Sweet Southern Summer (The Georgia Peaches Book 3) by Colbie Kay, Chianti Summers (18)

While standing at the bottom of my parent's steps, waiting for them to say something, I can see the Colorado sky. It’s started its change, becoming beautifully pink, yellow, and orange. I forgot how much I loved the sight of the sun setting here. "Mom, Dad," I address them.

They gaze down at me for a moment until it seems to click that I'm really here. "Zac?" My mom gasps, covering her mouth with her hands as tears pool in her eyes.

My dad runs down the stairs and pulls me into a tight hug. "Oh, Zacky!" His voice is uneven and shaky…as are the pats he’s giving me on my back.

Reaching around his waist, I hold him just as tightly, and my eyes close, relishing this feeling of being home and with my parents. I've missed them so much. "Dad."

Another set of arms wrap around the both of us, and I know the familiar embrace belongs to my mom. Cayden sniffles behind us.

Breaking the hug, I step back. "I want to introduce you to my girlfriend, Cayden." I take her hand in mine, entwining our fingers.

"It's nice to meet you both." Cayden gives them her megawatt smile.

"It's nice to meet you too, Cayden," My dad speaks softly as he shakes her hand.

My mom doesn't say anything though. She simply pulls Cayden into an embrace. What can I say? My family is full of huggers. "Let's go inside." Mom starts climbing up the steps and peeks at us over her shoulder. "You're right on time. Dinner's done. We can eat while you explain why you vanished without a word."

I had hoped it wouldn't be brought up, but I knew this conversation was inevitable. It is time to face the music.

Once we’re sitting at the dining room table, we each take portions of mashed potatoes, green beans, and Mom's delicious chicken and noodles. Man, I've missed her cooking. Cynthia, Cayden's mom, reminds me a lot of mine.

Mom folds her hands together, resting them on the table. "We searched for you for months. We called the police, and they wouldn't help because you were over eighteen. Do you have any idea what you put me and your father through when you disappeared like that?" Tears well in her eyes. "For all we knew, our only child could have been dead!" She covers her mouth with her hand, a deep sob escaping.

"Mom—" I start, but she holds up her hand to stop me.

"I'm not finished. Do you know how we found out that you were okay? Your friends told us your Facebook updated to show you were in Georgia. Georgia, Zac! The least you could have done was to call and let us know you were alive." Disappointment rages in her eyes and my gut twists hearing what I put them through.

I was a selfish asshole for not considering them or their feelings when I ran. I didn’t think of anyone except myself during my hasty departure. "I'm sorry." My head drops to my chest. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea."

I begin to stand, but my father grabs my elbow. "Sit, Zacky."

With a heavy sigh, I do as I’m told. "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad." I drag my gaze from one to the other. "After the accident, Maddie's parents blamed me, and I thought everyone else would too. No one would tell me anything about her condition. I've held onto so much guilt since that night that I haven’t been able to move on or let it go…until now." I take Cayden's hand in mine under the table. "Because of Cayden. I came back to make amends. Will you forgive me?"

My dad speaks up, "You're our son, and we will always welcome you with open arms. We've never stopped loving you.” His head dips for a moment before his eyes meet mine. “Everyone knows it was an accident, Zac. None of the kids in that car should have been driving. I think Maddie's parents needed someone to blame at the time, and you were the closest to Maddie.” His gaze drifts to Cayden. “Thank you, Cayden, for bringing our son home.”

“You’re welcome.” She gives him a small smile. “I think Zac needed this. He needs closure for that night. It’s been hard on him too, but hopefully some good will come out of this for everyone involved.”

Nodding, he asks, “How long are you in town?"

I chime in, "Only until tomorrow. We need to head back to college in a few weeks, but I wanted to see Maddie’s parents before we leave."

My parents look at each other before my mom's eyes move to me, and she gives me a sympathetic smile. "I think that’s a good idea. Watching you pull up, having you home, was a huge surprise, but we’re happy you came. As your father said, you are always welcome, Zac. We love you so much. No matter what, that will never change.”

I gaze at both of them. “I love you too.” I begin to feel as if one of my burdens is lifting.

“Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?” My dad questions.

Shaking my head, I respond, “No, we came here first before we got a room at the motel.”

“You can stay here in your old room. It's exactly how you left it,” Mom announces, leaving no room for debate. “How is college going? What did you end up majoring in?"

"It's been good. Sometimes the classes are hard, but overall, I'm keeping my grades up. My major is physical education, but I'm on the baseball team and am waiting for the MLB to call me up after this semester. I plan on entering the draft."

