(lauryn's outfit for this part of the chapter)

The next morning Lauryn is dreading seeing Jeremiah. She knew she was gonna have to talk to him about what happened. She just wasn't looking forward to it. She wasn't looking forward to him breaking her heart and explaining that Belly was the one he liked. But she knew she had to face him. Today was the volleyball tournament where you can play to help raise money for charity. Lauryn was playing to raise money for the homeless women shelter along with Belly. This specific charity was the one that Susannah helped out with and Lauryn thought that was sweet.

Lauryn got dressed, pulling her black hair into a messy bun. She was waiting for her aunt and uncle out on the porch when Conrad walked over to her and joined her on the steps. He smiled softly at her and she smiled back.

"Hi, Coco. How was the morning with Cleveland?" Lauryn asked curiously. She knew he had been hanging out with Cleveland lately and learning sailing from him. She thought that was pretty cool.

"It was fine." Conrad answers. He pauses and hesitates on continuing. "I mean, at first it was..."

"What happened?" She questioned softly, seeing the sad look in his eyes.

Conrad hesitates to tell her the truth and decides to tell her only part of it. "I had a panic attack."

Lauryn's eyes widened a bit. She was worried and concerned, but she tried not to show it. "Are you okay now?"

"Yeah, I'm fine now." He nods. "Just was like this pent up energy, but then it was like it burst and I couldn't breathe."

"I'm sorry. That's horrible." Lauryn frowns. She knew he had a lot going on and it was bound to happen, but still she hated that it happened to him. "I remember having one when my parents died and it was just awful. It's just hard."

"Yeah, it is." Conrad agreed.

"But hey, you have me." Lauryn said softly, sending him a smile. "If you ever have another panic attack, or you just wanna talk about anything, I'm here." She reassured him. She could tell there was something he was hiding from her, but she wasn't going to push him. If he wanted to tell her, he would. And if he didn't, then that was okay too.

"Thank you." He said, giving her a soft smile, staring at her with a fond look that made her heart flutter. He was so grateful to have her in his life. He knew that no matter what, he could count on her.

"No problem." Lauryn smiled back. She was happy to have him in her life too.

"Can I be your escort to the deb ball?" He asked suddenly, changing the subject. Lauryn blinked in surprise at the sudden shift in conversation. She never thought he would ask her. She knew he didn't want to go, but she was flattered he asked her. 

"Really? I thought you didn't want to go." She said with confusion. 

She was right. Conrad didn't want to go, but after having a talk with his mom this morning, she convinced him to ask Lauryn. He didn't have the heart to say no. And after thinking it over a lot, he realized he did want to go to the deb ball as Lauryn's escort. "Yeah, I mean, at first, but I knew if I went with you, it would be more bearable." He admitted.

Lauryn felt a mixture of surprise and warmth at Conrad's unexpected request. She had never imagined him asking her to be his escort to the deb ball, especially considering his initial reluctance. But knowing that he was willing to do it for her sake made her heart swell with appreciation.

"Wow, I'm honored, Coco," She replies, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "I'd love for you to be my escort. It'll be fun, I promise."

Conrad returns her smile, relief evident in his eyes. "Great. I think it'll be a lot better with you by my side." 

"Hey, kids! Are we ready for the volleyball tournament?" Coralee asked with a smile as she walked outside with her husband, causing the teens to look away from each other.

"Yeah, let's do this." Lauryn grinned and the two went to meet up with the others.

****

At the country club, the volleyball tournament was set up and many people were there to watch the tournament or to join. Lauryn knew she needed to have a talk with Jeremiah. She found him helping with finishing setting things up for the game.

"Hey, Jere." She spoke softly.

"Oh, hi, Lulu." He said, stopping what he was doing and facing her, his face softening.

"Listen, about last night..." Lauryn trailed off, not sure how to start.

"Look, Lulu, about last night, I'm really sorry." He apologizes, his eyes full of guilt. "I'm really sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to, it's just-"

"It's okay. I understand. Belly's the one you like. I get it. You don't have to explain anything." She said, trying to hold her tears back.

"Lulu, no, listen. I liked you, that's why I kissed you, but honestly I have liked Belly for awhile. And that kiss between us just happened after we both confessed our feelings. I know I messed up, I shouldn't have led you on like that, I'm so so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you." He explains with a frown and she knows he's sincere. "You are the sweetest and the kindest girl and I don't want to lose you, I don't want to ruin our friendship."

