Another Summer

by Sue Lilley

  “Lisa, you’ll get me in trouble. You have to go back to bed.”

  “I’m scared. I just want a cuddle.”

  He wanted a cuddle too but not from a pregnant teenager who was virtually a stranger. But he hesitated too long, trying to find the right words, and before he knew what was happening, Lisa had crawled in beside him and was snuggling into him as if her life depended on it.

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

  “Like Heather said, if you get some sleep, it won’t seem so bad in the morning.”

  “You’re so lovely, Joe. I wish I had someone like you.”

  In her giant T-shirt, she was all legs and tits as she pressed herself against him. Naked but for his boxers, he started to get hard. He bit his lip, drawing blood in the effort it took not to touch her.

  Then he realised she was fast asleep. Shit! What the fuck was he meant to do now? Stupid git! Why hadn’t he made her go back to her own bed?

  And of course Heather chose that moment to come into the room in search of a glass of water.

  Chapter 7

  The vintage black corset was pure burlesque. Evie’s waist looked tiny. Her cleavage was wild. It was as far from her usual style as it was possible to be. Evie loved it.

  “That looks fabulous on you.”

  “You don’t think it’s too much of a statement?”

  “What about this, if you want to tone it down just a bit?”

  The girl rummaged on the rail and picked out a black lace jacket, the beading more boho than maiden aunt. It covered her boobs, yet didn’t. It was perfect.

  “Looks great with those skinny jeans but you’ll need heels, something dangerous and spiky. There’s a shop round the corner you might want to try?”

  There were a few shops she wanted to try. She remembered Porthrynton Heath as a staid little market town but it seemed to have evolved into a quirky collection of vintage and retro. As she’d driven there that morning, she couldn’t decide how she was feeling. Deciding what to wear on a date was tricky. Evie had never dated. There’d only ever been Joe.

  But as she changed back into her usual clothes, always a long top with the skinny jeans and flat leather boots to drive in, she realised she was excited about the gig. And Jake. It was a bit nerve-wracking, the whole bed thing especially. But she’d had enough of being sensible. And miserable. It was time she started enjoying herself, while she could still remember how. And her school-run image was more than due a makeover.

  She found the perfect heels, so high they were obviously designed for posing rather than actual standing up. But even trying them on, she felt vampy. Dressing up like a different person could turn out to be fun.

  When she’d collected a few more shopping bags, full of trivial things she’d never normally need, she found herself in an alley that looked a bit familiar. The little shop at the end sold sparkly clubbing gear now but it had to be the place.

  The place where she’d found the dress for the Drydens’ party. That dress had started everything.

  ***

  Evie was fed up being the goody two-shoes little sister but she still had the scary feeling she’d agreed to more than shopping. When she got off the bus, she could see Joe Marsh sprawling on the clock tower bench and it gave her a little thrill to know he was waiting for her. He looked so handsome in jeans and a black T-shirt, wrists dangling between his open knees.

  It was suddenly hard to breathe as he looked up and seemed to focus on the flash of skin between her jeans and the white blouse she’d knotted at the front. She wished she hadn’t tied her hair back with the scarf. Her face felt too exposed.

  “Nice to see you look just as pretty with your clothes on.”

  She looked nervously around her but nobody had heard. And how could she be mad at him when he was grinning like that, already pecking her on the cheek and tucking her arm into his?

  She noticed people looking at them as he led the way along the street. Or looking at him, anyway. She just looked down at her feet, trying not to trip up. She wasn’t used to that sort of attention.

  “You’ll be wanting a dress so you can get your legs out? Let’s try in here?”

  The boutique looked expensive and she’d never have gone in on her own. She stood there feeling conspicuous as Joe charmed the salesgirl into picking things out for his approval. She was horrified by the dress he finally chose. It was a cream lace prom dress, lined in palest blue, the strapless top fastened by tiny pearl buttons.

