The Suit (7 page)

I know exactly how she feels. She misses him dearly. Bud was her home, and now she wonders if she can feel that way about this place since he’s gone. When my grandfather died, I felt the same way. He
was so much a part of our farm, I wondered if I could I love it without him there. “Do you have any other family?”

“Cousins in Virginia, but we don’t communicate. They came for the funeral, but that’s the first I’d seen them in years.”

“What about you?” She clears her throat and now she’s attempting to deflect the topic to me.

“Parents died a few years back and I have an uncle on my mother’s side out in California. He owns some kind of vineyard. I see him maybe once a year.”

Edie sips her wine as she peruses me with a thoughtful expression. She doesn’t say the usual ‘I’m so sorry’ that most people do when they hear about my parents passing away. It’s actually nice not to hear it for once, but I guess she knows as well as me what it’s like. “Well Suit, to those who have come and gone.” She raises her glass for a toast and I join her. “And to new friendships.”

“To new friendships,” I repeat and gently clink my glass with hers. As we finish our meal and clean up, I’m thinking just maybe this summer won’t be as miserable as I thought.

The following day has been smoother. Suit doesn’t seem to need much hand holding and works steady without complaining. I appreciate that. We’ve brought most of the horses back in from the field and are wrapping up the day’s work. I’m returning a saddle to the tack room when Joey rounds the corner. He’s wiping his face with the bottom of his shirt and I can see he’s sweating heavily. It’s hot as hell out here today.

“You coming out to Dave Phillip’s place tonight?” he asks, taking the saddle from me.

“Bonfire?” I question, as that’s usually the only reason anyone gets invited out to the Phillips’ property. “Are they really going to have one when it’s so hot?”

“Yeah, and a bunch of people are going swimming in the creek.”

“Well on a day like today that doesn’t sound so bad,” I laugh as I follow him into the tack room. “You think he’d mind if I invited the suit?”

Joey sets the saddle on top of another in the far corner before turning to give me a curious look. “You think he’d want to go?”

“No,” I shake my head. I’m almost positive he won’t, but I still feel like I should ask him. “He’ll probably say no.”

“I don’t think Dave would care. Hell, he’ll probably be so plastered he won’t even know who else is there.” Joey snorts and heads toward the mini fridge for a bottle of water.

“Well, I’ll see you there.”

When we finish up our work, Suit and I head up to the house. There’s still a little awkwardness between us, but I tell myself it’s because we’ve been forced to live together when we barely know one another.

“Did you bring a swim trunks?” I ask as we climb the porch steps.

“Yeah, why?” he questions as he holds the screen door open for me.

“A guy I know is having a party tonight. There’s going to be a bonfire and there’s a creek everyone swims in.”

“You’re inviting me?” He gives me a perplexed look.

“Of course I am. You’re welcome to join if you’re interested.” I shrug as I kick my boots off at the front door. “I’m going to go shower and change. We can eat a quick sandwich before we go.”

“Uh…”

Sensing his obvious apprehension, I add, “You don’t have to go. No pressure. It was just a friendly invite. I’m leaving in about an hour.” The suit looks confused, maybe he didn’t expect me to invite him to hang out, but I did. He can either join in or stay at home and sulk in his misery. I made an effort like Daddy Bud would’ve wanted me to.

I take a quick shower, shaving myself everywhere since I’ll be wearing a bikini, and decide not to bother washing my hair since it’ll just get nasty in the creek water. When I get out I put on my favorite red bikini and stand in front of my closet searching for a dress to throw over my swimsuit. Suddenly, I remember I have a load of clothes in the dryer and my favorite black sundress is in there. I scurry down the hall and through the kitchen to the utility room, opening the dryer, and pull out exactly what I’m looking for. I head back to my bedroom, shaking the dress out to release some of the wrinkles, cursing the fact that even though I just washed the darn thing it still smells like horse—like pretty much everything I own does—when I look up and see the suit in the middle of the hall staring at me.

I’m frozen in place as his eyes peruse my body. Heat crawls up my neck and cov
ers my cheeks as I feel the fervor of his gaze on me. No man has ever looked at me like this and my stomach flutters. It’s almost as if I can see the images of what he’d like to do with me reflected in his eyes. And as much as I hate to admit it…it’s turning me on. The moment lingers too long and I finally come to my senses, jerking my dress to my chest to cover myself.

