."
"you liar!"
"i'll read one this year."
you laugh quietly, "i'll believe it when i see it."
he smiles, "i'd check your instagram every couple of weeks."
"you did?"
"i wanted to see what you were up to."
"i thought you were too busy."
"i was." he looks down at the water, "didn't stop me."
you don't know what to say. so you choose to say nothing.
"i always liked seeing you smiling."
your heart stumbles.
"you looked...happy."
"i was."
"good. i just..." he rubs the back of his neck, suddenly looking far less confident than usual.
"i wish we'd talked more."
you look at him, "so why didn't we?"
he lets out a quiet breath, "i kept thinking i'd call after my exams. then after practice. then after midterms."
you smile knowingly.
"and suddenly it was may and i figured..." he chuckles softly. "it would've been weird to randomly text you after disappearing for months."
"i would've answered. i would've been happy you texted."
his eyes meet yours, "...yeah?"
"yeah."
a smile slowly spreads across his face, "i guess we're both kind of idiots."
you laugh, "i was literally debating whether to text you before we left campus."
he raises an eyebrow, "were you?"
"i typed out, like...four different messages."
"and?"
"i deleted all of them."
he laughs, "i almost texted you too. i had this whole thing written out."
"what did it say?"
he thinks for a second, "i don't remember exactly."
"liar."
"i guess you will never know."
you shake your head, smiling to yourself. before you can think of a replyâBWAAAMP. the sharp blast of a boat horn echoes across the lake. you both turn toward the sound. in the distance, one of the fishing boats bobs near the mouth of the cove.
a familiar voice carries over the water, "YOU TWO DONE SIGHTSEEING?" zayne.
caleb closes his eyes for a second, "...of course."
you bite your lip to keep from laughing.
"he has impeccable timing."
"i was going to say terrible timing."
"he'll never let us hear the end of this."
"he never lets me hear the end of anything."
Another blast of the horn.
"CALEB!"
"yeah, yeah!" caleb calls back. "we're coming!"
he starts the engine again, the roar breaking the quiet between you.
the rest of the afternoon passes in a blur. or maybe you're the blur. you shower to rinse away the lake water, but your fingers pause against your cheek for just a second too long, remembering how caleb's thumb had brushed away the droplets clinging to your skin just a day ago.
ridiculous. you shake the thought away. after changing into an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts, you spend some time helping your mom slice fruit for lunch before wandering outside with a book tucked beneath your arm.
the hammock sways gently between two old oak trees. usually, this is your favorite part of summer. no classes. no deadlines. just the rhythmic creak of the hammock and the sound of the lake lapping against the shore.
you open your book. read the same sentence three times. turn a page. realize you have no idea what you just read. with a sigh, you let the novel rest against your chest and stare up through the canopy of leaves instead.
this is bad. really bad. you'd had a crush on caleb for years. that part wasn't new. you'd long since accepted that he'd probably never look at you as anything other than zayne's little sisterâthe kid who followed him around every summer, who laughed at all his jokes, who secretly dreaded the end of august because it meant another year before she'd see him again. you'd made your peace with that. or at least, you thought you had.
but now...now he was looking at you differently. or maybe he always had and you just never noticed. the thought alone made your stomach twist. he'd looked at your instagram. he'd wanted to text you. he'd admitted he wished you'd talked more during the year. those weren't things you imagined.
you close your eyes. maybe he hadn't meant anything by it. maybe you were reading into every smile, every teasing comment, every lingering glance because that's what hopeless romantics did.
maybeâ"i always liked seeing you smiling."
you groan quietly, dropping your forearm over your eyes. great. now you're replaying conversations, too. this was exactly why you needed to put a little space between the two of you.
because if you kept collecting moments like thisâthe way he'd adjusted your life jacket. the way he'd laughed when you wrapped your arms around him. the way he'd admitted he missed talking to youâyou were going to convince yourself there was something there.
and if you were wrong...no. you needed to get a grip. he was caleb. your oldest friend. nothing more. you'd survived having feelings for him this long. you could survive one more summer. couldn't you?
by early evening, the sky has traded its brilliant blue for heavy charcoal clouds. a distant rumble of thunder rolls across the lake.
"storm's coming," your dad calls from the dock.
everyone springs into motion. the dads begin securing the fishing boat and tying down the paddleboards before the wind picks up. your mom and caleb's mom hurry to gather books and empty glasses from the deck. zayne is already hauling stacks of beach chairs toward the shed.
"i've got the towels," he calls over his shoulder.
you glance toward the old boathouse sitting at the end of the dock.
"i'll close up the boathouse!"
