Summer of Dreams Read online

  “Stewart is just immature.” He also is an idiot.

  “Aren’t they all?”

  Both women laughed. “He’s harmless and he likes you. I told him to become your friend.”

  “Riley,” Shelby scolded. “Why would you do that to me? He’ll never leave me alone now.” She shook her head in disappointment.

  “I’m sorry. I thought that would be better than Stewart asking you out every day. He can be a lot of fun.”

  “I would like to go out on a kayak, but I don’t want to lead him on.”

  “I could take you,” Riley said quickly. “We can even fish when we’re out there,” she paused knowing she sounded like an excited schoolgirl, “I mean if you like to fish.”

  “I do and I would love to.” Shelby suddenly felt the excitement of going out onto the bay.

  “Really?” Riley asked surprised.

  “Yes, Riley. When can we go?” Shelby’s excitement was building.

  “How about this evening?”

  “Great.”

  “Meet me over there at six,” she said pointing to where she kept her kayak.

  At that moment, Stewart appeared in front of them. “Hi, Riley.”

  “Hey, Stu. Did you do any fishing while you were out there?”

  “Not today. I offered to take Shelby out with me, but she turned me down.”

  “Maybe another time.” Shelby offered quietly and then watched Stewart’s face light up.

  “Then I will ask you again real soon,” he said before walking away.

  Shelby now saw Riley looking at her with a strange look. “Don’t look at me like that. He looked so disappointed,” she shrugged. “I had to say that.”

  Riley laughed. “I didn’t say a word.”

  CHAPTER 8

  Shelby arrived at the water’s edge at six and watched as Riley pulled the kayak near the edge of the water. She loaded the kayak with the poles and fishing equipment. Shelby now took notice of what Riley was wearing. She felt a blush touch her face as she saw the short tan shorts and red tank top. It was obvious even from a distance that Riley wasn’t wearing a bra. Her tongue automatically came out and licked her lips. Holly hell.

  Riley looked up and watched Shelby approach. Her hand came up in a wave as she took notice of the bikini top she was wearing. An open tan shirt was worn over the top and Shelby’s boy shorts completed the outfit. “Hey,” she said as Shelby reached her.

  “Hi. We all ready?” Shelby asked, trying not to stare at Riley’s chest. Her breasts were smaller than her own, but her nipples were straining against the soft material.

  Riley reached into the kayak and handed a life jacket to her. “This should fit you.” She watched as Shelby removed her overshirt and put on the vest. Damn, I wish she didn’t have to cover up those beautiful breasts. Riley now put her own life jacket on. Don’t start drooling. She doesn’t have any interest in you. Shelby’s question brought her out of her daydreaming.

  “Do I get in yet?” Shelby asked wearing a wide smile.

  “Let me just get the nose in the water first and then you can get in.” Riley pushed the kayak closer to the water and then held it so Shelby could climb in. Shelby now picked up the paddle. Riley pushed the boat fully into the water and climbed in without turning the kayak over. “Ready to paddle?”

  “Just let me know what to do,” Shelby said holding the paddle just above the water.

  “Start paddling.” They both easily moved the kayak out into the deeper water. “How do your arms feel? Are they burning yet?”

  “No,” Shelby said laughing. “This is so much fun.”

  They continued to paddle until Riley led them to her favorite fishing spot. “Okay. You can stop paddling.”

  Shelby lowered the paddle onto the floor of the small boat and waited while Riley baited their hooks. She was now handing her the rod. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks,” Shelby answered, taking the rod and casting out onto the water.

  “You have done this before,” she said with a chuckle. Riley now cast out to the right of the boat. Shelby was leaning back in her small seat. Riley couldn’t see her face, but she could picture the smile on her face as if she was able to see it herself. It wasn’t long before Shelby got a nibble.

  “I got one,” she said as she began to reel the line back. “Do you have a net?” she asked glancing over her shoulder.

