One Hot Summer Anthology (13 page)

“Memphis, Tennessee.”

She fought back a grimace. That was a little more distance than she was comfortable with. Then she stifled a groan as her words to her sibling a few weeks ago came back to her. She’d encouraged her sister to take a risk on something that could turn out to be the best thing that had ever happened to her. It turned out Carson seemed to be that and more for Imani.

Could Sterling end up being that for her? Did she want him to be? How would she handle it if he was?

Crap.

She’d just started her vacation and the situation had already become complex. What in the heck would she do? One thing was for certain: Imani would get a kick out of these latest developments.

Releasing a pent up breath, she glanced over at Sterling. “Can I have some time to think about this?”

One corner of his mouth curved upward. “Something tells me I should tell you no, but I’ll allow you the time you need.”

“Just give me a day. I like having the opportunity to think things through.”

“A smart trait for an intelligent woman.”

She drained the last of the wine from her glass before standing again.

This time Sterling stood with her. “Let me clean up then I’ll escort you back to your place.”

“That’s not necessary,” she protested.

“I know, but please pacify the gentleman in me.”

Naja opened her mouth object again, but quickly closed it. Something told her it was a battle she wouldn’t win. She had a feeling she wouldn’t come out victorious against him often so she might as well save her energy for when it really counted. Instead, she threw her energy into helping assist him with the clean-up and a short time later they were headed to her family’s beach home.

She turned to look at him once they reached the front door. Tilting her head to stare up at him, she smiled. The man was too darned sexy for his own good. The more she thought about the potential payoff, the more she was willing to give his way of doing things a shot.

The heat bouncing back and forth between them was electrifying. The intimacy between the two of them would probably be off the charts. His kissable lips had been tempting her since she’d first run into him this morning. She wondered what he tasted like.

Then as if he heard her thoughts, Sterling brushed his lips over her forehead. He froze, awaiting her reaction. She closed her eyes, her mind telling her to do one thing and her body crying out for her to throw herself into his arms.

In the end she compromised. She turned her face up to his and licked her lips. That was all the invitation he seemed to need.

He groaned and swallowed hard. “Naja, you don’t know what you do to me.”

“Actually, I’m pretty sure I do because you do the same thing to me,” she whispered.

Sterling swallowed hard. “That’s good to know. I’d definitely hate to be the only one feeling this way.”

Before she could process the words he kissed her, his lips feathering gently over her eyes, her cheeks and then finally, finally, her mouth.

His taste exploded on her tongue, heady like the ocean, cinnamon and man. She gripped his shirt in her fists and pulled him closer. With a rough, animalistic sound, his hands settled on her lower back as he kissed her deeper, only breaking apart to take desperate, greedy breaths. Their mouths met again.

It was too much at once, too many sensations to process. Naja opened her eyes and the world around her seemed to spin and swirl. She broke away and covered her face with her hands.

“I’m so sorry. I just can’t…not until I’ve made my decision.”

She heard his harsh breathing, but he didn’t try to touch her again. He probably wondered what her problem was. She couldn’t tell him because she didn’t know herself.

“You don’t have to apologize. I shouldn’t have done that in the first place. I just couldn’t help myself. There’s something about your mouth.”

Naja laughed and his brows furrowed together in response. She shook her head. “I’m not laughing at you. I’m amused because that’s exactly what I was thinking about you just a few moments ago.”

When the corners of his mouth titled upward, she stifled a groan. The man’s smile was wicked. Something told her she was in over her head and things between her and Sterling were bound to burn hotter than the summer sun.

Chapter Four

“I’m in trouble.”

“What
?
” Imani’s eyes widened as she sat down her glass of tea.

Naja chewed on her bottom lip nervously. After Sterling left her on the front porch, she’d gone inside and tried to relax. She hadn’t been successful so she’d gone into town and the shopping strip and looked around for a few deals. But it became clear rather quickly that until she came to a conclusion about what she wanted to do concerning Sterling, she wouldn’t be able to truly relax and have fun like she’d intended.

Last night’s sleep had been plagued by restlessness and when she finally did go to sleep it was only to dream of Sterling and all of the wicked things she wanted him to do to her.

“Hello? Earth to Naja.”

She blinked as her older sister waved her hand back and forth in front of her face.

“What in the world is going on? I haven’t seen you this off kilter in a long time.”

“Imani, I’m not even sure where to start. I have so many crazy thoughts running through my mind right now that it’s a jumbled mess.”

“Did something happen back home?”

Naja shook her head. “No. Something occurred here.”

“Is it the beach house?”

“Ha! If only it were that simple.”

She exhaled heavily and rubbed her forehead. “Yesterday morning, I met a guy and he’s dangerous.”