"good idea!" your dad shouts back.
you jog down the weathered planks, the breeze growing stronger with every step. the old wooden doors groan as you pull one open. Inside, everything smells faintly of cedar, rope, and lake water. you begin rolling up a loose extension cord, humming absentmindedly to yourself.
"you know..."
you jump so violently you nearly drop it.
"oh my god!"
a laugh echoes behind you, "you scare that easily?"
you whirl around. xaleb stands in the doorway, one hand still resting against the frame.
"you almost gave me a heart attack."
he grins, "i came to help."
thunder cracks overhead. before either of you can say anything elseâthe rain comes. not a drizzle. a downpour. sheets of water crash onto the lake so suddenly the opposite shoreline disappears behind a gray curtain.
caleb instinctively pulls the boathouse door mostly shut. the sound is immediate. rain drums against the tin roof with enough force to drown out almost everything else. for a moment, neither of you speaks. the only light filtering through the windows is muted and silver, making the little boathouse feel strangely separate from the rest of the world.
you let out a slow breath, "i don't think we're going anywhere."
"probably not."
he leans against one of the wooden support beams.
"so...you've been avoiding me."
you busy yourself coiling the rope again.
"i haven't."
"you have."
"i've just been reading."
"you held the same page for twenty minutes."
your head snaps up.
"...you saw that?"
"i walked by."
"and you were watching me?"
a corner of his mouth lifts.
"...maybe."
you look away before he can see the smile threatening to form.
"it's just..."
you search for the right words.
"i don't know."
you sigh.
"every time I'm around you..."
your fingers tighten around the rope.
"...i forget how to act."
the confession hangs between you. the rain seems louder somehow. theres a moment of silence. you can't help but hold your breath. then he says quietly, "good."
a mix of relief and confusion washes over you, "good?"
he steps closer leaving just enough space to give you every opportunity to leave before saying, "because i thought i was the only one."
your eyes flicker from his lips to the door behind him "zayne would kill us."
he smiles, but there's almost sadness in it, "probably."
you move closer to him anyway sealing the gap between your bodies. the kiss isn't desperate. it's slow and careful. your noses slightly bump awkwardly against each other as you grab his shirt nervously. lips moving together, experimenting if you dare to go further.
voices carry through the rain. muffled at first. then clearer.
"...hurry up!"
"grab the coolers!"
"the wind's picking up!"
you and caleb pull apart so quickly it's almost comical. the space between you suddenly feels enormous. you're both breathing a little harder than you should be. neither of you says anything. you don't even know where to look. his eyes. the floor. anywhere but his mouth.
a nervous laugh escapes you before you can stop it.
"...well."
caleb lets out a quiet huff of laughter, rubbing the back of his neck.
"yeah."
"i..." you shake your head. "i don't even know what to say."
"me neither."
for someone who always seems to have a joke ready, caleb looks surprisingly speechless.
his lips curve into a crooked smile, "i wasn't expecting to do that."
"you weren't?"
"i mean..." he chuckles softly. "i've thought about it."
your heart nearly stops, "you'veâ"
"a lot more than i probably should've."
heat rushes to your face all over again. outside, footsteps splash across the dock.
"they're probably looking for us," you say quietly.
"probably."
neither of you moves.
caleb's smile fades into something gentler, "i've been trying to convince myself this was a bad idea since i saw you yesterday."
a small smile tugs at your lips, "how's that going?"
he lets out a breath that sounds suspiciously like a laugh, "...not great."
you laugh again, this time because if you don't, your heart might actually burst.
"i should go."
"yeah."
"you should too."
"i know."
still...neither of you reaches for the door. another flash of lightning illuminates the boathouse. for just a second, you can see him perfectly. his hair is damp from the humidity. his T-shirt clings slightly to his shoulders. he's looking at you like he isn't quite sure this is real. you wonder if you're wearing the same expression.
finally, he reaches for the door. before pushing it open, he glances back, "so...we should probably pretend that didn't happen."
your stomach drops a little, "right."
"can you do that?"
you look at him for a long moment before answering, "probably not."
his laugh is quiet, "yeah...me neither."
he reaches for your hand. just for a second and gives it a gentle and reassuring squeeze.
you walk back separately. no one notices when you enter in the mudroom, soaking wet, and cheeks flush. no one notices how you look back at him before going upstairs to shower. except...zayne. because he sees the way caleb looks at your form, and his hands clench at his sides. and for the first time...he gets suspicious.
the rain hammered against the windows in steady sheets, the lakehouse dark except for the faint glow of the fridge light as you padded barefoot into the kitchen. your lips still tingled from the kiss during the storm, the memory of caleb's mouth on yours making your pulse race even now. you reached for a glass, filling it with cold water, when a floorboard creaked behind you.
you spun around, heart leaping into your throat. caleb stood in the doorway, shirtless, sweatpants slung low on his hips, his hair still damp from the rain. his eyes locked on yours, dark and unreadable in the dim light.
