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“It’s not at all how you look at me. It’s clear that I’m only a friend. I don’t think there’s been a time you haven’t looked out for us, but you go insane if someone tries to hurt her or if she’s upset. It’s way different.”
“She’s younger. She’s the baby.”
“If you say so. Two years younger isn’t that big a difference. Are you forgetting how well I know you?”
My gaze falls to my hands. Damn if she isn’t right. I’m crazy about Lynn or Cakes, as everyone around here knows her. I don’t remember when things changed. All I do know is when I look at her, my heart races and I can’t breathe.
I’ve spent so much time telling myself she’s too young or our friendship is too important to ruin with my infatuation. Still, summer after summer, I’ve come home and realized these feelings aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’ve grown with each year as she’s become more of a woman. I guess I just haven’t known what to do about them.
“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 triedto 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.
