DON'T OWN SON. SORRY IT TOOK AWHILE. I HAD TO TAKE SOME STUFF OUT AND PUT IT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT, FOLLOW, AND/OR FAVORITE. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! THANKS FOR READING :)

SPENCER'S POV

"Spence, is that you?" I heard my dad call out from the kitchen.

I closed the door, "Yeah it's me."

He peaked his head out from the archway in the kitchen, "Put your things away and come help me with dinner please."

I nodded and made my way to my room. After what happened outside, I wanted to know what Ashley was thinking. Yeah, she pulls away during some moments but then again she pulls me closer to her. So when I take a step closer, she pulls away. Ashley can make me feel so confused yet so wanted.

I sighed as I went towards the kitchen where my dad was. We engaged in small talk while we prepared for dinner. My dad was the favorite person to have a conversation with, next to Ashley of course. He wouldn't try to push whatever was on my mind and did his best to give me solid advice when I needed it. That's what you get for a dad that's a social worker and I considered myself lucky.

I just hoped that Ashley would stop pulling away.

KYLA'S POV

My phone vibrated indicating I received a text message. I glanced over to see a text from my sister while I was putting my pants on. Yes, I just had sex. I know, tmi.

Ashley: "Will be home later. Call if anything."

After spending time with Aiden, he drove me home. The sun was setting and the sky had an orange-pink tint. This is exactly one of the reasons why I love living in LA. Beyond the smog filled air, LA had its moments of having beautiful scenery.

I kissed Aiden goodbye and walked to the door. "Ash?" I called out, but no answer. I checked the time on my phone, 7:11PM. The house was empty and eerily quiet. I hated that feeling because I felt like I was in a horror movie and I was a victim waiting to be slaughtered.

I called Ashley on her cell phone but no answer. A few seconds later, a light bulb went off in my head.

I knew exactly where Ashley was. I just hoped she would still be there when I arrived.

After an hour and forty-five of driving, I arrived at the navy blue beach house in Newport Beach. The beachfront house belonged to my father and he handed it down to Ashley and me in his will. We used it as an oasis to get away from things or people, and sometimes we would stay there during our Disneyland adventures. Yes, we love Disneyland so much that we're annual pass holders.

I turned my key and called out Ashley's name but no answer, again. I scanned the living room to notice nothing has been moved or thrown out and that made me smile. Ashley and I tried to keep it the way it was after our dad died. Neither of us had the heart to get rid of his possessions. His platinum records were hanging on the wall; pictures of Ashley and I were scattered through the spacious living room. It was as if my dad was going to come back home but sadly, he wasn't.

I made my to the kitchen and used the back door that led to the beach. I kicked off my shoes and walked to the white lifeguard stand where I knew my sister would be hiding. That was always her spot when we were staying at this house.
As I was getting closer to the lifeguard stand, I heard a guitar strumming. I saw Ashley becoming lost in her own world strumming notes in her guitar and it reminded me of how our dad would just start playing. She was too distracted to notice me standing near the wooden rails, "New song?"

Ashley looked up at me, her brown eyes meeting mine, "Yeah."

I took a seat next to her, "What brings you to Newport?"

Her brow furrowed and she sighed, "Nothing really."

"Liar," I chucked and lightly shoved her arm. "Let me guess…" I tapped my pointer finger to my lips pretending to think, "it has something to do with the girl who lives next door that you're pretty much smitten with?"

"Yeah, it's just..." Her eyes were placed on the ground, "she's just..."

"Everything you wanted?" I finished her sentenced.

Ashley placed the guitar on her lap, "And more."

"Do you sincerely…really have feelings for Spencer?" This was Ashley we're talking about. She was barely in relationships and mainly used girls for sex. Commitment wasn't in her vocabulary.

"I think…" Ashley paused and slightly smiled, "yeah, I do have feelings for Spencer."

I grinned and pulled her in a tight hug. This definitely wasn't my sister I was used to but I'm happy for her for finding someone. "It's about time you fell for someone!" We let go and Ashley rested her head in the crook of my shoulder. "We couldn't have done this at home?" I chuckled.

Ashley took a breath, "I just missed this place. It's been awhile since we've came here, ya know?"

"It's been awhile since we've seen Lexie too." Alexis Brians- Lexie for short, was our godmother. Before moving to Newport Beach, she was our dad's manager. After he passed away, she opened a café here and Ashley and I would be frequent customers when we were in town.

"We should pay her a visit, soon." Ashley suggested.

"Why don't we?" My eyes widened, "We're already here!"

Ashley's face lit up with excitement. "Ok, let's go!" She got up and dragged me out of the lifeguard stand and headed towards her car.

We pulled up to the small café and made our way inside. Ego was the name of Lexie's café and let me tell you, it hasn't changed at all. It smelled like fresh coffee and pastries inside. My mouth was starting to water. What? I haven't eaten since lunch!

Ashley and I were waiting to be seated until a platinum blonde woman who was sporting a pixie hair cut approached us. Lexie. She squealed while she pulled Ashley and me into bear hugs. "I've missed you girls so much!" Her grip was still holding onto us.

"We missed you too, Lexie." Ashley breathed after being let go from Lexie's strong bear hug.

