Just for the Summer by Jenna Rutland Read Free Book Online Page A

wanted to try?” Matt lowered his voice and revealed his ambition
     in explicit detail.
    Jack’s head jerked up. He stared off into the distance while the tongs snapped closed
     and pinched the end of the hot dog. It catapulted off the grill, executed a flying
     somersault, and landed in the grass. The stray dog didn’t need an invitation—he grabbed
     the wiener and took off. After some creative cussing under his breath, Jack paused
     for a beat. Then he grinned. “I’ve always admired your imagination. So you gonna go
     with a full-court press?”
    Matt took a step back from the grill as the breeze blew smoke in his face. “I don’t
     know much about her.” Except that her sexy, sassy mouth turned him on, she enjoyed
     kids, and he admired what she did for a living. “She’s only in town for a few months.”
    “You could always settle for an incredibly hot summer.”
    “I already told you—I’m not interested in anything short term. It’s not fair to Sam.”
     Matt took a swig of his beer.
    “You trying to convince me or yourself on that one?”
    …
    Dani helped herself to a paper plate, then approached the grill where Matt flipped
     burgers.
    “What’s your pleasure, Ms. Sullivan?”
    That was a dangerous question. “Hamburger, please. With cheese.” He slapped a piece
     of American cheese on a patty then plopped it on a bun. “Better give me a dog, too.”
     She held out her plate.
    Matt shoved his hat back and gave her a once-over. “Where you gonna put all that food?”
    “Watch it, Sheriff, or I’ll drop it over your head.”
    He flashed her a full-fledged smile as if he were amused by her. As she veered toward
     the picnic tables, Matt called out, “Save me a place.”
    She’d no sooner settled onto the bench of the picnic table when he wedged himself
     between her and the end of the seat, so close their hips snuggled together.
    Five minutes later, Sam bounded over to the table. “Got room for me?”
    He stood next to Dani, covered in dirt and sporting a ball cap turned backward. He
     was so adorable. She ached to tug him close, assure him that she’d always have room
     for him. But she smiled instead and patted the seat next to her even though there
     was hardly any room. “Hop on board.” She scooted toward Matt until she was nearly
     in his lap, hoping he’d move down, but he didn’t. So she decided to ignore him. Easy
     enough to forget the way Matt’s denim-clad leg fiddled against her bare knee, right?
     No problem—if she lived in the next county.
    Sam plunked down on the bench. Just like that, the sweetness of the moment hit her,
     and she sucked in an unsteady breath. She sat at a picnic table a few yards from the
     picturesque lake, surrounded by nice people who could easily become friends. On one
     side, an amazingly hot man played a game of—either intentionally or not—Let’s Make
     Ms. Sullivan Spontaneously Combust.
    And on her other side, her son. The beautiful boy she’d yearned to see every day for
     the last eight years. No matter how many times she imagined this scenario, the dream
     wasn’t anywhere close to the reality. Her heart twisted and turned until all the emotions
     tangled together—joy, guilt, pain. And maybe worst of all, hope. Had fate brought
     her this far? Or was she tempting it by not sticking to her original plan?
    Sam tapped her arm. “Can I, Dani?”
    “Sorry, honey, what did you ask?”
    “Can I give the dog a name?”
    His face held so much enthusiasm. How could she deny him? “Okay. But you know I’ve
     got to give him back if the owners call.”
    He nodded. “I think we should name him Larry.”
    Dani raised an eyebrow. “Unique name for a dog.”
    The expression he gave her was clearly pure exasperation at her ignorance. “After
     Larry the Lobster.”
    She waited for him to explain, and he rolled his eyes and grinned.
    “From SpongeBob.”
    “Ahh. I’ve heard of him.” What the heck, she didn’t care what they called