Page 85 of Summer Heat

This isn’t just a hookup in my heart, but there’s no way it could ever be more. Matt is right, Greer comes from a completely different world than us and we need to remember it.

“Okay,” she says, suddenly serious. “I like you too, Brady.”

I laugh, eager to lighten the conversation. “I should hope so, baby, or we’d have to talk about you doing what we just did with someone you don’t like.”

“Dipshit!” She giggles, nipping my bottom lip and then sitting on the edge of the bed, looking for her panties. “My dress is still wet. Can I borrow another T-shirt or something? I seriously need to stop stealing all your clothes.”

I lean toward her, grabbing her elbow. “Where are you going? You can stay the night.”

She shakes her head. “I really want to, Brady, but I don’t think it’s a smart move. It stopped raining, and Chelsea promised to cover for me with my parents, but I prefer not to push my luck.”

I know she’s right, and I reluctantly get out of bed, putting my shorts back on without bothering with my underwear. I busy myself with getting her a shirt and a pair of boxers. “Here.” I offer her the garments. “I’m out of hoodies, but I have a rain jacket with the resort’s logo. You can borrow that. I don’t want you to be cold.”

Once she’s dressed, I walk her to the front door.

“Let me walk you back.”

“It would be better if you didn’t, babe. It’s still pretty early, and I’m pretty sure Tristan and his friends will have moved the party to the beach. I’ll be safe.”

I reluctantly agree. “Okay.” I open the front door but stop her on the threshold. “See you tomorrow, bright and early for practice?”

She nods, pushing up on the tips of her toes to touch her lips to mine. “Good night, Brady.”

I close my arms around her, keeping her close a little bit longer as a weird feeling expands in my chest. It’s awe, possessiveness, and a pinch of smug satisfaction at the idea that I was her first. That no one had Greer Manning before I did.

My lips linger on hers and I stand here, watching her walk away. There’s instant relief that it isn’t forever, but it’s bittersweet because I’m aware that at the end of the summer, we’ll have to say our permanent goodbyes.

I sigh, about to retreat inside my cottage, but my attention is attracted by a loud, shrill laugh.

A couple runs past me. A blonde in an evening dress and one of those rich douches who came over with Tristan Aldridge.

She slows down for a brief moment, stopping to look at me. It’s Chelsea Manning.

She’s carrying a half empty bottle of champagne, and her eyes look slightly unfocused as they skim over me before she takes off again, chasing her companion.

I wonder if she saw me kissing her sister just a second ago, but I snap out of it. Greer is out of sight, and hopefully her sister was too drunk to even notice.

I close the door behind myself, looking forward to training in the morning and hoping to catch Drew at some point to talk about the situation.

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