Page 41 of Stealing Summer

“Thanks, Mom. Are you staying so we can celebrate?”

She patted his cheek affectionately, avoiding his gaze. “I wish I could, honey. It’s going to be so late by the time I get home, and I’ve got work early tomorrow. You understand, right?”

Boston nodded, though his brow creased with the same concern I felt. “Yeah, I guess. Just... drive safe, okay?”

“Always do,” she said, forcing a brighter tone. She opened her car door and slid inside before adding, “I’ll call you tomorrow!”

With that, she started the engine and drove off into the night, leaving us all behind as if she couldn’t get out of this town fast enough.

twenty-one

The thumping bass of the music hit me as soon as Willow and I walked through the front door. Willow’s eyes widened as she turned to me. “I can’t believe Boston came!” Her voice was filled with surprise.

“Really? He’s here?” The thought of Reese and Boston being in the same place at the same time worried me, but after that game, I doubted anything could spoil today.

The sound of Boston’s unmistakable laughter filled the air. He was standing next to Bailey and Crew, his athletic frame towered above most of the crowd. Those unmistakable bright eyes lit up the room.

“... and then coach said, ‘If I find it in the locker room again, you’ll each take turns wearing it to practice,’ Crew finished telling his story, causing everyone around him to burst into laughter.

Willow and I exchanged amused glances before walking over to join the group. When Boston’s gaze landed on me, his lips quirked up in a crooked smile.

“Hey,” he said. “Parker kinda forced me to come.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” I told him sincerely. “You deserve to celebrate too, you know.”

Boston looked doubtful, but nodded and focused his attention back on his teammates.

As I weaved through the crowded house, I kept my eyes peeled for Reese. I finally spotted him holding court in the kitchen, surrounded by a group of people hanging on his every word. He was gesturing wildly, impressing them with a play-by-play of the game. His eyes were wide with excitement and laughter spilled freely from his lips.

When he noticed me, his entire face lit up. “There she is!”

He extracted himself from the crowd and strode toward me. His energy was infectious.

“I couldn’t miss celebrating with you.” I responded as my smile widened.

Reese grinned and slung an arm around my shoulders. “It definitely called for a celebration.” His eyes were lit up as he looked down at me. “But the best part is having you here now.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks at his words. Reese slowly guided me over to the large living room that had been turned into a makeshift dance floor. His strong hand was wrapped around mine as I breathed in his entrancing scent. The sweet melodies of a slow song swirled through the air, creating a special moment just for us.

“Dance with me,” he whispered into my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my neck as he pulled me closer to him.

“You dance?” I replied breathlessly, our bodies melding together as we swayed to the music. The warmth and hardness of his chest pressed against mine, providing an unexpected sense of safety and comfort. My hands instinctively moved to the nape of his neck, fingers tangled in his dark hair.

“Not really, but if it’s an excuse to hold you close to me, then yes,” Reese breathed, his voice low and seductive.

I chuckled softly, my cheeks flushing at the compliment. Yet, there was an undeniable connection between us, one that seemed to only grow stronger each moment I spent with him.

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” he said softly, his lips grazing my ear. “When we won, all I wanted to do was talk to you about it.”

My heart stuttered in my chest. I didn’t know how to respond, overwhelmed by his proximity and the sincerity in his voice. I simply laid my head on his shoulder, letting the music and his embrace speak for me.

Lost in the moment with Reese, his words were echoing in my mind, when suddenly Boston and Caroline slow dancing nearby came into focus. I felt a tiny flicker of jealousy as I took in Caroline’s arms draped casually around Boston’s neck, her cheek rested lightly against his chest.

It was then that I caught Boston's gaze flicker toward me. His expression was unreadable for a moment—a brief flash that could have been nothing or something else, something I didn’t expect. I quickly averted my eyes, confused by his reaction. Boston was just my brother’s best friend—that’s all he wanted to be.

As we continued moving slowly on the dance floor, I couldn’t resist the urge to sneak another look. This time, my breath quickened as my eyes locked with Boston’s electric blue ones. His expression was more guarded now, but I detected a hint of something in his eyes again that took me by surprise. Was he jealous? "No, that was impossible... wasn't it?"

As the final notes of the song faded away, a couple of guys who approached Reese interrupted our intimate moment. “Hey, Reese! Long time no see, man!” one of them shouted over the music, clapping him on the back.

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