Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“Can I give you some advice?” Brooke says cautiously.
“I’m all ears.”
“You’re not the only one. Every summer, she looks forward to you returning home. For weeks before and after, all she does is talk about you,” she says and rolls her eyes. “She drives me insane. Ask her out.”
Frustration fills me and those conflicting feelings rise. “She’s eighteen.”
“And you’re twenty.” She shrugs. “Everyone knows Cakes is mature for her age. I believe your stubbornness and determination will work great with her free spirit. Wild hearts, perfect for each other.”
“Stubborn, who’s stubborn?”
Lynn’s laughter rings out, once again calling for my attention. Andrew Morris has her tossed over his shoulder while running for the lake. I clench my fists, getting ready to stand until she frees herself, stopping me from going to kick Andrew’s ass. I work my jaw as she runs away.
“You,” Brooke says beside me. “You’re stubborn as all get-out. Go after what you want, Trev. Live, love, be happy. We only live this life once. Be as fearless in pursuing her as you are in everything else.”
“What about your daddy?”
“You let me worry about him. That man needs to realize she’s no baby anymore. I’ll handle him. It won’t be the first time. Remember me wanting to go to prom with Eric Dawson?”
“I do. That was a challenge all of its own.”
“But I got it done and now I’m dating the best guy in the world. Other than you.” She bumps my arm with hers. “Must run in the family.”
I snort. She and Cliff make the perfect couple. It took some work, but she did get her daddy’s approval.
“That’s why you’re going to be the world’s best lawyer. Brooke Galveston, Esquire.”
With a smile on my face, I turn to glance in Lynn’s direction again. The last year has done right by her. I didn’t think it was possible for her to get any more gorgeous.
“Trevor, my dear, you’ve never told a lie.”
I allow her words to sink in. Would Lynn be interested in starting something with me? Have I been missing her signals?
“You’re telling me I should date your sister?” I turn back toward her to look at her face as she answers.
“I think you better before you hurt someone tonight if you don’t,” she says and rolls her lips to keep her laughter in as mirth dances in her eyes.
My thoughts race, the sun beams down on me, sweat forms under my Stetson, but it’s providing my face with shade. Truthfully, I don’t think the sweat has anything to do with the bone-melting heat out here.
Although everyone else stripped down as soon as they arrived. Most everyone jumped right into the lake. I’ve been too lost in my thoughts to come out of my clothes.
One more year and I’ll be back home. If I were to start something with Lynn, it wouldn’t be long before I’m home again. From what Brooke told me as of last week, her sister has tried to find tickets to join us on the trip to Europe. Her coming along will give us time together.
“Be honest, you don’t think this will ruin our friendship? I mean, Lynn and me? Are you sure? You guys mean the world to me.”
“You mean the world to us,” she says with a huge smile. “Only in two different ways. I’m positive, as sure as can be.
“My sister is like a firecracker. You’re always quiet and calm until someone triggers that temper. Yet, somehow, y’all temper each other.
“Doing this will take you toward what you keep saying is missing. Go after what you want.”
“If this blows up in my face, we’re going at it, Pook,” I threaten, calling her by her nickname.
“Okay, but y’all better name your firstborn after me.”
I chuckle, but my attention has again been drawn to the source of my internal turmoil. Pure heat fills my veins this time as my gaze lands on Lynn. She has taken off her oversized white T-shirt to reveal a blue-and-yellow bikini.
All the guys have gathered around, drooling as she talks animatedly with some of her friends. I shoot up on my feet before I can think about it. As if my feet have a mind of their own, I head in her direction. I have one goal in mind as I storm forward.
Mine.
Lynn
He’s home. I’ve been waiting all year for him to return. I’m eighteen now and he’s going to know it if I have anything to do with it.
I have absolutely zero interest in the guys around me. They’ve all tried to paw all over me, but it’s Trev’s attention I’m after. He’s been off to himself since he got here.
I know that look. Trevor is lost in his thoughts. I’ve tried to make enough noise in hopes of catching his attention and pulling him out of them.