Page 13 of Stealing Summer
“Alright, Mom and I are coming,” I’d said, shaking my head as I quickly threw away the meal I was eating. But nothing had prepared me for the sight that greeted me at the front doors of the recreation facility.
Boston stood there, completely exposed by his lack of attire. He wore a scowl that clashed with his usually cheerful nature, and then I noticed it—a baseball glove was clutched strategically over his nether regions. It was so absurdly comical that I couldn’t help it—I snickered.
“Laugh it up,” Boston grumbled, his cheeks tinted with the slightest hint of pink, betraying his embarrassment even as he tried to maintain his dignity. “Just wait till I get my hands on Reese.”
“Hey, this is a good look on you,” I teased, tossing him the gym bag filled with spare clothes that Mom had fortunately brought along. He smiled and rolled his stormy eyes.
“Thanks, Chandler,” he said, his voice softening. “We owe you one.”
“Fair enough,” Reese agreed, leaning back on his elbows, looking completely at ease. “But people can change, can’t they?”
“Maybe,” I admitted, my thoughts reeling as I tried to determine what his angle was. “But not without good reason.”
“Maybe you should make up your own mind about me. I could be different from what you think,” he said, turning to face me, all traces of cockiness gone from his voice.
“I guess so… but,” I hesitated, searching for the words to explain my reluctance before turning to look at him. “From what I’ve seen and heard, it seems like you’re a jerk and you weren’t too friendly when we met earlier.”
A beer pong ball bounced off the table and rolled to a stop by my foot. Reese reached down, picked it up, and held it between his fingers. His eyes never left mine.
“Maybe I wasn’t the friendliest earlier,” he admitted, twirling the ball in his hand. “But then again, you said I was overcompensated. That’s a pretty bold statement for someone who barely knows me.”
“Is that your way of asking me to take it back?” I asked, allowing a half-smile to form, knowing that my comment may have struck even the faintest of a nerve.
“Let’s call it an invitation to reconsider,” he suggested, tossing the ball back toward the beer pong table without looking. It landed in a cup, causing a small cheer to erupt from the group. “Can we be even?”
“Even?” I echoed, as I pretended to consider. His charm was like a current, trying to pull me under, but I remained afloat, skeptical yet intrigued. “Fine,” The word escaped before I even had a chance to think about it. “We’re even.”
Reese looked down, biting his lip as if contemplating something. His hand reached out, gently touching my chin and tilting it upward until our eyes met. He leaned in closer, his voice a seductive whisper. “I may be a jerk, but I’m good at other things, you know,” he said huskily. “Go ahead, kiss me, and find out for yourself.”
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the audacity of his words. It was no secret that he was someone I should probably stay away from, but there was something about Reese’s boldness that made it impossible not to be intrigued by him.
“You’re unbelievable,” I said, shaking my head. “Do girls actually fall for this charm of yours?”
“They do,” Reese replied confidently, his eyes never leaving mine. “And it’s just a matter of time before you come around, too.”
I let out an uncontrollable laugh. Reese’s smirk faltered briefly and he seemed a little hurt by my reaction, but soon enough, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Is that so?” I teased after the laughter subsided, still grinning from ear to ear. “Well, I think it might take a bit more than a few smooth lines to change my mind about you. Like, maybe you being nice to my brother and Boston this season.”
Reese grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind. I’m cool with your brother—he’s been guilty by association, but Boston I’ll have to think about… Anyway, I better get back to the party but put my sweatshirt on. I know you’re cold. It gets a little windy sometimes at night since we’re so close to the lake.”
“Bye, Reese,” I whispered softly, watching as he walked away. There was no doubt about it this time, he was flirting with me. The interaction left me with a strange sensation—butterflies and guilt. I knew I couldn’t entertain it. He had a girlfriend, and it was Reese. But still, there was an unexplainable sense of ease and familiarity in his presence. What was it about this infuriating boy that made it so difficult for me to ignore? And why did a part of me secretly hope he would succeed in winning me over?
Reese walked away and I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. It was Boston and Parker—their eyes both locked on me and narrowed—which only added to the guilt gnawing at me.
The buzz I heard was subtle but interrupted the awkward moment, only to realize I’d missed Kristina’s call during my conversation with Reese. A soft groan escaped my lips as I tapped the voicemail icon and brought the device to my ear.
“Hey, it’s me,” Kristina’s voice crackled through with a blend of excitement and frustration. “I had such a long day but wanted to catch up. I’ve got loads to tell you! Why aren’t you picking up?”
I could almost see her animated gestures, the way her eyes would light up with excitement. My heart warmed at the thought of her enthusiasm, even as I felt a twinge of guilt for not answering her when she called.
“Met this guy I’ll be rehearsing with,” she continued, her words picking up speed. “Oh, and he is really cute. Learning heaps already. I’m going to bed but can’t wait to share everything with you?—”
I felt a familiarity at the mention of this cute new boy, and I couldn’t resist taking another peek at Reese, who was engaged in conversation with a group of people, before glancing back at Boston, who was watching me with an unreadable expression.
“Anyway, gonna try to catch you again soon,” Kristina’s voice pulled me back, “Love you!”
“Love you too,” I whispered to no one, the screen already darkening as the voicemail ended.