  “Bring your line over to the left side,” Riley said as she put the net into the water and brought Shelby’s catch onto the kayak. “Nice size,” she said holding it up so Shelby could see her catch.

  “This is so much fun,” she said again and baited her own hook and quickly got it back into the water. “I could do this every day and not get bored at all.” Her voice showed just how much she meant what she said.

  “I’m sure Stu will bring you out any time you want,” Riley said with a snort.

  Shelby pulled up her sunglasses and turned in her seat giving Riley the evil eye. “Keep that up and I won’t invite you for dinner tomorrow night to enjoy the fish I’m going to catch.”

  “Oh, so you think you will be the only one to catch any fish?” As the words left her mouth, Shelby had another fish on her line.

  “Looks that way,” she answered as she began to reel in her catch.

  By the time they made it back to the marina, Shelby had caught three of their four fish. “So how are you going to prepare these fish?” Riley asked as she pulled the kayak back onto land.

  “I am going to pan fry them with the most wonderful tasting sauce. It will make your tongue beg for more.” Shelby began to unzip her life jacket.

  “So am I invited?” Riley asked now taking off her life jacket.

  Shelby watched Riley’s nipples come into view again. “Since you didn’t piss me off too much while we were out there, I think that can be arranged.” She watched as Riley picked up the bag that held the fish. “Do you want me to clean these?”

  Shelby picked up her shirt and put it back on. “Thanks. Bring them to my boat when you’re done so I can marinate them.”

  “Okay. See you in a little while.” Riley now walked over to the fish station and began to get the fish prepared for the meal she knew she would love.

  Riley walked toward the slip that held Shelby’s boat. She climbed on board and knocked on the closed door. Shelby waved her inside. “They’re all ready for your magic.” She saw that Shelby had changed out of the clothes she wore fishing and now wore a white t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

  “Thanks,” Shelby said taking the fish from Riley’s hands and dropped the fillets into a plastic bag that held some sort of liquid. “Is there anything you don’t like?” she asked turning to Riley.

  “So far, I haven’t found anything that I won’t eat,” she answered and then saw a blush forming on Shelby’s cheeks. I love when she blushes. “Although, I am not a fan of creamed spinach.”

  Shelby snapped her fingers. “That’s what our side was going to be.” She began to laugh when she saw the look on Riley’s face. Her hand came out and rested on Riley’s crossed arms. “I’m only teasing, Riley.”

  “So what are you going to make?”

  “You will just have to wait and see.” She turned to the coffeemaker that just announced the coffee was ready. “Would you like a cup?”

  “Please,” Riley said moving closer to the short woman.

  “Have a seat, Riley. I’ve got some pie left. Can I interest you in a slice?”

  “You don’t even have to ask, Shelby. I told you, I love your pie.” Riley watched her face knowing a blush would soon replace her creamy complexion. She was happy that Shelby couldn’t see the grin on her face as she poured the coffee and cut them both a slice of pie.

  *

  Riley walked into the office late morning and greeted her mother. “So did Shelby like going out on the kayak?” Ava asked without looking up from her paperwork.

  “She did.” Riley watched as her mother looked over at her. “She caught thre
e nice fish. I only caught one.”

  “I’m glad that the two of you have become friends,” Ava said smiling.

  “Yeah. She’s not so bad when you get to know her. She’s making me dinner tonight with our catch,” Riley said licking her lips.

  “I guess I’ll go over to the restaurant tonight and grab a meal.” The phone rang and Ava answered the call.

  Riley now opened her email and began to read to see if there was anything important. Her eyes opened wide when she saw she had an email from Kristen. Hi, Riley. Just wanted to let you know that I managed to get a great offer from a New York firm. I enjoyed the time we spent together and I hope to see you again next year if I can get the time off. Love, Kristen. Riley read the email a second time.

  “What’s wrong, Riley?” her mother asked, seeing the look on her face.

  “Kristen got a job in New York.”

