Page 10 of Stealing Summer
The momentary glare that flickered across Parker’s face quickly dissolved into another smile, this one more genuine and warm than the last. “It’s Parker,” he corrected. “…But I like that you have a nickname for me already,” he winked.
I rolled my eyes at my brother’s obvious flirtation, but my annoyance started to fade as we made our way down the dark, winding roads.
We pulled up at a large lake house. Its sleek and modern design stood out from the surrounding homes. Every detail seemed like it was brand new and custom, from the large glass windows to the unique angles of the roof. Cars flooded the driveway and l tried to look inside the glass windows, but the tint was too dark. We made our way to the front, where we could hear the music thumping and giggling from inside. I took a deep breath as we walked through the front door, allowing Willow to lead the way.
Parker and Boston were instantly swarmed by a group of baseball players. “My guys, glad you could make it!” One of the players said as the group merged into the party. I smiled, watching them seamlessly blend into the crowd.
The air was thick with the smell of cheap beer and cologne. Boys in baseball caps and athletic wear crowded the room, red solo cups in hand. A couple of players I recognized from earlier danced in the center, laughing as they moved to the music.
A few feet away, I spotted Reese, surrounded by a group of people. His presence commanded the room, and my eyes were drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Then someone made him laugh—and smile a genuine smile that I hadn’t seen from him yet. His smile felt warmly comforting as the dimples in his cheeks deepened.
But then I noticed a few girls making their way over to me and Willow. Their eyes were bright with curiosity as they approached.
Willow placed a gentle hand on my arm. “Don’t let them rattle you, love. That’s just Caroline, she’s the blonde in the middle and those are her friends—she kinda leads and the others follow. They’re harmless, really, just eager for any gossip or news they can spread around.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What could they possibly want to gossip about with me?”
“Boys and the Bayside Ball, of course,” Willow said, a smile playing on her lips. “It’s the event of the summer around here where they announce the MVP and all the awards at the end of the season for the Blue Devils. It used to be a regular award ceremony but I think the parents wanted an excuse to throw a huge party and now it’s a big thing—they go all out.”
I laughed. “Let me guess. It’s also an excuse for everyone to get dressed in expensive outfits and be seen?”
Willow nodded. “You got it. Caroline and her friends are desperate to be asked by one of the baseball boys, and I’m sure Parker and Boston are on their radar. And you’ve been spotted with both. In their minds, a date to the Bayside Ball is a status symbol.”
I shook my head, watching the girls approach, their dresses swishing around their knees. “Well, they’re going to be disappointed. I don’t have any insider information to share.”
I took a deep breath as the girls surrounded us, bracing myself for the incoming questions.
“Hi there Sweet Pea! You’re Parker’s little sister, right?” said a girl with short, stylish brown hair while the others near her listened closely.
“Yes, unfortunately.” I sighed.
The girls exchanged glances, and I could sense their curiosity. “Is he single? And what about Boston? We need all the scoop on him,” asked Caroline, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Yes, Parker is single. And Boston, there isn’t much scoop to tell. He grew up next door to us and now he lives with Parker and two of their teammates back in Stillwater. He’s always lived and breathed baseball,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
“So he’s single then too?” asked one of the girls, watching me closely.
“He is,” I said softly.
“So, nothing is going on between you and Boston?” Caroline leaned in close, her eyes wide with disbelief as she watched him across the room, still laughing with Parker and a few of their teammates. “I mean, look at him. He’s so hot. And you grew up together. There must be some sort of history there.”
I followed her gaze, feeling a tightness in my chest. History? You could say that again. He was the most perfect boy I had ever known, who happened to be attached at the hip to my brother. I adored him and pretended he was my prince charming for as far back as I could remember, but my heart sank knowing he’d never see me in the same way.
“Definitely history, but nothing to spill,” I sighed, shaking my head to dispel the remnants of the past. “We grew up together, and he’s my brother’s best friend, that’s all.”
But that wasn’t all. He wasn’t so distant until high school happened, I thought, as I watched Boston wipe his brow with the back of his hand. He got popular, surrounded by pretty girls and athletes. And I... I found my comfort in the drama club and stage lights. We were in very different worlds now, and it didn’t seem possible for them to collide. Boston was still Boston, effortlessly charming and impossibly out of reach. And I was still me, more comfortable reciting lines than living out a real-life romance.
Time seemed to stand still as I continued to listen to Caroline try to make small talk, and soon I found myself exchanging glances with Reese across the room. His eyes held mine for a few moments before I looked away, my cheeks flushed with heat. He was leaning casually against the marble fireplace mantel, holding a red solo cup. I couldn’t stop myself from admiring how unfairly hot he was, then instantly wanted to kick myself for thinking so.
Willow noticed me glancing in his direction before I could look away. “C’mon, I see Reese over there. I’ll introduce you,” she said, linking her arm through mine and leading me through the crowd.
“Willow, I don’t think this is a good idea,” I panicked, dredging my heels into the polished wood floor, each step toward him amplifying my dread.
“Oh, it’ll be fine,” she said in a dismissive tone. She tugged me forward, her enthusiasm undiminished by my resistance.
“Reese, I’d like you to meet my friend Chandler,” Willow said cheerfully.
Then he looked at me, taking me in completely, and the corner of his mouth twisted into a smirk that could only be described as devilish. “Oh, if it isn’t my biggest fan.”