Heat Wave: A Summer Loving Anthology

by Anthology

  “Cam, I know you want a quiet session, but your back is all jacked up. Want me to focus on your neck and back today?”

  “Please,” I mumble before falling asleep.

  This massage is what I need right now. Just two hours to myself to forget about what’s going on in my life. Our divorce is final, and the house has been sold. It happened so fast. Henry and I haven’t talked, not that I want to. Money has been deposited into my account, but I don’t touch it. Part of me wants to donate it to charity, while the other part of me wants to burn it and watch the ashes, like our marriage, blow away. So many years lost. So many years I’m not getting back.

  Walking out of the spa, I feel a little better. There’s still an ache in my heart, but it’s not from Henry. It’s from my What If.

  I head to Beverly’s for the day to spend some much-needed time with my best friend. Pulling into her beautiful lakefront home in Canadaigua, I walk inside and through the house before reaching the deck.

  Dylan’s at the grill with his beer, looking at Beverly as she’s relaxing in the pool. “Hey you.”

  “Whoa, girl. You’re alive?”

  I laugh, lightly pushing him to the side. Dylan’s like the brother I’ve always wanted. Since day one he’s been there for me, loving me, protecting me and picking up the pieces of my broken past. “Yes, I’m alive. And I promise no more heavy drinking!

  “I heard,” he frowns. “Listen, I know things are hard now, but don’t turn to drinking. It’s only a temporary fix. Keep us with you and don’t think you have to be alone. You know you could’ve moved in with us. I don’t know why you got the apartment.”

  “I need my own space. Plus when Princess comes I don’t want to be around. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m happy, but right now I want to enjoy my peace and quiet. Throwing a baby in the mix isn’t part of my plan anymore.”

  “I get it, girl. No need to explain. Better go see her before she kills you.” I lean in kissing his cheek.

  “Thanks, Dylan.”

  Slowly walking to Beverly, I leave the bright pink gift bag on the lounge table, strip out of my clothes and get in the warm pool.

  “Hi,” I slowly and cautiously say. “Remember how much you love me?”

  “Uh huh,” she responds, not looking at me.

  “Don’t be mad, Bev! I was going through some shit. And I’m sorry.”

  She turns in her raft, looking at me. “I know, and I get it. I just wish you can let me in and let me help you. I don’t know why you think doing these things on your own is helping you. You have me, Dylan and Baby Gretchen here. Let us be your friends, Cam.”

  “It’s hard. I’m losing everything. I feel like I’m drowning with nowhere to go.” I know Beverly’s right. The bond with these two is unbreakable. They’ve seen me at my worse and best. They had to pick up the pieces of my heart when everything came crashing down. I owe my life to these two. “I’ll try harder though.”

  Resting in the pool with Beverly is nice. I tell her more about Sharp, and she tells me about Gretchen Rose. I rub her stomach. A part of me wishes it were me having a baby, and the other part is happy I’m not.

  Being here with my friends is what I need. My friends will help me through this, even though I’m not sure what I need help with.

  Heading back to my apartment, I quickly shower and change into sweatpants and a loose shirt. Tonight is all about being comfortable. Resting on my bed with my Kindle, I pull up the book I’ve been reading, More With You by Kaylee Ryan. Reading takes me away, and for a few moments I forget about everything.

  The next morning, I decide on a little shopping trip. Beverly’s sick and Natalie’s away for the weekend, so it’s just me. Stepping into Eastview Mall, I start walking ready to shop. Von Maur has so many nice things. I look at the purses and shoes. My shopping assistant puts my purchased items to the side, and I walk out and head for Victoria’s Secret. Sure, I have no one for whom to wear lingerie, but you never know. Women should always have matching bras and panties. A woman needs to feel beautiful in her skin, and Victoria’s Secret does that for you!

  After trying on a few things, I make my purchase and head toward Banana Republic. I need a change. With Henry out of my life, this is my chance to start over.

  An email went out saying Sharp’s going to be back in town soon. There’s no exact date, but I need to be ready. This will be the first time we meet, and I need to look perfect. I’ve been going to the gym, focusing on cardio and squats. I’ve never been fat, but my muscles aren’t defined. I want to look toned and sexy, not just skinny. I’m watching what I eat and cutting out sweets indefinitely.

  After my little shopping spree, I head to Black and Blue for dinner. It’s quiet tonight, but nice. I love coming here. Sitting upstairs, I swirl my wine in my glass, thinking about Sharp. I sent him a few text messages, but nothing in return.

  Heading home, I crawl into bed, bringing the blanket to my nose and try to turn off my mind to get some sleep.

  Waking up in a pool of sweat I rub my eyes, letting them adjust to the dark room. I haven’t dreamt of Ayden in so long. Even after all this time I still think about him.

  Sitting on my bed I know I’m not getting any more sleep. Why is this happening now? I’m doing everything I can to close my eyes and escape into a deep sleep. I count to one hundred and take a few sleeping pills, but nothing. My mind is whirling, and it won’t stop. I can’t get myself to stop thinking.