"couldnât sleep either?" he asked, voice low.
before you could answer, thunder cracked violently overhead. lightning flashed, illuminating the kitchen for a split second and making you jump. the glass nearly slipped from your fingers. caleb moved fast, closing the distance and steadying your hand with his own. his fingers lingered, warm against your skin.
"you're shaking," he murmured, stepping closer until his chest nearly brushed yours. the air between you felt charged, heavier than the storm outside. his gaze dropped to your mouth, then back up. "is it from the thunderâŚor from earlier?"
your breath caught. the memory of his lips claiming yours flashed through your mind, and suddenly the space felt too small, too hot. caleb's free hand came up, thumb brushing your lower lip as if testing if the kiss had been real.
"earlier you mentioned those college hookups," he said, voice low and edged with something sharper than casual curiosity. "you never gave me details. what exactly did they do with you?"
your face heated. before you could deflect, his hand settled on your waist, thumb stroking just under the hem of your sleep shirt. he leaned in, lips near your ear.
"did they touch you like this?"
his palm slid up, fingers spreading over your breast. he cupped the soft flesh, then dragged his thumb slowly across your nipple in a deliberate circle. the thin fabric did nothing to dull the sensation. a small sound escaped you.
caleb hummed, satisfied. "was it enough? did it feel good when they touched you?"
"calebâŚ" you breathed, half warning, half plea.
he didn't stop. his other hand moved lower, slipping beneath the waistband of your shorts to rest against the front of your panties. two fingers pressed gently over your clit through the damp cotton, rubbing in slow, firm strokes.
"answer me," he murmured, mouth brushing your jaw. "did any of them make you this wet?"
your hips twitched forward without thinking. he kept the pressure light, teasing, waiting. thunder rolled overhead again, louder this time. calebâs fingers dipped lower, tracing the seam of your pussy through the fabric.
"tell me the truth," he said quietly. "are you still a virgin?"
heat flooded your cheeks. you nodded once, eyes dropping to the floor.
"i⌠was waiting," you admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "for the right time. for you."
caleb stilled for a moment taking in your words and then his mouth was on yours again. only this time there was no hesitation. the kiss turned hungry fast, his tongue sliding against yours as he backed you against the counter. his hands gripped your waist, fingers digging in as he pulled you flush against him. you felt the hard line of his cock pressing through his sweatpants, and a soft sound escaped you. caleb swallowed it, deepening the kiss,
you broke apart just enough to gasp for air, but he chased your mouth, nipping at your bottom lip before kissing down your jaw to your neck. "been wanting to do this since the storm," he growled against your skin, teeth grazing your pulse.
he didn't give you time to react. he grabbed your wrist and led you out of the kitchen, both of you moving fast and quiet up the stairs. the moment his bedroom door shut behind you, he had you on the bed, shirt yanked off, mouth already moving down your collarbones to your chest.
his mouth found your breast, sucking your nipple hard while his fingers returned between your legs, two of them pushing inside you slowly. you clenched around him, still untouched, and caleb cursed softly.
"so tight," he muttered, working his fingers deeper, stretching you. "gonna take it slow, but fuck, i want all of you."
he curled his fingers, rubbing that sensitive spot inside until your hips jerked. his thumb circled your clit at the same time, building the heat steadily. when your breathing turned ragged he pulled his fingers free, and stripped the rest of your clothes away and kicked off his sweatpants. his cock stood heavy and flushed between you. he tore the condom wrapper off with his teeth, stroked himself once to put it on, then positioned the head against your entrance, rubbing it through your wetness.
"tell me if it's too much," he said, voice strained, before pushing in.
the stretch burned at first, your body yielding inch by inch as he sank deeper. caleb paused when he was halfway in, kissing you hard, one hand stroking your clit to ease the discomfort.
"breathe, y/n. you feel so fucking good."
the stretch burned. caleb moved slow, inch by careful inch, pausing whenever you tensed. he kissed you through it, swallowing every shaky sound, a hand on your hip rubbing comforting circles to steady you. once he was fully seated he stayed still, forehead pressed to yours, letting you adjust to the full feeling of him.
"you feel perfect," he rasped. "so wet and hot around me."
then he started moving, slow thrusts that gradually built in speed. each stroke dragged against sensitive walls, the friction turning the initial ache into sharp pleasure. his grip on your waist tightened as his pace gradually increased. skin met skin with soft, wet sounds that mixed with the rain outside.
caleb hooked one of your legs higher, changing the angle so the head of his cock rubbed that spot inside you on every thrust. his thumb moving back to your sensitive nub, rubbing faster now, matching the rhythm of his hips.
