by Violet Paige
Dirty Summer
Episode 7
Violet Paige
Copyright © 2020 by Violet Paige
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Contents
Also by Violet Paige
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Keep in touch with Violet
Also by Violet Paige
Cold Love Hockey Series
Cold As Puck
Cold As Hell
Cold As Ice
Football Romance
Turn Over
Sidelined
Dirty Play
Double Score
Royal Romance
Tempting the Crown
Risking the Crown
Loving the Crown
Billionaire Romance
Don’t Go
Not Husband Material
Not Daddy Material
The Dirtiest Deal
The Hottest Deal
Military Romance
Don’t Tell
Don’t Lie
Don’t Promise
Ranger’s Baby Surprise
Delta’s Baby Surprise
Sweet Satisfaction
Suspense
Resist
Surrender
Hart Pursuit Trilogy
Damaged Hart
Shattered Hart
Stolen Hart
One
Maggie
Maggie smoothed the fabric of her short red sundress over her legs and hooked her seat belt. Reid closed the Jeep’s passenger door, and she checked her appearance in the visor mirror. Again, her hair was a lost cause. The humid night air had turned her carefully blown tresses into a mess of unruly curls.
“Do you want me to roll the windows up?” Reid asked, lowering himself into the driver seat and placing a hand on her knee.
She smiled, feeling the heat his touch caused run up her leg. She shook her head. “It won’t make a difference. Plus, I want to smell the salt air. It’s one of my favorite things about living here.”
He cranked the Jeep and reached for something in the console under the dash. She thought she detected a nervous look on his face.
“This made me think of you.” He hurriedly handed her an oblong box with a blue ribbon tied around it.
“What’s this?” She took the gift and began to untie the ribbon. Reid had bought her a gift. Her heart skipped a beat, and she tried to stop her hands from shaking as she moved aside the tissue paper. She pulled a delicate silver chain from the wrappings and held it up to see the small charm on the necklace.
“A lighthouse! Reid, it’s beautiful,” she gushed, looking at him. He guided the Jeep down the island road with one hand on the steering wheel while keeping the other on her leg. She noticed he hadn’t moved it since they got in the Jeep. He had actually bought her a reminder of their first kiss. It couldn’t be a sweeter gift.
She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.
“Glad you like it.” He squeezed her knee as she eased back down into the seat.
They were approaching a curve near the midpoint of the island where a clearing revealed a perfect view of the sound. Maggie marveled at the shoreline bathed in the early evening light.
“Tonight’s sunset is going to be amazing,” she commented.
“Better enjoy the island air while you can. You only have a week before it’s back to the real world.”
Maggie’s chest tightened. Did he sound a little sad? This could be the opening she was looking for, and he had brought a gift. That had to mean something, right?
She assessed her date. He was looking especially sexy in a crisp white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. She only saw him wear the seemingly never-ending combination of khaki shorts and T-shirts or old work shirts. For tonight’s rehearsal dinner and after party, he was wearing full-length pants and he filled them out quite nicely.
She stared at his profile and reached out to touch his cheek. “Actually, that’s something I kind of wanted to talk to you about.”
“Uh-oh. Another one of your ideas? Should I be worried?” He grabbed her hand from his cheek and squeezed it. “The last involved christening my newest yacht.” He chuckled.
Ok, so he wasn’t freaked out by her statement, but maybe now wasn’t the right time. She didn’t want to ruin his playful mood or the evening ahead. This rehearsal dinner was shaping up to be the party of the season, which was saying a lot in a summer full of island revelry.
She and Blair had spent more than two hours getting ready for tonight. Finding the right dress for what seemed like their first fancy dates with the guys was no easy task. They’d cast aside many a sundress before settling on the final choices. Maggie, in a red halter dress that ended a couple inches above the knee and showed off her tan shoulders and back. Blair opted for another black strapless number.
She was still upstairs putting finishing touches on her makeup when Reid showed to pick up Maggie. Justyn was due at the house any minute. They had decided to break up the foursome for the night and travel to the party as couples. Maggie wasn’t sure whose idea it was, but she was excited for some more alone time with Reid.
She feigned a giggle, hoping it was enough to convince him that her intentions were as light and playful. “That was fun, wasn’t it? Let’s skip it for now and focus on tonight. Oh, I love this song.” She reached over and turned the radio up, content for a moment to enjoy the island breeze whipping through her hair and the nearness of Reid as they sped toward their destination.
Maggie took in the three-story house sprawling in front of her. Like many of the homes on the sound near the bridge, it was on stilts and topped with a cupola. She imagined it had been inspired by the coastal homes from hundreds of years ago that were outfitted with widow’s walks and lookout towers so wives could watch for their husbands. However, this house was definitely a modern twist.
She followed Reid around the side yard to where she could get a glimpse of the party under way on the lawn facing the sound. The event seemed to stretch across three adjacent yards with a white tent at the center as well as a steam pit to the left and a series of round tables to the right. Lanterns were strung from the gnarled island oaks and along three piers that jutted from the three houses.
