Chapter 1

While lying on my bed, my fingers brush over the pink, green and blue pastel flower quilt my grandmother made for me when I was only nine years old, and a small smile lights up my face. She still has it, I mumble to myself. That’s the same year I started spending summers with her, the year my summers started being fun again.

I love being with my grandmother. Staring at the ceiling, I recall some of my favorite memories over the years. I would sit with my grandmother outside on the porch at night looking out at the lake, calm from any of the day’s activities. With the sweet taste of her iced tea on my tongue, she would tell me the best stories about when she was young. The ones about her and my grandfather were always my favorites. I guess you could say I’m a romantic.

During the day, grandma would take me canoeing, hiking or swimming. We’d make all our meals together and she would share some of her favorite recipes with me. On Saturdays, we made our way into town, shopping at the Farmers Market for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sometimes I wish I could stay here all year. Don’t get me wrong, my parents are good people; they’re just never around and too busy to take me anywhere or do anything with me for that matter. So, in the summers, the only person I ever did anything with at home was my best friend, Amy. She lives across the street from me in Massachusetts and she’s like a sister to me. We used to do everything together, well as much as you could when you’re that young. But when we were six, Mr. and Mrs. Stone started sending her to a day camp, so I would only get to play with her for a couple hours before dinner. I’d spend the rest of my day at home with a nanny who didn’t care what I did, as long as it was inside or in the fenced in back yard, so she could watch her talk shows and soap operas without having to chase after me. I remember when my parents finally realized what was happening and rewarded me with spending the summers with grandma on the lake in Maine.

Admittedly, I do love my summers with grandma, but I know I miss out on a lot of things back home, especially now that we’re older. Amy keeps me updated as to what’s going on with everyone like who’s dating whom and what new activity, social media craze, movies or songs everyone seems obsessed with at the time. She tells me about parties she goes to and about all the boys. I call Amy my personal gossip columnist, which fits her personality perfect, besides being the complete opposite of me. At five-feet, three-inches, Amy has blonde hair that hangs in waves down her back and beautiful blue-grey eyes. In my opinion, she’s gorgeous. She’s involved in everything; her favorite being cheerleading and loves to be the center of attention.

I on the other hand have chestnut brown hair and my dad’s coffee brown eyes. I’m taller than Amy by about three inches. My parents don’t have time for me to be in any activities, and I hate being the center of attention. In fact, sometimes I crave the quiet at my grandma’s.

This summer, Amy and I tried our best to get my parents to let me stay home and spend the summer with her before our last year of high school. We used every excuse we could think of. Amy’s parents even offered to let me stay with them for part of the summer, so I could spend some time with Amy. But my parents refused. They didn’t want me to be a burden to anyone outside our family, so no matter what we said, the answer remained no. Unfortunately, we had no choice but to finally give in to defeat.

My chest clenches thinking about the worst part about missing out on the summer at home. There’s a cute new guy, Blake and I really want to get to know him better. My parents just allowed me to start dating when I turned sixteen. But I don’t have any interest in dating the boys I grew up with. When I think about them, I think about everything I’ve seen them do from picking their nose to throwing dirt at me. I guess I never got over seeing some of the gross things you do as a kid and couldn’t picture any of them as more than a friend.

Then, Blake moved to town over spring break and for the first time, my heart seized; I was interested in a boy. Now, instead of being home with my friends and Blake, I’m lying on my bed at my grandma’s house, thinking about them at the summer kick-off party and feeling sorry for myself. I miss everything!

A light knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. Briann, Grandma calls through the door.

Come in, I reply. I finished unpacking and I’m just chilling.

If it weren’t for my grandma’s gray hair, you would think she’s a lot younger than her age. She’s tall and thin, but very strong with gray eyes that sparkle when she’s happy, which seems to me to be most of the time. Her face is defined with laugh lines around her eyes and mouth that I think make her more beautiful. She gives me a small smile and asks, Do you have everything you need?

I nod in confirmation before I reveal, I was just remembering the summer you gave me this blanket.

She laughs and murmurs reverently, That was a good summer. They’re all good when you’re with me. She pauses tilting her head to the side, assessing me. I’m glad you’re here. But it looks to me like you’re missing home.

I can’t help but heave a sigh. You know me better than anyone, I relent, looking fondly at her. It’s not her fault my parents send me away from my friends every summer. I do love her more than anything and cherish my time with her, but she’s right. I do miss my friends, but I’m happy to be here with you too, Grandma.

