An Agreement (Summer in New York Book 3) Read online

  “Could you help me with the coolers?” Josh asked.

  “Sure.” I followed him inside the mansion. The moment I stepped foot in the place, feminine voices were bouncing off the walls. Josh led me into the kitchen, where I saw Savannah and Claire. There was a tall blonde I didn’t recognize. She looked a lot like Claire.

  “Carter,” Claire said. “This is my sister, Amy.”

  “Oh, hi.” I shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you. You have a lot in common with my husband.”

  I nodded with a smile. She looked down at Savannah, who was tugging at her skirt.

  “I’ll have to introduce you.” She picked Savannah up. “He’s around here somewhere.”

  I smiled with a nod, unable to find the right words.

  “These need ice,” Josh said, showing me two coolers. One had bottles of beer. The other was nothing but juice boxes and bottled water. Together, we filled them up with ice cubes from the freezer.

  I wanted to talk to Josh, really I did. But I didn’t know what to say. These people were strangers to me. And while I wasn’t an introvert, I couldn’t just say anything to them. They were Bailey’s family. So I kept overanalyzing everything to the point where I never said anything at all.

  “Thanks for helping me with these. I’m really just trying to get out of the house.”

  I nodded as we walked back inside. “So are you in college?”

  “Yeah. Penn State. But I’m here for the summer.”

  “Doesn’t Bailey have another brother?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Parker.” He stopped beside me. “But don’t get too excited. I’m the nice one.”

  He went upstairs, which left me to loiter in the foyer alone. I saw Bailey at the banister, being dragged behind Penny who was talking a million miles a minute. I’m sorry, she mouthed. I waved up at her, knowing she was only trying to help her sister. If I hadn’t known before, it was clear to me now that her family was crazy about her.

  With nothing to do, I walked down the hall and admired all the paintings on the wall. There were some family photos as well. I looked closely at all the ones with Bailey when she was a little girl. She was so darn cute in a little pink tutu and ballet slippers. I wondered if our children would look like that.

  “That’s because it’s not your decision!”

  I turned at the sound of a man shouting. All of the doors in the hallway were closed. It kind of felt like a hotel. And I was only on the first floor. I heard a second man and realized I’d encountered an argument.

  I kept walking as the voices got louder. I hadn’t intended to eavesdrop. But they were yelling about business or something. I couldn’t make out most of it. It was muffled unless they were shouting.

  Halfway down the hall, I peeked through a crack in a pair of doors. There was a man with dark hair, probably Ben. And he was looking out the window. His back was turned to me.

  “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.”

  I whipped around to find a stranger staring at me. He had a big grin on his face.

  “They’ve been at it all morning,” he said. “You know how it is with your father. Man to man.”

  “Yeah.” I looked down at his cowboy boots.

  He was tall and broad shouldered, well over six feet. His hair fell just above his shoulders, shaggy and a mix between light brown and dark blonde. I wouldn’t want to get into a fight with him, I’ll tell you that.

  “Austin,” He stuck his giant hand out. “And you must be Carter.”

  “Yeah. Wait, you’re Bailey’s uncle. The one who owns Geraldo’s?”

  “Yeah, that’s right.” He led me down the hall. “You run a restaurant yourself. Or so my wife tells me.”

  We walked into the living room, but everyone was gone. Even Josh had disappeared.

  “Let’s go outside,” he suggested. “I don’t know how much longer they’ll be.”

  We went out by the pool and talked. He was very intelligent and great with business. Plus, he’d moved to New York at the same age I had. I thought about how important it would be to have someone like him mentoring me. But I wasn’t about to ask for any favors.

  “Have you thought about expanding?” he asked.

  “Well, things are going so well right now.”

  “You should leverage that for more locations. A second to start with. I know some investors who—”

  “I’m not ready for that right now,” I said. I felt bad for interrupting him. There was also the fact that he was about six foot three and looked like Tarzan. He could kick my ass if he wanted.

