Read Just for the Summer for Free Online Page B

lie worth a darn.” He snagged his T-shirt off his shoulder to wipe his face.
     “I’m going to grab a shower at Jack’s. We’ll be at the barbecue early to get the grills
     going. Sam,” he called inside, “let’s go!”
    Sam charged out of Dani’s cottage, the dog at his heels. He smiled at Dani expectantly,
     and her breath caught.
    “I’ll meet you by the picnic tables in a few minutes, buddy,” Matt said.
    Sam kept a firm hand on the dog’s back. “Can the dog come too, Dani?”
    He could ask her for the moon and she’d agree. “Sure.”
    He took off for the beach, the dog barking, Sam laughing. Matt watched them make their
     way toward Rachel and her boys, and there was no denying the expression of a father’s
     love written on his face. What would it be like to be loved by him?
    “I’d like to get him a dog,” Matt said. “Unfortunately, now’s not a great time.”
    “If nobody claims ownership, I guess I’ll keep him. Sam’s more than welcome to help
     me care for him this summer.”
    “I appreciate it. See you at the cookout.” He turned to walk away but paused and shifted
     his attention back to her. “I’ve been wondering…”
    Dani didn’t stop to consider what she was about to say. Something wicked inside her
     took over, and she removed her glasses, stared him in the eye, and gave him a cocky
     smile. “Front clasp bra and a thong.”
    Looked like he was having trouble keeping his grin in check. “I was wondering if you
     have a steady guy in your life.”
    She took a step closer, lowered her voice a pitch. “But I’m sure you figured that
     out already.”
    Now she was awarded a full-blown, dimpled smile. “Don’t bother giving me details,
     Ms. Sullivan. I prefer to confirm for myself.”
    “Sheriff, you’d better stick to law enforcement because you don’t stand a chance of
     seeing my Victoria’s Secret.” She planted her sunglasses back on her head. “I’m not married, engaged, or have a
     significant male in my life—just the way I like it.” She turned and headed back to
     her cottage, aware of Matt’s easy smile and intense eyes following her the whole way.

Chapter Four
    A short time later, Dani wandered down to the activities near the beach. She carried
     a tray of muffins in one hand and a bowl of broccoli salad in the other, a cold can
     of diet soda wedged in the crook of her arm. Picnic tables dressed in red and blue
     plastic tablecloths sat end to end to form one long seating area. A table set off
     to one side held the food. She headed to the buffet, where Rachel took her tray and
     made room for it on the table.
    “We’ve got coolers full of pop and beer. You didn’t need to bring your own.”
    “Not a problem.” She wanted the control. If she brought the drink, she didn’t have
     to worry who’d handled it before her. She placed the broccoli dish next to a big bowl
     of potato salad, removed the plastic wrap, and added a serving spoon.
    “The boys can’t wait for more muffins. The way they scarf them down, you’d think they
     were cupcakes.”
    “Then I’ll keep it a secret that they’re made with skim milk and fake sugar.”
    Rachel grinned. “Good idea. Too healthy and they’re not interested.”
    Some sort of bright yellow football with a tail whistled passed Dani’s head. A group
     of teenagers laughed while one of them yelled out an apology. It seemed like half
     the town and all the tourists had shown up to the lake to enjoy the beautiful weather.
    Matt stood with another guy at the grills, where the distinct aroma of hamburgers
     and hot dogs emanated. Both men wore ridiculous smiles as a flock of women clustered
     around them.
    “Looks like they’re handing out more than burgers and dogs,” she said to Rachel with
     a nod toward the guys. “I’m sure the BS meter is in the red zone.”
    Rachel laughed. “No doubt. That guy he’s standing with is Jack, by the way.”
    Matt peered at her through the smoke. He winked