Page 2

After our awkward hellos on the first day, Ben and I realized we would be neighbors for the summer. It took three days of me lying on the dock, pretending to want to sunbathe, before he finally approached me to have dinner with him.

Speaking of having dinner with him.

I lean up, push myself to a standing position, grab my towel, and make my way back to my house. It’s time to get ready for either the best or the worst night of my life.

Aware of the eyes watching me from Ben’s house like they do every day, I consciously slow my pace and sway my hips from side to side, hoping to entice Ben enough that he’ll realize we are made for each other.

I lift my hand, smile, and wave to Ben, letting him know I see him watching me. A thrill runs down my spine knowing he sees me in something other than a t-shirt and jeans.

As soon as I step inside my house, I don’t have time to shower before my phone starts ringing.

“Hey, Grandma.” I cradle the phone between my ear and neck while I wash the sunscreen off my hands in the kitchen sink. Luckily, I have both the spray and lotion versions of sunprotection because I haven’t convinced Ben to rub the lotion onto the spots I can’t reach. “What do I have the pleasure of your call?”

“Oh, you’re such a cheeky girl.” Grandma’s voice sounds much healthier than when she convinced me she was too ill for her and Grandpa to stay at the lake house this summer. “How are you getting along with your neighbor, Ben?”

“We’re getting along just fine. We’re actually going to have dinner tonight at his place.” I debate whether to tell Grandma that I’ve known Ben for four years, so he’s not new to me. But for once, I want to be one step ahead of her.

“Good to hear. Now I think you should wear that white lacy dress I bought you, the one that looks like a wedding dress for a beach ceremony.” And there it is. I knew the matchmaker in my grandma would show up sooner or later.

“It’s super casual. I’ll probably wear a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.” I hold back a giggle as she blusters about how a lady should always wear a dress to dinner. “I've got to go get ready, Grandma. I love you.”

“I love you, too, dear. Call me tomorrow and let me know how your date went. But I won’t expect a call too early in case you and Ben are sleeping in.”

“Grandma!” I’m too stunned by her innuendo, I can’t say anything else.

“What? I was your age once, you know. Your grandfather and I used to sneak around whenever we could before we got married. In fact, it’s been a while since I held a baby in my arms.” And now it’s time to end this conversation, because I definitely don’t want to think about Grandma and Grandpa doing it.

“I’m hanging up now.”

“Maybe you should go commando.”

I hang up the phone before she gives me any more advice on how to snag a boyfriend or baby daddy.

Now, I need to shower and get ready for my date, but all I can think about is Grandma’s advice to go to Ben’s without wearing underwear.

Am I really that brave?

Chapter three

Ben

The knock on myfront door startles me. I take one last look around the room to make sure everything is perfect, especially if I’m going to let Emma know how I feel about her and see if she feels the same way.

“Emma, come in.” I open the door for Emma, inhaling deeply as she brushes past me, her hair tickling my nose. The scent of rainwater and orchards filling my nostrils. The scent I’ve come to know as uniquely Emma.

She steps into the room, leaving me speechless as I take in her dress. It’s short, white, lacy, and fits her body like a second skin. Upon closer inspection, I don’t see a panty line. And judging by how her nipples are poking through the front of the dress, she’s probably not wearing a bra either.

“Come this way.” I finally find my voice and lead her into the small dining room off the kitchen. It offers a romantic view of the east side of the lake as I place my hand on her lower back and guide her into the other room. “Have a seat.” I hold the chair out, waiting for her to be seated before scooting it closer to the table. “I hope you like catfish and American fries.” I take a seat across from her at the small table.

A smile lights up her already beautiful face, “I love catfish and fries. Did you catch the catfish from the lake?”

“Ah, I wish I could tell you I’m a great fisherman, but unfortunately, I’m not. I bought this at the grocery store earlier today. But I’m sure it came from the lake.”

Her laughter fills the room, “Grandma said you’ve been renting this place for the last three summers, and you don’t even fish?”

“Nope, not one bit.” I don’t react to her revealing that her grandmother rented me the house. I’ll let her continue that conversation if she wants to.

“We’re both here all summer. I’ll teach you.”