Chapter Text
As the laughter and chatter continued around them, Lily felt a rush of playful energy. She couldn’t resist the magnetic pull between her and John B, and before she knew it, she leaned in again, planting another quick kiss on his cheek, then darting back like a mischievous sprite.
John B looked at her, a mix of surprise and delight dancing in his eyes. “You’re really testing me today, aren’t you?” he asked his tone light and teasing.
“Maybe I am,” she replied, giggling as she felt her cheeks flush with warmth. The thrill of the moment sent butterflies swirling in her stomach, and she wanted to keep that excitement alive.
“Okay, now you’ve got me curious,” he said, leaning in closer, his playful smirk making her heart race. “What else do you have planned?”
Before she could respond, she glanced toward the shoreline, where the waves kissed the sand and the sun glinted off the water, creating a beautiful scene that called to her. “I’m going to go look for seashells!” she announced, hopping up from her spot.
“Seashells? I’m in!” John B exclaimed, immediately rising to his feet and brushing the sand off his shorts. “I’ll help you find the best ones.”
“No, no, it’s okay! You stay here with everyone,” she insisted, wanting a moment to herself but also secretly wishing for him to follow her. “I just want to explore a bit!”
But before she could turn away, he stepped before her, a playful gleam in his eyes. “I’m not letting you go alone, especially not after all those kisses. I have to keep an eye on you!”
Lily laughed, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. “Alright, then! Let’s go!” she said, her heart racing as they headed toward the water, hand in hand. She loved to be around him and felt something more that was happening.
They strolled along the shore, the sand cool beneath their feet. Lily was in her element, her excitement bubbling over as she searched for unique seashells. She would pick one up, examining its colors and shapes, then toss it into the small bag she had brought along.
Every so often, she glanced over at John B, catching him watching her with that charming smile of his. It made her heart flutter. The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful and special, and she couldn’t help but lean in and steal another quick kiss when she found a particularly pretty shell.
“Hey, save some kisses for later!” he teased, feigning exasperation, but she could see the spark of delight in his eyes.
“I can’t help it! You’re just too cute!” she exclaimed, her heart racing as she leaned in for another kiss, this time a little longer, more meaningful.
After they shared the moment, Lily took a step back, her eyes bright with mischief. “Okay, now let’s see who can find the best seashell!” she challenged, her competitive spirit shining through.
“Challenge accepted,” he replied, the playful glint in his eyes sparking a competitive fire within him. They both started searching, racing each other along the water’s edge, picking up shells and laughing together.
Lily focused intently on her task, occasionally glancing at John B as he bent down to examine a shell, the sunlight highlighting his tousled hair. Every time their eyes met, it felt electric, as if they shared an unspoken connection.
“Look at this one!” John B exclaimed, holding up a bright orange shell that caught the sunlight. “What do you think?”
“That’s a good one!” Lily said, her eyes wide with admiration. “But check this out!” She held up a delicate, iridescent shell that shimmered with hints of blue and purple. “I think I win!”
“Not so fast! I’m not giving up yet!” he laughed, lunging forward and trying to snatch the shell from her hand playfully.
Lily squealed, pulling it closer to her chest, and they both ended up in a little tug-of-war over it. Amid their playful banter, she suddenly felt bold again and leaned in for, yet another kiss, surprising him.
“Okay, okay! You win!” John B said, laughing as he relented, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But only because you keep distracting me!”
They continued their playful competition, stealing kisses here and there, the fun and excitement of the day; making Lily feel carefree. She loved the way the sun felt on her skin and how every moment spent with John B made her heart race with anticipation for what was to come next.
As they wandered along the shoreline, collecting seashells and sharing laughter, Lily knew this day was becoming one of her favorites. She felt alive, surrounded by friends and, more importantly, by the boy who made her heart flutter in ways she never thought possible.