After a moment or two, Summer found herself in a huge open-plan space, around twenty girls staring back at her. She cleared her throat, staying close to Prue while they headed for what looked like an office door.
“New meat, boss?” one of the girls shouted across the room. “Wouldn’t mind a bit of her out of hours.”
“Watch your mouth, Dana.” Prue glanced back, giving her employee a knowing look.
“Oh, come on. What’s the harm in a little fun?”
Prue stopped dead, turning on her heel. “Harm?”
Dana shrugged. “She looks like my type.”
“Do you want to harm your career?” Prue asked, her hands on her hips.
“Well, no…but I said out of hours, didn’t I?” Dana winked.
“If I find out you’ve laid a hand on my girlfriend, the boss will have you out on your ass so fast, your feet won’t touch the ground, honey.”
Summer smirked, grabbing Prue’s hand and pushing the office door open. Shocked to find Rochelle sitting in the seat across from the desk, Summer froze. “Oh.”
“It’s okay. Rochelle will be leaving in a minute.” Prue guided Summer further into the office. “Have a seat. I’ll get you some coffee in five, okay?”
“Sure, yeah.” Summer would have usually offered to wait outside, but the woman in Prue's office had once shared a bed with her and she didn’t wish to leave them alone. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Prue, but Rochelle made her feel uneasy. That was something she didn’t need today.
“Hey, Summer.” Rochelle stood, pulling her into a hug. “Good to see you again.”
“Y-You too.”
“Prue was just telling me all about how you’ve come into her life and stolen her heart.”
A smile twitched at the corners of Summer’s mouth. Prue had clearly explained their relationship to Rochelle. Thankfully, the Australian appeared to be okay with it. God, I so easily could have lost Prue to her.
“Alright!” Prue held up her hand. “That’ll be all, Rochelle.”
“She pretends she’s all awesome and nobody could touch her, but don’t believe that tough exterior.” Rochelle leaned in close. “You’re definitely all hers.”
“I saw past the tough exterior a while ago.” Summer offered Rochelle a small smile as she headed for the door. “Nice to see you again.”
“Take care, ladies.” Rochelle disappeared out the door, leaving Summer standing in the middle of the office.
“Well…”
“I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t be talking to people about our relationship.” Prue leaned against her desk, her ass resting on the edge. “Forgive me?”
“I don’t mind. We all need someone to talk to at times.”
“That’s not usually me,” Prue said. “I deal with my problems myself.”
“So, why did you discuss them with Rochelle?”
“Because you’re not a problem.” Prue smiled fully. “I just wanted someone to know I was happy. Since Rochelle is now strictly business and not somebody I see often, I thought she was a safe bet.”
“Guess you read her wrong then.”
“I’m not concerned.” Prue held out her hand, taking Summer’s. “You’re okay with this, right?”
“Okay with what?” Summer knew what Prue was asking, but she wanted to hear it come from her mouth once again.
“Being referred to as my girlfriend…”
“So long as you mean it and it’s not just a title you want me to play along with, I’m more than happy.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you.” Prue pulled Summer between her legs, her pencil skirt preventing Summer from being as close as she’d like to be. “I don’t just want you on my arm for the sake of it, Summer. I want you by my side because I’m incredibly attracted to you…and I want more with you.”
“You’re sure?” Summer’s eyes glistened, tears threatening to fall.
“I’ve been sure since the first time you walked away from me. You know that.” Prue’s hand pressed lightly against Summer’s cheek, catching a tear that escaped. “The last few weeks with you have been some of the greatest days of my life. Just being with you. Seeing your beautiful smile. You really have stolen my heart.”
“Wow.” Summer’s voice barely above a whisper, she leaned into Prue’s touch.
“I know there is so much more to discover about one another, that won’t happen overnight, but I’m here and very much wanting to discover everything I need to know about you.”
“Me too.” Summer smiled. “The last few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind for me. I didn’t come here to fall for anyone. I didn’t even come here with the intention of meeting anyone. Then I saw you and I was drawn to you.”
