Page 45 of Stealing Summer

The lighthearted moment made me temporarily forget about the awkward encounter with Boston. I was a little surprised, a little disturbed, but after the emotional roller coaster of last night, I was glad someone else had a good time.

“Let’s have a little talk, friend,” I said to Willow, which signaled to Parker and Boston that we needed to talk privately.

Parker and Boston headed toward the porch, leaving us to have a private moment.

“So...” I said, raising an eyebrow while glancing at Willow. “You and my brother, huh?”

Willow chuckled, her cheeks flushing pink. “Yeah, I know. It kinda just... happened.”

twenty-four

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, running my hands over the silky material of my gown. The light pink fabric hugged my waist before flowing out in layers of chiffon.

A knock at my bedroom door made me jump.

“Come in,” I said, as I began to put my necklace on.

Parker stepped inside, decked out in a crisp black suit. “Wow, Chan. You look beautiful.”

I smiled, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

I turned back to the mirror, applying another coat of lip gloss. “I know you’re bummed about the game,” I said gently. “You guys worked so hard this summer and deserved that championship. I know you didn’t win, but I still think you guys are the best team.”

“Yeah, maybe. But that’s life sometimes. You give it your all and still come up short.” He smiled ruefully as he began to lean against the door frame. “Now come on. One pity party is my limit for tonight. I still can’t believe you’re going to the ball with Reese Carrington. If only he knew what you looked like first thing in the morning.”

“Very funny,” I said, rolling my eyes and turning to face him. Parker’s playful grin didn’t waver, but I could see the protective older brother lurking just beneath the surface. “And you going with Willow? Who would have thought we’d be here right now?”

“Never,” he replied with a laugh. “I just hope I can make it through the night without coach benching me for next season since I’m taking his daughter.”

Parker pushed off from the door frame and approached me, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Anyway, just be careful with Reese, okay? I’ve seen a different side of him this summer, I have to admit, but we’re not like them. We didn’t grow up here—with fancy boats and limitless credit cards.”

“I’ll be careful,” I reassured him. “Besides, if things go south, I can always count on my big brother to save me, right?”

“Of course,” he said, offering a gentle smile. “Unless I’m with a girl, then you’re on your own.”

I smiled and took one last deep breath before shutting the light off in my room. Parker’s initial reaction when he found out about me going to the ball with Reese had been more shock than anger, which was a relief. I noticed Parker's perception of Reese gradually changing this summer. As his catcher, he had no choice but to build a connection with him.

As I took one final glance in the mirror, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves for the evening ahead.

“Boston already left to meet Caroline’s parents before the ball,” Parker said.

My smile faltered. “Oh. I was hoping to see him before he left.”

Parker shrugged apologetically before stopping to take one last look at himself and fix his shirt in the hallway mirror. Sighing, I stepped onto the front porch to find Reese standing there holding the most gorgeous bouquet I had ever seen.

“Reese!” I said, surprised.

He looked so hot in a tailored suit that accentuated his strong broad shoulders and hugged his body in all the right places.

“Damn, Hartford… You look so good,” Reese said, his voice low and husky as his eyes lingered down my body with an undeniable lust while handing me the bouquet. “And these are for you,”

I liked being the one who made his body stiffen, who made his eyes glaze over with desire. It was a thrilling feeling, knowing I could have such an effect on someone like him.

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling my face get warm. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. That smile of his was lethal.

“Do a spin for me,” he said, a playful grin on his lips.

Feeling slightly self-conscious but unable to resist his charm, I obliged. As I twirled around, the hem of my dress fanned out, creating a whirl of fabric. Reese’s eyes followed every movement, taking me in as if he were trying to memorize every detail.

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