“Did you decide if you’re coming or not?” I ask to break the awkwardness.

“Um. If you don’t mind, I’ll tag along.” He clears his throat as his gaze moves to the ceiling.

“I’m leaving in ten,” I squeak as I scurry into my room and shut the door.

When we reach Dave’s place, it’s still daylight outside and everyone is either standing by the shore with red Solo cups in their hands or they’re in the water. Nikki immediately runs up to me, a shit eating grin on her face because she sees the suit with me, and hugs me.

“Why Edie, you brought a friend. Do introduce us,” Nikki purrs in a ridiculous Southern accent as she beams her Miss America smile at Suit.

“John Wilson,” Suit says, and extends a hand and Nikki takes it.

“Why John, Edie has told me so much about you. She just goes on and on—”

“She doesn’t really talk like this,” I interrupt Nikki.

“Edie!” Nikki scolds.

“She was trying to put on a good Southern greeting for you, but this, sir…is no lady.” I point to her and Nikki rolls her eyes. “Don’t let her stellar looks deceive you,” I add, placing a hand on the suit’s arm.
Wow, he’s got muscular arms.
When I feel him tense I quickly withdrawal my hand.

“Ah, hell, Edie.” Nikki shakes her head before smiling up at the Suit again. “It’s nice to fucking meet you,” she adds before turning and prancing back to a group of guys surrounding Dave’s diesel truck.

“She was…interesting,” the suit laughs.

“She’s my best friend,” I tell him proudly.

“She seems as crazy as my best friend.”

“Oh, is your best friend the male version of Barbie with a potty mouth that could make the devil blush?”

“I’ll put it this way, I think if they ever met they’d get along heavenly,” he chuckles.

I make introductions with anyone we approach, but after a while I’m hot and sweaty and I want to cool off. “Let’s get in, Nikki,” I call to her and she bounces toward me, pulling her dress over her head, causing every male in the near proximity to stop doing whatever they’re doing and stare.

I quickly tug my dress over my head and toss it on the tailgate of Dave’s truck.

“You coming, John?” Nikki invites.

Like every other male here, the suit seems to be hypnotized, but not by Nikki. His gaze is honed in on me. Without my dress to cover myself, I have no choice but to stand here and let him feast. After a few seconds, he shakes his as if he’s just realized he’s been staring at me. “Uh…yeah,” he finally manages and pulls his white T-shirt off.

Now, this is the moment when pretty much every female close by stops and stares at the suit. I suppose all the ladies around here are familiar with the variety of men so when a hot newbie takes hi
s shirt off in front of us, we’re going to look. I have to admit, I’m a little stunned by his amazing body as well and it takes me a few seconds to realize I’m staring at him like a deer caught in headlights. But I’m quickly snapped out of it when Dierk suddenly jerks me up over his shoulder and runs into the water with me.

Why did I fucking come to this? I knew I’d hate it. It’s exactly like all the little country get-togethers of farm kids from where I grew up. I know why I came. Because I’m a perverted bastard that wanted to see another glimpse of Edie in that excuse of a bikini she’s wearing.

My day has sucked. Coming back and working on a farm has flooded me with memories I have held at bay for years now. Memories I don’t want. But I thought, hey, maybe I can let loose and have some fun, even get to know Edie a little better so things aren’t quite so awkward between us. But mostly I just wanted to see her in her swimsuit again.

But now, that douchewad from her house the other morning just dragged her into the water and I want to punch someone. I have no idea why, either. I mean, I’m attracted to her, but there is no chance in hell we’d ever hook up. So why do I care if some dude is flirting with her? As I fume to myself, my eye catches Edie’s friend, Nikki, watching me peculiarly. “Well, come on, John, let’s get that sexy ass of yours in the water,” she giggles and jerks me with her. “Come on, Joey!” she shouts as we move toward the water. Joey runs past us fast as hell and plunges in the water splashing Edie and Dierk.

Edie’s gaze is fixed on me as I tread in the water with Nikki. Her eyes are glued to my stomach and I smirk. I work out, a lot. I’m not a body builder or anything, but being in shape is important to me, and working out and lifting weights, is a great stress release. Something I’ve needed with school and work.

“So, Jake,” Dierk says to me.
Dick.

“John,” Joey corrects him as he slicks back his blonde hair.

“Oh, sorry,” he snorts an obviously fake apology. “How do you like Holly Springs?”