“I'm glad you saw me,” Prue said. “I’ve spent too long hiding away from any relationship. But by doing so, look at the outcome. I got you.”
“You got me.”
“Why do you think I didn’t just walk away?” Prue asked. “After the things Katy said to me back at the hotel that night, I tried to…but I couldn’t.”
“You still haven’t told me what she said.”
“Just the stuff I hoped I’d never hear.” Prue shrugged. “The things you told her and her friends during that night out.”
“I had nothing but praise for you, Prue. I know I didn’t say anything that could hurt you.”
“I was a creep…”
“I didn’t say that. Katy said that.” Summer shook her head. “I told her that I was going to ask you to go to dinner with me. I shouldn’t have even discussed you with her. I didn’t know her, so for that, I’m sorry.” Summer had repeatedly kicked herself for being so stupid. “She wasn’t interested because she wanted me to date her. She was out of her mind if she thought I’d even contemplate the idea. She clearly took what I’d said and turned it around.” If Katy was still around, Summer would head to the hotel right now and tell her what she thought of her. “I said it was sweet how you were always around. There for me. Then I was supposed to be leaving. She convinced me to stay, drink more, and then I blurted out that I was going to ask you to dinner.” Summer rolled her eyes. The days after that night out, everything slowly came back to Summer. She knew exactly what she’d said to Katy…none of Prue’s side of it true. “Once I had the idea in my head, it was all I could think about. You were all I thought about.”
“Makes sense.” Prue nodded. “Anyway, Katy is the least of my concerns.”
“Good.” Summer traced Prue’s bottom lip with her thumb. “I don’t want us to have any concerns.”
“None whatsoever,” Prue agreed. “Tonight, I’m cooking dinner for you and Jade.”
“Oh, uh…”
“Baby, I know she doesn’t like me. I know she’s also said something to upset you…that’s why you’re here, but I’m not worried about her. I’d like it if you felt the same.”
“I just don’t want her to say anything to offend you. She can be very offensive without trying sometimes.”
“I’m not easily offended…and I’ve brought businessmen to their knees before today. I think Jade will be a walk in the park.”
“If she does say anything stupid, she doesn’t mean it.”
“So long as we are okay, I’m not interested in anyone else’s opinion, Summer. I’m really not. I’ve been around long enough to know that I can’t make everyone happy. If I can make you happy though, that is my main priority.”
“You do make me happy.”
“Then tonight will be perfectly fine.” Prue kissed Summer’s nose. “I just have a few more wage packets to give out and then I’m all yours, okay?”
“Perfect.”
17
Prue moved around the kitchen, putting the final touches to the chateaubriand she would serve tonight for dinner. Summer and Jade sat outside on the terrace, a glass of wine in front of them both, but Summer seemed to be sullen. She knew it wasn’t anything centring around them as a couple—it still felt crazy when she thought of them in th
at way—but Prue didn’t want anyone ruining their evening. Summer hadn’t denied it when she brought up Jade and what may have been said earlier, but Prue didn’t need any other answers. It was expected with Jade being her best friend. At least, that’s what Prue assumed.
Heading out onto the terrace with a bowl of freshly steamed vegetables, she set them down on the table and moved back inside the villa. It was clear that Summer felt uneasy…but that wouldn’t last long. Prue wouldn’t allow it to. Carrying three plates out, various cuts of steak sitting in the middle of them, she placed them down and joined the two women at the table. Everything else they could possibly need sat in the middle of the table, from condiments and sauces to various side options.
“Enjoy.” Prue breathed out, helping herself to vegetables.
“Thanks, Prue. This looks great.” Jade offered her a genuine smile, breaking the ice a little. “Do you cook often?”
“More so these days now I have Summer around.” Prue took her glass of wine, sipping it. “I don’t know if Summer told you, but I used to be a chef.”
“No, she didn’t,” Jade said. “She doesn’t talk about you much.”