My dad pats my back. "Ever since you were little, it was always either baseball or teaching, and I’m happy you are following all of your dreams, Zacky. We're so proud of you."

"Thanks." The strangest feeling takes hold in my chest. It's like a hole is being filled–like this is a piece I've been missing…and I guess it is. I smile. Maybe there's hope for me after all.

My dad shifts his attention to Cayden. "So, what are you studying, Cayden?"

"I'm going to be a veterinarian, sir. I'm still in my freshman year, but I've always wanted to work with animals."

My mom interjects, "I bet your mom and dad are very proud of you, Cayden."

Cayden clears her throat. "Thank you, but it’s just my mom and sisters."

Mom puts her hand on her chest. "I’m sorry, Cayden. Your mom and sisters must be very proud.”

Cayden waves her hand. “It’s okay. Our father left when we were little, but that’s a long story.” She laughs uncomfortably. “The four of us are very close, and I’d like to think they are proud, ma’am.”

Mom shakes her head. “Please, ma'am was my mother. Call me Carrie, and Zac's dad is Warren. I can't believe we didn't tell you our names earlier."

Cayden grins. "Oh, it's no problem. We showed up unexpectedly. I'm sure it was a little overwhelming at first."

"It was.” My father stares at me. “Zac, promise me that you’ll stay in touch from now on and visit more. Please don't make your mother and I worry."

Mom, hearing my father’s words, beams with her first real smile since we showed up.

I match her grin. "I promise."

We finish dinner, and Cayden helps my mom clean up while I talk baseball with my dad. It’s one subject we have always been able to discuss for hours and not get bored with it.

Before Cayden and my mom join us, my dad changes the subject, "What made you decide on Georgia when you left?"

I crack my neck, tilting my head from side to side before I meet his eyes. "I didn't tell anyone I had a free ride to the University of Georgia. I wasn't planning on going because Maddie wanted to stay in Colorado, but after the accident, everything changed. When I crossed the state line, I called them to confirm and found out what day I’d be starting. I slept in hotel rooms for a couple weeks, draining my savings, but once I met Mav and Dex, they let me move in with them for our freshman year."

"Are they on the team?"

I nod. "Yeah. They're my best friends, and actually, they’re dating Cayden's sisters." I chuckle.

"She seems like a nice girl, and I can tell you're happy. That's all your mom and I want for you."

"Thanks, Dad. I really am sorry for not keeping in touch or letting you guys know that I was alright."

"I know you are. You've always been a good boy, Zacky. I'm glad we have you back." I've never seen my dad cry, but tears brim his lids. "We missed you so much."

"I missed you guys too. More than you could ever know." I feel the stinging in my nose as my eyes begin to water.

My dad sniffles. "Got my fingers crossed that the Rockies draft you."

I'm thankful he's lightening up the conversation, but his switch makes me bust out laughing. "We'll see, but I'm hoping for the Braves."

Cayden and my mom join us, and they are both giggling. My mom’s eyes are shining with happiness. I’ve missed this, missed hearing her laugh, missed talking with my dad. And especially, missed the simple joy that engulfs us when we’re together in this house.

“I think I’m going to call it a night,” I announce, standing. Walking over to my dad, I lean down and hug him tightly. Next, I move to my mom, wrapping her in my arms. “I love you both so much.”

“We love you too, Zac.” My mom squeezes me just as tightly as I do her.

“Goodnight, and it was a pleasure meeting you both,” Cayden tells them, but she is unable to escape her own set of hugs before we trek to my old room. When the door shuts behind us, I look around the space.

“How does it feel to be back?” Cayden asks from the bed where she’s removing her shoes.

“It went better than I thought,” I smirk. “Mom wasn’t lying, it’s exactly how I left it.” My high school trophies sit on the shelves, and the twin size bed is going to make for an interesting night’s sleep. Even my old band posters still cover the walls.

“I didn’t know you were into eighties rock.” Cayden snickers, studying my posters.

“Hell, yeah I was. Girl, you don’t know nothin’ ‘bout that.” Guffawing, I join her on the bed.

“I was always a country girl.” Cayden lays back on the blue comforter. Her T-shirt rides up her stomach, and I lay on my side, running my fingertips across her flesh that’s peeking out.

“Country is good too,” I mumble as I move closer, bringing my lips to hers. Slowly the kiss deepens, there’s no rush as we explore each other’s mouths. Her hand reaches up, gripping a handful of my hair and holding tight, keeping me connected to her.

