Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) Read online

  Man of My Dreams: Is that so? Well then, I admit it. I’m a stalker. My stealth skills are undeniable, don’t you think?

  Carrington: I’ll give you credit for that. I’m not sure how you did it, but it’s pretty impressive.

  This is so surreal. Is this actually happening?

  Man of My Dreams: While you were giving Harley and Skye the stink eye at the bar the other night, I peeked at your phone number and put it into my phone. You ladies are pretty entertaining.

  I am completely mortified right now. I was hoping he didn’t see that.

  Carrington: Look at you, Sherlock. You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you?

  Man of My Dreams: I was waiting for you to text or call, but you hadn’t so I thought I’d take the initiative myself, Watson.

  If he hadn’t, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.

  Carrington: Ha-ha. Maybe I had pressing things to do? I’m a very important person, you know.

  Man of My Dreams: Oh, I know you’re a very important person. I was getting antsy. I thought you had left town before saying goodbye.

  Carrington: Oh God! Not antsy!

  Man of My Dreams: You’re a witty little thing, aren’t you?

  Carrington: I aim to please, sir.

  Man of My Dreams: You aim to please, huh?

  Oh. My. God. Is he flirting?

  Carrington: Get your head out of the gutter, Sherlock.

  Man of My Dreams: All jokes aside. I wanted to know if you wanted to meet at Ole’ Man Johnson’s lake today? Wyatt and Chuck wanna go swimming and the weather’s supposed to be perfect. It’s just going to be a couple of us hanging out, drinking and swimming. Maybe later on, we can have a bonfire?

  Yes? No? Maybe so?

  Man of My Dreams: *Hums Jeopardy theme song…*

  Carrington: Are you actually humming the Jeopardy theme song at me?

  Man of My Dreams: Of course. So, what’ll it be, Watson?

  Carrington: I’m thinking…

  Man of My Dreams: What’s there to think about, Carr?

  Here goes nothing. Time to jump in and see if you can swim, Care Bear.

  Carrington: Ok, I’ll go.

  Man of My Dreams: Awesome!

  Carrington: Can I invite Harley and Skye?

  Man of My Dreams: Sure. I’m sure Wyatt and Chuck won’t mind. They’re men, after all. They’re also men who are infatuated with hot women in bikinis.

  Carrington: Charming.

  Man of My Dreams: Only when it matters. See you there; around eleven-thirtyish?

  Carrington: Check ya later, Sherlock.

  Man of My Dreams: Looking forward to it, Watson.

  ●

  Carrington: So, you wanna go to Ole’ Man Johnson’s lake today?

  Harley: Where the hell did that come from?

  Carrington: I just got a very interesting text from Colt where he invited us to a day of debauchery. He said I could invite you and Skye. Seems Wyatt and Chuck have a thing for ladies in their skivvies.

  Harley: Hell yeah, girl. I’m surprised you had the lady balls to say yes, and you know how I love hot boys.

  Carrington: Seems that way, and you don’t have to tell me twice about your obsession with the wiener.

  Carrington: So, did you know about this? I assume you did since I got a text from Colt first instead of you or Skye. Why do I feel like I just got set up? Skye had this all setup before we even went to Ralph’s, didn’t she?

  Harley: I plead the 5th.

  Carrington: Yeah, you can’t use that legal bullshit with me, hooker.

  Harley: We just felt like you needed a little nudge.

  Carrington: Wow, you did set me up. You are definitely the devil.

  Harley: I choose to think of myself as the greatest matchmaker on the planet, well it was more Skye’s doing than anything. Wyatt told her they were going to be there, and we thought you could use a little eye candy for the night. I never thought he’d actually man-up and approach you though.

  Carrington: Wow, you really are full of yourself.

  Harley: I prefer to be filled with Chuck, but I’ll settle for myself right now. He is one smokin' looking man, but he’s gonna need to work for this fine ass.

  Carrington: Gahh my eyes! I did not need to read that. I’m pretty sure you are the devil.

  Harley: At your service, madam.

  Carrington: Awesome! My two best friends have swindled me. What’s next? Picking out my bra and panties?

  Harley: Really? Can we do that for you?

  Carrington: Harley! Who says I’m going to have sex with Colton anytime soon?

  Harley: You never know, Care Bear. Things could get really hot around the bonfire later tonight.

  Carrington: You need to calm your tits, hooker.

  Harley: Naww, I prefer for them to be hot and wet.

  Carrington: Seriously, you need to get laid. I’m pretty sure you’re coming onto me at this point.

  Harley: Well, you know, I did always think you had a killer rack.

  Carrington: O.K., that’s my cue. Wanna come over to help me pick out a bathing suit?

  Harley: You’re no fun. Yeah, sounds good. I’ll scoop up Skye, and we’ll head your way now.

  Carrington: Later, Hooker!

  Harley: Later, Bitch!

  ●

  By the time Harley and Skye got to my house it was nearing eleven. Butterflies started to do summersaults in my stomach, but thankfully I had my girls with me to calm me down.