"You won't." Lauryn smiles softly, shaking her head. She knew he was sincere. And while her heart ached, she knew she couldn't hate him. He was one of her best friends and he didn't mean to hurt her. She could tell that he was being truthful and that he wasn't lying at all as he explained it to her. It hurt knowing he liked someone else, but she understood. She just wished she didn't have to get hurt in the process.

"You sure?" He asks, his eyes full of worry. "I can't lose you, Lulu. And neither can Belly. Belly is so worried, she had trouble sleeping last night worrying about all of this."

Lauryn sighs. "Look, it's okay. I can't hate you. I could never. You're one of my best friends. And besides, it's not your fault that you like her. You can't control your feelings. And I would never hold that against you." She assured him.

Jeremiah's eyes soften. "Thanks, Lulu." He said, feeling bad that she had gotten hurt in the process. He pulls her in for a hug with a sigh, laying his head on top of hers. "I'm so sorry. I really am. I feel horrible. I really didn't mean to led you on or anything like that."

"I know. It's okay." Lauryn mumbles, her voice muffled by his shirt since she had laid her head on his chest as they hugged. She didn't blame him. She knew he couldn't control his feelings. And she would never blame him for that. "I understand."

"We good?" He questioned after a moment, his arms still wrapped around her.

"Yeah, we're good." She says, pulling back a little to look up at him with a smile. "Still best friends."

Jeremiah's face broke out into a grin. "Good." He said, placing a quick kiss on her forehead. "I can't imagine not having you in my life, Lulu." He admitted.

"Likewise, Jere." She smiled.

"Hey, just the person I needed to talk to." Belly spoke up, smiling at Lauryn as she walked over to the two.

Lauryn and Jeremiah pull apart from the hug and Lauryn faces Belly, who looked at her worriedly. "I'm so so sorry for what happened." Belly frowns, looking guilty. "I know you have feelings for Jere, or I guess had feelings, I really didn't mean for anything to happen, especially to you." She said, her eyes filling with tears. "We didn't want to hurt you, but one thing led to another-"

Lauryn pulls her into a hug. "It's okay. Really, I'm not mad. I was just upset, but now everything is fine. We're still friends." She reassured her.

Belly sighs, hugging her tightly. "Thanks. I'm glad." She says, feeling a sense of relief. She couldn't imagine losing Lauryn. She was one of her best friends and she loved her dearly. Lauryn was like a sister to her. And it would break her heart if she lost her because of this. "You know, I was so worried. I barely got any sleep last night." She admitted.

"Yeah, Jere told me." Lauryn chuckles softly, pulling away from the hug. "But no more of that worrying. We're all good, okay?" She smiles at the two, pointing at Jeremiah, her face going stern. "But if you break her heart, I will not hesitate to punch you."

Jeremiah and Belly laugh. "I wouldn't expect anything less." Jeremiah said. "But I promise, Lulu, I won't break her heart." He said, turning to face Belly and giving her a fond look. He wrapped his arms around her shoulder, kissing the top of her head as she smiled shyly and leaned into him. As she smiled softly at the two, Lauryn felt her heart ache slightly, but she ignored it. She's upset that she wouldn't be this way with Jeremiah, but she knew it was for the best. She knew she and Jeremiah weren't meant to be in the end. She was just glad the three of them were on good terms. It made her feel a little better. She knew she could trust Jeremiah, and she knew he would treat Belly right. 

****

Soon it was time for the tournament to start. Lauryn realized she didn't have a partner, but then Conrad offered to be her partner for the tournament. She didn't realize how great of a team they were until this game. They worked together so well. It was like they could read each other's minds. They were just so in sync with each other. They ended up getting to the point where they were up against Belly and Jeremiah. First it was just Belly and Taylor, but Taylor had got hurt and asked if Jeremiah could step in for her.

They were on the other side of the net, serving the ball. Conrad had been the one to serve the ball, and then Lauryn set the ball up for him. He hit the ball towards Jeremiah, who tried to hit it, but ended up missing.

"Point!" Conrad called out with a smirk.

Lauryn cheers, high fiving him. "Yes, way to go!"

The next few points were a close call, and they were both tied up. Conrad had served the ball, and it was up to Jeremiah to hit it, and he did, but it hit the net, not getting through.

"Yes!" Lauryn shouted with a grin, running over to Conrad immediately, pulling him in for a tight hug. Conrad chuckled while returning the hug, laughing along with her. She giggled when he picked her up and spun her around.