"you are taking me so well"
his lips met yours again trying to muffle the sweet sounds coming from your lips. as much as he wanted you to scream his name and let everyone know that at this moment you were his, he couldn't have anyone barging in.
"i want to feel you come on my cock," he said against your mouth. "let go for me."
your orgasm built tight and sudden. your walls fluttered around him, then clamped down hard as pleasure crashed through you. caleb groaned, hips stuttering as your pussy squeezed him rhythmically. he fucked you through it, until he buried himself deep and came with a low, broken sound, pulsing hot inside you.
he collapsed half on top of you, both of you catching your breath while he still held you, hands lingering as they found and intertwined with each other. after a moment he kissed your temple, then your lips, slower and gentler than before. outside, the storm continued, but inside the room the only sound was your mingled breaths and the steady patter of rain.
after that night you try to find any reason to be with caleb. with excuses few and far between the weeks slips by in stolen moments that grow bolder each time. you and caleb map each other out whenever the house emptiesâquick fucks against the boathouse wall, his cock buried deep while you bite his shoulder to stay quiet. long sessions of hands and mouths learn every inch. each encounter leaves you both hungry for more, bodies already familiar but never satisfied for long.
despite your best efforts to remain secretive. you can't help but feel uneasy about your older brother. zayne has definitely started noticing that something is going on. he lingers in doorways when caleb tries to pull you aside. he suggests group hikes right when you planned to sneak off. one afternoon he plants himself between you on the couch, scrolling through his phone while caleb's hand had been creeping up your thigh. the tension builds in silenceâcaleb's jaw tightens every time zayne appears, but he keeps his expression neutral, voice easy. zayne's glares say everything his words don't.
this evening, though, you find yourselves back at the dock, it creaks softly under your weight as the sun dips low over the lake, painting the water in streaks of gold and deep orange. caleb pulls you closer on the weathered planks, his arm draped around your shoulders while the evening breeze carries the scent of pine and water. he shrugs off his hoodie without a word, draping the soft fabric over your frame before tugging you into his side.
you lean into him, as you voice your own worries about leaving this place behind. you both talk about the next yearâyour final stretch before senior year, his remaining flight assessments and training hours that keep him tied down longer than most. his free hand finds yours, thumb brushing over your knuckles while he shares his fears tooâthe pressure of expectations, the uncertainty of what comes after summer ends. he worries about his schedule pulling him away, about how the distance might test whatever this is between you. the conversation flows easy, deeper than stolen touches, binding you tighter with every shared secret.
as the light fades completely, the dock feels like your own world. caleb turns toward you, eyes dark with more than just talk. his lips find yours in a slow press that quickly deepens, tongues sliding together as his hand cups the back of your neck. you melt into the kiss, bodies pressing close. hands roamâhis under the fabric to skim your waist, yours fisting in his shirtâas the makeout grows urgent. teeth graze lips, breaths mix heavy, and his tongue explores deeper while you straddle his lap for a better angle. the dock sways faintly beneath you, the only sounds your quiet gasps and the water lapping below.
it builds fast, his cock hardening against you through layers of clothing, your hips rolling instinctively. he groans into your mouth, pulling you tighter until the kiss turns messy, desperate. you have to force yourselves apart, chests heaving, lips swollen and wet. "fuck, we can't... we have to go inside soon," he whispers against your temple, though his hands linger on your hips like he doesn't want to let go.
later that night, the whole group crowds around the big table for cards. your parents and brother laugh and argue over rules while snacks get passed around, completely oblivious to the tension crackling beneath the surface. you're seated beside caleb, his chair pulled close under the guise of strategy talk.
his hand slips beneath the tablecloth the moment the game starts, fingers tracing up your inner thigh with deliberate slowness. you keep your expression neutral, eyes on your cards as his touch reaches into the sides of your shorts. he slowly caresses your folds through your panties before pushing the fabric aside without hesitation, two fingers sliding through to find your clit. the first slow circles make your breath hitch, but you bite it back, focusing on the game while he works to get you soaking.
he chats with your brother across the table, voice easy, even as he sinks one finger inside you. then two. he pumps them in a steady rhythmâthrust, curl, dragâhitting that spot that makes your walls flutter. your pussy clenches around him, getting wetter with every pass. his thumb never stops on your clit, pressing and circling while his fingers fuck you under the cover of the game. you shift in your seat, pretending to reach for a card, but he suddenly adds a third finger, stretching you wider, scissoring gently as the wet sounds stay hidden beneath the laughter and dice rolls.
