AllFreeNovel
Share Us
14
Friday brings a sizzle that burns like amplified mid-summer heat when it’s still early June. We relax in the cool indoors until Mark stops by in the afternoon.
While the guys play soccer in the yard, I keep to the shade, riding my skateboard around on the covered patio.
At their boisterous commotion, I pause and look over. Both playfully shove at each other, then take a moment to catch their breaths.
My eyes stay glued on Reid as he lifts his t-shirt to wipe sweat from his face. I gulp, experiencing a strange pull inside at the sight of his toned washboard abs. Even stranger, I moisten and then bite my lip.
It’s crazy that disappointment shrouds me when he lets his shirt fall, and I almost groan from displeasure.
Staying in place, I push the skateboard forward and back while continuing to take in his appearance. His golden-blonde hair looks moist, gleaming in the sunlight. His hazel eyes seem brighter and more alluring. God, he’s handsome.
He busts out with his deep, raspy laugh again, and I struggle to clear the desert-like dryness in my throat.
This vengeful heat must be affecting me. That’s the reason why I’m drooling over my cousin.
But it’s not wrong to find him attractive, is it?
That’s perfectly normal. I think.
Reid flicks across to me, and I stumble. The skateboard slides out from under my foot, sending me down on my ass with a yelp.
“Cassie!” He’s at my side in a matter of seconds. “Are you all right?” He grasps my arm to help me up.
My eyes follow a stream of sweat down the side of his face, and uncontrollably, I bite my lip from the urge to wipe it with my fingers.
Reid arches his brows, asking, “You hurt?”
I snap back to my senses and laugh awkwardly. “Only my pride. I’m good. It happens.” I push up with his help and swat at my jeans shorts. “I’ve fallen so many times.”
“Geez,” he rasps and lifts his shirt to wipe his face.
Do not look at his stomach.
I clench my fists and fight off the impulse.
The buzzing in my pocket is a much-needed distraction. I retrieve my phone, seeing Logan’s image flash on the screen, indicating a video call.
“Oh, look at that. My skateboarding teacher is calling.”
Reid scoffs and returns to the yard, continuing to play soccer with Mark.
He seems so annoyed whenever Logan comes up.
I go into the house and answer on the way to the stairs. “Hey, Lo.” I wave excitedly.
He beams at me. “Hey, Cass. So I was thinking. We should get an on-campus rental instead of staying in dorms.”
“Oh.” I enter my room and close the door. “Rentals are more money, though.”
“Part-time jobs. Problem solved.” He chuckles smartly. “I think it’ll be cool.” He seems determined about it. The idea makes me uneasy.
“Um, I don’t know, Logan. I don’t think our parents would be okay with us doing that.”
“Mine are totally for it,” he assures me. “Want me to convince your mom and dad?”
I shift in thought. “Um, let me think about it.”