My fingers work on the button of her shorts, allowing me to stick my hand in between her skin and the material. Pressing further in, I find her mound, and Cayden quickly breaks from the kiss. “We can’t.” Her hooded eyes stare up at me.

“You like challenges, Cayd. So, let’s play and see how quiet you can be.”

“But your parents.”

My brow arches. “Do you really want to talk about my parents when I’m about to make you come?”

She shakes her head without another protest.

“Good.” I sit back up and hook my fingers on the waist of her shorts before pulling them down her smooth legs. Letting them fall to the floor, I remove her panties next before I lay down on my side and stare at her. “Since I denied you for so long, I think I have some making up to do.”

“I think you’ve done well at making it up to me so far,” she says on a gasp.

My already hard cock twitches, thinking about all the ways we’ve been making up for lost time. Bringing my mouth to her ear, I whisper, “Hmm. Not good enough. I’m all about records, Cayden. Let’s see how many times I can make you come.” Running my finger through her slit, I smirk, “Already wet for me.”

Her eyes slowly close as I find her clit and begin moving my finger in small circles. “I’m always wet for you, Zac.”

“Fucking right you are, spread those legs,” I demand. She does without question, and I lean in touching her lips to mine once again.

I swallow the quiet cries of pleasure that slip from her as my movements become faster.

“Zac.” She moans breathlessly when I push two fingers inside of her.

“Quiet,” I warn. “Give me those beautiful eyes.” Her eyes lazily open, and they’re filled with desire. I love seeing her reaction to me, to what I do to her.

Pumping in and out a few more times, I drag my digit back to her clit, applying more pressure and continuing the assault until her body tightens. “Zac,” She quietly mewls my name over and over as her orgasm takes hold. I give her no time to finish riding it out before I’m pushing her up the bed and laying between her legs. My tongue laps at her sweet-salty flavor and that first taste has me wanting to beg for more. “Zac, I can’t.” She thrashes against me and tries to push my head away, but I don’t budge.

“Yes, you can. Relax,” I tell her and begin running my tongue through her glistening slit over and over, front to back. I make slow swirls around her hard, sensitive nub, causing her to jump.

In no time at all, her body starts shaking uncontrollably, and she’s coming against my tongue. Fucking. Beautiful. Her nails dig into my back, and her hips buck wildly as this release lasts longer and is much more intense.

Removing my clothes, I climb up her body and line up my cock to her entrance. I drive into her repeatedly, biting my own lip to keep from groaning too loudly. She feels so fucking good.

“You’re trying to kill me!” Cayden exclaims quietly, chastising me, but moans when the next stroke hits her g-spot.

Chuckling, I respond, “I think I’m already fucking dead because this is heaven.” My body rocks against hers perfectly in sync, and she begins matching me pound for pound.

Our bodies dance to a rhythm perfect for us and beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s more. It’s beyond just sex, just fun, just fucking. I’m giving her every part of my body and soul. Cayden’s it for me, and there is no turning back. I knew I loved her before, but this goes deeper than that. She’s embedded into every fiber of my being, into my very soul.

“Zac, I’m going to come again,” She softly cries.

My spine tingles as my own release moves through my body. I feel Cayden’s walls clenching around me. “Come with me.”

Our lips press together, covering our sounds of euphoria. Pulling back, I gaze down at Cayden. So beautiful. So stunning. And it hits me deep within my chest how much I’ve truly fallen. “How did I get so lucky?”

She grins up at me. “Because I’m no quitter, Zac Benson.”

“Thank fuck for that.” I chuckle and slide out to lie next to her.

Her head swivels in my direction. “I think I’m the lucky one though.”

“You just like the way I fuck,” I smirk.

Laughing, she nods. “I do like it, but I’m serious. You’re a great guy, Zac. I never wanted to be with anyone the way I want you. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. If you hadn’t come along, I don’t think I’d have ever found what my sisters have.”

I run my fingers through her hair. “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here right now. I’ll be grateful for the rest of my life that we found each other, and I’m so fucking happy that it was me who made you fall. I’ll always be here to catch you, Cayden. I love you.”

Tears pool in her gorgeous hazel eyes. “I love you too.” Her lips find mine. We don’t stop kissing until I’m pushing inside of her once more; we make love and don’t hold back from the emotions racing through us.

The closer we got to Maddie's parents’ house, the more my nerves took hold. Now I'm standing on their porch with trembling hands, unsure if I should be here or not. My heart is in my stomach as I try to find the courage to knock on the door. I’m walking into this blindly and have no idea what to expect or what the outcome will be. I can only hope for the best at this point.

