Page 9 of The Summer for Us (Golden Falls #1)

WESLEY

When life got too busy or chaotic, I knew I could at least hide out at home.

Similar to the bar, this house had been in my family for years.

It was where my parents first lived after they got married but before they had me and my sisters.

Once they knew they wanted to start a family, they decided to buy a family home and rent this place out.

It had been a rental property for most of my life growing up—same with the cabin down the road. When I decided I was putting down roots in Golden Falls after college, I bought the house from them.

It was in good shape, but I wanted to make it my own.

I fixed up the floors, changed out the faucets, and painted the walls.

While I hadn’t asked Lily for help, I appreciated the decor she brought in.

The place had a comfortable and simple feel on the main floor.

In the basement, I’d put in a small bar that matched the one at Lake Ridge, as well as a pool table, dart board, and workout area.

While I lived among rental properties—most of the road had tourists coming in and out over the summer—the house was tucked into the trees, which made it quiet and private. Plus, nothing beat looking out the window and being surrounded by water and a line of trees.

I didn’t have nearly as much time these days to be out on the water. I finally had the chance yesterday to spend time on the dock and get the pontoon ready. Normally, I would’ve already taken the boat out at least once or twice.

Today would’ve been a great day to be out on the water since it was a perfect summer day—not too humid, clouds in the sky, and the sun shining bright.

I had my kitchen window open, letting in the breeze as I cooked breakfast. A comfortable and quiet morning was exactly what I needed before heading into Lake Ridge in the afternoon.

I lifted the skillet from the stove, letting the two over-easy eggs slide off and onto the two pieces of toast on my plate. I was ready to have my breakfast at the kitchen table when the silence was broken by a high-pitched scream followed by a loud splash.

Great. So much for quiet.

It wasn’t uncommon for people visiting Golden Falls to be reckless out on the water, and it was one of the things I hated most from the tourists.

Driving the jet skis like idiots. Not wearing life jackets.

I lived here long enough to see and hear about the tragedies that happened when you weren’t careful—when you thought you were invincible.

The last thing I wanted was someone getting hurt. I quickly set my plate down and pulled the back door open, standing on my deck first to see if I could spot anyone.

My bare feet thumped quickly on the wooden steps until I reached the dock, nearly ready to jump in. But then she surfaced the water, pushing her wet, brown locks out of her eyes.

Juliette Campbell. Of course.

She blinked the water out of her eyes and reached for the stand-up paddle board. The ankle strap cord was submerged under water, meaning she was using it. I let out a sigh of relief. She likely lost her balance and fell in but was overall fine.

I was panting from running down the stairs, and she was catching her breath, too.

I should’ve walked back inside…but I couldn’t.

When she pushed up onto the board, her tiny yellow bikini left nothing to the imagination, displaying her round breasts, curves, and full ass, especially when she reached over to grab the floating paddle.

Juliette was undeniably stunning. So stunning it was impossible for me to keep my eyes off her.

But I also knew she was temporary. Maybe if I’d met her a few years ago, things would’ve been different. She would’ve gotten the version of me from before .

Juliette let out a gasp when she finally spotted me, placing her hand on her chest. “How long have you been there?!” Instead of standing, Juliette remained on her knees, turning so she was facing me on the board.

“Ever since your scream ruined my breakfast,” I gritted, realizing my food was probably cold. Who wanted cold eggs? “Had to make sure you weren’t drowning. I’d prefer not to have that on my conscience.”

“Lucky for you, neighbor, I don’t need saving. And even if I did, I’d much rather save myself than accept your help.”

“Smart ass,” I muttered.

I watched as she reached behind her, the thin yellow straps of her swimsuit falling to the sides. With her hand over her breasts to hold up her bikini top, she carefully lay down on her stomach. Her bare back and round ass were on full display. My fists clenched at my sides.

She’d untied her bikini top.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes and trying to gather my composure. I didn’t lose control like this. I inhaled deeply, steadying my heavy breathing, and opened my eyes at the same time Juliette used her hand to block the sun, squinting as she looked over at me.

My eyes could’ve been playing tricks on me, but I swore a tiny, satisfied smile crossed her lips. This woman was going to be the death of me.

“What,” I gritted, “do you think you’re doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m enjoying the water and tanning. You’re not going to tell me the lake is private property, too, are you?”

“Your bikini is off,” I growled.

“Barely, and it’s just my top.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want tan lines on my back.”

My jaw clenched as I continued to stare at her.

“What?” She raised her brows. “Were you hoping for a show?” A smirk tilted those full, pouty lips.

“That’s the last thing I want, sweetheart. Are you already thinking about the next reality dating show you’ll be on? Sorry to disappoint, but there are no camera crews in Golden Falls.”