  “That’s okay.” He looked over my shoulder. “You’ll get your courage up one day.”

  “Daddy, daddy!” Savannah ran and jumped into his arms.

  “There’s my little girl. Have you met Carter?”

  “Yeah.” She nodded, not as shy as last time. “Mommy wants you.”

  “Okay.” He put Savannah down and she jerked him by the arm. “Nice meeting you.”

  “Yeah, you too.” I waved and watched them head inside. Bailey came out and gave Austin a hug. But Savannah kept pulling on his hand until he went in the house with her.

  “Hey.” She gave me a kiss. “I’m sorry about all that. I didn’t mean to abandon you.”

  “It’s okay.” I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’ve been talkin’ to your uncle.”

  “Isn’t he the best?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I like him. He’s really down to earth. A little intimidating though.”

  “What? Uncle Austin?”

  “He looks like Tarzan.”

  She shook her head and curled her arms around my neck. “He’s a teddy bear, I promise.”

  I saw her bathing suit peeking out underneath her sundress. “When do I get to see this?” I pushed the sleeve down on her dress and kissed her shoulder.

  “Carter,” she giggled. “Wait until we get to the beach.”

  “Hey!” someone shouted.

  Bailey turned around in my arms. “Parker.”

  “Everyone is waiting. Let’s go.”

  Bailey swallowed. “You didn’t get a chance to meet—”

  “Hi.” Parker went back inside and slammed the door. It made Bailey flinch.

  “Forget what I said about your uncle,” I said. “Tarzan is actually a bad ass.”

  “I’m sorry about him. He got into this huge fight with Daddy.”

  “About what?” I asked.

  “He hasn’t told me yet.”

  “Does everyone get into a huge fight with your father?”

  She glared at me.

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I just want to make sure your brother doesn’t come knocking on our door next.”

  “Our door?” she beamed.

  “Yeah.” I cupped her cheek. “One day. Maybe. If you like.”

  She blushed and grabbed my hand. “All right. Come on, Louisiana.”

  “Are you makin’ fun of the fact that I’m not from around here?”

  “No.” She leaned up on her tippy toes. “That’s one of the things I love about you.”

  We went through the house and met everyone outside. Ben offered to let me leave my car in the garage, which I appreciated. But I could tell he was in a bad mood. Kind of like he’d been on the day we met. If I could ever encounter him when he wasn’t in a stand-off with one of his kids, it would be great.

  Austin and Amy left with Savannah, while I wondered who we would be stuck riding with. I saw Ben help Claire into his sports car and then they took off. No one had said any goodbyes, but we would all be together in a few hours. I thought about asking Bailey if we could drive over by ourselves, but she had already promised to carpool with Penny. And her dad didn’t want all these extra cars at the beach house, where it would already be crowded with weekenders from the city.

  “Josh, no!” Penny chased her brother around the Jeep. “Give me back my keys!”

  Josh dangled them overhead and danced arou
nd her, acting like a typical big brother.

  Parker stormed out of the house and tossed his bag in the trunk. Bailey put her hand on his arm and pulled him to the side. I stood by the fountain while they talked in private. He kept his voice down, spilling his guts to Bailey. I could tell they were close. He was the spitting image of their father.

  “Bailey!” Penny yelled. “Josh won’t give me my keys back!”

  “That’s because I’m driving,” Josh said.

  “No, you’re not! It’s my car!” Penny shouted.

  “Josh,” Parker growled. “I’m not in the mood.”

  Josh’s face fell flat. Even though he’d just been laughing.

  “Josh, just give ‘em back,” Bailey said.

  He tossed the keys to Penny and she jumped for joy, climbing in the driver’s seat. But then Josh opened the door to the passenger’s side. And all of Penny’s excitement went right out the window.

  “No, Bailey is sitting there,” Penny said.

  “Doesn’t look like it to me.” Josh put his seatbelt on and shot her a devilish grin.

  “Bailey!” she whined. “Please don’t make me sit up here with him the whole way there.”