Lexie cupped both our faces, "You ladies are as beautiful as ever." We thanked her and she seated us at our regular table. Yes, we have a regular table. Me and Ashley's initials are carved on top of the wooden surface.

"Let me guess," Lexie cleared her throat and raised her eyebrow, "Ashley would like a chocolate milk and Kyla would like an apple juice?"

I answered for the both us, "Yes please!" Chocolate milk and apple juice would always be our choice of drink when we were here because that's what our dad ordered us all the time during our childhood. Lexie waved for someone to get our drinks. She sat down next to me while Ashley sat in the seat across from us. Lexie basically interrogated us about our lives and why we haven't been in town lately.

"Ashley's in love!" I spat out after taking a drink from my apple juice.

Lexie's eyebrows shot up and shifted her attention to my sister who was blushing, "Is this true?! My little Ashley…is in love?"

"Well no. "Ashley answered shyly. "I really like her though. I think it's possible for me to fall in love with her."

"She must be really special. Does she have a name?" Lexie asked after dismissing an employee.

"Spencer Carlin." Ashley told Lexie the story of them- from when Spencer arrived until now. Ashley's tone was different when she spoke of Spencer. It wasn't in a 'Yeah, I just got some' way, instead she spoke with such care and warmth about Spencer that just made you want to hug her.

"You've got to bring her here!" Lexie clasped her hand on top of Ashley's. "Anyways, you girls should be heading back to LA. Oh, and Ashley?" Lexie paused and turned to my sister, "We're starting to have open mic nights every week. You should definitely perform."

"Well, I'll definitely come by that's for sure. I'll think about the performing part." Ashley winked at Lexie. I knew Ashley loved performing, but she was just really shy about it. But once she was on a stage with a guitar in her hand, all her insecurities washed away.

We gave Lexie a hug and headed back to the beach to pick up my car so we could drive separately to LA.

SPENCER'S POV

It was Friday, the day of the welcome back dance. Ashley and I haven't really talked since our intense sexual nose grazing. I mean, we've had short conversations but we didn't discuss what happened. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only person who wanted more than being just friends with Ashley.

"Spence!" Kyla walked up to me, shoving her notebook in her backpack. "You're going tonight right?"

"Um," I closed my locker shut, "Is Ashley going?" It doesn't hurt to ask, right?

Kyla chuckled, "You know she doesn't do dances. Have you guys talked at all?"

We started walking towards the quad, "If you count our short conversations during class about homework, then no."

"She'll come around, Spence. Besides," Kyla hugged me. "I'm pretty sure she likes you." I felt my heart do many flips after what Kyla informed me.

There's still hope!

I looked in the mirror to make sure I was looking good for the dance and man, I was on fire! Okay, now I'm starting to sound like Ashley. Kyla, a few days before, helped me pick out my attire for the evening. I was wearing dark denim shorts with a blue top that brought out my eyes.

I walked to my window and I noticed that Ashley's room was dark. I had started to think if going to the dance would be a good idea. In Ohio, I loved going to school functions and always had a good time. I knew Aiden and Kyla would be together during the dance and I didn't want to be the awkward third wheel so I was still holding onto hope that Ashley would somehow let me know she was going. But Kyla mentioned earlier that Ashley had no intention of going to the 'lame dance'.

"Spence," my brother knocked, "you ready?"

I nodded and headed downstairs with Glen.

"Have fun you guys!" My dad called out from the living room.

The music was loud and bumping. Everyone was grinding on each other like no tomorrow. I was standing next to Kyla and Aiden in the school gym. I guess I didn't realize I was frowning until Kyla said something, "Hey," she placed her arm on my shoulder, "you're gonna have fun."

I nodded then Kyla dragged me and Aiden onto the dance floor. It was fun for the first two hours until I noticed Kyla and Aiden practically mauling each other. Instead of being the awkward person standing on the dance floor by myself, I made my way outside to get some air.

I wrapped my arms around my body and that was when I heard that husky voice, "Did you get kicked out already?" I turned around to see Ashley smiling at me. She was wearing a black mini skirt with a black pinstripe vest. Did I mention that the only item of clothing under her vest was a mint green lacy bra? Yeah…I think I might have a heart attack.

"I thought you weren't coming." I gave her a playful smile.

"Had a change of heart." She stepped closer to me. "When is this thing over anyway?"

I looked down then back into her eyes, "It's almost done."

"Well," Ashley grabbed my hand, "we should get at least one dance in right?"
I nodded yes. Too be honest I was speechless. I really thought Ashley wasn't going to show up.

Ashley was leading me inside the gym when the DJ started playing a slow song. She stopped and turned to face me, still holding my hand, "May I have this dance?"

I wrapped my arms around her neck and I felt her arms around my waist. I couldn't feel more content than I was feeling. Being wrapped in Ashley's arms felt safe and secure. I felt her pull me closer to her body, her breath dancing around my ear, "Sorry I missed the dance."

My lips brushed against her ear causing Ashley to shiver, "You're just in time."

In that moment, I knew I wasn't the only one who wanted to be more than friends.

Our connection was strong.

It would have to carry us through the most difficult times. Right?