Page 29 of Stealing Summer

His tone was casual, but his stance told another story. It felt like there was a silent accusation that lingered in his tone. Maybe he was being protective—but there was also something else, some sort of tension that hadn’t been there before.

“Okay…and?” I asked, unable to keep the defensiveness from creeping into my voice. My heart thumped erratically, knowing full well that Reese was the one person he had a problem with, maybe even hated.

“Why did you get in his truck, Chandler?”

“Why do you care, Boston?” I shot back, not sure why my defensive walls were rising up but feeling them there all the same.

Boston’s blue eyes turned steely, and he let out a short, humorless laugh. “I don’t,” he said, his tone clipped. “I just can’t understand why you’d waste your time with that arrogant prick.”

His words stung, though I wasn’t sure if it was because of his jab at Reese or that it felt like he was still holding something back. “Why do you care who I spend my time with?”

Boston shifted, crossing his arms over his chest. His jaw flexed for a moment before he relaxed it. “I don’t. You can do what you want.”

“Is there something else you want to say, Boston?” I crossed my arms over my chest, demanding honesty.

“I just... I don’t trust him,” he admitted. “You know what kind of guy he is. And I’m just looking out for you.”

“Since when do you get to decide who I spend my time with?” I retorted, my voice edged with irritation. “I’m not a little girl anymore. I can take care of myself.”

“Of course you can,” he said quickly, running a hand through his hair in what seemed like frustration. “I just want you to be careful.”

He never cared before who I spent my time with. Back at home, he never paid attention to what I did. He was always preoccupied—surrounded by his friends, by stunning girls, and all of a sudden now he cared?

“You don’t have anything to worry about,” I said softly as I looked away. “Maybe he’s just misunderstood.”

“Uh-huh,” he breathed. “I’m sure that’s all it is.”

“Look,” I sighed, meeting his gaze once more. “I appreciate that you care, but trust me, I got this. Okay?”

“Alright,” he nodded reluctantly. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I do,” I said, offering a small smile. “Now, can I go back to sleep?”

“Sure,” Boston conceded for now, pushing off from the door frame with a shrug. “I’ll see you later.”

As he turned to leave, I leaned against the door, wondering what that was about and if there was more to it than just Boston looking out for me.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and my heart leaped as Kristina’s smiling face popped up on the screen with an incoming FaceTime call. Without hesitation, I swiped to answer, already bubbling with anticipation.

“Finally!” I exclaimed, unable to keep the giddiness from my voice.

“Chandler! I don’t have long.” Kristina’s voice rushed out, breathless as she was walking quickly. “But it’s been incredible here. Like a dream. And don’t you worry, I’ve been taking notes, so I can bring you back all my new acting tips!”

“Tell me everything going on with you,” she beamed, her eyes sparkling with that same infectious energy I always knew. “Any new cute boys?”

“Where do I even start?” I laughed, knowing there wouldn’t be enough time to explain. “There’s been so much happening. And... yes, but it’s complicated.”

“Wait, you mean a cute boy besides Boston?” Kristina teased, a knowing glint dancing in her eyes.

“Surprisingly, yes.” I could feel my cheeks warm as she was putting me on the spot.

“Ooh, do tell,” Kristina prodded, but before I could delve into the details, her expression shifted to one of mild regret.

“Shoot, I’ve got to get back to it, Chan. But we’ll catch up properly soon, promise,” she said, her words tinged with the faintest hint of longing.

“Fine, but I’m holding you to that,” I tilted my head, giving her a serious look, wishing we had more time.

“Aw, I really miss you,” Kristina sighed, her sentiment echoing through the miles that stretched between us.

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