I know, but I also know that doesn’t make it easy to be away from Amy and your other friends. Are there any boys you have taken a liking to? she prods, arching her eyebrow in question. I blush instantly. She laughs, gently patting me on the knee. There is. Do I get to hear about him?

There’s really not much to tell. He just moved to Mass in the spring. He’s really nice and pretty funny, I admit and shrug my shoulders with nothing more to say.

She nods her head thoughtfully. Swiftly changing the subject, she informs me, You know there’s a nice-looking young fellow I’ve seen quite a bit the past month or so out on the lake in our cove. He always waves to me when I’m sitting outside. He looks about your age. Maybe there will be someone else to entertain you this summer besides me. She grins and winks at me. Besides, I’m getting too old for some of the things you like to do, I can hardly keep up with you.

I smile, shaking my head at her. You’re more than enough to entertain me Grandma and you’re not too old! You know I love to do anything with you. She smiles in response. I wonder what she thinks a cute boy my age looks like. I shrug thinking he’s probably a fifteen-year-old with skinny arms and glasses that don’t stay on his nose. I think I’m going to get some sleep so I can get up early and go kayaking. I haven’t checked out the lake yet.

Okay, I think that’s a great idea! While you do that, I’ll make you your welcome breakfast, she proudly announces. She wraps her arms around me, giving me a quick hug. I love you. I’ll see you in the morning dear. Goodnight, she murmurs as she stands up, closing the door as she walks out.

I love you too, Grandma. Thanks for having me. I call through the door, Goodnight!

My phone beeps with a text. I pick it up, Amy’s name flashing on the screen.

Wish u were here! We’re at Brett’s with the biggest bonfire I’ve ever seen in his backyard!

Grimacing, I quickly text back.

Wish I was there too but have fun without me!

Before I set my phone down, it beeps again.

I will and I’ll be sure to keep you posted. I miss you!

Sighing heavily, I put my phone away. I don’t want to see anymore messages tonight; it only makes me feel worse and I need to figure out a way to enjoy this summer. I’ll talk to Amy tomorrow.

Chapter 2

The next morning, I wake up just as the sky begins lightening and softly groan. It must be way too early to get up! I stretch my arms above my head about to go back to sleep when I roll over and blink a few times. Realizing where I am, I startle myself awake and push myself out of bed wanting to get out on the lake.

Making my way over to my dresser, I pull out my new pale pink and chocolate brown bikini and quickly strip out of my pajamas and throw it on. I love the colors with my pale skin and chestnut brown hair. Since I was such a late bloomer, it’s also the first summer I actually have enough in my bathing suit to fill out a bikini and I want to show it off, even it’s just for me. I don’t think I’m the shit or anything, but I’m comfortable with myself. I guess you could say I have my good days and bad days. I throw an old pair of jean shorts over the top of my suit, slip my feet into my black and white flip flops and rush out to the kitchen.

Reaching for a notepad and pen, I quickly scrawl out a note to Gram. I don’t want her to worry.

"Good morning, Grandma,

I left to go kayaking. I’ll be back soon. I love you!

Love, Bree."

I place a rubber band around my wrist to throw my hair up later and slip out the back door, making my way down to the lake where my green kayak sits waiting. As I pick my life jacket up out of the center of the kayak I hear light splashing, signaling either an animal in the water or someone might be paddling close by.

Quietly, I step towards the shore and freeze with my mouth hanging open. Through the trees I see the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen and he’s no scrawny fifteen-year-old! He seems to already have a nice golden tan. His light brown hair has sun-kissed blonde highlights hanging messily, but perfect just above his eyebrows. Sunlight begins peeking up on the other side of the lake and seems to be reflecting off him, making him appear to be shimmering. He’s so close to the shore I can actually see his muscles rippling from his miniscule movements, with his arms bare and then hiding underneath a light blue t-shirt.

I concentrate on closing my mouth and squinting to see if I can tell what color his eyes might be when he stops and places his paddle on top of his blue kayak and starts looking around the lake. That’s when it happens. I guess I’ve been unconsciously inching closer to the lake, and I step too close to a wet, slimy rock. Awkwardly, I slip and lean forward with my arms swinging, trying to catch my balance. Letting out a helpless squeal, I lean too far and fall unceremoniously into the lake with a splash.

As I lift my head, sputtering, a loud chuckle erupts from what I can only assume is the beautiful boy in the boat. I look up, completely mortified and glare, red as a cherry tomato, with my face feeling like it’s on fire! He smiles, taking my breath away as he gestures to my life jacket. You know, even if you can't swim, the water is only about a foot and a half deep there, he advises playfully.