Imani frowned. “In what way?”

“Well, we bumped into each other on the beach while out for a run. The first thing I noticed was that he was freaking drop-dead gorgeous.”

Before she could go on, a waitress came up to the table and took their order. When they were alone again, Naja opened her mouth to continue, but Imani stopped her.

“What is this really about, Naja?”

“Yesterday, I propositioned Mr. Sexy, as I’ve nicknamed him, for a casual affair while were both here at Myrtle Beach. He said no.”

Imani’s eyes widened and she laughed. “What? You mean to tell me this guy told you no? Who is he? I must meet him.”

Naja’s eyebrows furrowed together. “Why? I just told you he wasn’t interested—”

“Into just getting you in his bed. I know. That’s why I have to make his acquaintance. Sounds like a gentleman.”

“Is that the only thing you’ve heard out of everything I’ve said?”

“No, but it’s what I’m focusing on. Remember, just a few weeks ago you were torturing me. You owe me the opportunity to pay you back a little.”

“Oh, please. You’re the happiest you’ve been in a while. Don’t act like taking my advice has been a hardship.”

Imani leaned back in the booth and folded her arms over her chest. “It was. I almost worried myself to death behind it. While I’ll admit it turned out to be a wonderful thing, I was scared beyond belief. In some ways I still am. But if I’m not mistaken, you were the one who told me to step outside of my comfort zone.”

Naja rolled her eyes as she reached for her drink. She’d known her older sister would probably bring that up. “This is an entirely different situation, Imani. I don’t have time for a serious relationship, especially one that isn’t slated to last after two weeks.”

“Who says it wouldn’t?”

Naja grumbled under her breath, doing her best to keep her words unintelligible. This was about as bad as having a conversation with Sterling. How in the heck had she’d gotten herself into this predicament? All she’d wanted to do was have a relaxing vacation, find a gorgeous man to experience a few mind-blowing orgasms with and then head back home. But clearly that was too easy. No, instead she had to cross paths with the one man who didn’t want to.

“I don’t know why I even opened my mouth and told you.”

“Because holding something this major in would drive you insane,” Imani retorted.

“So far telling you hasn’t been any better.”

Imani laughed. “I’m going to give you the same advice you gave me. Put yourself out there. Take a risk. You never know what might happen.”

Naja shook her head. “No can do. That would be totally irresponsible of me. Sterling is asking for something I can’t give right now. I’m not going to pretend I can.”

“Why can’t you?”

Naja’s mouth fell open. “Who are you and what have you done with my big sister?”

One corner of Imani’s mouth twitched. “I’ve evolved.”

“Clearly.”

Imani reached across the table and took Naja’s hand in hers. “We’ll change the subject for now, but I’m not going to let this go.”

Naja did a good job of holding in her sigh of relief. “What else is there to talk about?”

“The Fourth of July party, of course. Everything is ready. All that’s left is for people to show up.” Imani’s eyes widened. “Hey, why don’t you invite Sterling to the party? You can hang out with him in a non-threatening environment.”

Naja grimaced. “Actually, I was hoping to meet someone more suitable for what I have in mind at your party.”

“Based on the RVSP list, I wouldn’t count on it. Your pickings would be slim, as a matter of fact, non-existent.”

“Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse.”

Imani released Naja’s hand. “So, should I add a plus one?”

“I have a feeling you will even if I tell you not to.”

Imani laughed.

Naja released a pent up breath and contemplated her next move. This entire situation was ridiculous. She should’ve known things wouldn’t go as she planned. Nope. Anytime she strategized something at least one thing went wrong. It was a big part of the reason why she’d hired two qualified assistants. They were the best at coming up with a backup plan. She could really use one right now.

Unfortunately, she would have no such luck in that area. She’d have to figure this out on her own. Imani definitely wouldn’t be any help. It appeared now that she’d found happiness with Carson, Imani wanted others to experience it for themselves.

To be honest, Sterling probably wouldn’t be a bad guy to have that with. At the age of forty-six, he seemed to be settled in life and more mature than a lot of men she’d had the misfortune of making the acquaintance of in the past. Nope, she didn’t have a problem with the age difference between them. What she did take issue with was the fact they were looking for two different things right now in their respective lives.

Naja stifled a groan. She hadn’t had enough sleep to deal with this sort of insanity. Luckily for her the waitress brought their food. Pulling her grilled chicken salad closer with one hand, she picked up her fork with the other. Before lunch was over, she’d have to figure out a way to invite Sterling to Imani and Carson’s party while getting him to understand it didn’t mean it’d go any further than that.

Today would prove to be very interesting. She just hoped she didn’t lose her mind trying to figure out a way to get out of this unexpected situation.