  “I was thinking maybe something longer and darker, with sleeves?”

  “For a summer party? Trust me, try it on?”

  The dress was boned and made her waist look tiny but it thrust out her boobs and made them look bigger than ever. Her bra straps looked silly so she had to take it off.

  “Are you going to come out and show me, or do I have to come in?”

  She snatched up her jeans to cover herself but he’d already slipped inside the curtain. He didn’t say anything but he nodded and touched her face, as soft as a feather as he traced the curve of her cheekbone. She bit her lip as he tugged off her scarf and her hair fell onto her shoulders.

  “Wow! Look, see for yourself.”

  He turned her around to face the mirror, his hands hot on her shoulders. She held her breath as their eyes met for a second. Then he laughed, breaking the spell.

  “Yep, that’s the one.”

  He disappeared back through the curtain and she quickly got changed, half expecting him to burst in on her again. When she came out clutching the dress, she found he’d already paid for it.

  “It’s done now,” he said when she protested. “Can’t wait to see you in it at the party.”

  The salesgirl wrapped the dress in tissue and when she handed over the glossy red carrier, she looked so blatantly envious that Evie wanted to pinch herself.

  “You hungry?” Joe asked. “You okay for time?”

  Time didn’t exist. There was no way she was going back just yet. So they sat in a beer garden eating platters of cheese with warm bread and pickles. The strong cider soon had her head swimming, not helped by the way he kept looking at her.

  “You’re not like the other girls Steve seems to know.”

  “You’re not like his usual mates.”

  “We only hooked up this year when I moved into his flat. He’s usually good for a laugh but he’s different here, more up himself. The place is doing my head in. I’ll probably take off after the party.”

  “Really? That soon?”

  “Want to persuade me to stay?”

  He got up to fetch another round. She should have asked for a soft drink but she didn’t want to keep reminding him she was under age. So she drank another pint of cider and when she stood up her knees had turned to jelly.

  She stumbled to the ladies and splashed her face with cold water. How stupid he’d think she was. Drunk on two ciders in the afternoon? That suddenly seemed very funny.

  He was leaning against the wall outside, legs crossed at the ankles, thumbs thrust into his belt loops, exposing the tanned skin above his jeans.

  “You’re very sexy,” she giggled. She hadn’t meant to say it out loud.

  “And you’re a bit tipsy. Just as well I’ve got Steve’s car to get you home.”

  He put his arm around her and she snuggled against him, liking the warm feel of his body as he walked her to the car. It was a classic green MG and as they drove along narrow country roads, the soft wind in her hair made her sleepy.

  She woke up disorientated, glancing about. The high hedgerows were arching over the narrow road yet sunlight still sparkled like gold through the leaves. They were parked on the verge by a gap in the hedge.

  “I was thinking you might need a walk?”

  Her head was pounding. A walk seemed a great idea. The meadow was pretty, long grass scattered with wildflowers. And a brook, barely a trickle on a scatter of stones but the water was so tempting they raced to get their shoes off to try it.

 
; The sun was hot. It was lovely to lie in the cool grass on the bank, holding hands.

  “It’s been the best day ever,” she sighed.

  “It’s not over yet.”

  Joe turned onto his side, his head in one hand, the other drifting over the bare skin at her waist. She jumped. His hand was cold and wet. He laughed and splashed her again, pulling her towards him.

  His kiss was gentle, teasing a response. The cider helped. She parted her lips, enjoying the fire of his tongue. She slithered against him, her arm curling around his neck. Her buttons popped and she giggled.

  “Careful,” he groaned, squeezing her bottom. “I’m only human.”

  “It’s nice.”

  “It’s very nice.” Pushing her shirt aside, he cupped a breast, squeezing her gently over her plain white bra. “What about this?” he murmured as he grazed over her nipple. “Is this nice?”

  She couldn’t speak. The sun was warm on her skin as her shirt came off. Then her bra, his lips blazing across her breasts. His chin rasped over her nipple. She sighed, couldn’t even open her eyes.