I submerge myself in the water before answering him. Nikki, Edie, Dierk, Joey, and I are sort of forming a circle in the murky water. “It’s okay.” I shrug.

“The suit here is from the city. He’s not a big fan of small towns,” Edie adds.

“The suit?” Dierk’s brows furrow.

“Lovely little nickname Edie here has given me,” I offer before narrowing my gaze at her. “Not sure why she wants to call me that.” I splash water at her with a playful smirk.

“Hey, I gave you a choice.” She splashes me back as she grins.

“Have you seen yourself in a suit?” Nikki asks, a deadpan expression on her face.

“Anyway,” Edie interrupts loudly, cutting Nikki a sharp look. “Suit isn’t really thrilled to be here.”

Dierk chuckles and runs a hand through his hair. “Farm work is hard work. Not everyone is cut out for it. Some of us aren’t used to getting our hands dirty.”

I snort. If he only fucking knew I know everything there is to know about hard work. What an asshole trying to make me look like some prissy city boy. Of course none of them have any idea where I grew up, but they all assume I come from some kind of easy life where working hard isn’t required. Farm work is hard, but try getting a fucking law degree. I can assure you, it’s not a cakewalk. It’s obvious Dierk feels threatened by me in regards to Edie but he has no reason to be. I’m not trying to get in her pants. I may think about it…
a lot
, but I won’t go there. I know he’s trying to make me look less manly…or something to that effect. Fucking rich, country boy. He probably doesn’t know dick about hard work himself.

“What do you do?” I ask Dierk.

Nikki lets out a laugh and quickly composes herself. “Dierk works at his father’s insurance company.”

“Pays
good.” Dierk nods looking at Edie as if he’s trying to clue her in to his fortune and impress her. He’s working for his dad, probably because he can’t get a job anywhere else. Typical rich kid shit.

I can’t help myself. I’m a dick by nature. “Sounds like you’re really getting your hands dirty.”

Nikki laughs and Edie’s eyes go wide with my comment. It was an asshole thing to say, but he started it.
When you can’t beat them, join them.

“My uncle has a farm and I spent most summers working for him growing up,” he defends himself, glaring at me as he speaks. “Edie if you need any help, you let me know. I can always lend a hand.” His gaze softens when it moves to her and his hand rises up and brushes her shoulder gently.

“Thanks,” she murmurs and smiles politely.

“So you guys are shacking up all summer, huh?” Dierk asks, and I can tell the thought alone is eating him alive. His eyes are fixed on Edie as if he can’t wait to see her expression. Her cheeks are slightly pink as if she’s blushing. He’s making her feel uncomfortable.
Fucking, asshole.

“Living together.
Not shacking up,” I answer so she doesn’t have to. She cuts me an appreciative glance. 

“The town will be a buzzing with that juicy bit of gossip,” Dierk replies.

“No they won’t,” Nikki groans. “No one would think Edie would be sleeping with a stranger.”

“You know what?” Edie snaps, standing up. “What I do or don’t do is my business. Let the town talk. If they say I’m sleeping with the suit, so be it. I couldn’t care less.” She gives us a nonchalant shrug. I stare at Edie, shocked by her outburst. I can tell she’s a good girl, and that seems to be what everyone else is thinking in this town, so I would think it would bother her if people started saying she was sleeping with me. “I’m going to go and get a beer.” We all follow her out of the water and try to join the party.

Nikki, the dear she is, stays near me most of the evening since I don’t know anyone and Edie can’t seem to drop Dierk. I try to have a good time and avoid looking at my new roommate, but my gaze keeps spotting her.

I’ve just gotten myself another beer when Dierk pats my shoulder and squeezes it really hard. It’s meant to seem like a friendly gesture, but I know he doesn’t like me. He thinks I’m a threat. “You having a good time, John?”

“Sure,” I lie.

He nods his head and sips his beer before saying, “Listen. I just want you to know that Edie is special. And if you try anything on her…mess with her…you’ll have me to deal with.”

It takes every bit of strength I have not to laugh in his face. I don’t do well with threats, especially undeserved ones. Instead of telling him that, I mimic him and nod, sipping my beer before saying, “I’m just here to work the summer.” I would love to say something shitty to him, put him in his place, but what’s the point? I have no intentions of making a move on Edie so his threat is pointless.

“Good.” He nods again and walks away.
What a fucking joke.

