Page 9 of Stealing Summer

"Oh, yeah. He's at Duke. It's like a 30-minute drive from here. And Dad said he’s definitely going pro if he can stay out of trouble.”

"Trouble?" I echoed, arching an eyebrow, even though the concept didn’t surprise me.

"Yeah," Willow nodded emphatically, her gaze fixed on him. "Every time I hear about some scuffle here at Bayside or even occasionally on the field, he's always right in the middle of it. He’s always been nice to me but it's like he attracts chaos."

Reese worked the crowd, smug as ever, with an infuriating smirk plastered on his face. His confidence was hard to ignore. He went around shaking hands and clapping the other players on the back, laughing and joking, like he owned the place.

When he got to Parker and Boston, who were close by, he grinned and said, “Well, well, if it isn’t the dynamic duo. I see they’re letting just about anyone on the team these days.”

Boston tensed, jaw clenched, but Parker just laughed it off and shook Reese’s hand. “Good to see you too, Reese,” he said pleasantly.

After Reese made his way through the crowd, he glanced over, flashing me a cocky grin that made me want to hide underneath the table. Maybe he’ll forget about what I said? He probably gets it all the time—or maybe I should crawl into a hole to live out the rest of my days.

But still, that cocky grin somehow made my pulse race—followed swiftly by a pang of guilt. What was I even doing admiring Reese like this? I didn’t even know him. It was also alarming that Boston had never had a problem with anyone, except Reese—which meant he had to be bad news. But… it didn’t hurt just to have eye candy, right? Reese may be the biggest jerk according to Boston and Parker, but that doesn’t have to stop me from appreciating his good looks.

“He’s having a party at his parents’ lake house later tonight if you want to go,” Willow said with a mischievous smile. My cheeks felt hot as I glanced at her.

“What party are we crashing?” Boston said, an amused expression playing across his face as he and Parker took a seat next to me at the table.

I glanced back and forth between Boston and Willow, unsure of how to respond, knowing he wouldn’t like the answer.

Willow’s eyes sparkled as she exchanged a glance with Boston. “Reese is having a party tonight. First one of the season.”

“I’ve heard stories about his parties,” Parker said with awe.

Scowling, Boston shook his head. “Sounds like torture.”

“Come on, don’t be like that,” Parker said, clapping him on the back. “Reese might be a jerk, but I’ve heard his parties are epic. Just look at it as a team bonding experience before we start the season.”

“Willow, meet Boston and unfortunately, my brother Parker,” I said, with a hint of annoyance.

Parker grinned widely, rocking back in his chair and injecting his unwanted charm into the conversation. “If this beautiful lady is going, we have to go.”

Willow chuckled, a bit of sarcasm in her voice. “Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without the coach’s daughter.”

“You’re coach Levy’s daughter?” Parker asked, his eyes widened in surprise.

“One of three, but definitely his favorite,” she replied, winking at Parker.

Willow and I exchanged grins, already plotting our plan for the night. Parker’s enthusiasm spilled over, and soon even Boston lightened up to the idea. I found myself swept up in the collective enthusiasm, momentarily forgetting about that embarrassing moment earlier.

five

Boston pulled a t-shirt over his head, his damp hair sticking up at odd angles. He ran a hand through it, catching my eye in the mirror.

“You look nice,” he said with a crooked smile.

I decided on my favorite black crop top and dark-wash jeans. I usually felt confident in this combo, but at that moment, I felt strangely self-conscious.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from my top.

I heard the honk of Willow’s car and we headed out to the front where her red convertible idled in the driveway. Parker strode ahead of me, calling out shotgun as Boston shut the door behind me.

“There they are! Hop on in.” Willow greeted us cheerily as we climbed into the backseat. Her blonde curls bounced with enthusiasm.

Parker slid into the passenger seat beside her, and she put the car in motion. “Hope you don’t mind me taking the front seat. Figured I’d give you the chance to put the moves on me,” his voice lowering an octave. Even from the back seat, I could see the hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Willow laughed lightly as her eyes flickered to meet his before returning to the road. “Keep dreaming, Peter.”