My head turns in that direction, following her line of sight. I almost swallow my tongue. Carter is heading our way, shirtless. His abs are so defined. He’s wearing black swimming trunks that sit low on his hips, revealing his delicious V. Damn that body. It’s even more delectable than I imagined. All I can say is, ‘Thank God I’m wearing sunglasses’. I’m pretty sure my eyes are bugging out of my head right now.

“Hi, Carter,” Meg purrs from beside me.

“Megan. Kid,” he says with a nod when he reaches us. I wish he’d stop calling me that. Just because I’m short doesn’t make me a damn kid.

Is that a tattoo across his ribs? It is. It says Trust. I don’t think I know any other seventeen year old that has a tatt. He’s so bad-arse. I don’t know why I find that hot, but I do. I like that he doesn’t conform to societies’ ways, unlike me. I’ve always been a goody-goody. Always done what people expect of me. I like that he’s an individual and doesn’t seem to care what people think of him.

Meg and I are both laying on our stomachs. When I see his eyes travel the length of my body, I regret putting on this tiny revealing bikini. I feel so exposed. I swear I hear a groan come from him when his eyes land on my arse, but I’m not entirely sure.

“What’s the water like?” he asks when his eyes make their way back to my face.

“Nice,” Meg cuts in. “I’m sure it will reach boiling point once you get in though.”

“Meg,” I screech. That girl has no shame.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t think the same thing, kid,” he smirks. God he frustrates me. He’s so full of himself. I choose to ignore his comment. Instead, I roll over onto my back and pull my sunhat over my face. I hear him chuckle as he walks past me. A few seconds later, I hear the splash when he dives into the lake.

“He was totally checking out your arse and your tits when you rolled over. He wants you bad,” Meg chimes. I roll my eyes.

“He does not,” I snap.

“He so does. You should go for it. If you don’t, I might.”

“Don’t you dare,” I say removing the hat from my face and looking over at her. “Besides, you have a boyfriend, remember?”

“Derek’s starting to bore me. I think it’s time to find some fresh meat,” she admits with a sigh.

“You’re such a hussy,” I laugh.

“You should try it sometime,” she replies, winking at me.

••••

My dad has one of his rare days off today, so tonight we’re going to have a barbeque on the back deck. I’m in the kitchen making a salad and potato bake to go with the meat. Dad’s in the shower cleaning up. He spent the afternoon working on Carter’s car again. He seems to be really enjoying it. Meg has gone home to get changed. She’ll be joining us as well.

“Hey, Pumpkin,” my dad says when he walks back into the kitchen. “What can I do to help?”

“It’s all pretty much organised. When Meg gets back you can heat up the grill. I’m just going to pop the potato bake in the oven now,” I reply.

“I invited Carter as well. Hope that’s okay.” My mouth curves up into a smile. I love that my dad has taken to Carter. He needs a positive male role model in his life.

“Sure. You like him don’t you?” I ask.

“He’s a good kid.” I have to agree with him. I think underneath the front he puts on and all the smart arse remarks he makes, he is too. I think he’s just misunderstood.

“Listen, there’s something I need to tell you. It’s about Carter,” I say turning to face my dad.

“I’m all ears,” he says grabbing a beer from the fridge.

“I know it’s none of my business, but Mr. Shepard was screaming at Carter this morning. He called him a bastard child and said if he wanted to live in his house he needed to earn his keep. He made him mow the lawns with a push mower and then clean out the garage.”

“He what? That man is a prick,” my dad sneers, anger clearly visible on his handsome face.

“My thoughts exactly, Daddy. I felt so sorry for Carter. I know there probably isn’t much you can do, but I thought you’d like to know. Maybe you can have a talk with him or something.”

“Leave it with me, Pumpkin,” he replies, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. “I’m going to go out back and clean the grill.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I’m lucky to have such a wonderful father. I love him so much.

I stay in the kitchen preparing things until Meg arrives. I’m secretly thrilled Carter is coming over. I know he won’t give me a hard time in front of my father. Well I hope he won’t. My dad would kick his arse if he knew how he treats me. Occasionally his nice side shines through, but not very often.

He seems different when he’s in my dad’s presence. I often hear them laughing while they’re working on the car. He has such a great laugh. It’s so different to the broody side I see. My dad’s a good man. He’ll be good for Carter.

Once Meg arrives, she helps me carry out what we need to set the table. We both got a lot of sun today so we look tanned. After I shower, I put on a white sundress. It accentuates my brown skin. “You look hot in that dress,” she says as she follows me out onto the deck.

“Thanks. So do you. You always look nice.”

“I know,” she says, and we both laugh.

I’m stopped in my tracks when I walk out onto the deck. Meg wasn’t expecting it and walks straight into my back. Carter’s already here. I didn’t realise. He must’ve used the side gate. He’s sitting on one of the outdoor sofas. Lassie is laying across his lap. He’s laughing at something my dad has said. God he’s beautiful when he’s happy. Just looking at him takes my breath away and sends my heart into a flutter.

Meg shoves me from behind. “Do I need to get the mop to clean up your drool?” she whispers in my ear. Bitch. I ignore her smart remark and keep walking. Thankfully, Carter was too busy to notice me checking him out.

“Here’s my two favourites girls,” dad says when he notices us. Carter’s head snaps in our direction. I watch as his eyes travel the length of my body before resting on my face. The look he gives me does funny things to my girly parts. It’s hot. He hasn’t even noticed Meg yet. His eyes are glued on me.

My dad clears his throat. I look over at him. His eyes are moving between Carter and I. Crap. “Is the meat nearly ready?” I inquire, trying to distract him from saying something.

“Nearly,” he replies giving me a strange look. Knowing my father had witnessed the exchange between us makes me feel awkward.

“Okay, good. After I set the table I’ll get the potato bake out of the oven,” I say without making eye contact with him.

“Would you like another beer, Mr. Montgomery?” Meg asks my dad. God I love her. She must’ve noticed the look my father was giving us, so she’s trying to smooth things over. I love how she always has my back.

“I’d love one,” he answers. Disaster diverted. Meg walks back into the house while I set the table.

“Come on, boy,” I say to Lassie when I’m done. Although Carter doesn’t seem to mind that Lassie is sprawled out all over him, it’s a hot night so he can’t possibly be comfortable. The dog ignores me. He never does that. Damn traitor. “Lassie.” This time my voice is a little more forceful. He still doesn’t come.

“Larry’s fine, leave him. Aren’t you boy?” Carter says smirking at me as he runs his hand through the dog’s long mane.

“It’s Lassie,” I snap, placing my hands on my hips and pursing my lips. His smile widens. I’m sure he does that to annoy me. I hear my dad chuckle. He obviously thinks it’s amusing as well. I leave them both in a huff and head back to the kitchen.

Thankfully the rest of the night goes by without incident. Actually, we all seem to be having a nice time. I can’t believe how different Carter is tonight. My father really does bring out the best in him.

“It’s getting late, I should be getting home,” Meg says. She usually sleeps over, but she has to go to her grandmother’s house in the morning so she can’t tonight.