Page 68 of Summer Love

The pool was shaded due to the surrounding trees, but it was still warm enough to get in. I set my things on a poolside chair and removed my shirt.

"Hey, Elena, can you call your friends over? We need more women," Shep said.

"I'll see if they want to come." I reached for my phone. Then I looked at Hudson. "Do you mind if I invite my friends?"

He pulled his shirt off, leaving him in blue board shorts. "Not at all. It's a party."

I texted the girls on our group text and finished taking off my shorts while the replies came in. I tucked my phone into my bag and dipped my toe in the water.

"It's warm," Hudson said from the deep end.

I sat on the edge.

Shep took long strokes to cover the distance to me. "Are they coming?"

I nodded. "They said they were."

He dipped his head in the water.

"Was there someone in particular you're looking forward to seeing?" I teased, not actually thinking he was interested in one of my friends, but something flashed over his expression.

Shep's gaze sparkled with mischief. "Don't worry, El. I wouldn't go there with your friends."

"Not his type, if you know what I mean," Coop said before he stood on the diving board.

"Whyever not?" I asked Shep.

"You and your friends are way too good for me." Then he dove under the water avoiding any more conversation.

Hudson appeared in front of me, his hair wet. "Are you going to get in?"

"I'm working up to it."

His hands landed on my knees, and my brain short-circuited. I forgot to ask what Shep meant about us being out of his league and eased into the water.

"See? It's not too bad."

When the girls arrived, a pool volleyball game was organized, girls versus boys. Spending time with Hudson, his family, and my friends made me feel like I belonged here.

It was like no time had passed since I had left home. It was fun and nice to let go of the worries and responsibilities that had plagued me lately.

Hudson spiked a ball near me, and I dove through the water to pop it up to Kinsley. She set it for Ivy, who spiked it over the net where it landed in the water with a splash.

We cheered our point, and when we resumed our positions, the guys were more determined than before.

"I think they realized we're worthy opponents," Daria said with a laugh.

We refocused on the game, gaining some points and losing others. It was a fun game, and by the time Jonathan came out to ask if anyone was ready for burgers, we called it a game.

We hadn't kept score, so there were no losers or winners. It was just a good time. We got out and dried off. Some of the guys wandered over to the grill to help Jonathan cook.

I laid back on the lounger with Kinsley, Ivy, and Hazel sitting next to me. Nora and Daria had gone inside to find the bathroom.

"What's going on between you and Hudson? Is it strictly platonic?" Kinsley asked me. When I hesitated, Kinsley smacked my arm. "You hooked up."

I looked at the guys who weren't facing us. "Shhh. We're with his family."

"We need to go out so you can give me all the details," Ivy said.

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