Her shoulders tensed from my words, and regret hit me immediately, leaving a bitter and sour taste in my mouth.

“Sweetheart?” she asked with a scoff, rolling her eyes and ignoring my insult. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes scanning down my body to my jeans, landing just below my belt, before she rested her head back down and closed her eyes. “And your body says otherwise.”

I didn’t have a good response, because my dick had, in fact, betrayed me. My jeans were quickly growing too tight. All of a sudden, all I could think about was ripping off those tiny bikini bottoms and having her splayed out on the board for my eyes only. My cock twitched.

I didn’t know if I was more irritated at her or with myself. I turned around, stomping back up the wooden steps. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” I called over my shoulder, swearing under my breath.

“Enjoy your cold shower, sweetheart !”

Fuck. She was right. I needed a cold shower, and I needed it now.

A couple days and cold showers later, I felt just as irritated and on edge. Images of Juliette in a yellow bikini plagued my mind, and I needed to try even harder to avoid her. It was the only option.

I pushed open the door to Purrfect Blend, immediately spotting Lily behind the counter with her back turned to the door. It was late in the afternoon, which meant she was closing up for the day.

“Well, if it isn’t my dearest brother,” she greeted without turning around.

“Uh…how’d you?—”

“The reflection on the espresso machine,” Lily answered before I even finished. “I like seeing you a little freaked out, though. Should’ve kept that going longer.” She turned around with a grin. “I have a few cookies left over from the day. Want me to pack them up for you?”

I approached the counter, tilting my head to look at the cookies in the glass cases.

Wait, that wasn’t what I was here for. I was here to talk with her about the cabin rental—not get lured with sweet treats.

That was the problem with Lily. Well, problem was too strong of a word.

But I could never stay mad or be frustrated with her for long.

Between her kindness and big heart, it was impossible.

“Sure, yeah, I’ll take whatever you have left.” I tapped my fingers on the counter as Lily grabbed a pair of tongs to place the treats in a pink bakery box.

She glanced down at my fingers and then back up at me. “What’s on your mind?”

I wasn’t exactly sure how to ease into what I wanted to ask, so I blurted, “You rented the cabin to a reality TV star?”

Lily froze for a moment, and her shoulders stiffened ever so slightly before she continued going through the motions of packing up the pastries, avoiding my gaze.

“Where’d you hear that she was on a reality show?

” Lily’s voice was casual as she skirted around my question, but I knew when my sister was avoiding telling the truth.

“From Ruby. Something about Paradise…” I waved my hand, unable to remember the exact name of the show.

Lily swore under her breath as she folded the top of the box to a close. “I figured people around here would find out eventually, but not this quickly. Did Ruby tell anyone else?”

“Cooper was there, but I doubt he cares.” Cooper also didn’t participate in small town gossip—that much. “But Louise was there, too. That seemed to be the first she’d heard of it.”

Lily’s eyebrows raised. “Ruby was aware of town gossip before Louise? That’s unheard of.” She let out a small laugh. “But with Louise knowing, it’s only a matter of days before it gets out to the whole town. Shoot, I need to tell Jules. I don’t want her to think I shared any of this.”

“So you did know?” I crossed my arms over my chest. I’m sure there were plenty of people Lily could’ve rented the cabin to, even multiple people throughout the summer instead of a short-term rental.

“Don’t get all”—Lily pointed the tongs in my direction—“grumpy. It’s not a crime to go on a reality TV show.

” She glared at me before continuing. “I didn’t know about what happened when I rented the place to Jules, but even if I did, why should it matter?

She needed a place for the summer, and the cabin was available.

I hadn’t accepted any of the short-term rentals yet, so it all worked out. ”

“Because she’s bringing unnecessary attention and drama to our town. That’s why it matters, Lily. The summer is busy enough. I don’t need my staff or patrons gossiping about Paradise whatever.”

Lily rolled her eyes. “Oh my god, Wes. People are always going to be gossiping about some small town drama. It’s Golden Falls.

” Lily set the two pastry boxes on the counter.

“You’re being unfair. You haven’t even met Jules yet.

Why don’t you go next door and introduce yourself like a normal neighbor? You’ll see she’s super nice.”

I held my tongue, not correcting my sister that I technically had met Juliette (twice) and was next door already.

Except it wasn’t to introduce myself. Lily’s other words— about what happened and she needed a place for the summer —confirmed my suspicions that this was another city girl looking to get away from her problems. That was not someone I had interest in getting to know.

That was someone who was either looking for trouble or running away from it.

“Thanks for the cookies,” I said to my sister as I grabbed the box.

“You’re overreacting! I’m not giving you any more cookies or pastries until you say hi to Jules,” Lily called out as I walked out the door. “And be nice to her!”