  “What about this?” he teased, sucking on her. “You want more?”

  His hand was in her jeans. She squirmed at the probing of his finger. What was he doing? But he’d stopped.

  “Sorry,” he groaned, breathing hard. “I forgot you haven’t done this before.”

  She sat up, a bit woozy. And shocked to find herself almost naked. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  She pulled up her jeans, found the rest of her clothes and put them back on feeling miserable. How had she spoiled such a perfect day? A tear squeezed onto her cheek. She tried to wipe it away but he saw.

  “Oh God! Don’t cry on top of everything else. I’d best take you home.”

  He dropped her in the lane, wheels spinning as he sped off, clearly glad to be rid of her. Evie knew she’d blown her one big chance with him. The party would be ruined.

  Chapter 8

  That bloody dress had been the start of everything. Him playing the big man to impress her. The tipsy pub lunch afterwards. Necking by the river then chickening out at the last minute because he’d never had a virgin.

  Joe had been horny as hell when he’d dropped Evie off. When he’d stopped in the village for a coke, he was waylaid by the barmaid who’d been giving him the come-on all week. She asked for a lift with her two heavy bags and before he’d even stopped outside her cottage, the clingy red dress was hanging off her nipples and he was bursting in his jeans.

  It was over in moments, hot and urgent and exactly what Joe had thought he needed. A fuck was a fuck, whether it was a married tart or a sixteen year old virgin. But however much he tried to convince himself, it was Evie he couldn’t get out of his head.

  By the night of the Drydens’ party, he was edgy about seeing her again. He realised he’d probably upset her by bundling her so quickly out of the car and that was spooking him enough without Steve winding him up.

  They were sizing up the arriving guests, out of sight on the half landing, bottles in hand, trussed up in proper shirts and jackets all belonging to Steve. Not having enough cash left to buy his own clothes was doing nothing to help Joe’s mood.

  “Who knew mousy little Evie would scrub up like that?” Steve whistled, when she finally arrived. “She’s got my name written all over her.”

  Joe shrugged as if he couldn’t care less. He wasn’t going to let on he’d been scared she wouldn’t show up. She looked stunning in her new dress, her hair piled up with bits escaping round her face. But she was young and no match for someone with moves like Steve.

  “Tenner says I’ll be in her knickers tonight?”

  Joe wanted to warn his mate to keep his sweaty hands to himself. But didn’t. He stood there watching as Steve moved in for the kill. Without giving Evie time to think about it, he slipped a glass of champagne into her hand and steered her onto the dance floor.

  As Steve pulled Evie against him, pretending to slow dance so their drinks didn’t spill, Joe fizzed with anger. He itched to smash his fist into Steve’s cocky face. But as Steve’s free hand kept roaming down Evie’s back, Joe stood there doing nothing and was furious with himself.

  He was way out of his depth. He felt like the poor kid tagging along in the shadow of the prodigal son. He wanted to get the hell out of there but he followed them around like a silent stalker until eventually Steve staggered off to take a leak. Seizing his moment, Joe grabbed Evie’s hand and tried to lead her outside through the open French doors. But she tugged her hand away.

  “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “I’m rescuing you.”

  “Who says I need rescuing?”

  He raised a questioning eyebrow and when she looked away, biting her lip, he knew he had it in the bag.

  “I want to make it up to you for the other day. And I want to dance with you away from all this noise.”

  “I don’t know any steps.”

  “We can improvise.”

  This time, when he took her hand, she went with him. The stone terrace was lit only by the glow from the party. Music hummed in the background as he drew her into his arms. The fresh smell of her caught in his throat, making his voice sound hoarse and ridiculous.

  “I knew you’d look a knockout in that dress.”

  She brushed her hands nervously down the skirt. “I’m not that sure about it.”

  “Take my word for it. Amazing.”