the pressure builds fast, your thighs shaking. he continues to add pressure, fingers fucking you in time with the conversation, drawing you closer to the edge without mercy. you white knuckle your cards as caleb leans close to your ear to whisper "your turn"
you slam your cards down on the table, as your orgasm shudders through your body, the slick evidence of your arousal coating his hand under the table. the looks of shock are apparent on everyone's faces as you miraculously win the round.
the text arrives while you were out shopping as a group. your phone lights up in your hand, a name from campus flashing across the screen.
your mom calls out from behind your shoulder loud enough for everyone around you to hear, "who's xavier and why is he messaging you?"
you hesitate before answering, looking over to see caleb is preoccupied by a rack of keychains, "just a guy from school."
suddenly zayne appears next to you, "didn't you go out on a date with him? good guy i thought." he isn't saying this so much to your mom as he is inadvertently to any prying ears.
caleb accidentally knocks over the display, causing the keychains to splatter on the floor.
you sheepishly look towards him as you speak, "he is just a friend. nothing more."
the drive back to the lake house is unusually quiet. your mom chatters happily from the front passenger seat about the little bakery she'd found. your dad hums along to whatever old song is playing through the speakers. zayne scrolls absentmindedly through his phone beside him.
in the backseat, caleb stares out the window. he hasn't said a word since the gift shop. the passing trees blur together outside. you glance over, his jaw is tight as one hand rests on his knee, fingers tapping an uneven rhythm against his jeans.
you know him well enough to recognize it - he's upset. carefully, making sure no one in the front can see, you let your hand drift toward his. your pinky brushes his. nothing. you hook your finger around his. he doesn't pull away but he doesn't lace your fingers together like he usually does, either.
a few minutes later, you rest your hand lightly against his thigh. his eyes flick down for the briefest moment. then back out the window. the silence says everything.
that evening, the lake is quiet. the air is heavy with the scent of pine and warm wood and you know exactly where to find him. you enter the boat house to find him standing by the back window. he doesn't turn to look at you though he knows your there. you wrap your arms around him to reach the front of his chest.
"are you going to look at me?"
you feel his entire body flex as he exhales slowly through his nose.
"you don't want me to."
his eyes remain fixed on the lake outside the window.
"talk to me."
silence stretches between you. and just as you are about to change tactics he finally asksâ"did you ever hook up with xavier?"
the question is so quiet you almost miss it. he finally turns to look at you. you see it in his eyes then. his wounded expression.
"did you?"
"no!"
he studies your face looking for any sign you might be lying.
"you went on a date."
"yes one date...and we realized we were better as friends."
"that's it?"
"that's it."
he lets out a breath of relief, almost laughing at himself, before it finds itself lost in his throat.
your fingers have moved down from his chest to work his zipper down, freeing his thick cock. it twitches in your palm, already leaking at the tip. you wrap your hand around the shaft and stroke slow, base to head, thumb swiping over the slit to spread the precum. caleb doesn't stop you. his head tips back against the wall, a low groan rumbling out.
you drop to your knees, "i don't want him. i've never wanted anyone else."
your tongue drags up the underside of his cock, tracing the vein, then you take the head into your mouth and suck. caleb's hand finds your hair, not pushing, just holding as you bob lower, taking more of him each time. spit slicks your lips. you hollow your cheeks and suck harder while your hand works the base in steady pumps. his hips twitch forward, cock sliding over your tongue, hitting the back of your throat on the next descent.
you pull off just long enough to speak, strings of saliva connecting your lips to his flushed head.
"only you. only ever you."
you continue your movements as he tries to speak through sighs and groans, "i - i know how stupid this fuck...sounds."
you move off him, "then why are you asking?"
"because..." he shakes his head. "i wasn't there."
your brows knit together but you don't pull off of him.
"i missed every chance someone else had to get to know you."
you don't answer right away. because suddenly this isn't about any hookup or date. it's about time. about distance. about all the moments the two of you never got to have.
"are you jealous?" your voice is muffled but he heard you.
he scoffs, suddenly getting filled with a hint of anger again as he tugs your head forward and you nearly choke out moan. the pain only pushing you further to prove yourself to him.
"i'm jealous of every person who got to be around you when i couldn't."
you sink further down, sucking him deep while your fist twists and strokes what your mouth can't reach. caleb's breathing turns ragged. his thighs tense under your palms.
"i hate thinking about someone else making you laugh."
he laughs softly at himself, "i hate wondering if someone else got to hear about your day before i did."
he looks down for a second watching you take him so well and he nearly cums at the sight.