  “Her parents are going to be so disappointed, but I’m happy for her,” Ava admitted freely.

  “She said she’ll see me next summer,” she said staring at the screen.

  “That girl just loves to string you along. As if you are just going to sit around waiting for her to come spend a few days here and there,” Ava said showing her anger.

  Riley chuckled. “It’s not like I’ve got a lot of other prospects, Mom.”

  “Who knows, Riley? By next year you might be happily coupled.” Riley’s answer was to laugh. “You never know.”

  Riley got up from her seat. “Okay, Mom. Whatever you say. I’m going to check and see if Pete has any bills for you.” She laughed all the way out the door. Happily coupled. Like with whom? A very beautiful Shelby popped into her head. Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen.

  *

  Shelby was putting the final touches on dinner as she awaited Riley’s arrival. It was too warm outside to eat dinner and she didn’t want any of the boats on either side to see her having dinner with Riley. The last thing she needed was to be the topic of gossip in this little boat community. A knock on the door turned her head and she waved Riley inside. “Hi.”

  “Hey,” Riley answered

  “I hope you don’t mind eating inside?”

  “Not at all. It’s kind of hot out there.” Riley now noticed the table in the galley set with real plates and silverware. Shelby had even used cloth napkins and a small vase sat in the middle with some wildflowers. “The table looks nice.”

  “Thanks. Would you like a glass of wine?” Shelby asked picking up the bottle of wine.

  “Sure.”

  The food was as good as the conversation. Riley sat back and held her stomach when the meal was finished. The smile on her face showed just how much she had enjoyed herself. Was it just a month ago that she thought Shelby was someone she would never want to spend any time alone with?

  Shelby picked up their plates and put them in the sink. “Would you like to watch a movie?”

  “I would love to, but I’ve got a full day tomorrow.” She stood up. “Can I help you clean up the dishes?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it.” Shelby leaned against the kitchen counter. “I was going to make fish cakes with the leftover fish tomorrow. Would you like to come back for dinner?” she asked, not meeting the dark green eyes that she knew were looking at her.

  “I think I owe you dinner. How about I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?”

  “Where?”

  “We can eat here or somewhere else,” she said with a shrug.

  “I know just the place,” Shelby said moving forward. “Meet me in the parking lot at seven.”

  “Okay.” She walked toward the doors. “I had a good time, Shelby. The food and conversation were great.”

  “You’re easy to talk to,” Shelby said so quietly.

  They stood awkwardly at the door before Riley reached out for the handle and slid the door open. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Good night, Riley.”

  “Good night,” Riley said with a wave before she jumped onto the dock.

  CHAPTER NINE

  “How was your dinner with Shelby last night?” Ava asked as she poured them each a cup of coffee.

  “Good. I have to ask Shelby to write down the recipe for the way she made the fish.” Riley picked up her spoon and dug into her cereal.

  “What do you want for dinner tonight?” Ava took her seat next to Riley.

  “Uh, I’m having dinner with Shelby again tonight,” she answered, not looking at her mother.

  “She’s cooking for you again?” Ava asked surprised that her daughter was spending so much time with the woman she said she couldn’t stand.

  “No. We’re going out to eat.” Riley carried her bowl to the sink and rinsed it before putting it into the dishwasher.

  “So you two have become good friends or is it more than that?” Ava asked standing next to Riley.

  “Just friends, Mom. You know she’s straight.” Riley walked toward the door. “I’m going to check in with Pete,” she said before disappearing out the door and away from her mother. Yes, she and Shelby had become friends, but every time she was near Shelby it felt like more. Riley knew it was just her body reacting to a beautiful woman with a fantastic body, but somehow it felt like more. Maybe having dinner with Shelby wasn’t such a good idea. She stopped walking and wondered if she should cancel tonight. Before she could decide, she was standing in front of Pete, the boat mechanic. “Hey, Pete.”

  “Morning, Riley.”

  “How is it going?”