  “I was planning on sitting in the backseat with Carter.” Bailey opened the door behind Penny and slid inside. I took the seat beside her and shut the door. Parker was about to get in on the other side.

  Josh turned on the radio and started beatboxing. It was a clear ploy to aggravate his sister.

  I’d been guilty of the same behavior with Beth. It’s just a big brother thing.

  “Will someone please switch with him?” Penny begged. “He’s going to drive me crazy!”

  Parker got in and slammed the door. “Shut up!” He leaned between the front seats. “You’re spoiled little brats—both of you! If you can’t get along, then I’ll leave both of you here and we’ll go by ourselves. Got it?”

  No one said anything. And Josh turned off the radio.

  “You have no idea what it’s like in the real world,” Parker said. “Bailey is busting her ass to earn a living and so am I. All the two of you know how to do is either party or go to the mall.”

  Bailey took my hand and leaned her body into mine.

  “So why don’t you be a little more considerate to the rest of us and grow the hell up?” Parker seethed.

  You could hear a pin drop. Josh sat in silence, and Penny put the car in drive.

  A few minutes down the road, Penny started to cry. Josh reached over the console and put his arm around her. Her shoulders shook as she pulled the car onto the shoulder and Josh hugged her.

  “Penny,” Parker said. “I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.”

  But she kept on crying. I felt sorry for the poor girl. She must have been humiliated.

  Parker got out of the car and walked around to the front. He opened the driver’s door and gave Penny a tight hug. “I’m sorry.” He rubbed her back. “I’m so sorry. I’m a terrible brother.”

  “I’ve been so excited to see you,” Penny said. “You’ve been working so hard with Daddy.”

  “I know.” He touched her hair. “But that’s no excuse.”

  “I’m sorry I was acting like a brat. The truth is, I want to be just like you.”

  Bailey had mentioned that Parker and Penny were the only kids who had ever expressed an interest in attending Harvard. Parker was a recent graduate. And Penny would start in the fall.

  “Why?” he chuckled. “I’m a mess.”

  She laughed and he kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry, Penny. Really, I am.”

  “It’s okay.” She grinned, happy to be back in her brother’s good graces.

  “Josh, why don’t you sit in the back?” Parker suggested.

  “No, it’s okay.” Penny told Josh. “You don’t have to.”

  “I’d like to sit up front with you,” Parker said. “If that’s all right.”

  Penny grinned ear to ear. And Josh climbed into the back beside Bailey.

  Parker got in the passenger’s seat and shut the door. Then Penny got back on the main highway, headed for the interstate.

  Bailey looked at me and mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.”

  Parker caught the exchange in the rearview mirror. “I guess I’m no good at first impressions.” He took his sunglasses off and turned around, holding his hand out to me. “Parker Lewis. It’s nice to meet you.”

  I shook his hand. “Carter Boudreaux.”

  “Boudreaux. Is that French?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Where are you from?”

  “Louisiana,” I said. Bailey put her head on my shoulder, shielding me.

  “Which part?”

  “Baton Rouge.”

  He nodded. “Nice.” Then he looked at Bailey. “Hey, big sis.”

  She smirked and made eye contact with him. “Hey, little brother.”

  “I’m sorry, Josh.” Parker looked at him. “I didn’t mean any of that.”

  “Sure, you didn’t,” Josh said. “I know what you think of me. You’re the golden child. Just like Bailey.”

  Bailey looked down and Penny kept her eyes on the road.

  “That’s not true,” Parker said. “Look, this had nothing to do with you. I’m just pissed because—”

  “You think I’m a loser,” Josh interrupted. “But I’m going to be somebody one day. I’ll prove it to you.”

  “I really am sorry,” Parker said. “I was out of line.”

  Josh nodded and gazed out the window. Parker looked at Bailey before he turned around in his seat. I took a breath and Bailey squeezed my hand. So far, this family vacation was getting off to a rocky start. It wasn’t a great forecast for the weekend ahead.

