Independence Day Morning

The morning sun beat down on my skin as I walked out onto the porch, squinting through the brightness. The smell of sizzling burgers and hot dogs wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of lawnmowers. It was the 4th of July, and our backyard was already transforming into a party zone. My aunts and uncles were setting up tables and chairs, while my siblings were arguing over who got to man the grill. I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and made my way to the porch railing. That's when I saw them – Adrian and Carter sitting on the steps, smoking a joint and laughing quietly. My heart skipped a beat as I froze, unsure of what to do. I was still in my pajamas, my hair a tangled mess, and I was pretty sure I hadn't applied any makeup before waking up to the sounds of chaos outside. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I looked horrible. My eyes widened as I took in Adrian's profile, his sharp jawline and full lips illuminated by the morning sun. He was dressed in a faded tank top and shorts, his tattoos visible on his arms. Carter, on the other hand, was wearing his usual construction hat and a stained t-shirt. For a moment, I just stood there, unsure of what to do next. Part of me wanted to sneak back inside and pretend I hadn't seen them, but another part of me was curious about what they were doing. Adrian caught my eye, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Carter followed his gaze and turned to me, a grin spreading across his face. "Hey, cuz! Happy 4th!" he boomed, loud as always. Adrian's eyes never left mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths. I managed a weak smile, trying to play it cool despite my growing unease. "Hey," I said, trying to sound casual. "I guess it's party time already." Adrian took a drag on the joint, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized I was still standing there, frozen in my pajamas. I needed to get out of there, and fast. But my feet seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move as Adrian's gaze continued to hold mine.