Prue caught the tone of Jade’s voice. Level. “Not always a bad thing.”
“No. Suppose not.”
“Everything okay with you, beautiful?” Prue turned her attention to Summer who was sitting beside her, her hand settling over Summer’s. “You’ve been quiet.”
“Long day.” Summer yawned. “Late night.”
“Mm, an early night tonight sounds like a good idea to me.” Prue relaxed back in her seat, shovelling a forkful of food into her mouth. Chewing slowly, she watched the body language of Summer, tension in her shoulders. “What do you think? Maybe a film in bed?”
“That does sound nice.” Summer’s eyes fluttered closed momentarily.
“I was thinking we could go out after dinner.” Jade perked up. “That bar we spent most of our time at last time I was here.”
“Yeah, I’m not feeling it tonight,” Summer said, concentrating on the impressive steak in front of her. She knew what Jade was doing, but it wouldn’t work. She really did have no intentions of going out tonight. “Maybe another night.”
“There you go again.” Jade dropped her fork to the plate, rolling her eyes. “Boring.”
Summer said nothing. She didn’t have the energy to. Prue simply waited for the onslaught of opinion to flow from Jade’s disrespectful mouth.
“Okay, I’m sorry but you can't say this isn’t weird.” Jade held up her hand. “You two. Two decades apart.”
“I’m not sure why it’s any of your concern.” Prue sat forward, resting her elbows on the table and clasping her hands under her chin. “It doesn’t affect us…it shouldn’t affect you.”
“Yeah, well it does,” Jade said, snarling at Prue. “What exactly is the plan here?”
“Plan?” Prue asked.
“You and Summer. I mean, you can’t exactly have kids in the future, can you? How else is your relationship supposed to progress?”
Prue took a moment to allow Jade’s words to filter through the air. She hated women who believed children was the only thing another woman could offer to this messed up world. They hadn’t discussed the possibility of kids, but that didn’t mean neither of them wanted it. Of course Prue did, she always had. She was also aware that her age had a huge impact on any decisions she made at this stage of her life. That was not Jade’s business.
“It’s not something we’ve discussed.” Prue kept her tone even, willing herself to remain calm around this woman. “Should we have?”
“Well, you probably should.”
“And why exactly is that?” Prue offered Jade a smile, knowing how intimidating she could be when she wanted to. “We haven’t been together long.”
“You got nothing to say, Summer?” Jade turned her attention to her best friend. “This one got you like a puppet on a string?”
“I have nothing to say.” Summer sighed, pushing her plate away. Not only had Jade ruined the evening, she’d ruined Summer’s appetite too. “And if you carry on, I’m going to punch you in the fucking throat.” Summer’s chair screeched against the stone floor as she stood, almost tipping it over. “I’m not listening to this. Goodnight.”
“Baby, wait.” Prue also stood up. “Stay. I’m sure this can all be worked out.”
“With her?” Summer pointed in Jade’s face. “You’ve got no chance.”
Summer disappeared, leaving Prue and Jade alone outside. The only thing Prue could be thankful for in this moment was that Summer had vanished into the villa and not the annexe. She glanced down at Jade, her head in her hands. Deciding that this could be done quietly, she rounded the table and placed her palms flat on it beside Jade, leaning down.
“I don’t know what your problem is, but you won’t come here and make Summer feel uncomfortable. I’ve welcomed you into my home, no questions asked, and this is what I get?”
“I don’t trust you,” Jade said quietly.
“You don’t know me!” Prue said incredulously. “And if you don’t trust me, you should find somewhere else to stay while you’re here in Tías.” Prue shook her head. “I don’t care that you’ve ruined the night, but Summer will. You should apologise before it’s too late.”
“What do you want with her?” Jade asked. “You might not look like your average woman in their late forties, but the fact is…you are in your late forties. What happens when Summer meets someone younger? Or you meet someone older? Someone suited to you?”
