Bullshit.
“I don’t mind.” He beams. “Are you a fan?”
“I’ve seen a few clips,” she says, polite but neutral. “You’ve published a lot.”
“I’ll show you my library later,” he says. “There’s a new release I’ve been teasing. Going to be a surprise drop later this season. It’s about?—”
I tune out.
If his followers knew half the shit he’s pulled behind the scenes, they’d drop him overnight.
“There’s a big beach fest this weekend,” Taylor says as dessert lands. “Bonfires, music, a ridiculous pie-eating contest. You should come with me.”
“I’m not really into parties…”
“Oh, come on. You’ll love it.” Taylor leans closer to me. “Cole, tell her how much fun it is.”
I meet Emily’s gaze for the first time all night.
“I think you’d have more fun staying home.”
Taylor groans. “Ignore him. All the hottest guys will be there. Maybe even some celebs. The vibes are unreal.”
“Can I go?” Heather asks.
Taylor wrinkles her nose. “It’s not really for the… older crowd. No offense.”
Heather laughs like it’s cute. It’s not.
I check the timer on my phone. Four minutes left.
When I glance back, Emily’s staring at me—like she wants to say something but won’t.
“Thank you for dinner, Mr. Dawson.” Taylor rises, linking her arm with Emily’s. “Since Cole’s going to keep being rude, let’s go test out your new heated pool.”
Emily shoots her mom a look. Her mom mouths,A new friend. Go.
She stands, and that’s when I notice.
She’s changed.
The jeans she had on earlier are gone. Now it’s tiny white shorts that cling to her thighs like they were painted on. They peek out beneath a loose, flowy blue shirt—but they’re barely there.
“You’re welcome to join us, Cole,” Taylor says, lowering her voice as she passes. “I’ll skinny dip just for you…”
“I’m good,” I say without moving. “Thanks.”
“Suit yourself.” She tugs Emily along like a prize.
My dad rises with Heather and claps me on the shoulder.
“Thanks for coming down, Cole. I appreciate it.”
I nod, eyes locked on Emily’s disappearing legs.
I stay seated. Because the sight of those shorts just made my cock stiff—and there’s no way I’m standing up right now.
This is going to be a long-ass summer.