"and i really hate that the first thing my brain did today was wonder if i'd already lost before i even had a chance."
you speed up, and he cums with a bitten-off curse, thick ropes pulsing over your tongue and down your throat. you swallow every drop, licking him clean until he softens, then tuck him back into his shorts and stand to kiss him slow and deep.
"you never lost."
he swiftly pulls you against his chest, arms tight. "fuck. i needed that."
you slowly rub his back tracing his spine with your nails, "if you're wondering about something..."
you give him a squeeze, "ask me."
he nods, nuzzling into your shoulder. "i can do that."
something changed between you after that day in the boathouse. not all at once. nothing dramatic. the world didn't suddenly become simpler. but somewhere between sneaking around and the confession you'd whispered to caleb, the uncertainty that had followed the two of you all summer quietly disappeared. you'd chosen him. and somehow, that seemed to be all caleb had needed to hear. he smiled more and laughed louder. started reaching for your hand without stopping to think about who might be watching.
then, one morning, you woke to a knock at your bedroom window. you pulled back the curtains to find caleb standing in the yard below, balancing a picnic basket in one hand and grinning like he'd just gotten away with something. he looked entirely too pleased with himself.
you cracked the window open, "what are you doing?"
"kidnapping you."
"where are we going?"
his smile softened, "i want to show you something."
the trail winds deeper into the woods before caleb slows, pushing aside a curtain of low-hanging branches.
"there she is."
you stop in awe, "no way."
nestled between two enormous oaks is the old treehouse. it's smaller than you remember. or maybe you've just gotten bigger. the faded blue paint has long since peeled away, and one corner of the roof sags ever so slightly, but somehow...it still feels like magic.
"you fixed the ladder," you say, noticing the newer wooden rungs.
caleb shrugs, "last summer. it looked like it'd collapse if someone tried climbing it."
"you could've told me."
"i wanted it to be a surprise."
he climbs first, offering you a hand when you reach the top. the inside is exactly as you remember. old blankets folded in one corner. a deck of playing cards missing half its suits. faded marker drawings covering the walls.
you laugh suddenly as your eyes caught something, "oh my god."
"what?"
"you drew yourself with muscles."
"i was manifesting."
"you labeled yourself 'captain awesome.'"
you shake your head, smiling as you trail your fingers across the walls. there are years of memories here. height measurements. inside jokes. terrible doodles. then your eyes catch something tucked into one of the corners. a pocketknife. you pick it up.
"you left this here?"
caleb glances over, "huh i completely forgot about that."
you turn it over in your hands before looking back at the wall.
"you know...we never carved our initials."
he raises an eyebrow, "probably because zayne would've yelled at us."
a mischievous thought crosses your mind, "...maybe we should."
caleb studies you for a second. then smiles, i thought you'd never ask."
he kneels beside one of the support beams, flipping the knife open.
"come here."
you settle beside him. the wood is old and weathered beneath your fingertips.
"what should we write?"
you hesitate then, with exaggerated confidence, you scratch the first letter of your name into the beam. it's crooked but it's yours. he carefully carves the first letter of his own name beside yours. the two initials sit together. simple. small. almost hidden. you stare at them longer than you probably should.
"when i was little..." you laugh under your breath. "this is embarrassing."
"now i definitely want to hear it."
you cover your face for a second, "i used to write your last name after mine."
caleb goes completely still, "what?"
"in my notebooks." you groan. "i was, like, twelve."
a sheepish grin forms on his face, "seriously?"
"it was incredibly pathetic and i'd cross it out before anyone saw."
"how many times?"
"so many." you hide your face in your hands, "i cannot believe i just admitted that."
a quiet laugh escapes him, "i wish i'd known."
the afternoon light spills through the open windows, casting soft patterns across the floorboards. caleb reaches over, gently brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. a gesture that's become so familiar over the last few weeks that your heart somehow still isn't used to it.
"i don't think I've ever..." his thumb lingers lightly against your cheek, "looked forward to anything the way i look forward to seeing you every summer."
he searches your face for a long moment, "i don't know what this is going to look like after summer."
your chest tightens.
"but i know..." he trails off, his eyes never leave yours, "i know i don't want to go back to pretending you're just..."
he shakes his head, unable to find the words. "you're not just zayne's little sister anymore."
the words hang in the air. you can see it in his expression. there's something else he wants to say. something bigger. but he lets out a quiet breath instead.