My whole body begins to boil with embarrassment as I continue to glare at him while he inches closer. He easily jumps out of his kayak holding out his hand to help me up, still grinning. It's okay. I won't push you back in, he teases. I reluctantly reach for his offered hand. He pulls me up a little too hard and I bump into his chest. His muscles tense as I plant my free hand on his chest in attempt to brace myself from impact. Sorry about that, he mumbles, smirking at me, not appearing sorry at all.

I feel tingles shoot from our connected fingers all the way down to my toes as I finally meet his gaze. Blue, I mumble, staring into his eyes. Inhaling quickly, I begin to panic, seeing the strange look he gives me. I mean thanks, I quickly amend. Jerking my hand away, I take a step back, and almost lose my balance again, but he grabs my elbow, steadying me. Thanks. I was just about to head out in my kayak.

Don't you need a kayak for that? he questions, smiling wryly. I narrow my eyes at him again and gesture to my kayak back on the bank behind the trees as I gather my now somewhat wet hair up into a ponytail. He guides his kayak towards the shore and jumps out of the water, grabbing mine before I'm even done with my hair.

I can do that, I call out.

I'm sure you can, he concedes, his smirk still on his gorgeous face. I just stare at him as he slides my kayak effortlessly into the water over the rocks.

We have a ramp right there, so you don't have to pull it over the rocks, I inform him, pointing towards the ramp.

Yeah, but you're already in the water over here, he observes, glancing at the ramp and back over to me allowing his eyes to quickly sweep down my body giving me goose bumps. How about some company? I can show you around the lake, he suggests, smiling even broader.

I can’t stop my laugh from escaping. I know my way around pretty well, thanks.

Well, then, can you show me around a little more? I've only been here for a short time, and I would love to know some of the secret spots around here, he proposes, raising his eyebrows in question.

I roll my eyes and grin. Ok. I just like to take it slow in the mornings though if that’s okay with you. I usually go along the shore and kind of check everything out. I was going to watch the sunrise, but I guess I'm too late for that now, I acknowledge, crinkling my nose as I look out at the already rising sun across the lake.

Is that why you jumped right into the lake without your kayak? he taunts, smirking. I roll my eyes again, not bothering to respond. I'm Christian, by the way, he introduces himself, reaching his hand towards me with a full-watt smile. My breath catches in my throat. I dig my toes into the muddy bottom and take a deep breath to keep myself from falling over as I slowly reach for his hand. And you are? he prompts.

Sorry, I mumble, shaking my head at my awkwardness. I'm Bree. I guess I wasn't expecting to see anyone this morning. I'm still waking up, I claim, hoping he'll buy my lame excuse.

Bree, I like that, he mumbles thoughtfully. Is that short for anything?

Briann, I confirm with a nod.

Suddenly, I realize I’m staring into his electrifying ice blue eyes again with his large hand still holding mine. I quickly drop my gaze and tug my hand away, turning to step into my kayak as a blush consumes me once again from head to toe. I see him watching me get in out of the corner of my eye before climbing back into his own kayak. So, where to Bree? he prods, still grinning.

I take a deep breath to calm my trembling hands, then another, hoping my voice won’t come out shaky. Where were you coming from? He points behind us and I suggest, Then, let’s keep going this way.

I dip my paddle into the water and a chill goes through me, my whole body shuddering. Are you okay? he questions.

Just cold, I retort, not wanting to give him too much.

He nods and smiles mischievously, his eyes sparkling. Let me know if you need anything to warm up. Afraid to respond, not quite sure if his comment was all that innocent, I just nod my head, listening as his chuckle rumbles over the water. The sound has tingles practically consuming my whole body.

After a few minutes, he breaks the silence. So, how do you know the lake so well? I haven’t seen you around here at all this past month.

I almost breathe a sigh of relief, grateful with the change of topic. My grandma lives here, I inform him, pointing back to her house. I’ve spent every summer with her since I was nine.

I think I’ve seen your grandma. So, you’re here for the whole summer? he probes, arching his eyebrow in question. I nod my head in confirmation. Well, it looks like my summer just got a whole lot better, he happily admits, giving me another heart-melting smile.

Heat slams into me with his compliment, my whole body flushing from head to toe. What about you? Where are you from? I question, trying to move the attention away from me.

He pauses like he's contemplating his answer before he responds. All over really; most recently Maryland and now here before I leave for college. We move around a lot for my dad’s job. Every couple years he seems to get a promotion that comes with a move.