  “So, what bathing suit choices did you bring?” questioned Skye.

  “And, if you tell me, “Whatever’s in my closet, I will seriously pummel you,” she added.

  “Naw, I thought I might sun bathe while I was here, or possibly go to the lake, so I brought a couple different options.” I pulled three out and laid them on the bed.

  Pointing at one of the bathing suits, “First of all, that right there is not a bathing suit. That is a wetsuit my friend, and in no way, shape or form, will I allow you to step out of the house with that thing on!” shouted Harley. It wasn’t that bad, but who was I to question it.

  “What about this one?” I asked holding up another one piece. This one was a little more revealing and had a low plunging neckline.

  “This one is perfect,” Harley picked up a hot pink bikini with two fingers. Oh God, why did I bring that?

  I had finally took a leap of faith and bought a two piece last season on clearance, and I was frightened to wear it even in front of my bedroom mirror.

  “I don’t know Har. I’ve never worn a two-piece before, and I’m not sure this is the time to test the waters so to speak,” I pleaded.

  “Shut the fuck up and get dressed. We have boys to impress.”

  Whatever happened to the days where I could wear my cat T-shirts and my ugly one-piece suits?

  Sliding on the two-piece, I caught a glimpse of a picture on my desk. Grabbing the picture, I stared at my high school reflection. Chubby and sun-kissed; I was leaning against Harley and Skye, licking on orange popsicles sitting on Ole’ Man Johnson’s beach. That summer was a record high for Avery.

  “Come on, Carr. Wanna go with Harley and me to Ole’ man Johnson’s lake?” Skye pleaded.

  “Everyone’s gonna be there, even Colt,” they said with kissy faces and puppy dog eyes.

  “That is exactly why I do not want to go. The thought of wearing a bathing suit in front of Colton makes me want to vomit, although that might help my situation.”

  Wack! Skye slapped me on the back of the head.

  “What the hell was that for?”

  “I swear I saw a bee near your head,” Skye said with a wicked snicker.

  That’s what I loved about Skye; she never held back. For someone so laid back and earthy, she could sure pack a punch. She was a petite little thing, but she never let that hinder her.

  “I’m just saying Skye,” turning in circles while presenting my body. “All the boys and girls would just be jealous of all this
.” Harley smacked my ass in adoration as I made my final turn.

  “Wahoo! Well, get your ass in the truck so we can get going,” Harley coaxed.

  “No, seriously guys, I can’t go,” I said.

  “Why the hell not?” Skye barked.

  “Put on a fucking bathing suit, throw on a T-shirt and get your ass in the truck, now!” Harley interrupted.

  “Fine. No need to shout! You know you really can be a bossy bitch sometimes.”

  We pulled up to Ole’ Man Johnson’s after Colton and his boys had shown up. This was the first time Harley and Skye got a good glimpse of what I was wearing.

  “Seriously Carr, what hell are you wearing? Friends don’t let friends wear cat T-shirts.”

  I looked down and back at Harley and Skye, “What? It’s a T-shirt”.

  “No, it’s a monstrosity of a shirt.” Harley looked in horror.

  “But, I like my cat T-shirts. It’s comfortable and covers all of my wiggly bits.”

  “Take it off! Take it off now!” yelled Harley as she lunged to grab my shirt.

  Backing up I roared, “Yeah right! This jewel is taking care of business.”

  “Fine, but just know I warned you.”

  Crossing through the field to the lake I suddenly started to freak out. Why the hell did I wear this damn T-shirt? Maybe Colton won’t notice me, and I can blend in with the crowd. Ole’ Man Johnson’s lake was the place to be during the blistering summer days, and steamy summer nights. Wyatt always invited Skye, Harley and me, but we always turned him down. I think the girls did it just to make me feel better. Even though it was called Ole’ Man Johnson’s farm, Mr. Johnson had passed away years ago leaving the property abandoned with no relatives to claim or maintain it. It was a shame though. It had so much character still left in it. The property included acres of corn, cotton, and a run-down horse barn across the lake. It was country heaven.

  The closer we got to the beach; the louder the laughter and music echoed over the lake. We reach the beach, and luckily almost everyone was already in the water. Thank God. That’s when I got a glimpse of her; Paisley Parker and her pack of Mean Girls. Shit. My first instinct was to run and run fast. Luckily she hadn’t spotted me yet and was too busy dancing on the tailgate of Chuck’s truck, trying to get Colt’s attention.

  “Don’t worry about her, Carr,” Skye whispered. “Wyatt invited us, so we’re staying right where we are.”

  At that, I started to relax. She was too busy trying to occupy Colt’s attention to notice even we had arrived. I had begun to remove my shirt when I heard, “Hey Skye. Come in. The water’s warm.” Awesome. Note to self; kill Wyatt. Just what I feared the most. Attention immediately directed toward my ass as I turned around and took off my cat T-shirt. Completely embarrassed, I tried to sit down as quick as possible without being noticed. My face was bright red, and not from the sun.