“So this is where you grew up?” Maggie stopped mid-stride and looked up at Reid. “It must have been magical.”
“Well, it’s not always all decked out like this, but my mom and aunts do love giving a party.” He chuckled. “Come on. We don’t want to miss out on the fresh clams coming out of the pots.” He tugged at her hand.
Maggie’s feet stayed rooted to the ground. “Your mom? Oh, of course your mom will be here.”
The realization dawned on her that she would meet Reid’s family. It was his cousin’s wedding, and Josh’s parents along with Reid and Justyn’s families were hosting tonight’s festivities. All of a sudden Maggie felt herself quake at the knees at the thought of coming face-to-face with this guy’s mother. She’d had sex in an unfinished boat with him. She’d had sex standing up, lying down, and in places and positions she’d never dreamed of. To her it was more than just the sex. She was sure there was something else between them and was thinking about putting her career plans on pause to chase the feelings she was having for Reid. Suddenly, the thought of meeting h
is mother made it seem all too real.
“Hey, tiger.” He turned, circling his arms around her waist. He toyed with her hair and leaned in. “There’s no reason to be afraid. She will absolutely love you.”
Maggie’s heart thudded in her chest at the sound of his words. What about you? She tried to banish that from her head. She reached to her neck and toyed with the new silver charm.
Maggie sighed and buried her head in Reid’s chest, breathing in his intoxicating scent and trying to savor the feeling of his arms around her. She looked up and parted her lips.
“One kiss for courage?”
Reid’s answer came in the form of lips pressing against hers. She moaned as he pulled her in closer, enjoying the feeling of his hands running down her back. This was already shaping up to be another great night. If the way he was kissing her right now was a preview of things to come, she couldn’t wait to get this party over so they could be alone later. She heard him inhale a deep breath before pulling away.
“We’d better go join the party now, or we might not ever make an appearance, which would definitely make the wrong impression on my family.” He chuckled and put a hand at her back, guiding her in the direction of the blaring beach music and steaming seafood.
Two
Maggie
“You’ve got to try these shrimp,” Reid said, scooping three of them on Maggie’s plate. He was leading her through the seafood buffet line, pointing out favorite island dishes and heaping more food on his plate along the way. “Secret Strait family recipe.” He popped one in his mouth.
“Not so secret. You know your grandmother wasn’t shy about telling everyone her tricks of the trade.” A sweet Southern voice came up behind them, and Maggie spotted a trim woman a couple inches taller than her with a smart silver-blond bob.
“Well, here you are, sweetheart. We were wondering when you would get here, son.” She reached up and hugged the tall swimmer. Maggie watched as Reid leaned down and accepted a kiss on the cheek from this bubbly lady, who was apparently his mother.
“And you must be, Maggie,” the woman said, putting an arm around Maggie’s shoulder and taking her in for a half-hug. “So nice to meet you. I don’t want you to spill all that great food, or I would give you a proper hug.”
She knows my name? He must have been talking about me. This realization caused Maggie almost to drop her full plate, hug or not. She took a deep breath through her nose, knowing she’d only get one chance to make a good impression on Reid’s mom.
“Thanks so much for having me at the party. Your home is beautiful, and the food is amazing. Reid was telling me all about the island cooking,” Maggie replied.
“Well, there’s one thing my boy knows about and that’s good cooking.” She winked at Maggie. “You are in good hands there. You two enjoy yourselves.” She squeezed Reid’s arm. “I need to go check on the mini key lime pies. But, I’ll visit with you later.” The small, cheerful woman was off as fast as she had appeared.
“So that’s my mom,” Reid said, moving toward the hush puppies. “See? Not scary at all, right?”
“She seems sweet.” Maggie followed Reid toward the group of white tables set up to the right of the dance floor.
“Man, I’m ready to get this party started.” Josh approached as the couple sat down to eat.
“I’m with you, cuz. Just gotta finish this feast.” Reid dug into the heap of shrimp, clams, and flounder in front of him.
“Well, hurry up, man. The band can’t fire up until after toasts are made. It’s been a long day of lining up and being told what to do. I’m ready to crack a beer and dance with my girl.”
“Toasts?” Maggie asked, looking at Josh, who seemed to be growing more impatient with Reid by the minute.
“Yeah, Missy wanted most of the wedding toasts tonight instead of at the actual reception. No idea.” He shook his head. “I’m just taking orders these next couple days. And we can’t get started with the toasts without the best man.” He looked at Reid.
“Five minutes, cuz,” Reid said to Josh, who spotted Missy motioning from across the lawn. The younger cousin strode off toward his bride-to-be.
“You’re the best man?” Maggie squealed, dropping her fork and reaching for her plastic wineglass. “And you never mentioned this?”
“No big deal.” Reid speared another shrimp. “Josh’s like my kid brother. He’s always looked up to Justyn and me. I don’t mind.”