"We did it! We did it!" Lauryn grinned as Conrad put her down.

"Yes, we did!" Conrad smiled.

"We make a pretty good team, Coco." Lauryn grinned.

"That we do." He agreed, giving her a small smile.

Lauryn laughs, unable to stop smiling. She was so happy. This was her favorite feeling. This happiness she felt with him. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this happy. And she couldn't believe she was getting this feeling from him. "The winners are Lauryn Carpenter and Conrad Fisher!" Susannah cheered. Everyone cheered and applauded for the two as Susannah and Laurel rushed over to congratulate Lauryn and Conrad. Susannah also held the trophy which she gave to Lauryn, who shared a grin with her.

"That was amazing. So proud of you both." Susannah smiles widely. "You two make such a great team."

"Thanks, Susannah." Lauryn said after all the hugs were done.

"So, did you ask her yet?" Susannah asked her oldest son.

"What do you mean?" Lauryn curiously questioned, raising her eyebrows.

"To be your escort for the ball. I asked him to ask you to be your escort for the ball since, you know, you hadn't found someone yet." Susannah explained.

Lauryn raises her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh, right." She said, turning to face Conrad, a small smile on her face. "You're not just doing this because of your mom, right? Because if you don't want to, I can find someone else-"

"No, no." Conrad quickly said. "Well, it's part of it, but I also want to go with you." He admits, speaking softly while staring at her with a fond expression. "If you'll have me." He said, a shy smile forming on his face.

Lauryn smiles softly, butterflies in her stomach. "Okay, then. I'll go with you."

****

Lauryn was now walking besides Taylor and Belly at the docks. Nicole had offered for them to hang out with her on her dad's boat. She was surprised at the offer, but she thought it was sweet so they accepted the offer. When they got to where Nicole's dad's boat was, they were shocked at seeing how expensive it was. Nicole was on top with some of the other girls, smiling and waving at them. Lauryn laughed in disbelief along with Taylor and Belly, sharing a smile with them.

The girls were now all on the boat that night, candles were lit and they all were covered up with blankets and talking and laughing. Most of them were drinking rosé, but Lauryn wasn't and they all understood why. Lauryn was just drinking sparkling water and she didn't have a problem with it. After meeting the other girls and getting to know them more, Lauryn thought they were all really nice and she enjoyed hanging out with them. They were now playing the game 'put a finger down'.

"Put a finger down if you've ever made out with two people within twenty-four hours of each other." Taylor spoke, laughter and giggles filled the air as some girls put a finger down.

"Okay, put a finger down if you've ever used a stuffed animal to...You know." Marisa said.

Taylor smiles sheepishly and shrugs. "His name was Harry Bear Styles."

"You had a name for yours?" Gigi giggled along with some of the others.

"Okay, put a finger down if you've ever had sex." Dara spoke.

Everyone but Belly and Lauryn put a finger down. "If you ever been to third?" Dara asked.

Once again, they didn't put a finger down and shares a sheepish smile. "Put a finger down if you've ever gone to second." Dara continued.

When they stayed silent, Taylor grins as she speaks up. "Put a finger down if you've ever made out with Jeremiah Fisher."

Both girls put a finger down, their face red. "Wait, both of you?" Marisa gasped as laughter and murmurs filled the air.

"Wait, you guys, we want all the tea." Nicole grinned.

"Um, sorry, Gigi." Belly apologized to the blonde since the blonde had a crush on Jeremiah.

"No, it's fine." Gigi reassured her.

"Okay," Lauryn takes a deep breath and sighs. "So, I had this huge crush on him forever, and after we went to get some milkshakes we were at the door and then we both leaned in and kissed." She admitted with a light blush on her face.

"But then later that night, she caught me and Jere kissing in the pool." Belly said sheepishly, earning some surprised murmurs and looks from the others. "We're all good now, promise." She reassures them and Lauryn nods in agreement. "And, he's-he's like my best friend. But things changed this summer and we kind of realized our feelings for each other and now we're, like, officially a thing." She explained, a small smile forming on her face. Everyone smiled and congratulated her.

"Okay, enough about Jeremiah. Uh, put a finger down if you've ever been skinny-dipping." Taylor spoke up.

"Put a finger down if you've ever gone skinny-dipping at Hopper's Cove." Nicole suddenly said, glancing at Taylor.

Taylor raises her eyebrows at her as she smiles. "Is that a dare?"

"Absolutely." Nicole nodded with a smirk. 