“Summer is suited to me. This…what we’re doing, it works for us.” Prue felt a pang of sadness. “Having said that, if Summer did ever want to leave, I’d never hold her back.”
“And when you hurt her?”
“I don’t know you well enough to discuss our relationship any further. I also have nothing to prove to you. You’re not my concern, you never will be, but Summer is your friend, so I’ll accommodate you in any way I have to. I’m doing this for her, not you.” Prue noted the devastation in Jade’s eyes. Her words had come from somewhere, that much was clear, but she wasn’t entirely sure Jade meant to be so harsh in her opinion. Unfortunately, the damage had been done for this evening.
Prue stood upright and walked away from the table. She needed a moment to cool down. A moment before she went inside the bedroom to find Summer upset and contemplating whether this relationship was worth the hassle. It didn’t have to be this way, but as with most things in life, someone would always have an opinion.
Prue knocked gently on her bedroom door, silence behind it. She’d cleared dinner away, the steak ruined, but Summer was her priority. Jade, she could do as she pleased. It wouldn’t have any bearing on Prue and Summer’s relationship; Prue wouldn’t allow it. They’d spent the last few weeks getting better acquainted, spending time alone with one another…if Jade thought for one minute she could come in here and unravel that, she was sadly mistaken. Prue wouldn’t be hostile towards her, she was too old for that kind of behaviour, but if she had to move Jade back into the hotel, she would. In a heartbeat.
She knocked on the door again, glancing over her shoulder to find the terrace empty and Jade nowhere in sight. “Summer?”
The door handle turned, blue eyes staring back at Prue as the door opened.
“Can I come in?”
Summer laughed. “Um, it’s your bedroom, Prue.”
“You needed a moment. I was respecting that.”
“I just needed to calm down.” Summer opened the door wider. “I couldn’t sit there any longer. She’s driving me insane.”
“You really shouldn’t let her comments get to you.”
“What has she said?”
“Nothing I didn’t expect,” Prue said. “She doesn’t trust me, but I understand that. She doesn’t know me and you’re her best friend.”
“Not good enough.” Summer shook her head. “She had no right to say that to you. She had no right to say anything
she said to you tonight.”
“Summer…” Prue guided her back into the bedroom, closing the door. “Jade doesn’t have a clue who I am. I could be anyone. For all she knows, I’m taking advantage of you.”
“Would you say the same if you were fifteen years younger?” Summer quirked an eyebrow. “Or is there another reason you’re saying that?”
“Maybe, I don’t know.” Prue sighed, dropping down on the edge of the bed. “You two should talk, I know that much.”
“Yeah, I really don’t feel much like talking to her tonight.”
“And that’s fine. At least check she’s okay. I’d go…but I think I’m the last person she wants to see.”
“I can’t believe you even still want her here.” Summer ran her hands down her denim-clad thighs. “I can ask her to leave if you want me to. It would actually be a pleasure.”
“No. She has nowhere else to go.”
“She should have thought about that before she behaved how she did.”
Prue understood Summer was upset with her best friend, she also had every right to be, but continually fighting with Jade wouldn’t help anyone. “Go and speak to her. Please?”
“Okay.” Summer nodded slowly, climbing to her feet. “I won’t be long.”
“Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.” Prue shifted back on the bed, crossing her legs at the ankles and clasping her hands behind her head. “I’d love you to stay here with me tonight…”
“I have every intention of making that happen.” Summer gripped the door handle, turning it. “And Prue?”
“Mm?” Silver eyes glistened.
“I’m sorry about dinner.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Prue waved off Summer’s apology. “Once you get back, we’re ordering pizza in and watching some soppy, pathetic rom-com.”
“I don’t know what I’m more surprised by.” Summer’s eyebrows rose, a smile beaming. “You eating pizza or you watching a rom-com.”
“Hey!” Prue looked pointedly. “I have a heart, you know. I also have an occasional craving for greasy pepperoni pizza. Call it the child in me.”
The Heat of Summer Page 17
