Page 21 of Stealing Summer

I peeked over at Reese, talking to a group of players who were drying off like he didn’t have a care in the world. How could he be so calm when my heart was pounding out of my chest? All I could do now was float here, acting natural, while my mind spun in endless circles, trying to process it all.

On the ride home, I couldn't help but notice a strange expression on Boston's face as he focused on the road.

“So... what’s going on with you and Reese?” he asked, a hardness to his tone.

I glanced over at him in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“I saw you guys talking earlier,” Boston said, his jaw tight.

My cheeks flushed. I stared down at my hands. “There’s nothing going on,” I mumbled. I honestly wasn’t sure what was going on or what was even happening.

Boston was silent for a moment, then he swallowed hard, looking away. “Just be careful, okay? Reese isn’t as charming as he seems.”

“Woah,” Parker called out from the back seat of the car, popping his head up between Boston and me. “Something between Chandler and Reese Carrington? Ha! That would never happen.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the annoyance that bubbled up inside of me. I glanced at Boston, who seemed equally unimpressed with Parker’s comment.

“Really, Parker? How would you know?” I sighed, shaking my head.

“Come on, it’s Reese Carrington. He is constantly surrounded by hot girls and you’re like the opposite of a hot girl…” Parker teased. “Now, on to more realistic topics… The real question is, how into me is Willow? I think I spotted her checking out my abs.”

Willow being into Parker? Boston and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was hard to stay annoyed when Parker was being ridiculous. The laughter felt like a release, as if some of the tension that had been building between us had momentarily dissipated.

“I can’t stand you,” I said, wiping away a tear that had escaped during our laughter. “You got us, Parker. I’ll admit, Willow’s annoyance with you seems to be subsiding just a bit. I think I saw her laugh at one of your stupid jokes.”

“Ha! I knew it!” Parker said triumphantly, sinking back into the back seat with a satisfied grin.

“Good for you, buddy,” Boston chimed in, giving Parker a playful wink. “Just don’t let it go to your head.”

“Of course not,” Parker responded, emphasizing innocence. “I’m just happy to finally have someone who appreciates my amazing sense of humor.”

“Amazing might be a bit of a stretch,” I teased, smirking at him in the rearview mirror.

ten

The next day, I sat on the edge of Willow’s bed, my legs folded under me. Her room smelled like lavender and old books. I knew that I needed to talk to someone about Reese and I still wasn’t having much luck at getting a hold of Kristina. “So...” I said, while I picked at a loose thread on her comforter. “Reese kissed me yesterday.”

Willow’s eyes went wide. She leaned forward, gripping my hands. “He did what? Oh, my god! I can’t believe it!” Her smile faded. “Wait. When? What about Blair?”

I sighed, flopping back on the bed. “We snuck away for a little while when we were at the lake and I don’t know about Blair,” I admitted. “He said that they weren’t together, and I was caught up in the moment, but I probably shouldn’t have trusted he was telling me the truth. Maybe I need to talk to Blair? And make sure?”

Willow nodded sympathetically. “Well, how do you feel about him? Do you like him?”

I stared up at the ceiling. Did I like Reese? His confidence, his bright green eyes, the feeling of his lips on mine...

“Yeah,” I sighed. “Unfortunately, I think I do.”

Willow squealed and threw her hands in the air. “Oh, this is so exciting! So what’s going to happen next?”

I sat up again. “Well, he said he’s having some friends over tonight.”

“Eek!” Willow bounced a little on the bed. “Well, then we’re going!”

I bit my lip. “I just don’t know if it’s a good idea. My family would probably flip if they knew. I feel like I shouldn’t keep putting myself in these situations when I know it can’t go anywhere.”

Willow waved her hand. “It’ll be fine! Don’t worry so much.” She grinned. “You never know where it could lead. And you don’t have to decide anything tonight. Just enjoy yourself.”

I still felt unsure, but I hoped she was right. My mind drifted back to the kiss, thinking about Reese’s soft lips against mine. The memory brought back a flood of feelings.

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