Page 11 of Make You Love Me

I open the front door and turn as he says, “Goodbye Lottie, I had a great time.”

“Me too. I’ll talk to you soon.” I smile as I close the door behind me.

Bracing myself against the closed door, I let a girlish squeal loose.

This summer might not be so bad after all.

Chapter Three

TakingNathan’sboatoutis normally one of my favorite parts of summers in Nori Beach, but I have to admit the previous times don’t hold a candle to today.

Last night I was barely in the guesthouse door when Nathan texted me, telling me to pick up Lottie and meet him at the marina by ten in the morning.

That gave me the perfect excuse to text Lottie, even though I just dropped her off. I don’t think I have ever messaged a girl this fast, I know for a fact I’ve never initiated it, never had to.

Me:You down to go on Nathan’s boat tomorrow with him and Berkley? He just texted and said for us to meet them at the marina by 10 in the morning.

Stacks:Yes, definitely. They both seem really cool. I’ve never gotten to experience Nori Beach from a boat. I’ll have to see if Ethel’s driver knows where the marina is, but just in case, will you send me the address??

Me:No need. I’m picking you up. Be ready by 9:45.

Stacks:Okay, Mr. Bossy pants. See you tomorrow.

Me:See you then pretty girl…

Once we are settled on the boat, we make our way out to our favorite fishing spot. Berkley takes Lottie up to the front of the hull, where there’s a section of cushions for them to lay out on.

It isn’t long till Berkley encourages her to relax and get her tan on for the ride out. When the coverups come off and I see the display of backside perfection from Lottie in her cheeky black bathing suit, I swear I’ve never been more thankful for Nathan’s girlfriend than I am at that exact moment. The way the bottom sits up high over her hips, accentuating her round ass and curves even more.

I can tell she’s worried about the way her bathing suit fits her body because she keeps tugging at it just as she did the first night in the bunny costume.

I wish I could make her see how damn sexy she is.

Lottie must feel my eyes on her because she looks back towards where I’m standing beside Nathan.

My eyes peruse her exposed skin, taking in her curves. I find myself licking my lips at the thoughts running through my mind. When our eyes meet, I make no effort to hide my attraction. Winking at her, so there’s no doubt in her mind about what I think of her in that bathing suit. Fucking sexy.

That earns me a little shy smile.

I don’t like that her head has been filled with bullshit most of her life. This girl deserves more. If the only thing I am good for this summer is making her realize how fucking perfect she is, then I’ll be happy with that.

Watching her get so excited over our up-close and personal look at the wild horses on Shackleford Banks is priceless. She just can’t get over how beautiful they are. Her megawatt smile rivaled the sun when I told her you're allowed to camp on the island they inhabit.

I explain to her the horses were brought over by the original settlers and have been on this small island, and others along the Carolina coast, ever since.

Now, watching Lottie practice casting her fishing rod out into the ocean has me as confused today as I was yesterday when I found out who her grandmother is.

Ethel Richmond’s name is well known around my hometown… “Richmond” Hills—for fuck sakes.

Ethel’s reputation precedes her, as does her last name. Everyone in our area knows who she is. Most people smile and wave, but few like her.

The main thing I know about her is she’s rich as hell and owns the fancy-ass country club where I occasionally do pool work with my boy Ford.

But her granddaughter, on the other hand… She’s nothing like her.

Once I clarify we aren’t just fishing for sport, she jumps right in, even wanting to learn to bait her own hook.

A little yelp from her draws me out of my head as she says, “Oh shit, I think I got one.”

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