  It’s nearly five in the morning, and I know I can’t get back to sleep. Heading into work a few hours early, I start the next projects and let my mind focus on that. Filling my coffee cup, I take a few quick sips, letting the hot, caffeinated liquid wake me up. I’m not sure how people function without it.

  “Knock, knock.” I turn around and see Natalie walking in, holding a large Edible Arrangement with a large bouquet of lilies — my favorite.

  “What’s that?”

  “For you,” she smiles, placing the goodies on my desk.

  Reaching for the card, I open the envelope and read the message.

  Soon your pussy will know.

  -Sharp

  “Why are you blushing?” Natalie yanks the card from my hands and gasp. “Holy shit!”

  “Yeah, I know. What the hell am I supposed to do?”

  “Smile and be lucky. Do you know that Sharp’s never had a girlfriend? He doesn’t do the whole sending-flowers thing to women and does not have any female friends besides Taylor and me.” She sits down on the edge of my desk, twirling her red hair. “Are you two dating?” She mischievously asks.

  “NO!” I quickly respond. “We’ve never even met!”

  “I see.” I feel Natalie studying me, trying to determine if I’m telling the truth. “Well, I think the both of you are an item, and I can’t wait to tell Taylor!”

  “There’s nothing to tell!”

  “Yeah, okay,” she gets off my desk and walks towards the door. “Sharp does not do the flower thing. Remember that,” she winks before leaving.

  Sitting in my chair, tapping my pen against my desk her last words play in my head. Sharp doesn’t seem like the sweet and romantic guy. He’s an ass, but a sexy, very alluring ass. He pushes me beyond my comfort zone, and I let him. With him there’s no shame. With him, I’m not embarrassed.

  My eyes read the card over and over again. I can’t stop looking at his message. I want this with Sharp. I want Sharp. Everything about him pulls me in, and I don’t think I can turn back.

  Sharp

  HEADING INTO MY OFFICE late at night, I walk in and look around. Natalie’s kept my desk organized and put the papers in a way I like it to be. After reviewing the papers, I get up from my desk and head to Camila’s office. Inside, there are the flowers I sent her, and I smile. I fucking smile.

  But I’m not ready to meet her. It’s not as though I don’t think she’ll like what she sees, because I’m not ugly. Although, I do have a feeling she’ll be upset, and I don’t know what will happen. I have to
be careful. This is the last portion of the plan. It’ll work. My plan will work.

  Getting my work done, I head home and try to find sleep. My heart races, and I can’t calm down. The bed feels cold and dark tonight. Is it because tomorrow will change everything?

  CAM

  SHARP’S NOT IN the office today, but he emailed me, and I don’t know what to do.

  Cam,

  Please meet me at my house after work. I need to see you.

  -Sharp

  Looking down at my beige dress with my pink cardigan, I let out a few breaths. I like my outfit and feel really good. I’m going to meet Sharp tonight. I’m going to see him, and he’ll see me. Things will work out. I run my hand through my hair and try not to jump up and down in my seat.

  Finishing my second cup of coffee, I head to my first meeting, but I can’t focus. I’m useless today. I keep checking my phone and there’s nothing from Sharp.

  Me: Are you okay? You haven’t texted me.

  Me: Do you need me to bring anything? Wine? Anything?

  After the meeting I decide to get lunch. It’s warm out today. There are no clouds in the clear, blue sky. Driving with the window down, the cool September air flows through my car, leaving me feeling refreshed.

  Driving to PF Changs, I try to think about what I want for lunch. I need to focus for a few minutes so I don’t obsess about what’ll happen today. Leaving my car in the valet area, I get out and head toward the restaurant. Walking inside and not paying attention, I bump into someone.

  “I’m so sorry,” I say, touching her arm, making sure she’s okay.

  “Oh, it’s okay dear.” She looks at me and smiles. I smile back, glad that she’s all right. Looking down I see a baby boy in the stroller. His eyes find mine, and instantly I feel something pulling me to him.

  “He’s adorable,” I tell her.

  “Thank you, dear. Grayson gets it from his father,” she says proudly. “Well, if you’ll excuse me I need to get going.”

  “Have a great day,” I tell her, looking back to Grayson. Something in me comes alive. Why is this little boy making me feel like this?

  When I put in my order, I head to the bar and wait. Sitting at the bar, I slowly sip on my red wine. I need something strong and dry to calm my nerves. The mixed emotions in me are confusing the hell out of me. Something isn’t sitting right. Grayson seems so similar. There’s something about his face that I can’t shake. Is this in my head? I have no idea what’s going on.

  Pulling out my phone, I text Natalie.

  Me: What’s Sharp’s son’s name?

  I don’t know why I’m asking her this. But it feels right.

  Natalie: Grayson…Why?

  Not answering her back, I jump out of the chair and run out of the restaurant. Pulling up the email from Sharp, I enter in his address in my GPS and quickly head to his home.

  I’m two point three miles away, and I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe and my hands are shaking. What the hell is wrong with me? His eyes. Those eyes stared at me for years, and I would know them anywhere. This isn’t happening. This can’t be it, but I know it is. I know this is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

  Turning left and then pulling into his driveway. I get out of my car, not even turning it off. Running up the path, I ring the doorbell. Taking a few deep breaths, I let it out and wait. I ring the doorbell again and hear someone walking. Fuck! Fuck!