****

Lauryn never once thought she would skinny dip in the ocean. But here she was, taking her clothes off with her friends and getting ready to jump in the water. It was crazy how fast life could change. She was just happy that she got to experience new things and try something new.

"Hey, watch out for jellyfish. I do not want to have to pee on any of you guys." Gigi spoke up as she got in.

"The other two girls missed out." Taylor smiled.

"I know. I figured Dara wouldn't, but Marisa?" Nicole chuckled.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Belly agreed.

"Nicole." Gigi spoke up after a phone chimed.

"Yeah?" Nicole asked.

"Conrad's texting you." Gigi replied.

"Okay, coming." Nicole smiled and swam to the dock.

"I can't believe I'm actually doing this." Lauryn confessed. She never thought she would skinny dip but here she was. 

"I know, don't get me wrong, but I never thought you would do this." Taylor chuckled as she smiled at her.

"Neither did I." Lauryn giggled.

"This is so nice." Belly admitted with a smile and Lauryn nodded in agreement.

"Have to admit, I like your friends." Taylor spoke, glancing at Belly with a smile.

"Have to admit, never thought I would hear you say that." Lauryn teased.

"Neither did I." Taylor grinned.

"I knew you would like them." Belly said happily.

"They all seem down with you and Jeremiah." Taylor says, glancing at Belly. "Even Gigi, whose veins just about exploded when she heard." She gasps suddenly, grinning at Belly. "I just realized something. Hashtag Jellyfish-er."

Lauryn and Belly laugh at that, sharing an amused smile. "Taylor, that is so dumb." Belly commented.

"It's kinda cute though." Lauryn commented.

"See? She agrees with me!" Taylor exclaimed, grinning as she looked at Lauryn. "It's so cute." Suddenly, their fun was ruined when the headlight of a car was turned on. Lauryn's heart drops as she watched the car drive away. She didn't think the other girls would do this. "I knew they were b****s." Taylor grumbled as she watched this and started swimming back to the docks.

"What's happening? Wait. Taylor, what's going on?" Belly asked in confusion and worry.

"They took everything." Taylor said in surprise as she got to the dock, not expecting to see their clothes and purses gone. "Except for Lu's phone which has a really incriminating text from Conrad."

"What?" Lauryn questioned, her voice sounding surprised. She swam to the dock by Taylor to check her phone.

"'I know I said I wouldn't be going to the deb this year, but being your escort and being with you there will make it more bearable.'" Taylor read off the text while Belly followed Lauryn over to the dock.

"Oh, no." Lauryn mumbles, her eyes widening and her heart raced. "You guys, this is bad. This is really bad."

"What are we gonna do? We cannot walk home naked." Belly said nervously.

"It could be worse." Taylor countered.

"How?" Lauryn inquired in disbelief. She didn't see how this could be worse. They were completely naked and vulnerable out here. Who knows what could happen to them.

"Well, it could be snowing." Taylor shrugs, making Lauryn give her a look. "I'm trying to look at the bright side, okay, Laur? It's not easy." She huffed, shaking her head. 

 "Let's just find something to cover us up." Lauryn suggests. "I'm not going anywhere like this." She didn't feel comfortable being naked out here. She wasn't used to this. She was usually modest and shy and she didn't like the idea of being naked in front of anyone. So, she definitely wasn't going anywhere without a cover. She didn't care what it was, she was finding a way to cover up. And she knew neither Belly nor Taylor wanted to. So, they began looking for something to cover up.

"Wait, what about that?" Belly asked, pointing at something ahead of them and Taylor groaned while Lauryn sighed heavily. It was better than nothing. Still wasn't the best though. 

****

Lauryn wasn't the type of girl who does crazy things like this. But she didn't care. She didn't have a choice. She was going to do whatever it took to make it back home safely. Even if that meant having to use a black tarp to wrap around herself and the girls as they walked closely to each other. They didn't want anyone looking at them inappropriately. Thankfully, the black tarp did its job and they were able to walk through town and not be seen or have any issues.

"Why can't we just call Jeremiah or Conrad? We're gonna be, like, murdered." Taylor murmured, looking around nervously.

"Don't say that." Lauryn frowns, chewing on her lower lip. "We're gonna be okay. We're gonna make it home safe and sound. Just keep walking." She said, not wanting the girls to give up. "And it's too much drama I think."

Plus they're still at the party so they're probably busy."

"I can't walk two more miles." Taylor whined.

"Well, you're gonna have to." Belly told her.