"You got this," Cayden encourages me while standing beside me with one of her hands on my back.

I nod but don't reply because I can't. The lump in my throat is constricting my airway. I try to take several deep breaths–it doesn't help.

"Knock," She instructs, and somehow, my fist lifts from my side, and I tap it against the wood.

It opens. "Zac!" Maddie's mom gasps, covering her mouth, much like my own mom's response upon seeing me.

"Hi, Mrs. Price. I know this is a surprise, but could I talk to you?"

She nods quickly. "Yes. Yes, please come in."

We enter the house I’d been in so many times in the past, and it's exactly how I remember. Dark wooden floors and gray walls with white crown molding. Pictures of Maddie from a baby until graduation hang on the walls: in her cheerleading uniforms, at cheer competitions, us at prom. So many memories.

Mrs. Price shuts the door behind us and leads us into the living room. Before sitting on the couch, I introduce Cayden.

"Tom will be upset he missed you. He's away on business until next week."

"He'll be upset?" I question, my brows drawing down tightly in bewilderment. Maddie’s dad was always like a second father to me, but I’m half-shocked, half-surprised to hear that–not to mention the fact she let me into the house without batting an eye. My nerves begin to settle slightly.

She gives me a small yet genuine smile. "Yes, there were so many times we wanted to apologize for how we treated you at the hospital, Zac. You were always like the son we never had. It was wrong of us, but Maddie was our only baby, and we were hurting.” Her head drops and she shakes it briefly before her sorrowful gaze meets mine. “We shouldn’t have taken it out on you, blamed you. We’ve been waiting for you to return so we could ask you for your forgiveness. We never expected you to disappear the way you did."

I blink multiple times to try and keep the threatening tears at bay. "You have nothing to apologize for. I'm the one that’s sorry, Mrs. Price. I wish I would’ve stopped her that night.” I release a deep breath of air. “I've never forgotten about her and have always felt guilty for what happened."

Her lips tip up a bit more. "Maddie was always so strong-willed and stubborn. You couldn't have stopped her, Zac." She gets up from the couch. "Follow me."

Cayden and I follow Maddie's mom down the hall, getting closer and closer to Maddie's old bedroom.

Mrs. Price opens the door, and my heart slams into my chest. "Maddie," I whisper. She’s sitting in a wheelchair facing the window.

"She likes to sit in here and listen to music." The stereo is playing a country song. Maddie always did love music.

My tear-filled eyes meet Mrs. Price's. "She survived the crash?" I state in shock, my throat tight.

Mrs. Price nods. "She did, but she’s quadriplegic. Why don't you go in and spend some time with her?" Her hand takes hold of mine, squeezing it in a comforting gesture before releasing me. “Maddie, you have company,” Mrs. Price’s voice rises over the music, then she walks away. Maddie turns her head, and I come face to face with my past, the girl I once loved, who I’d thought died. I feel the color draining from my own face. Maddie’s eyes drift to Cayden.

"I'm going to join Mrs. Price and give you two some time alone," Cayden tells me before she strolls away as well.

Hesitantly, I step into the very room I spent so much time in as a teenager. It still has those yellow walls she’d insisted on having because yellow was her favorite color. Pictures are scattered all over her walls, and I notice that most of them are of us. "Hey, Mads," I whisper, my eyes burning with unshed tears that are threatening to spill, and I drop to my knees in front of her. Maddie’s hair is the same chestnut brown, her eyes are still the whiskey color I used to want to drown in, but she no longer has the toned body she got from cheerleading and her once active life. She’s thin, almost frail. "I'm so sorry." Tears fall down my cheeks, and I welcome them.

I begin to sing our song. I get to the chorus. Maddie begins to sing with me quietly.

A tear trickles down Maddie's cheek. “Zac.”

“Maddie,” I repeat her name as sobs racks my body.

“Shh. Don’t cry,” Her own voice trembles.

I lift my head from her lap to lock eyes with her. “I thought you were dead. I never forgot about you, Maddie.”

“I know. Mom and dad told me what they did. I was mad.” She grins. “You’re hair.”

I laugh lightly and wipe the tears off my cheeks. “It’s long. You know I never cut it during baseball season, but this time I just kept letting it grow.

“Can I touch it?”

I lay my head back in her lap and lift one of her hands and run it down my hair. “I never stopped loving you, Maddie.”