That must be hard.

He shrugs. You get used to it and now I’m off to college, so I guess after this summer it won’t matter much anyway.

Where are you going to college?

University of Southern Maine. I like it up here. We paddle quietly for a few minutes. Then he glances at me, asking, What about you? I must look confused because he grins and prompts, Future plans?

I nod my head in understanding and inform him, I have one more year left of high school and then I’d like to come back this way as well. University of Southern Maine is actually where I’d like to go, if I get in. I want to be close to my grandma and they have a ton of programs to choose from, I explain. To myself, I can’t help but think it’s also far away from my parents. It’s not like they’re ever around anyway.

They’d be crazy not to accept you, he claims, quietly. I blush again in response and quickly look the other way. So, are there any secret coves or something like that around here?

For the next hour we paddle around the lake, while I point out a couple hidden coves and another spot where a small stream runs down into the lake, much wider during wet weather. We find the stream hardly running down the rocks today, barely a light trickle into the lake. Slowly, I start making my way back towards my grandmother’s house with Christian close behind. When we get back, I fiddle with my life jacket and pull my kayak up onto the rocks trying to think of something to say. I’d really like to see him again. Um, thanks for the company, I finally murmur, smiling shyly at him.

Thanks for the tour. Would you like to do it again tomorrow? Maybe we can bring some food and go out for a while longer? he proposes, arching his eyebrows.

That sounds great, I concur, sounding a bit too excited. I force myself to take a deep breath to calm down and look back at him. Same time?

Yeah, is six am too early? I’ve found it’s my favorite time on the lake; it’s so quiet.

I agree. It’s the best time to be out there. I smile and give him a little wave. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye, Christian.

Goodbye, Bree. I’m looking forward to it. He grins and waves back. Then he drops his hand back on the paddle over his kayak. I’m almost at the house before I hear the light splashes in the water, indicating he’s leaving. I feel myself blush, realizing he must’ve been watching me the whole time.

As I walk into the kitchen, I’m still blushing with a small smile on my face. Grandma doesn’t even glance up, as she acknowledges, I see you met that nice looking young fellow I was telling you about.

My eyes widen in surprise. How did you know?

Well, if that smile and blush didn’t make it obvious enough, she teases, deepening the red in my cheeks, I saw the two of you paddling up to the house. Did you go swimming already? she inquires looking curiously at my now damp hair and clothes.

Sort of. I slipped in, I admit, wrinkling my nose. She laughs and I can’t help but join her, recalling the look on Christian’s face. Can I help with breakfast? I offer.

No, go clean up and then we’ll eat while you tell me about the boy you just met.

Ok, thanks Grandma. I rush to my room and jump in the shower looking forward to grandma’s strawberry waffles. Well, if I’m being honest, I love being with my grandma, but I’m looking forward to daydreaming about Christian and hopefully spending a lot of time with him! I smile to myself thinking for the first time, it really is going to be a fantastic summer with him around.

Chapter 3

The next day I wake up early and throw on a light blue bikini along with a cute pair of white jean cutoff shorts. Pausing, I appraise myself in the mirror before I pull a pale purple tank top on over my bathing suit. I don’t want to worry about tan lines if we’re out for a while, which I’m hoping will be the case. I take a little extra time brushing my hair up in a ponytail instead of just using my hands to do it. Stepping up to the sink, I brush my teeth and then give myself one last look before I run to the kitchen to put some food together. When I open the refrigerator, I find an insulated collapsible bag with a note attached.

"Briann,

I packed you some food for breakfast and lunch, just in case you’re gone for a while. There’s enough for you to share and it should fit perfectly in your kayak. Have fun and don’t worry about me, I’m meeting a friend before lunch and I have some errands to do. I’ll see you for dinner.

Love you, Grandma 

P.S. Don’t forget your water and sunscreen!!"

A smile tugs at my lips. I had so much fun talking to grandma last night. As we chatted, I told her about his dad’s job, and she realized she’d already met Christian’s mom at the local market the other day. I’m sure that’s part of the reason she’s not so worried. I grab my things and head outside with a bounce in my step.

When I reach the dock, I put my things in the front of my kayak and pull it over to the ramp. As I walk down the dock, I peer down the lake and see Christian already paddling towards me. My heart pounds against my chest and my body starts to tingle with nerves, traveling from my heart all the way to my fingertips and toes. He looks towards our house, a grin tugging at his lips as he sees me, lifting his hand in greeting. I do the same, feeling my tingles turn into a heated blush. I’m glad he’s not close enough to really see me. I stride back to the ramp concentrating on not tripping over the old wooden planks and looking like a fool again.