Taylor sighs. "This is why Conrad is a disaster. Like, he's hot and mysterious. You know. You get it." She said to Lauryn. "But everything he touches turns to total s**t."

"I wouldn't say that." Lauryn argued quietly. She knew Conrad had his issues and problems, but deep down he was a great guy.

Belly understood too which is why she speaks up and argues with, "He's a good guy. He just has a lot of issues."

They continued walking down the road in silence, but the silence was broken by Lauryn pulling her phone out. "Oh, please tell me you're calling the boys for help." Taylor pleaded.

"Yep. I am." She replied and held the phone up to her ear after calling the number. She didn't want to be out here anymore and didn't want to have to walk anymore. So, she was getting them help.

****

The trio were sitting on the ground, the tarp still wrapped around them as they waited for the boys. It was only a matter of time until they arrived. And when they did, the boys quickly parked their cars and went over to the girls.

"Guys, are you okay?" Jeremiah asked in concern, walking over to the three girls with Conrad after they got out of their cars.

"Yeah, but we've been better." Lauryn muttered and sighed.

"What are you doing here?" Taylor questioned, glancing at Conrad, who carried a bag of the girl's things.

"Nicole...She told me about, um..." Conrad's voice trailed off as he gestured to their situation.

"I hope you told her to watch her back." Taylor grumbled.

"Yeah." Conrad handed the bag to Taylor and the boys looked away respectfully, holding up the tarp for the girls to change.

"Go with Conrad." Taylor whispered to Lauryn.

"What?" She asks in surprise, her voice a whisper. "Are you guys okay with that?"

"Obviously." Belly replied in a whisper, grinning at her as she nudged her.

"A thousand percent yes." Taylor nodded, smirking at her.

Lauryn's face flushes and she shyly nods. "Alright. Thanks, you guys. I'll see you later." Lauryn said softly and the other two girls nodded.

"Be safe." Taylor teased, earning a soft chuckle and an eye roll from her.

"Shut up." Lauryn murmurs, blushing as she walked away to Conrad's car. Conrad opened the passenger door for her, causing her heart to skip a beat. "Thanks." She said shyly, getting into the car. He smiled and nodded, closing the door once she was inside. He then walked to the other side to get in the car.

"Thank you," Lauryn speaks up, turning to him when he got in. "For coming here to save us. It means a lot." She admitted, a soft smile on her face.

"No problem. I had to do something." He tells her. "I would've hated myself if I didn't."

Lauryn leans her head against the seat, looking at him as he drives. "Did you really mean what you said in the text?" She questioned quietly. She had to know if he was telling the truth or not.

"Yes." He said sincerely, glancing at her and flashing a soft smile. "I didn't want to go, but you're the only person I would go with. And now, I'm glad that I am. I was afraid to go at first, but now I'm excited. I just can't wait to spend the whole night with you."

She smiles warmly at him, her heart skipping a beat. "I can't wait either. I can't wait to spend the whole night with you too."

The rest of the drive is silent, but it's a comfortable silence. Her heart fluttered when she noticed his hand inching closer to hers, she bit her lower lip nervously, unsure if she should hold his hand or not. So, she waited and hoped he would make the move. He did. Her cheeks were flushed a rosy pink as he laced his fingers with hers, her hand was soft and warm against his. The warmth of his hand gave her butterflies and her heart skipped a beat. She smiled to herself as she looked out the window, squeezing his hand.

Conrad was smiling to himself as well, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. His thumb caressed her knuckles, his smile widening. They held hands for the rest of the drive to her house, neither of them wanting to let go.

He stops the car outside the house and gets out, walking around the car and opening the door for her. She steps out and he shuts the door, keeping the bag in his hand. She sends him a thankful smile as he hands her purse to her. "Thank you. Again." She said softly, blushing as she felt his hand touch hers.

"Anything for you." He murmurs, squeezing her hand gently. "Do you wanna walk on the beach for a bit? Or do you want to go in the house?" He didn't want the night to end yet.

"I don't wanna go home yet." She admitted which surprised herself. At first when she was walking on the road with Belly and Taylor all she wanted to do was go home. But now that she's with Conrad, all she wanted to do was spend more time with him.

"Neither do I." He murmurs and they smile at each other. "C'mon." He led her down the driveway to the sidewalk and then down the sidewalk to the sand, still holding hands. But as they walked, his fingers intertwined with hers and her cheeks warmed, butterflies filling her stomach.