"...you make me really happy."
you lean forward, resting your forehead against his, "so do you."
as the summer comes to you a close you find yourself in caleb's embrace night after night. after that day at the treehouse you had become less aware of your surroundings. maybe carving your initials into those weathered wooden walls had made everything feel more permanent. more real. it was reckless. you knew that. the problem was...every day you got away with it made the next one seem a little less dangerous. until eventually, neither of you realized just how careless you'd become.
currently caleb's mouth is buried between your thighs, tongue working slow, deliberate circles around your clit while two fingers curl inside you. he's been at it for what feels like foreverâbringing you right to the edge, then easing off just before you can tip over. your hips twitch, chasing more, but his free hand presses your stomach down, keeping you pinned to the mattress.
"you're doing so good for me," he murmurs against your soaked pussy, voice low and warm. "taking it so well. fuck, i could stay here all night. never get tired of tasting you like this."
a broken sound slips out of you. recently you had started forgetting to lower your voice. he licks a long stripe up your slit, then sucks gently on your clit again, pulling another desperate whimper from your throat. your fingers twist in his hair, thighs trembling around his head.
"calebâpleaseâ"
he hums, the vibration making your back arch. "not yet, baby. i want to feel you shaking for me a little longer."
his fingers pump deeper, scissoring, stretching, but never quite enough to let you cum. every time your walls start fluttering around him, he slows, kisses the inside of your thigh instead, lets the heat build and fade again.
"want you desperate. want you remembering this every time you think about going home." he bites and sucks a mark that has your back arching off the bed
"this summerâŚi don't want it to end," he admits quietly, almost like heâs talking more to himself.
"don't want to be apart from you. thisâusâfeels like everything i've ever wanted. just wish i'd said something sooner."
your breath hitches. the sudden confession hit somewhere deeper than the pleasure, but before you can answer, a sharp knock rattles the door.
"you good in there?" zayne's voice cuts through the haze. "sounded like you were crying."
your body goes rigid. caleb yanks his fingers out so fast it punches a gasp from your throat. he wipes his mouth on his arm, eyes wide with panic, and the two of you scramble at once. your hand snatches the sheet up to your chest while he drops to his knees and rolls under the bed in one clumsy motion. his shoulder slams against the floor, one shoe stays behind near the dresser.
you barely get the sheet over yourself before the door handle turns. zayne steps inside, eyes sweeping the room in one quick scan. your face is burning, hair stuck to your damp forehead, breathing still ragged. the sheet is twisted and half-off the mattress. your shorts lie kicked off at the foot of the bed. the air hangs thick and musky.
zayne's brow furrows. "you look flushed. breathing's off." his gaze drops to the floor and lands on caleb's shoe. he stares at it for a long second yet doesn't comment on it.
your pulse slams in your ears. "quit trying to diagnose me. i just got emotional about summer ending." the laugh you force comes out too high and shaky.
under the bed, caleb lies frozen, chest tight, trying not to breathe too loud. every extra second feels like tortureâwhy is zayne still standing there? why won't he leave?
zayne takes another step closer. "you sure? your voice is shaky. it's abnormally hot in here." he glances at the closed and fogged up window, then back at the bed. "sheets look like you've been tossing and turning."
you swallow hard, "i'm fine, zayne. really."
he hesitates, eyes narrowing slightly. "this isn't about caleb, right?"
the question lands like a punch. under the bed caleb's whole body goes rigid, heart hammering so loud he's sure zayne can hear it. your stomach drops. you grip the sheet tighter, forcing your voice steady. "no. why would it be?"
zayne studies you for another long moment, gaze flicking between the shoe, the rumpled sheets, and your flushed face. he lingers near the bed, clearly not convinced, scanning the slightly open closet, looking for any other sign of him. the silence stretches painfully. caleb's muscles ache from staying so still. your hands are shaking. neither of you can believe this is still happening.
finally zayne nods, though suspicion still lingers in his eyes. "alright. if you need anything, i'm down the hall." the door clicks shut behind him.
neither of you move for several long seconds. when caleb finally slides out, his face is pale, lips still shiny. you stare at each other, both still trembling.
"that was way too fucking close," he whispers, voice hoarse.
three days. that is all you had left of summer vacation. three days left of sneaking around with caleb. after that you were home free. you still weren't exactly sure what your situation would look like for the fall semester. but it would definitely be easier to visit each other behind everyone else's backs. you should have been more careful after that incident in your bedroom. but you couldn't bring yourself to be.
after taking a dip in the pool, you and caleb giggle through kisses into the side door of the house. in the mud room you were perched on the dryer, legs wrapped around caleb's waist, his mouth hot on yours. the taste of chlorine still clung to his tongue. his hands gripped your thighs, fingers digging in as the machine rumbled beneath you. his lips moving towards the shell of your ear, down to your neck where he rested there nibbling and sucking very obvious marks into your skin. three more days. you could hide them you thought.
neither of you had heard the door open. zayne's voice cut through the humid air like a blade. "what the hell is this?"
caleb pulled back first, breathing hard, lips swollen. you slid off the dryer, heart hammering. zayne stood in the doorway, towel slung over his shoulder, eyes narrowed.