  “Why don’t we listen to some music?” Bailey suggested.

  And just like that, they were thick as thieves again. We listened to everything from Katy Perry to the Beach Boys. Bailey put her arm around Josh, trying to cheer him up. He put a smile on his face, but I knew what Parker said was still bothering him. Truth be told, it would probably always bother him.

  When we made it to the beach house, I got out of the car and held the door open for Bailey. I’d never been to the Hamptons before, and the weather was pretty awesome. We went inside to change clothes and Savannah leapt into Bailey’s arms. I talked to Austin while we unpacked the coolers. Then we helped Josh and Parker unload what was left in the Jeep. I kept my eye on Bailey the whole time, watching her play with Savannah. She was going to be a great mother one day.

  “Do you know where you’re staying?” Austin asked.

  “Not really.”

  “Probably upstairs,” he assumed. “Want me to show you?”

  “That’s okay,” Bailey appeared. “I’ve got it.”

  “All right.” He patted her shoulder. “Hollar if you need anything.”

  “We will.” Bailey grabbed my hand and led me up the staircase. There were three bedrooms. She led me into one on the right. There was a queen size bed and a sweeping view of the ocean. “What do you think?” she asked.

  “It’s perfect.” I set our bags down and stood by the window.

  She wrapped her arms around me and put her head on my chest. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

  I kissed her hair, holding her close. “Me too.”

  “Sorry about all that fuss in the car. Parker’s girlfriend was supposed to come, but they just broke up.”

  “Oh.” That explained a lot.

  “Yeah. I had no idea. I just found out this morning.”

  There was a knock on the door as Claire came in the room.

  “Hey, Mom,” Bailey said. “What’s up?”

  “I just found out Mom and Todd are coming.”

  “Oh...” Bailey looked disappointed.

  “I know you’re already settled in, but—”

  “It’s okay,” Bailey said. “I’ll just have to room with the girls.”

  Claire turned to me. “Carter, there is a pull-out couch downstairs that y
ou’re welcome to unless you want to share a room with Parker and Josh.”

  “Umm...” I slid my hands in my pockets.

  “Stay with us.” Josh appeared in the hall. “Please. Or I just might kill him.”

  “He’s kidding,” Claire said. “I think.”

  I turned to Bailey. “I can just stay with your brothers. It’s no problem.”

  “Really?” She kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry. My grandmother can be...”

  “Difficult,” Claire said, forcing a smile. “I’ll leave you to it.”

  I ran my fingers through my hair and put Bailey’s stuff in the room with Penny and Savannah. Then I grabbed my suitcase and walked into the room next door. Josh was lounging on one of the beds, texting. He’d already changed into his bathing suit.

  “You can have the bed by the window,” he said without looking up from his phone.

  “Where’s Parker?” I asked.

  “Who knows?”

  “Where is he going to sleep?” I asked.

  “On the floor, for all I care.” Josh walked out and went downstairs, while I unpacked.

  I looked out the window. Austin and Amy were already on the beach. I saw Penny chasing Savannah into the water and laughed. Josh ran up behind them and lifted Savannah into his arms as she squealed. I chuckled with a smile. Despite the noticeable tension, they seemed like a loving family.

  “Psst...”

  I whipped my head around and saw Bailey standing in the doorway. She was wearing a purple bikini that took my breath away. I looked her up and down and she grinned, enjoying the effect she had on me.

  “Hi.” I waved as she came towards me. “You look...”

  She blushed and looked away, like she wasn’t used to men telling her how beautiful she was.

  “I’m sorry we got kicked out of our room.” She stroked my arm, gazing up at me.

  “It’s okay.” I looked into her eyes. “It’s just for the weekend.” I kissed her cheek.

  “Yes.”

  “And I don’t see anybody around right now.” I grabbed her waist and pulled her into me.

  She giggled and curled her arms around my neck. When I put my mouth on hers, she whimpered and gasped, tugging at my shirtsleeve. I ran my fingers down her back, loving the feel of her naked skin.