Chapter 4: Summer Fun

The summer came and Spike and Buffy were inseparable. The only problem is that her parents didn't know who she was dating.

Joyce and Giles thought she was spending a lot of her time with Willow and Xander. In fact Buffy hadn't even seen them over the summer. She was too busy going to the movies with Spike, heading out to restaurants, taking walks in the park and the garden, which was their secret spot. They had gone to the beach, the mall, and even L.A. for a few weekends.

Her favorite had been the boat trip Spike had taken her on for a week and the trip to the zoo, which had been great fun. She had lied about the boat trip saying she had gone with Willow and her family. Since Willow's parents own a boat and go away frequently, it was a believable lie.

Instead Spike and Buffy had spent the nights reading together and watching the stars. Sometimes they would fall asleep holding each other still fully clothed from the night before and wake up with the sunlight pouring on them. She had returned so tan that she hadn't thought she could get any tanner. Buffy had been careful not to have sex with Spike. She wasn't ready yet as she was still only 16 and he was now 17. She wanted to wait until her 17th birthday at least before having sex.

She had originally thought 18 but it was getting harder and harder for each to say goodnight to the other and to break off the kisses from leading to more. Buffy knew school started tomorrow but she didn't feel ready. She dreaded seeing her friends for the first time since last school year. It had been a little over three months of a whirlwind romance but what would happen once school started?

Now, the duo was lying on the beach. Buffy was in her swimsuit, a little blue bikini she had bought on their boat trip earlier in the summer and Spike was wearing matching blue swim trunks. His chest was bare but warm thanks to the summer sun and heat.

Spike glanced at her as she rested her head on his chest enjoying the feel of the sun on her face, "Whatya thinking of luv?"

Buffy sighed, "What will happen to us once school starts?"

Spike sat up a little rolling to his side allowing Buffy's head to rest on his coat as he rested his on his elbow. He traced her cheek with his finger as he whispered, "I already told you Buffy. We will be fine. We have lunch together and gym class. So that means we will still be able to eat together every day and do gym class together 3 days a week and enjoy a study hall together 2 days a week. We can still go to school together and I'll pick you up everyday. We have to work on you getting your license soon but for now, I'll take you anywhere you bloody well want to go my luv. It won't be easy but our love is strong."

He leaned over giving her a kiss on the nose then on the lips as she promised, "You promise it will be fine? That we will make it?"

Spike smiled gently down at her leaning over to give her a kiss that took her breath away. Then he whispered against her lips, "We will make it. Care for a swim Goldilocks?"

Buffy giggled rolling over as she jumped to run across the beach, leaving Spike to collect his coat and their shoes and socks. He as always threw them into a backpack then jumped into the ocean after Buffy. He didn't come up right away and Buffy began to panic yelling, "Spike! Spike!?"

She swam around in a circle where he entered the ocean and screamed, "William Pratt. Answer me!"

Tears formed in her eyes until she felt her sides being tickled and Spike came up behind her spitting water out with a laugh. Buffy slapped his chest wiping away her tears, "Don't do that! I was so scared."

Spike frowned as he watch her wipe away her tears, "I'm sorry luv. You know I'm a great swimmer and can hold my breath a really long time. I didn't think you would be scared."

Buffy frowned as she kissed him gently on the lips, "I just can't imagine life without you."

Spike nodded, "Same goes for me. I'm sorry. I'm a bad man. Forgive me pet?"

Buffy nodded as she reached under the water and started to tickle him. He laughed as he caught her around the wrists then lifted her hands up out of the water and tugged on one slightly. He released the other with a grin, "Want to go for a boat ride? It's a bloody brilliant day!"

Buffy nodded allowing him to pull her through the water. Then he lifted her onto the dock and she raced onto his boat looking forward to her day with Spike.

Buffy sat on the deck of the boat enjoying her tuna and mayo sandwich and digging her chips into ranch dip. She and Spike had worked this summer to find meals that didn't require heating or refrigeration and they got fairly good at it. They found meals such as tuna and mayo using packets. The ranch dip was perfect for two. They had started freezing their drinks to have them last until their lunchtime.

Buffy finished her diet coke and tossed it into the basket that had been placed over the plastic can that was holding the recyclables. Spike grinned, "3 points! My turn."

He tossed his in making a perfect basket too, "3 points for me too! We are tied!"

Buffy laughed then stuffed another chip with dip on it in her mouth. She was having a great day and was just about dry. Spike wagged his eyebrow at her whispering, "Bloody hell, you are amazing in the sun."

Buffy blushed still amazed and embarrassed by his compliments. He leaned over pulling her into his arms whispering in her ear, "Well you are. Your hair sparkles in the sun and your smile brightens up even the most dreary of days."

Buffy closed her eyes letting his words fill her mind, "You really think I'm that beautiful?"

Spike nodded, "You are pet. You really are."

Buffy giggled slightly as she whispered, "I think you're amazing too. Are you upset we are still waiting?"

Spike shook his head, "Never luv. I want it perfect for us both and if that takes time, I'll wait forever for you."

Buffy smiled as she wrapped her arms around him, laying her head against his naked chest. He leaned over reaching for A Secret Garden, which was their latest reading choice. Without saying a word, he began to read to her allowing her to relax to the sound of his sexy voice, which really brought the story to life.

Buffy smiled as she listened to Spike read to her. This is how they often spent their summer days, relaxing on Spike's aunt's boat. She felt so relaxed as Spike rested the book aside and reached up to put out the torch. She and Spike both watched the stars enjoying the silence until Buffy whispered, "You know I love you right?"

Spike laughed, "Of course. I'll always love you Buffy Summers."

Buffy smiled, "I love you too William Pratt."

Spike gave her a kiss and then leaned back on the boat. Buffy enjoyed the feel of his body against hers and longed for her 17th birthday although she was really tempted to give in now. She dreaded tomorrow but for now, she would appreciate today. Determined not to worry about it, she laid back in Spike's arms for what might be the last time of the summer watching the stars.