"zayneâ" you started.
he didn't let you finish. he wasn't yelling but the sterness in his voice was worse than if he had been screaming.
"i knew it. you've been sneaking around with him all summer? behind my back?"
caleb stepped in front of you, calm but firm. "this isn't what it looks like"
"it looks like you're using her for a quick fuck before classes start again," zayne snapped.
the words stung. you felt heat rise in your cheeks, anger mixing with shame.
"you don't get to decide what this is," you shot back.
zayne's jaw tightened. he turned and walked out without another word, the door slamming behind him.
the rest of the afternoon passed in a haze. you avoided zayne at dinner, the tension thick enough to choke on. caleb stayed close, his hand intertwined with yours under the table when no one was looking.
later that night, caleb found zayne on the back porch. you watched from the kitchen window, stomach twisting as they spoke.
"...how long?" zayne asked.
caleb didn't answer immediately, "for most of the summer."
"and you thought hiding it was the smart move?"
"no."
"then why do it?"
caleb looked down at the porch for a moment, "because i knew how you'd react. i mean you'd never have given us a chance."
zayne laughed once. it wasn't amused.
"shes my little sister. the person i've watched look up to you since she was a kid. so tell me why i shouldn't think she's going to end up hurt."
the words hung heavily between them. caleb took a slow breath, "because hurting her is the last thing i want."
"everyone says that."
"i'm not everyone."
zayne studied him for a long time, "you've had girlfriends."
"i have." caleb admits
"so what makes this different?"
caleb didn't hesitate, "everything. i've known her most of my life. i've spent years trying to convince myself she was just..." he shook his head. "she was just you."
zayne frowned, "what does that mean?"
"it means i told myself she was off-limits. i stayed away because i respected you."
"and now?"
caleb's voice softened, "now i realized staying away didn't change how i felt."
zayne looked toward the lake, "you should've come to me. i would've been angry. but i would've respected you more than sneaking around behind my back."
caleb nodded, "i know."
the porch fell quiet for a few moments then finally caleb spoke again.
"i love her."
the words were simple and steady. no hesitation.
"i don't expect you to be okay with this overnight."
zayne closed his eyes briefly.
"but i'm done pretending she doesn't matter."
a long silence followed. when zayne finally spoke, his voice had lost its edge.
"if you hurt her..."
"i won't."
"and if you ever make me regret trusting youâ"
"you won't have to."
zayne looked at him for another moment before letting out a slow breath, "i probably won't like it for a while. but..." he rubbed the back of his neck. "i saw the way she looked at you. i've never seen her look at anyone like that."
a faint smile tugged at the corner of caleb's mouth, "i've never looked at anyone else the way i look at her."
zayne shook his head, "you really had to fall for my sister."
when caleb finally came inside, he pulled you into his arms without a word.
"he gets it now," caleb murmured against your hair.
"i told him the truth. this isn't just summer. i want you."
you looked up at him, searching his face. "you mean that?"
"every word."
a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, "i told him something else."
"what?"
his eyes never left yours, "i told him i love you."
for a moment, the world seemed to stop. you simply stared at him.
"you said that?"
your eyes immediately filled with tears.
"you don't have to say it back," he said softly. "i'm not telling you because i expect anything."
he smiled, warm and impossibly gentle, "i'm telling you because it's true."
a tear slipped down your cheek before you could stop it.
"i think..." you laughed shakily, wiping at your face. "i think i've loved you for a really long time."
his forehead rested against yours.
"i think part of me always knew. i just wasn't brave enough to admit i felt the same. i've wanted this for as long as i can remember. not just the sexâi want want the rest too. waking up next to you. holding your hand in public. having our own family someday. being yours."
he kissed you slow and deep, hands sliding down to your waist, pulling you flush against him. relief flooded through you, warm and bright. you kissed him back harder, fingers threading into his hair. "then let's stop hiding."
he grinned against your lips. "good. because i'm done pretending you're not mine."
outside, the summer night stretched on, but inside the house, everything had shifted. zayne didn't confront you again. intead, he gave you both a quiet nod the next morningâacceptance, which was a start.
the fling had become forever, and it felt exactly right.
Š zayne-snowflake 2026 | please donât repost as your own, translate, copy, or use my works to train ai ⥠comments, likes and reblogs are appreciated!


















