Avery in "Love Story"

Avery sighed, letting the stress of the week melt away with the California sun on her skin. It had been one of those relentless workweeks, deadlines looming like hungry wolves, and sleep a distant memory. Finally, on this glorious Saturday afternoon, she was sprawled next to her pool dressed only in the skimpiest of gowns. The only sound to be heard was the gentle gurgling of the water feature and the distant chirp of birds.

She'd envisioned a picture of serenity: a chilled glass of lemonade, a good book, and the soothing warmth of the sun. Reality, however, had a way of throwing curveballs. In this case, the curveball was deliciously handsome and currently mowing his lawn next door.

Liam.

Just the thought of him sent a jolt through her body. He'd moved in a few weeks ago, a welcome addition to the usually quiet neighborhood. They'd exchanged shy smiles and brief greetings, but nothing more. Avery, a self-proclaimed introvert, found his easy charm and effortless good looks intimidating.

Today, Liam looked particularly enticing in a worn T-shirt that clung to his broad shoulders, the perfect amount of scruff framing his jawline. He pushed the mower with a practiced ease, muscles flexing with each stride. Avery found herself completely captivated, the book forgotten in her lap.

Suddenly, a burning sensation on her skin jolted her back to reality. She'd been so engrossed in watching Liam that she hadn't noticed the sun climbing higher in the sky, baking her back. A quick glance confirmed what she already knew – sunscreen had become a casualty of the long workweek.

Panic surged through her. She was in a see-through gown, a barely there scrap of fabric that left very little to the imagination. Shamefacedly, she scanned the patio for anything to cover up with. A lone beach towel lay discarded in a corner, offering little in the way of modesty. Her eyes darted to the bushes lining the fence, a desperate idea forming.

With a grimace, she grabbed a handful of leaves, their inadequacy glaring at her. Holding them strategically in front of herself, she felt more like a poorly disguised lizard than a woman basking by the pool.

The leaves offered more psychological comfort than actual coverage. She knew it was a ridiculous charade, but somehow holding them there made the thought of Liam noticing her a little less terrifying.

Her heart hammered in her chest as the rhythmic whirring of the lawnmower grew closer. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping Liam would just think it was a particularly enthusiastic sunbather. Part of her, however, secretly yearned for him to notice.

A moment stretched into an eternity before the sound of the mower died down. A beat of silence followed, then a soft chuckle that sent shivers down her spine.

Avery peeked open one eye to see Liam standing by the fence, a playful grin on his face. "Interesting choice of sunscreen," he said, his voice warm and teasing.

Heat flooded her cheeks. The leaves felt suddenly ridiculous, and with a resigned sigh, she tossed them aside. "Ugh, don't even get me started," she mumbled, burying her face in her hands.

Liam's chuckle deepened. "Rough week?"

Avery peeked out from behind her fingers, surprised by the gentle concern in his eyes. "The worst," she admitted with a sheepish grin. "Deadlines, emails, the whole nine yards."

Liam leaned against the fence, his gaze holding hers. "Well, you deserve some serious relaxation then. How about I help with some proper sunscreen? Maybe we can even convince that neglected book to open its pages again?"

Relief washed over her. This wasn't the panicked scenario she'd envisioned. In fact, it was infinitely better. "That sounds perfect," she admitted.

Avery immediately relaxed and let Liam cover her body.

They settled into a comfortable silence, their only companions the afternoon sun and the chirping birds. Avery stole glances at Liam, finding him sneaking peeks back at her, a stray curl falling over his forehead. She felt a lightness in her chest, a sense of ease she hadn't felt in a long time.

The California sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Avery realized with a start that they'd spent hours lost in their own worlds, yet strangely connected.

Liam broke the comfortable silence. "Beautiful sunset, isn't it?" he said, his voice low.

Liam shifted on his towel, his gaze lingering on her. Avery felt a blush creep up her neck. Maybe it was the setting sun, maybe it was the hours spent basking in his easy company, but suddenly the space between them felt electric.

As if reading her mind, Liam reached for his phone, fiddling with it for a moment before looking up. "So," he began hesitantly, "I was wondering…"

His sentence was cut short by the insistent buzzing of his phone. He glanced at the screen, a frown creasing his forehead. "Looks like I have to head out," he said with a hint of disappointment.

Disappointment washed over Avery too, a feeling she quickly pushed down. "Oh, of course," she said, trying to sound casual. "See you around?"

Liam pocketed his phone, his gaze intense. "Definitely. Maybe we can do this again sometime?"

The question hung in the air, an invitation veiled but clear. A smile bloomed on Avery's face. "I'd like that," she replied, her voice warm.

Liam offered a quick goodbye and headed back to his house, leaving Avery with a fluttering heart and a head full of daydreams. As twilight settled, she realized this wasn't just about being covered in foliage. It was about the easy conversation, the comfortable silence, and the spark that had ignited between them beneath the California sun.

Avery spent the rest of the afternoon with Liam firmly on her mind. She imagined just how she would show him how she felt the next time he leaned over the fence!

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