Page 40 of The Summer for Us (Golden Falls #1)

JULIETTE

The next day, Lily and I had plans to get dinner together. It was safe to say we had more catching up to do.

As I closed the front door behind me, I noticed a note taped to the door. I recognized the messy scrawl right away.

Juliette,

I have everything planned for our date tomorrow night, and I’ll pick you up just after eight. In the meantime, get yourself a new dress or outfit for the evening.

I can’t wait to see what you pick out—even if it won’t stay on for long.

By the end of the night, I want you in nothing but your perfume.

- Wes

Taped to the back of the note was a small envelope and inside was Wesley’s credit card.

I shook my head with an amused scoff. Things that only happened in a small town.

No where else would you be able to tape a credit card to someone’s front door and not risk it getting stolen.

I safely tucked the note and credit card into my purse before pulling out my phone.

Me

I got your note. I can’t wait for our date. You could’ve knocked you know! Or texted.

But you really didn’t have to leave your card.

Three gray dots immediately appeared.

Wes

What’s the fun in that? And I’m excited too, baby.

I wanted to. I love seeing you in dresses.

Me

You don’t think people will talk if I’m using your credit card to pay?

Wes

I don’t care if they talk or not. I care about you, and I want you to treat yourself to a new dress and whatever else you want. Stop overthinking it.

Me

What if I happen to be going downtown with Lily and she wants to get something too?

Wes

Just use my damn card.

Me

Okay!!! Thanks. :)

Wes

See you tomorrow.

I bit down on my bottom lip with a smile as Wes’s last text came in. I then went back and tapped my texts with Lily.

Me

Slight change of plans. Want to meet for shopping before dinner?

“Okay, so there are some benefits to you dating my brother,” Lily teased as we walked through The Main Stitch. It was Lily’s favorite clothing store in town and what made it extra satisfying was how the clothes were organized by color.

“I wouldn’t say we’re dating . We’re going on a date.” I ran my hand along the row of red clothes, the soft fabric brushing my fingers as the metal hangers chimed.

“Oh, please.” Lily gave me a look. “Wes doesn’t go on dates.

And he definitely doesn’t get flowers for women, invite them to watch fireworks, and dance with them.

He’s always too busy working, so the fact that he’s asked you out on a date and is missing work is big news in Golden Falls.

I bet there’s going to be rumors that he kidnapped you so you wouldn’t leave. ”

“Lily.” I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “Where do you get these ideas from?”

“Small town gossip is both the best and the worst.” She grinned. “You hear stories about yourself you never would’ve expected, but luckily, no one believes them anyway. Gotta stay entertained somehow, especially when things slow down after the summer.”

I paused, turning to face her. “You’d tell me if you were mad or upset, right?” Lily hadn’t done or said anything to make me think she was upset, but the question nagged at me anyway. I didn’t want her to think I didn’t value the friendship we’d built.

Lily tore her attention away from the clothes.

Her face always looked kind and gentle, but when she saw my expression, her eyes softened even more.

“Of course, I’d tell you. I’m not mad or upset.

I promise. I’m just a little anxious about it, is all.

You both have big hearts, and I would hate for either of you to get hurt. ”

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” I said honestly. I had put a lot of work into focusing on myself this summer and on my career. I wanted to keep that momentum.

“I think you two need to talk and figure out what you’re both looking for in the time you have left in Golden Falls.”

That was a great suggestion, but talking would mean bringing it up. And I didn’t feel ready to have that conversation yet.

“Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled. “You don’t think this is just a summer fling for him, do you?

” I thought back to what he told me about his relationship with Gretchen.

While I knew deep down this was different, I couldn’t help but compare what was happening between us to what Wesley had told me.

He had fallen for someone who was passing through once before.

The last thing I wanted to do was break his heart and bring up all those emotions.

“I have no idea if it’s a summer fling, which is exactly why you need to talk to him.” Lily gave me a pointed look.

I guess she was right.

Lily and I continued to make our way through the store, slowly looking over each section and picking out what we wanted to try on. After a marathon of putting on and taking off various outfits, we made our purchases—with Wesley’s card.

I settled on a red cotton sundress with thin straps and a gathered bust. The dress flared out at the hips, hitting below the knee. It also had pockets! I couldn’t wait to wear it on my date. Lily picked out jeans, two tees, and a pair of sunglasses.

Even with the sun starting to set, the temperature and humidity were still high. Both of us were sweating walking through downtown.

Lily fanned herself with her hand. “So, for dinner tonight, should we order our own entrées or split a bunch of appetizers?”

We looked at each other and at the same time said, “Split a bunch of appetizers.”