  As soon as Paisley spotted our group, she made a beeline in our direction. All sorts of profanities started racing through my head, and none of them was an actual solution. As I straightened in my chair, Paisley was front and center in her tiny bikini waiting to be addressed. Paisley always came across as entitled. She felt the world needed to bow down and kiss her feet, when really; the world wanted her to kiss their ass. She was brutal, and downright hateful sometimes.

  With her hands on her hips, “Well, well, nice to see you Muffin Top. I’m surprised you showed up here. Hey Reva, call Sea World. Shamu got out of her aquarium. I hope you’re not planning to get in. We’d like to keep the water in the lake.”

  As soon as the last word left Paisley’s plump lips Harley busted in, “You know what Paisley, go suck a dick. Oh wait, you already have. Word has it you’ve sucked off the whole football team, in fact. I guess that’s why all the guys call you D.S.L., dick sucking lips.”

  “What did you say to me?” she fumed.

  “I said, Go. Suck. A. Dick.”

  Just then, Wyatt rolled up dripping wet with a towel wrapped around his neck.

  “Hello Ladies, what’s going on?”

  “Wyatt, tell these hoe-bags to leave. They insulted me, and I don’t want them here.” She said folded her arms over her chest with an eat-shit look on her face.

  “Well Paisley, here’s the thing. I asked them to come, so you need to chill out and go back to dancing on the tailgate. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll actually get Colt’s attention.” With a look of annoyance, she quickly made an about-face and stomped away.

  With a roar of laughter, Wyatt turned to us and asked, “What was that all about?”

  “Typical Paisley. Being a bitch as usual,” Skye finally spoke up.

  “Ahhh. You guys must be on the same cycle; I get it. “As he turned around to leave he said, “I just don’t see how the hell something can bleed for 5-7 days and not die.”

  I had to laugh. That definitely lightened the mood.

  Trying to beat the heat, and get over the sour taste in our mouths, Harley pulled out three orange popsicles from the cooler. Drawing her camera from her beach bag Skye proclaimed, “Let’s document this day as the day Harley told Paisley to, “Go. Suck. A. Dick.”

  “Amen,” we said in unison. As we tried to jam ourselves into a self-portrait, while juggling our sticky popsicles, a tall, dark shadow appeared in front of us. At first I couldn’t make out the face with the sun in my eyes; then I heard his voice. I would know that voice anywhere - Colton Wilson. His voice was smooth, deep, and sexy without trying to be sexy. He was wearing red board shorts, which hung on his hips just low enough to tease me with the lower V. Damn. Milk had done that body good.

  As my eyes rose higher up his defined chest, I couldn’t help but stare at his abs and then his incredible arms. They were ripped, and definitely developed from throwing the football since peewee league. That’s when I got a clear view of his piercing blue eyes. I must have looked like a gawking monkey the way I was staring at him with my mouth wide open. Shut your mouth, Carr before you start to catch flies.

  “Can I help you ladies? You look like you’re struggling a bit,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Sssssure,” I fumbled out. Less than gracefully, I reached up to hand him the camera. Just then, our fingers touched one another. Even in the summer heat, I felt a chill all over my body.

  “Thanks, Carrington.” Holy shit he knows my name.

  We jammed together and cheesed for more than one reason that day. As Colton passed me back the camera, he lingered just enough that I looked up to see him staring right back at me with those intense blue eyes. Best day ever.

  Getting out of the truck, I couldn’t help but continually pull down the top of my bikini. I was terrified it would pop off or show too much boob. Walking up to the beachfront I had on my tiniest jean shorts, and a simple T-shirt on. I was vetoed on the cat T-shirt, so I was suited up with another choice, thanks to Harley. Get it together girl, you’re not the same girl from high school.

  Setting the chairs, towels, and bags on the shoreline, I raised my hand to cover my eyes from the sun’s glare. Where were the boys? Seeing they weren’t around, I decided this was the perfect time to undress and get settled. Stripping off my T-shirt, I felt a little uncomfortable but decided, to hell with it. I yanked off my jean shorts, and immediately I heard the whistles from across the water.

  “Wahoo! Take it off baby,” Chuck shouted meeting a slap to the back of the head from Colt.

  “Knock it off knucklehead,” Colt said in my defense.

  Instead of cowering as expected, I retorted, “You know what Chuck? If you want, I can do it again in slow motion, like one of those Baywatch girls?” I said blushing as Colt busted out laughing. Did I really just say that? I guess it was funny since Colt was laughing.

  “Now that’s what I’m talking about. Why can’t you do that for me, Harley?” Chuck said swinging his eyes in her direction.

  “Because you’ve done nothing to deserve this fine ass,” she said as she spun in a circle slapping her butt.

&
nbsp; “That’s harsh!”

  “Life’s a bitch, babe. Get used to it,” she said with a wink.

  “What he meant to say was, you look beautiful,” said Colt walking out the water toward us.

  I really hope he can’t tell that I’m blushing. Sweet Jesus this man was gorgeous. Seeing the water drip off his incredible chest had me in a trance.