I sit on the back of someone’s tailgate—Nikki left me to go say hi to some friends—when Edie climbs up and sits beside me.

“You look like you’re miserable,” she smirks and bumps my shoulder with hers.

“No. Just don’t know anyone.”

“You know me,” she says, and our eyes meet. The light of the fire flickers in her eyes and I’m lost in them momentarily. She’s a good girl, it’s easy to see, but in this moment I can see there is more to Edie James than meets the eye. I think this town is only seeing what she lets them see. There’s another side to her she’s been hiding, but I have no idea what it is or why she’s hiding it. All I know is I kind of want to find out.

Breaking eye contact with her, I say, “Thanks for inviting me. I appreciate the olive branch.”

“There are a lot of nice girls here I could introduce you to,” she offers.

“I’m sitting next to one. That’s enough for me.” I smile as I glance at her. She smiles back and her cheeks go pink. She’s blushing. And it’s adorable.

“One of many synonyms used to describe me,” she sighs loudly before sipping her beer.

“What does that mean?”

“I’m nice, polite, sweet, kind, and so on. That’s my official town description.”

“And that’s bad?” I question reflecting back to my previous thoughts that there is more to Edie James than meets the eye.

“No. But I feel like I’ve been pigeonholed into this reputation. Guys don’t date the good girl. They marry her. So I’m like that girl no one dates because they’re all busy hooking up with other girls. I’m the girl they come after when they think they’re through sowing their oats.”

Well that makes sense. She is the kind of girl you want to marry. “What would you want them to see if you could show them anything?”

“I don’t need or want ‘them’ to see anything but what they see. I just want one,
the
one,” she clarifies, “to discover me.” She sighs and sips her beer again, letting her legs swing. “I’m sorry. Not sure why I’m saying all this to you. My mind has been all over the place since Daddy Bud passed.”

“Understandable. I know I don’t know you as well as everyone else here does, but I know there’s more to you than being a good girl.”

“And how do you know that?” she asks and quirks a curious brow at me.

I know I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t say what I’m about to say to her, but I have to. I lean toward her and whisper, “Because a good girl wouldn’t wear those naughty little panties you had on the morning I showed up at your house.” Edie’s cheeks flush bright red with my words, but her gaze never leaves mine. She shifts in her seat briefly and I watch her as I sip my beer, awaiting her response. Something about her shyness is such a fucking turn on I have to bite my bottom lip to stop myself from saying anything else. Her gaze falls to my mouth and her chest rises as she takes a deep breath.

“One of my indulgences,” she shrugs tearing her eyes away. There’s no doubt I’ve just embarrassed her, but she’s determined not to show it. “Maybe nobody else will see them, but I do, and I like the way they make me look and feel.”

I like the way they make you look, too,
I think to myself.

“Good girl. Naughty panties. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” I grin as she refuses to meet my gaze again.

“It’s going to be a long summer and I meant it when I said I’d like us to be friends. My grandfather obviously cared about you and that means something to me.” She’s changing the subject so I go along with it.

“I’d like that, too,” I admit. “Here’s to our summer.” I raise my Solo cup and she taps hers with mine.

“To our summer,” she nods and takes a big gulp.

When Edie and I finally leave for the evening, Dierk walks with us to her truck, opening her door and hugging her before she slips in.

As we head home, our windows are rolled down and my arm hangs out, my hand surfing on the wind as we go. I used to do this when I rode with my Pop Pop anywhere, my favorite time to do it was at night in the summer when the temperature was cool enough to ride with the windows down. He’d fuss at me and I’d tell him I was trying to catch bugs. He always warned me one day I’d catch a mailbox instead if I didn’t watch it.

“What’s so funny?” Edie pulls me from my reverie.

“Was I laughing?” I ask, unsure.

“You had a huge grin on your face.”

The truth is I’ve tried to forget my past as much as possible. Anything to do with the farm. Even good memories like riding around with my grandfather.

“Just remembering something,” I offer, hoping she won’t press. “So I take it this is Bud’s truck?” I try to change the subject.

“It was,” she answers somewhat sadly. “Don’t be jealous of my fancy ride here. This thing is older than me.”

I snort and say, “I’m real jealous of your rusted out floor boards and your driver’s seat that’s so battered you have to have a sofa cushion
behind your back so you can reach the pedals because the seat won’t slide up.”