* * * *

             
Sterling sat on the patio, attempting to read the latest mystery book he’d purchased on his e-reader. At this point he was failing miserably. He hadn’t touched the screen to turn the page once and he’d been on the same one for at least an hour. No, instead his attention was on Naja.

             
Something about her deeply appealed to him. It went beyond her beauty and vivacious personality. The spark in her eyes along with her infectious smile had a euphoric effect on him. The fact he was fifteen years her senior should probably bother him, but it didn’t. He was interested in getting to know her better. Now he just had to convince her spending time with him wouldn’t be as bad of thing as she thought. The question was how.

             
This was the first time he’d even willingly thought about getting involved with another woman. Yes, Elton had been trying to persuade him lately, but his thoughts focused on trying to keep going after the unexpected loss of his wife. He loved Amelia with everything he had. She’d been a great wife, friend and lover. To lose her had been devastating.

             
The day she’d died, he’d kissed her as they’d walked out the front door together to leave for work. A few hours later he’d received an emergency call from one of his wife’s co-workers stating his wife had collapsed and was on the way to the hospital. That drive had been the most terrifying of his life. It wasn’t until after he’d arrived at the emergency room he found she hadn’t made it. She’d died the instant she hit the floor at work. The blood vessel in her brain had burst so she hadn’t stood a chance. 

             
He’d been so distressed he couldn’t remember a full twenty-four hours after finding out Amelia had died. When he’d come to the next day, he’d been in the guest bedroom of Elton and Kate’s house. Elton had been sitting in the chair with a concerned expression on his face. The worst thing about that day was having to relive the events all over again. Next to that, arranging the funeral and then having to attend it.

             
The grief he’d felt at that point was indescribable. He wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy. He’d been on autopilot for the longest time after that point. If not for Elton, his parents and his siblings he might not ever have gotten himself back together. But he had and he was grateful.

             
Now it seemed he was ready to get his social life back on track as well. His attraction to Naja couldn’t be denied or ignored. The past twenty-four hours had proved that to him. The question was how far could it go? This was not the idea sort of situation to start up anything. Yet everything in him wanted to.

             
He was pulled from his internal musings by the sound of the doorbell. Without a doubt he knew who it was. Not many people knew he was in Myrtle Beach and those who did weren’t scheduled to stop by.

             
He bookmarked the page on his e-reader then made his way inside. Just before he opened the door, he took a deep, calming breath, only to have it get stuck in his throat the instant Naja came into view. If he didn’t know any better, he would say she’d become more beautiful in the past twenty-four hours since he’d last seen her.

             
Today she’d donned a floral pink strapless sundress. The dress covered everything, yet revealed just what he wanted to see. She was a very shapely but toned woman. His palms itched with the yearning to trace her curves.

             
“Hi, Sterling.”

             
He blinked at the husky tone in her voice. She was too damned tempting. Clearing his throat in an attempt to pull himself together, he smiled.

             
“Hi, Naja. I must say this visit is a surprise.”

             
She laughed. “Is it? I would’ve thought you’d be expecting me.”

             
“I have to admit I hoped, but I didn’t presume anything.” He stepped back and opened the door wider. “Would you like to come in? I was sitting out back.”

             
“Sure.”

             
He extended a hand toward the back door, indicating he’d follow her lead. When they reached the kitchen he stopped at the refrigerator and grabbed two bottles of water. Once they made it outside, he pulled her chair out with his free hand and waited for her to sit. He placed a bottle in front of her as he took his own seat.

             
“Thank you,” she murmured.              

             
“You’re welcome. How has your day been?”

             
“Awesome. Just finished eating lunch with my sister.”

             
“Sounds like fun.”

             
“It was. This is the first time Imani and I have been on vacation together in a long time.”

             
He scratched his jaw as he tried to figure out what to say next.

             
“Do you always wear a beard?”

             
He glanced over at her. “What?”

             
“Your facial hair. It doesn’t look like you’re completely comfortable with it.”

             
He chuckled. “You’re very observant and correct. I’ve only had it for a few weeks. I keep it trimmed, but I’ll probably cut it off before I leave Myrtle Beach.”

             
“Such a shame. I think it suits you.”

             
“Thank you. We’ll see how difficult it is to keep up and I’ll make my decision after that.”

Sterling opened his bottle of water as he stared out toward the shoreline, allowing a comfortable silence to settle between the two of them.

              “Do you have any plans tomorrow night?”

             
That was the last thing he expected for her to ask, he’d go with it for now. “No. I was just going to sit out here and enjoy a firework show or two. Do you have any?”

             
“Yes, and I’m hoping you’ll join me.”