  “Good. I only have two bills for your mother.” He handed her the paperwork.

  “Anything you need, Pete. I’m going to place an order this morning for the things you asked for.”

  “I’m all set. Thanks, Riley.”

  “See you.” She walked slowly toward the office. Riley wasn’t anxious to meet her mother and have her grill her again, but she walked into the office and found it empty.

  “Good morning, Shelby,” Ava called out as she walked past the laundry area.

  “Morning, Ava. It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” Shelby asked sitting on a bench waiting for the washing machine to complete its cycle.

  “It is,” Ava answered taking a seat on the bench next to her. “Riley loved what you did with the fish. If you wouldn’t mind, would you write the recipe down for me?”

  “Of course. I’m glad Riley enjoyed it,” Shelby said looking off into the distance. She sensed Ava had something to ask her, but she was hesitant.

  “I’m glad you and Riley have become friends. She could use someone in her life that won’t take advantage of her. She’s had enough of those.” Ava was being vague, but at the same time attempting to get her point across.

  “I don’t intend on taking advantage of Riley,” Shelby answered being just as vague as Ava. “We’re friends, Ava and that’s all.”

  “Have you heard from your ex?” Ava asked reminding Shelby that she was straight.

  “No. Hopefully, he’s forgotten all about me. Finally.”

  “You know Stewart is interested in you?”

  “I know, but I am not interested in him.”

  “Why?” Ava asked not caring that she had no right to ask that question.

  “Been there, done that with his type before,” Shelby answered and Ava nodded. Shelby turned on the bench and faced Ava. “Ava, why don’t you ask me what you’ve been alluding to?”

  “I don’t want to see Riley get hurt. There have been women over the years who for lack of a better word, took her for a spin. They weren’t gay and had no intention of staying with Riley. They just wanted to see what lesbian sex was all about.”

  “And you’re afraid that I’m one of them?” Shelby asked trying to keep her voice steady.

  “I’m sorry, Shelby. It’s none of my business.” Ava stood up.

  Shelby reached out and took Ava’s arm. “Ava, I have no intention of doing that to Riley. I think she is a terrific person and I wouldn’t use her like that.”<
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  Ava nodded. “Riley would kill me if she knew I was having this conversation with you.”

  “I know, Ava. You are just looking out for her best interest,” Shelby smiled. “I won’t hurt her, Ava. You have my word.”

  “Thank you, Shelby,” Ava said before walking away.

  “Where were you, Mom?” Riley asked when Ava walked into the office.

  “Just talking with some of the guests.” She took her seat at her desk.

  “I ordered the things Pete needed and I’m going to order the stuff we need for around here.” She stood up to get the list from her mother. “Oh, I got a call about someone bringing in their boat for the rest of summer.” Riley handed the information to her mother to enter into the computer. “I told them they could have slip twelve.”

  “What time are they getting here?” Ava asked taking the information from Riley.

  “Around two.” Riley sat back down at her desk and began placing her next order.

  Ava looked at the names on the paper. “How old are these people?” she asked looking at the names of apparently a husband, wife and maybe a daughter.

  Riley chuckled. “I don’t know Mom, I didn’t ask them.” She looked up from the computer. “Don’t put that matchmaker hat on and think you can set me up with Sandra or Pam.”

  “No matchmaking,” Ava said entering the information for the new guests.

  “Good. If I am meant to meet someone, it will happen.” Riley finished her ordering and got up. “I’m going to take a walk through to see if anything needs repairs.”

  “See you later, Riley.” Ava watched her daughter leave the office and sat back thinking about her conversation with Shelby. She only hoped that Shelby would keep their conversation between themselves. Ava didn’t need to have Riley angry at her for interfering in her life.

  *

  At two o’clock, Riley walked over to slip twelve and watched the new boat back into the berth. She tied off their lines and waited for them to step off the boat. “Hello. I’m Riley Anderson. We spoke on the phone this morning.”