“That’s really sweet, Reid.” Maggie reached for his free hand. “Josh is lucky to have someone like you in his life.”
“Like I said, no big deal.” Reid stood and brushed the crumbs from his khaki pants. He pounded his beer for some liquid courage. Then the best man squeezed her hand and leaned down to plant a quick kiss on her head. “Sit tight, tiger. I’m going to get this thing over with. Then I’m getting you out on the dance floor.”
The bandleader tapped the microphone. “Ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention please?”
Maggie spotted Blair and Justyn headed from the bar area, and signaled for them to come sit with her.
“Hey, G.” Justyn winked.
“Isn’t this a great party?” Blair asked. “Now this is the kind of event we’ve been waiting all summer for. I had no idea this is where they grew up.” Her eyes were wide as they took in the waterfront property.
Maggie motioned for Blair to lean in closer. “Did you know Reid’s the best man?” she whispered in her friend’s ear.
Blair shook her head in surprise. Maggie heard a familiar voice boom through the sound system.
“On behalf of the whole Strait family, we wanted to welcome you to Josh and Missy’s party tonight.” Reid held the microphone in one hand and a Bud Light in the other. He didn’t seem nearly as at ease on the stage as Justyn did. “Josh tells me I have to give a toast to get this party kicked off right, and I’m not one to delay a good party.” He smiled, and Maggie looked around, seeing all the guests watching him, smiling back, and laughing along with the affable best man.
She shouldn’t have been so surprised that everyone seemed to adore him, too. Maggie heard the crowd laugh at another one of Reid’s jokes about growing up with Josh. He was so easy to talk to and always made her laugh. She’d just never seen him in a setting with so many people. She felt her heart swell with pride when she looked at him standing on the stage.
“So, I’ll go ahead and get to the point,” Reid said, seemingly ready to wrap up his brief speech. “Josh and Missy. I just want to say congratulations to you both. Missy, you are quite the girl. Any girl who can put my crazy cousin in his place is definitely one of a kind. And you, cuz. You hit the jackpot. Anyone can look at the two of you and tell that you are right for each other.” He cast his eyes at the couple who stood together to his right. “You’ve found something special, and when you come across a connection like that, you would be crazy to let it pass you by.” Reid’s gaze shifted back to the crowd, scanning until he locked eyes on Maggie.
She gasped for air and reached for Blair’s arm. Was he talking about them? Surely she was imagining that he was looking at her from the stage. Maybe this was the sign she’d been waiting for. She had to talk to him. She had to tell him everything. All these swirling feelings were about to make her jump out of her skin.
“To Josh and Missy!” The crowd’s cheer snapped her from her thoughts. Maggie robotically put her wineglass to her lips.
She leaned over to Blair. “Tonight’s the night,” she whispered in her friend’s ear. She watched as Reid sauntered toward her from across the lawn. She could already see the flecks of liquid amber in his eyes as he got closer. “I’m going to tell him everything.”
Three
Maggie
“Having fun, G?” Justyn twirled Maggie in a perfect circle, keeping time with the music. The band was belting out another peppy beach tune.
“It’s a great party.” She smiled at her dance partner. Josh had convinced Blair to join him for a song. Something abo
ut owing it to a soon-to-be-married man. So, Maggie was happy to oblige when Justyn asked her to join him. He must have seen her feet tapping in time to the beat under the table.
Reid had been standing by the bar, talking to his dad for the last fifteen minutes. She glanced to the left and watched where her handsome swimmer was listening to something the older Strait was saying. Like his son, Mr. Strait was holding a Bud Light in one hand, but was gesturing with the other as he continued with his lecture. At least it looked like a lecture to Maggie. Reid wasn’t saying much.
Justyn swung Maggie out to the right and let go of one hand. He pulled her closer, matching their movements to the beat.
“What’s going on there?” She motioned with her chin over his shoulder.
Her dance partner pivoted.
“Oh, Uncle Wes is probably burning Reid’s ear about work.” Justyn made a face.
“Your business? What’s that look for?” Maggie asked.
“Let’s just say our dads have definite opinions about how we should do things.” Justyn twirled her again. “And they’re never good at holding back.”
“And y’all don’t agree?” Maggie was intrigued.
God knows Denny Zeal had strong opinions about how to operate a successful business. Maggie had sat through her fair share of lectures about the importance of accurate budget projections and hiring the right managers. She could relate to being forced to spend a lot of time listening.
“It’s not that exactly,” Justyn continued. “We just want to do this ourselves. Our boats aren’t the same as building traditional fishing boats and fixing them.”
Maggie nodded. “Your boats are really special.” She felt herself grow red thinking about her favorite ways to spend time on the Strait cousins’ custom boats. Sex probably wasn’t the first selling point to customers, but maybe they could include that in the next ad. Maggie smiled, wondering what kind of response she would get from Reid when she mentioned it later tonight.