Picking up my lifejacket, I slip it on as I wade into the water. As I step into my kayak, I take a deep breath and slowly blow it out as I settle. I start to paddle away from the dock without looking and startle at the sound of his deep voice, Good morning.

I look up at him with a shy smile. Hi.

I guess this means you’re ready. He grins, his smile giving me chills. Would you like to lead the way? I nod and take a deep breath, the smell of evergreen and lake water filling my senses as we make our way along the shore, paddling together. We both remain relatively quiet, paddling and taking in the sights; the houses, the landscape and the animals either just waking up or heading to their homes to sleep for the day.

Christian points upwards near the shore, spotting a bald eagle flying from its nest in the top of a tree at least sixty feet tall! It’s incredible to watch it spread its wings and then fly down near the lake, searching for food, before snapping a fish right out of the water making me gasp. Honestly, being able to see something like that is the reason we stay relatively close to the edges of the lake most of the time.

We begin making our way out into the middle of the lake, seeing the shades of green of the mostly pine trees surrounding us, with only a few lighter patches where more trees have been taken down for homes. It’s always incredibly quiet and peaceful in the mornings, except for maybe the soft calls of the loons and the jumping of some fish here and there.

After a while, Christian points to one of the little islands in the middle of the lake. The whole thing is probably twenty-five feet across. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting hungry, how about eating some breakfast over there? he suggests. I again nod my head in agreement.

We paddle over to the island, and he jumps out pulling both his kayak and mine with me in it up to the shore taking me by surprise. He turns to me and smiles, holding out his hand to help me out. I grin and slip my hand into his, my heart rate speeding up instantly with his touch. Thank you, I murmur as I step out and drop his hand.

We both remove our life jackets and toss them in our boats before grabbing our bags. He glances at my bag and bursts out laughing. Wow, you like to eat a lot, huh? he jokes.

I feel myself blush again, and quickly explain, My grandma packed the food for me. She said she packed some for lunch too in case we were out for a while and she even made enough to share. I didn’t think it was possible, but I turn an even deeper shade of red as his smile broadens.

That was very thoughtful of her. I’ll have to thank her when I bring you home. Oh, hold on, he mumbles. He sets his small bag down and spins back towards the water. I watch as he grabs a large towel from his kayak and lays it down on the grass and sand, spreading it out for us.

Great idea. I didn’t even think of that. I sit down and he sinks down next to me propping his knees up and banging them gently into mine. I freeze and stare into his mesmerizing blue eyes that seem to sparkle just like the sun on the lake. He has the most amazing eyes I’ve ever seen. I’m completely captivated. Feeling as if my heart begins pounding outside my chest, I notice the corners of his lips start to curve upwards and I rip my gaze away from him and out to the water.

He clears his throat before asking, So what do we have to eat? I’m already thinking my granola bar and water will be too boring.

I open the bag grandma packed for us and peek inside, pulling out food as I go. I set down a bowl of fruit salad, a couple bagels and croissants, peanut butter, her homemade strawberry jam, waters, pretzels and some sandwiches in the bottom, I’d assume for later. She really wasn’t planning on me coming back for a while. Giggling to myself at the thought, I gently shake my head in disbelief.

What are you smiling at? he questions.

Just my grandma, I admit, eyeing the bag.

This is quite the feast, he concurs, maintaining his focus on me.

I feel my blush heat my face immediately and I have to look away to get my bearings. I grab a knife and start spreading jam on a croissant and nibbling on some fruit. So, what do you like to do besides kayak? I prompt, changing the subject.

He reaches for a bagel and peanut butter before answering me, Well, I love sports, but I never really play besides when I hang out with my friends. I guess I always moved so much; it made it difficult to play. I don’t like going from team to team and constantly starting over. I really love anything outdoors. I love to go hiking, biking, skiing in the summer or winter, he lists, grinning. I guess I just love being outside. How about you?" he inquires and looks at me expectantly.

I don’t really know, I admit, shyly. I love being outside too. I guess I like to hike, I answer, shrugging my shoulders, anxious for his reaction.

He raises his eyebrow in question. You guess?

Well, I was never allowed to be a part of any club, team or sport. My parents were always too busy to drive me anywhere and didn’t like to burden other people with having to take me, so I pretty much go from home to school besides hanging out with my best friend. I elaborate, feeling even more awkward. "I’ve always loved coming here