“I love you too, Zac. I see your pain, but it’s time to let go. Your hair looks soft.” Maddie giggles. God, I missed that sound.

"I met a girl,” I blurt.

“Was that her at my door?” I put her hand back on the armrest and gaze into her eyes once again.

“Yes.” I nod. “Her name is Cayden. She's crazy, Maddie, but you would like her." I laugh. "I didn't want to fall for her, but I did. I've felt so guilty for that night. I thought you died. Fuck, I'm so sorry! If I would’ve known, I would’ve been here with you every day. I would’ve taken care of you."

“Zac, stop.”

I frown. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m happy for you. I’m glad you moved on, and I wouldn’t want you here with me. This is no life to live. I can’t even take care of myself, Zac. My mom bathes me, changes me, feeds me. I love you too much to want this for you,” she declares insistently. After a moment, she asks, “Can I meet her?”

“Yeah, I’ll go get her.” I stand up and walk back into the living room. “Cayden, she’d like to meet you.”

Mrs. Price nods with a bright smile. “Go on.”

Cayden excuses herself and then follows me back into Maddie’s room.

Maddie’s face lights up. “Hi, Cayden. It’s nice to meet you.”

Cayden returns her grin. “It’s nice to meet you too, Maddie.”

“You’re pretty. I see why Zac loves you.” Cayden’s wide eyes meet mine, and I shrug sheepishly. Maddie laughs. “You love him too, and that’s okay. I told Zac that I’m happy for him. I just wanted to meet the girl who helped him move on from me. Take care of him, Cayden. He’s a great catch, and if he loves you, then you have the greatest gift a person can receive.”

“Thank you, Maddie,” Cayden says. “Can we come back to see you?”

Maddie beams. “I’d like that.”

Cayden steps closer and takes Maddie’s hand in hers. “I can see why he loves you too.”

A tear runs down Maddie’s cheek. “Can you tell my mom I’m ready to lay down?”

“Sure.” Cayden nods.

When she leaves the room, Maddie’s tear-filled eyes lock onto mine. “Take care of yourself, Zac.”

Stepping closer, I put my arms around her shoulders. “You too. I’m glad I finally came home.” Another hole fills inside of me. I kiss the top of her head. “I’ll always love you, Mads.”

“I’ll always love you too, Zac.”

I join Mrs. Price and Cayden back in the living room. "Zac," Mrs. Price acknowledges me. "I hope that this will give you some peace. I'm really glad you came by, and I hope all of us can rest easier now."

"Thank you, Mrs. Price. I think we can, and I'll come back to visit. It means a lot to me that I got to see her." It was the closure I needed to fully move on with Cayden. I just wish I would’ve come home sooner, but I think I had to have Cayden’s strength to help me, and I’m grateful she has been by my side throughout this ordeal.

Maddie’s mom nods. "She has her good days and bad, but we take it one day at a time. Our Maddie is still here, and she's as beautiful as she always was."

"Yes, she is," I agree. My attention drifts to Cayden. "You ready?"

"If you are." She beams.

"Yeah, we have a long drive ahead of us. Thanks again, Mrs. Price."

Pulling both Cayden and me into a hug, she mumbles, “I better go lay her down now. Have a safe trip home.” With that, she walks down the hall, leaving us to show ourselves out.

I start up Dex's truck as Cayden says, "I heard you singing to her. That song, your reaction…it all makes sense now."

"Yeah, why did you sing it to Raine?" My gaze lands on hers for a moment before I begin backing out of the driveway to head toward the highway.

Our fingers lace together. "Because Momma used to sing it to us when we were little. As we got older, she would tell us that when we find a boy to love, we should make sure we can hold his hand on a porch swing, lay in the backyard to wish on stars, and to feel safe enough to fall asleep in his arms. She said that's true love. Even though she kept telling us that, the three of us never wanted any part of love. We saw what Momma went through, but I guess you, Dex, and Mav are the exceptions to the rule."

I laugh. "I'm fuckin' glad for that! Your momma sure is a smart woman. With everything she’s been through, at least she’s finally found her true love in Professor Bryant."

"Yeah. I'm happy for her, and if anyone deserves it, Momma does."

"We all do, Cayden. We all deserve to find true love. I was fucking lucky enough to find it twice. But I only have one future, and that's with you."

"I'm glad we came."

I squeeze her hand a little tighter. "Me too, but I'm ready to get home." And that's the truth. This road trip has been a hurricane of emotions. I’m happy I faced my past, however, I'm ready to start this new beginning with Cayden.