Page 18 of Stealing Summer

Boston’s shoulders lifted in a shrug that seemed too heavy. “Yeah, all good. Just need to clear my head,” his voice carried a forced lightness. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

As he turned away, I caught the shadow that passed over his face, the same one that appeared every time he had ended a call with his mom.

“Sure thing. Let me know if you need some company,” Parker responded, but his gaze lingered on Boston’s retreating back, unsure if Boston was really okay.

“She has never missed a single college game, you know? I don’t get why she can’t ever make it to Bayside. Do you think something happened to her here when she was younger?” I asked, my words were a mix of frustration and empathy.

“I don’t know. I don’t get it either,” Parker said solemnly.

“Poor kid.” Willow shook her head in sympathy.

“I’m gonna go dry off and lay out for a bit,” I yelled to Parker and Willow as I headed out of the lake. They waved absently before quickly returning to their playful splashing and laughter.

I made my way toward the edge of the water, looking in Boston’s direction, but he was already out of sight, so I decided to take a seat on the dock nearby. As I approached, I saw someone’s long legs hanging over the side. It was Reese. I didn’t realize that he had also walked away from the group.

“Shit,” I whispered under my breath. He chose that moment to glance up, his eyes meeting mine. There was no mistaking it—he had seen me. His eyes squinted in the sunlight. “Hartford,” he said smoothly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “To what do I owe the pleasure? Planning on trying to kill me again?”

I couldn’t turn back now, not without it being more awkward than simply facing him. With a resigned sigh, I resumed my approach, each step feeling heavier than the last.

“Only if you tempt me… and do you call every girl by their last name, Carrington?” I asked, taking another small step closer to him.

“Only the pretty ones,” he replied with a roguish wink. His gaze drifted down, lingering on my lips for a while before meeting my eyes again.

The intensity of his eyes made my heart pick up speed. Get it together, Chandler. I held his stare, refusing to be the first to look away. I wasn’t convinced by his smooth words.

“Whatever. I guess you pitched a good game,” I forced out.

“You should expect nothing less from me. I aim to please,” he winked.

I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m sure… Anyway, I’ll leave you alone. I didn’t realize anyone was sitting here.”

“All good,” he said with a crooked grin. I smiled back before turning and walking away.

“Hey, wait up a sec,” Reese called after me from the dock.

I turned slowly back to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

He hesitated, almost shyly. “Do you wanna see something? My favorite spot is right up this hill.” He pointed a finger at a nearby area on his right.

“What kind of spot?” I said, curiosity getting the better of me. I couldn’t put my finger on what was drawing me to him. All I knew was that being around Reese gave me a thrill I’d never felt before.

“You have to see it for yourself,” he said with a grin. “But I think you’ll dig it. That is, if you’re up for a little adventure?” He raised an eyebrow in challenge.

How could I say no when he was looking at me like that? Although I was unsure about him, I felt a calmness and a comfortability with him that I couldn’t explain. I pretended to consider it before smiling back and throwing caution to the wind. “Lead the way.”

nine

We walked in silence, eventually coming up to a beautiful two-story cottage I’d never seen before.

“Where are we?” I asked, taking in the beauty of the landscaping on the property.

“My uncle’s place,” Reese explained. “He’s out of town a lot.”

He led me around the side of the cottage, where I saw the most stunning backyard with an in-ground pool. The water was crystal blue and shimmering in the sunlight. My eyes widened.

“This is gorgeous!”

Reese smiled, pleased by my reaction. “Wait until you see the view of the lake from the pool.”

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