  She was so different from the women he usually went with. She didn’t even know she had assets, never mind how to use them to get what she wanted. He was well turned-on and he hadn’t even touched her.

  He didn’t know any steps either but the slow number meant he could hold her and shuffle as if he knew what he was doing. Her waist was tiny beneath his hands, her breasts lush against his chest. His heartbeat was racing. He was going to keep her away from Steve if it killed him.

  She suddenly winced, reaching down to rub her foot. “Can we sit down? I’m not used to heels.”

  “There’s a summerhouse,” he remembered. “It’s quiet there, cosy. We can talk properly?”

  He grabbed an opened bottle of champagne from a table just inside the doors and couldn’t believe his luck when she let him hold her hand. As they followed the path through the garden, he was desperate to kiss her but he didn’t want to miss the moment and send her scurrying back to the house.

  There was a padded swing on the summerhouse porch. She flopped onto it, kicking off her shoes, tucking her bare feet under the frothy skirt of her dress. He sat down next to her and offered her the bottle.

  “Sorry I forgot to get glasses.”

  “I don’t mind. I never had champagne before tonight. It tickles.”

  She laughed as it fizzed up and dribbled down her chin. He wiped it away, tracing his finger over her mouth, almost groaning when her eyes closed. They were facing the sea and despite the shelter of the porch, the night breeze was salty and sharp. He took off his jacket and draped it round her shoulders, putting his arm around her as she curled up against him.

  “Cold?”

  “Not now.”

  She giggled and he realised she was a bit drunk. She wriggled against him, sliding her arms round his waist as he lay down with her along the swing. She lifted her face, eager for kisses. He was so horny he was clumsy with the tiny buttons of her dress.

  Her breasts were creamy against her tan. They spilled into his hands and he stroked her nipples, watching her face as she purred. Her eyes stayed closed as he found her plain cotton knickers, such a turn-on after the lace and tat of his usual partners. He slid them off, playing with her wetness, counting to ten as his free hand fumbled with his zip.

  The swing rocked as he sucked her nipple. She groaned, frowning, a palm clamped to her forehead. He pulled out his fingers.

  “Evie? Did I hurt you?”

  “Feel ill.”

  Then she threw up, violently, so it sp
lattered onto the ground right next to Joe’s feet. He jumped up out of the way, hitching up his pants as his erection flopped in the cool night air.

  She was sobbing, mascara streaming down her cheeks. Joe found himself hugging her, wiping her face, realising too late he was using her knickers as a cloth. He fastened her buttons and walked her round the garden until she’d recovered enough to face her grandmother. And he watched her go home still a virgin.

  ***

  Joe folded Heather’s spare duvet and made himself a strong tea, drinking it standing by the window. It was early, barely light. He hadn’t slept, tortured by memories of that other summer. The rain was still coming down in stair rods, battering the river into miniature waves, not far now from the walkway. If it kept on like this, it would flood.

  He was itching to get out of there. He couldn’t face having to explain himself again. But there was no sign of Lisa stirring and going into her room to wake her was the worst idea in the world.

  “What the fuck have you been up to now, man?”

  Steve, always an early riser, looked none the worse for his weekend binge. His former mate had turned into an all-round family man. Joe wanted to be irritated but realised he missed him. Missed the old days. He felt a bit choked, wary.

  “Heather still asleep?”

  “She’s not best pleased about you bringing the girl here. You know she thinks the world of Evie.”

  “There’s nothing going on with Lisa, whatever it looks like. I’m just helping her out. Give me a fucking break, mate. I’m trying.”

  “Maybe it’s a bit late to start trying now. Sometimes I wonder why you ever bothered to get married.”

  “What? You must remember what it was like?” Joe snapped. “I had women going at me from all directions. My four sisters. Her sister. Her scary mother. I didn’t even have anywhere to live, remember?”

  “She deserved better.”

  “Thanks, mate. But I figured that out for myself.”