Page 39 of Loving Violet
But today… Today gave me hope.
Seeing her at the river, standing there in those shorts that showed off her lean, toned legs, and the top of her swimsuit barely peeking out from under her tank, it was like someone flipped a switch in me. She looked so effortlessly beautiful, like she wasn’t even trying, and yet she stole every ounce of my focus.
Then there was Adrian, eager and excited about fishing. I couldn’t resist stepping in to help him, even if I wasn’t sure how it would go. I thought he might brush me off or be shy, but the kid surprised me. He was sharp and funny, with a curiosity that reminded me of myself when I was younger. Apparently, he watched a ton of videos, and it paid off—he was pretty good. Spending time with him felt natural, easier than I expected, and I think he enjoyed it too.
But if I’m being honest, the highlight of my day wasn’t teaching Adrian how to fish.
It was Violet.
When she decided to head into the water, I had to act casual—her kid and my friends were right there—but on the inside? I was a goner. Watching her peel off her shorts and shirt nearly had me forgetting how to breathe. That one-piece suit she wore? It left nothing to the imagination. Every curve was a masterpiece, and when she walked past us toward the water, I couldn’t stop myself. My eyes were glued to her, catching the sway of her hips and that heart-shaped ass. It was all I could do not to groan out loud.
I knew the guys noticed me staring, but I didn’t care. What man in his right mind wouldn’t look at a woman like Violet? She’s breathtaking, pure and simple.
But then she got out of the water, and I swear time stopped.
The way the water clung to her, the droplets trailing down her skin, the way her swimsuit hugged her body—it was almost too much. Her nipples were hard, pressing against the fabric, and the sight had my brain short-circuiting. I wanted to look away, to not ogle her like some lovesick fool, but I couldn’t. I had to sit down and hide my erection. Violet makes my body react like no other.
I’ve been attracted to women before, sure. But this… This is something different. It’s not just about how beautiful she is, though God knows she is. There’s something about Violet that pulls me in, something deeper. She’s strong, independent, and yet there’s a vulnerability to her that makes me want to protect her, to be the man she and Adrian can count on.
She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s already got me.
“I just hope I didn’t overstep,” I say, glancing at Esteban and Noah. “I don’t want her to think I’m trying to push too hard.”
“No way,” Noah reassures me. “You were great with Adrian, and Violet saw that. She knows you’re serious about getting to know them both.”
“Yeah, man,” Esteban agrees. “You’re doing everything right. Just keep being yourself.”
I nod, taking their words to heart. The way Violet smiled at me today, the way Adrian looked up to me, it felt like I was on the right path. And now with our dinner plans set, I have another chance to show Violet that I’m here for her, that I’m different from what she’s known before.
“Violet’s a catch, man,” Noah says more seriously. “She’s got that strong, independent vibe, but she’s also kind and caring. I think she’s good for you.”
“Yeah, she is,” I admit. “And Adrian, he’s a great kid. Reminds me of myself at that age.”
“Look at you, getting all deep,” Esteban teases. “But seriously, Austin, it’s obvious that you like her a lot. Just take it slow.”
“I will,” I nod, appreciating their support despite the teasing. “I just want to be there for her and Adrian. She deserves someone who treats her right.”
“Exactly,” Noah agrees. “And about Josy, I don’t know why she’s got this thing against me, but it’s weird having her be so distant.”
“Yeah. I noticed that she was acting weird around you.”
“What did you do to her?” I ask Noah.
“I didn’t do anything. We were friends up until she went to college. After she graduated and came back, she didn’t call or text. I saw her in town, but she avoids me all the time. I’ve even seen her hide from me.”
“What? For real?” Esteban asks.
“Yes. Since she started acting that way, I’ve stayed away from her. I don’t want to upset her. That’s why I haven’t ever been to her coffee shop.”
“Oh, so that’s why I am always the one to go and pick up our order?” Esteban says, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep.”
“Maybe you should talk to her,” I suggest. “Clear the air.”
Noah sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure what to say. It’s been so long, and I don’t even know what I did wrong.”
“Maybe it’s something she needs to get off her chest,” Esteban adds. “You’ll never know unless you ask.”
