Free Bastard by J. L. Perry

mower. Carter is doing it with a push one. I wish I could go over there and help, but I know he wouldn’t want me to. He’s too proud for that.
    ••••
    “Oh. My. God. His body is just as beautiful as his face. It should be a crime to be that hot,” Meg says. I turn my head to look at her. Her glasses are pulled low on her nose whilst she stares straight ahead.
    My head turns in that direction, following her line of sight. I almost swallow my tongue. Carter is heading our way, shirtless. His abs are so defined. He’s wearing black swimming trunks that sit low on his hips, revealing his delicious V. Damn that body. It’s even more delectable than I imagined. All I can say is, ‘ Thank God I’m wearing sunglasses’ . I’m pretty sure my eyes are bugging out of my head right now.
    “Hi, Carter,” Meg purrs from beside me.
    “Megan. Kid ,” he says with a nod when he reaches us. I wish he’d stop calling me that. Just because I’m short doesn’t make me a damn kid.
    Is that a tattoo across his ribs? It is. It says Trust . I don’t think I know any other seventeen year old that has a tatt. He’s so bad-arse. I don’t know why I find that hot, but I do. I like that he doesn’t conform to societies’ ways, unlike me. I’ve always been a goody-goody. Always done what people expect of me. I like that he’s an individual and doesn’t seem to care what people think of him.
    Meg and I are both laying on our stomachs. When I see his eyes travel the length of my body, I regret putting on this tiny revealing bikini. I feel so exposed. I swear I hear a groan come from him when his eyes land on my arse, but I’m not entirely sure.
    “What’s the water like?” he asks when his eyes make their way back to my face.
    “Nice,” Meg cuts in. “I’m sure it will reach boiling point once you get in though.”
    “Meg,” I screech. That girl has no shame.
    “Don’t tell me you didn’t think the same thing, kid ,” he smirks. God he frustrates me. He’s so full of himself. I choose to ignore his comment. Instead, I roll over onto my back and pull my sunhat over my face. I hear him chuckle as he walks past me. A few seconds later, I hear the splash when he dives into the lake.
    “He was totally checking out your arse and your tits when you rolled over. He wants you bad,” Meg chimes. I roll my eyes.
    “He does not,” I snap.
    “He so does. You should go for it. If you don’t, I might.”
    “Don’t you dare,” I say removing the hat from my face and looking over at her. “Besides, you have a boyfriend, remember?”
    “Derek’s starting to bore me. I think it’s time to find some fresh meat,” she admits with a sigh.
    “You’re such a hussy,” I laugh.
    “You should try it sometime,” she replies, winking at me.
    ••••
    My dad has one of his rare days off today, so tonight we’re going to have a barbeque on the back deck. I’m in the kitchen making a salad and potato bake to go with the meat. Dad’s in the shower cleaning up. He spent the afternoon working on Carter’s car again. He seems to be really enjoying it. Meg has gone home to get changed. She’ll be joining us as well.
    “Hey, Pumpkin,” my dad says when he walks back into the kitchen. “What can I do to help?”
    “It’s all pretty much organised. When Meg gets back you can heat up the grill. I’m just going to pop the potato bake in the oven now,” I reply.
    “I invited Carter as well. Hope that’s okay.” My mouth curves up into a smile. I love that my dad has taken to Carter. He needs a positive male role model in his life.
    “Sure. You like him don’t you?” I ask.
    “He’s a good kid.” I have to agree with him. I think underneath the front he puts on and all the smart arse remarks he makes, he is too. I think he’s just misunderstood.
    “Listen, there’s something I need to tell you. It’s about Carter,” I say turning to face my dad.
    “I’m all ears,” he says grabbing a beer from the