Flawless (Chestnut Springs, #1)

by Elsie Silver

A smile teased my dad’s lips as we all sat staring at Rhett Eaton’s broad shoulders and long hair. But definitely not his ass. I’m a professional, after all.

“Your dad made it seem like you were going to put me on a leash.” “Only if you’re into that kind of thing.”

We don’t look at each other as we walk, but he touches my shoulder gently and gestures me across his body. He moves me to the opposite side of him before taking up position by the road.

I give them that weird closed-mouth smile I often give to strangers instead of just saying hi. I know it looks pained, forced—a little serial-killer-y—but I keep doing it anyway.

And that is why I don’t hook up with women in this town anymore. I had one casual girlfriend before I learned my lesson. You get a blowjob from someone in Chestnut Springs and the next thing you know, it’s in the newspaper, and the ladies at the salon are planning a fucking wedding.

I don’t particularly care if I appear out of place. I feel good in skirts. Look good, feel good. And after years of not feeling good, wearing pretty clothes makes me feel good. So, I do it. Even if I look overdressed.

I said I wouldn’t stop, but I’ll stop for Summer. I stop because there’s no avoiding her. She’s relentless, and she’s really fucking nice. Which makes me feel like a total dick for being growly at her.

I’m an absolute whore for fancy lingerie.

Rhett is weathered, his t-shirt tan line from last summer still faintly noticeable. And when he smiles, the skin beside his eyes crinkles in the most genuine way. His work-hewn hands would feel like heaven sliding over my skin.

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he rasps. I already am. Uncomfortably horny.

I’m a massive prick. Because I’ve been awake for the better part of an hour, letting her cuddle me. Staring at her, trying to memorize every little freckle. Watching her sleep like a lovesick Ted Bundy or something.

“Are you hiding because your sister is a grade A bitch or because I now know that I’m your teenaged spank bank fodder?”

“I’m finding I don’t really care what people think where you’re concerned.”

If her face was a little more Please fuck me, sir and a little less I’m going to kill you, I’d be hard at the mere sight of her.

My lips wrap around the shot glass of something syrupy and sweet. Something I would never normally drink, but if Summer wants me to lick it off every square inch of her delectable body, I will happily spend hours obliging.

I’m mad at him. I’m hot for him. And those two things blend until they’re almost indecipherable.

Rhett Eaton will ruin me if I give him the opportunity, and I don’t even know what to do with that. I think I might want him to ruin me.

His hand moves up, and his thumb pushes down firmly on my chin, gently forcing my mouth open wide.

“Rhett.” My name on her lips. Fuck. It’s a prayer. It’s a plea. It’s my goddamn undoing.

“What if you stopped worrying about everything that could go wrong and just let yourself enjoy how right this feels?”

“Then let them talk. You know I don’t give a fuck what people think, Summer. And there is no one I’d rather ruin my reputation with.” With one hand still gripping her chin, I kiss her.

“The only thing I hated was how badly I wanted you, Princess.”

I’m hit with a realization that sends me reeling. Summer wasn’t just made for me. She’s it for me.

But the new girl—the windswept, sun-kissed girl with beautiful custom chaps who makes love in the back of a rusty old pickup in the middle of a field—doesn’t give a fuck.

Choosing each other. Finding each other. Showing up for each other. And everything about the moment is flawless.

But I’m happy. I’m fulfilled. I’ve got it all. My health. A job coaching on the WBRF circuit. And the girl of my fucking dreams waiting for me a couple minutes down this gravel road.