Page 35 of Stealing Summer

“And my stepmom...” He trailed off, shaking his head.

I traced the tip of my fingers along the veins on his arm, trying to be consoling, while waiting for him to continue talking.

With a sigh, Reese met my gaze again. “She tries her best to be a mom. She’s a great one to my little sister, but they’re always traveling with my dad for work. He represents high-profile clients, so they’re never in one place for long. I get random texts or calls from her saying they’re in Prague or Milan or wherever.” He gave a bitter laugh. “Sometimes they’re gone for weeks at a time.”

My heart ached for him. No wonder he kept everyone at arm’s length.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “That must be really hard.”

“It is what it is.” Reese’s voice was thick with emotion. “I’m used to it by now and spend most of my time on baseball, anyway.”

He quickly composed himself, the casual mask slipping back into place. But I had glimpsed the real Reese underneath—lonely, hurting, in need of love. I gently squeezed his hand, hoping he knew he wasn’t alone.

We sat there for a moment as the waves rocked the boat gently. He pulled me against his chest. I could feel his heart beating steadily against mine. Reese’s hand came up to cradle my face, his thumb grazing my cheek. Slowly, he leaned in, and I thought for a moment he was going to kiss me, but then he pulled back.

“So listen, the Bayside Ball is coming up in a month,” he began as his expression turned serious.

I nodded, my stomach fluttering nervously. Willow said the Bayside Ball was the biggest event of the summer but I hadn’t really thought too much about it.

“Yeah?” I said, trying to sound casual.

“I am kind of in search of a date. Someone who can handle the whispers and bullshit that comes with being on my arm.” he laughed. “I can’t promise you’ll have a good time and I know you don’t think it sounds that fun, but there’s usually never a dull moment with me.”

The directness of his request, his smooth charm, sent an unexpected jolt through me.

“Carrington, are you asking me to be your date to the ball?” I asked, needing to hear him say it, to confirm that this wasn’t just him messing with me.

“Only if you say yes,” he said with a half smile.

eighteen

“Really? You want me to be your date?” I asked in disbelief. Reese snickered.

“Why wouldn’t I? Come on Hartford, you must know how I feel about you by now.” He cupped my face in his hands. “I like you and I want to show you off.”

My heart swelled, and I threw my arms around his neck. “Fine, I’ll go with you, but I am not wearing a princess dress!”

“You can wear this swimsuit for all I care. You’ll be a knockout,” he said, smirking at me.

I couldn’t stop smiling, still stunned that he asked me to go with him. Out of all the girls in this town that would be dying to go. Although, I couldn’t help but compare Reese’s openness with Boston’s confusing and guarded demeanor lately. It felt like Boston was always holding something back, leaving me grasping for answers. Speaking to Reese, however, felt like a breath of fresh air—he said exactly what he wanted and didn’t hold back, and I kind of loved that about him.

“Are you two lovebirds ever going to join the party?” Crew’s voice yelled across the boat, shattering the moment between Reese and me. His mischievous grin was evident even from a distance as he waved his drink in the air.

I glanced over at the rest of our friends, who were chatting with others on the boat tied up next to ours while lounging on colorful floats in the water. The sun reflected off the gentle waves, casting a shimmering glow on everyone.

“Guess we should join the others,” Reese murmured, his eyes lingering on mine for just a moment longer before he offered me his hand. I placed mine in his, feeling the warmth of his touch, and we made our way back toward the group.

“Finally!” Crew exclaimed once we were within reach, wrapping an arm around Reese and pulling him away.

As we joined them, I couldn’t help but notice a few girls on the boat next to ours giving me dirty looks. My heart sank a little, but I knew that saying yes to going to the Bayside Ball with Reese would come with its fair share of jealousy and resentment just like this. It was no secret that practically every girl in town had a thing for Reese. And now here I was, ordinary Chandler Hartford, scoring the hottest date. I steeled myself, remembering that I could handle it.

Reese wrapped a towel around my shoulders, and one of the girls nearby glared at me before tossing her hair and turning away. I hid a smile, thinking of the ridiculousness of their envy.

The engine’s low growl subsided as we glided smoothly up to the dock, Reese’s boat reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors still lingering in the night sky from the fireworks. Around us, other boats bobbed gently on the water, filled with others who had watched the show, leaning back with drinks in hand.

“You were right. Fireworks are much better on the lake,” I confessed, watching Reese expertly tie the boat off.

“The only way to watch,” he replied, shooting me that half-smirk I was beginning to grow fond of. He straightened up, surveying the scene with those hypnotic green eyes.

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