They walk along the shore, the moonlight shining down on them. She takes off her flip flops and carries them, letting the water splash her feet. "I know you already said you would, but I just wanna say you don't have to be my escort to the ball if you really don't want to. I know how much you didn't like the deb balls."

Conrad chuckles, shaking his head. "I was honestly planning on doing asking to be your escort already. She just gave me that push." He admitted.

Lauryn looks up at him, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "Really?"

Conrad smiles softly at her. "Yeah."

They move to sit down on the sand, close enough their knees are touching and their hands are still linked together. She feels him squeeze her hand and her cheeks heat up. Her free hand moved to run through her hair, the wind blowing it lightly. She glanced at him and saw him looking at her. He wasn't even trying to hide the fact that he was staring at her and she didn't mind. She liked the fact that he was staring at her. His thumb rubs circles on the back of her hand, his touch sending sparks throughout her body.

He smiles, reaching his hand up and caressing her cheek. She blushes even more, looking away with a small smile, biting her lip. His fingers move to her chin, tilting her head up. He cupped her cheek and she leaned into his touch, looking up at him. His eyes dart between her lips and her eyes, and she noticed that he's leaning closer. She bit her lip, her eyes fluttering shut.

"I'm gonna punch you in the mouth with my mouth slowly because I like you. Like, I like you so much I think I might be falling in love with you." She blurted out, her face turning red.

"Well, you better hurry up because if you don't do it anytime soon I'm gonna beat you to it." Conrad replied, his face red as well as he looked at her fondly. She didn't get any time to react or reply because then his lips are on hers and she smiled, her heart fluttering. Her hands go to the front of his shirt, her fingers clutching the material as their lips moved in sync. Her heart was racing and she felt like she was floating on cloud nine. She was still inexperienced and a little nervous, but Conrad was patient with her and was a great kisser.

He kissed her slowly and sweetly, his hand resting on her hip as the other cradled the back of her head, his fingers curling into her hair. Her stomach was filled with butterflies and she couldn't stop smiling. Their lips moved together perfectly and she was sure her heart was going to beat out of her chest.

He broke the kiss, their noses brushing against each other as he looked into her eyes. His lips curved up into a smile and her face flushed, a smile of her own curving onto her lips.

"That was nice." Lauryn giggled shyly, her heart pounding against her ribcage.

"It was." Conrad murmurs, pressing a quick peck to her lips. "I've wanted to do that for so long." He admitted.

"Really?" She asked with surprise, her eyes widening.

He nods, his face heating up. "Really. But I knew you had this crush on Jere and I knew I never would had a chance with you, so I kept quiet. But after he got with Belly, I realized I had a chance and I wanted to ask you out, but I didn't want to mess anything up or scare you away. And then I just got too scared to do it and didn't know what to do. Though now I'm glad we're finally here." He murmurs, his fingers gently stroking her hair. "And I'm gonna take my chances and ask you if you wanna be my girlfriend."

"Yes!" She blushes after realizing how eager she sounded and clears her throat. "I mean, yes. I'd love to be your girlfriend." She giggled shyly.

His face brightens at that and he smiles with amusement when he sees her blush. He kisses her nose, making her giggle again. "Good. Because I'd love to have you as my girlfriend." He murmured, smiling lovingly at her.

"You're such a sap." She teased, playfully shoving him and rolling her eyes.

"Only for you." He mumbled before he kissed her. Her heart skipped a beat and she kissed him back, smiling against his lips. His hand running through her hair as they kissed, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore providing a soothing background. They stayed like that for a while, lost in each other's embrace, before reluctantly pulling away.

"The real question is though, do we keep us a secret?" Lauryn inquires, tilting her head. "I gotta be honest, I like the idea of keeping it a secret. It'll make everything that more exciting. You know?"

Conrad hums in agreement, nodding in agreement. "Agreed. I like the idea too. Keeping it a secret. Though I have to admit, I like the idea of showing you off and letting everyone know that you're mine. But for now, let's keep it between us. It'll be our little secret, something special just for us." He smiled softly at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

Lauryn smiled back, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of having this secret relationship with Conrad. "Our little secret," She echoes, leaning in to kiss him again. "Sounds great." She mumbled against his lips.

As they sat there on the beach, wrapped up in each other's arms, they knew that this was just the beginning of something special. And even though they were keeping their relationship a secret for now, they both knew that their love would only grow stronger with time.

A/N ah!! laurad are finally together !! yes finally came up with a shipname for them! #laurad!