Page 26 of Rival Summer

"I don't see you like that," I whispered as I delicately traced my fingers down her arm, until they locked with hers.

I held her hand in mine for a moment then guided it down my body until it was pressed against my dick straining beneath my jeans—undeniable evidence of my thoughts. I could feel her pulse racing under my fingertips, see the rapid rise and fall ofher chest. Her eyes glazed over as she realized what effect she had on me.

I released her hand, expecting her to step back, but she kept her hand exactly where I placed it. Her fingers began to trace small, intentional circles over my bulge. The unexpected boldness of her touch sent a rush of intense desire surging through my veins. I gripped the fence above her head to steady myself, my knuckles turning white. Every muscle in my body tensed, my hands trembled with the urge to lift her skirt and show her how badly I wanted her.

She smirked, her eyes glinting with trouble. "Boston," she teased, adding more pressure, her breath hot against my neck. "If I knew all I had to do was give Bailey a lap dance to get you to kiss me like that, I would have done it a long time ago."

"How about you don't ever do that again," I said, the words escaping through gritted teeth as I fought to keep my composure.

She cocked her head to the side, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Why? Because you think it would upset Parker?" She tilted her chin in a challenge.

I tightened my grip on her wrist, stopping the pleasure and torture she was inflicting with her hand. With a swift pull, I brought her against me. "No," I whispered, my hold firm but not rough. "Because I didn't like it."

She leaned back against the fence, a defiant look on her face. "What if you were the one I was giving it to?" She was trying to push the boundaries, but there was an innocence to her challenge that told me this was all uncharted territory for her. Still, I couldn't resist taking the bait. I bit my lip, fighting back a slight smile.

"Look," I started, voice low and steady despite the hurricane of emotions she stirred in me. "You can dance for me whenever you want." Leaning in closer, I whispered in her ear as I letthe words slip out. "But when you do," I continued, my words deliberate, "you better be wearing less clothes... and no one," I emphasized, my tone dipping into something darker, more possessive, "no one will be watching us."

A sharp intake of breath was her only response. I could feel her quickening pulse where my fingers gripped her wrist. Her eyes softened just enough to let me know she was intrigued.

"Chandler!" A voice broke us out of the moment.

I released her, stepping back with a suddenness that left the space between us cold and gaping. She pivoted on her heel, the hem of her skirt swirling around her thighs, her expression a mix of mischief and amusement.

"Go on," I said, a half-smile on my face as I watched her leave.

She hesitated for a moment as she quickly fixed her hair, eyes still filled with that teasing challenge. She rounded the corner, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I leaned against the fence, letting out a long breath. My head was spinning in the whirlwind of emotions she’d stirred up. I knew there was no going back. We'd crossed the line, and for the first time, I didn't care about the consequences.

ELEVEN

chandler

"Chandler, you good?"Willow asked, genuine worry in her eyes. I blinked, her concern pulling me out of the chaos of my thoughts.

"Um, can we sit down for a second?" My voice was barely a whisper, but she heard the urgency hidden within it.

"Sure, what's going on?" Willow's eyes were soft with empathy as she led me to a patio couch tucked in the corner of the garden.

I sank into the cushions with a sigh, the weight of the evening pressing down on me. I hadn’t quite processed what just happened, but I needed her advice. "I'm struggling, Willow."

"Talk to me." She leaned in, sliding her phone into her back pocket, giving me her undivided attention.

"Reese told me he ended things last summer because he didn't want to be the reason Boston and I aren't together," I confessed. "And all year, all this time, it was Boston leaving me roses after every show. Here I was, thinking he was ignoring me..."

Willow's expression shifted from shock to intrigue as she leaned forward. "He did what? Boston did that? You sent me a snap saying that they were from Kristina!"

I nodded, focusing on the patterned throw pillow I was fidgeting with in my lap. "Yes, it was him… and on top of it all, he just kissed me. This summer has barely started, and it's already nothing like I planned. I was going to steer clear of both of them—they both hurt me. And now... I'm just... confused."

"Whoa." Willow's eyes widened. "Chandler, I get that this isn't the summer you had planned out in your head, but you can't control everything."

I looked up, my eyes meeting Willows, taking in her words.

"Life happens," Willow continued, her tone firm yet comforting. "You need to let the hurt go—let go of things you can’t control. You can't let them have this kind of power over you anymore. Take your summer back. Do what makes you happy. It's okay if you end up exploring a connection with either of them—with both. It's okay if you decide not to be with either, but at least be civil with them. That way you can let go of the hurt and move forward."

I allowed myself a small smile, the weight lifting ever so slightly. Maybe Willow was right. Maybe it was time to reclaim the narrative of my own life, to face this unpredictable summer.

"You don't want to ruin this entire summer because you're upset at them and fighting to keep them at a distance when they’re always going to be around. Do it for you, not for them." Willow's hand squeezed mine. "You can still have a hot girl summer." She winked.

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