  When the door opens, my mouth drops. I feel tears rushing from my eyes. No, this isn’t real. I’m dreaming and I’m going to wake up and meet Sharp!

  How is this possible? How!

  “Ayden?”

  “Hi, Camila.”

  Persuading Him

  (The Heiress, Book 1)

  By:

  Michelle Dare

  ~ 1 ~

  MY NAME IS KASI Markson. You may have heard of me. I’m the twenty-eight year old heiress to the Markson fortune. My father is Kaleb Markson, founder of Markson Aviation. They build private planes in the Midwest for the rich and famous. He lives where he builds. Not me, I prefer the Northeast.

  I grew up in Kansas with my father, but as soon as I turned eighteen I went to the mountains of Pennsylvania. No, not many of the world’s wealthy lived there and that was why I liked it. Not many recognize me and the paparazzi tend to leave me alone. Who really wants to hang out in below freezing temperatures for hours waiting to see if I took out the garbage or not? No one.

  Oh and I hate the whole K thing. Kaleb, Kasi, whatever. My parents divorced when I was five. Mom received a large amount of money and left without me. Being raised by my dad wasn’t bad. He gave me anything I ever wanted, including my independence. I never fell into drugs or drinking, although I did enjoy a fine wine every now and then.

  My dad called this morning to tell me he was having a meeting that I needed to attend tomorrow. I didn’t know what it was about, but if he wanted me there, I’d go. I did hold stake in the company. While not an active employee, my dad knew that I’d always be there for him. When he got older and was unable to run the business anymore it went to me. Did I want it? No. Would I take over and run it for him? If he wanted me to, absolutely.

  I have my own jet at the local private airport, but had a difficult time finding a pilot on such short notice. My normal one became very sick and was unavailable, but luckily my regular co-pilot was free. After placing a few calls, I found someone that came highly recommended. He was meeting me at the airport and would be flying me round trip.

  My house is nestled deep in the woods away from everyone and everything. The nearest town is twenty minutes away. Fortunately, it was spring and starting to warm up outside. The Town Car that was picking me up would have no trouble getting up to my house. The driveway wound up the hill, leaving my home completely obscured from the road. There is a high fence and gate that surrounds the property to ensure no one gets in.

  Looking in the mirror one last time before leaving, I made sure everything was in its place. The last thing I wanted was a picture of myself on a tabloid with wild hair and no make-up. I had straightened my long hair and made sure to apply light lines and color around my eyes. Blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin were all family traits on my father’s side that I had inherited.

  I was wearing a pair of designer jeans and a fitted blouse to accentuate my curves. I’d been told in the past my breasts were more than a handful, but it depended on the hand. Women had smaller hands and yes, my breasts were a handful to them. Men had larger hands and could easily cup them. The way they could grip them while their thumbs rubbed over my nipples sent a shiver through me just thinking about it. I experimented while I was in college, but found that I enjoy the company of men more. Picking up my suitcase and purse, I locked the door behind me and began my trip.

  The airport is located an hour from my home. Pulling up, I saw that I wasn’t the only jet taking off. Others were lined up near their hangers preparing to depart.

  My plane was built for me and my needs. I didn’t often travel with many people. There is room up front to seat eight comfortably with tables to work on and flat screen televisions built into the front panel of the plane. Also, a small bathroom was available for guests and the flight crew. In the back was a separate, secluded room with a queen-sized bed and a private bathroom.

  I had it designed with a modern flair. Not a fan of traditional jets, I opted for a white interior with dark grey leather seats. The lines were clean and even the bedroom had stylish grey bedding. I'm not a girly girl. My plane reflects me. Sleek and fast. No expense spared.

  My co-pilot met me at the bottom of the stairs as he usually did. Rob was in his late thirties and had a hard-on for me for a long time. He wasn’t my type. I loved him as a friend and nothing more. We’d hung out a few times, but I couldn’t see past the friendship line with him.

  “Hi honey,” he said to me with a warm smile. I leaned in for a quick hug.

  “Hi Rob. Thanks for working on short notice.”

  “No
worries, you are always my priority.”

  I rolled my eyes at his response. My money was his priority as well. He picked up my suitcase and followed me aboard. I traveled light since the trip was only two days long and I only needed a carry-on. He stowed the bag for me as I got situated for take-off.

  There was one flight attendant on board. She was a bubbly woman who appeared to be a few years younger than me. I wasn’t as picky with flight attendants as I was with my pilots. Rob may be a pain in my ass, but he was a friend and I knew he made my safety his top priority.

  Low maintenance is an easy way to describe me. If I want something, I get it. I don’t need to be waited on hand and foot. I'm not my father.

  The stewardess repeatedly asked me if I needed anything before we departed and I assured her for what felt like the eightieth time that I was all set. I took my earbuds out of my purse, plugged them into my tablet, and sat back with my eyes closed. The flight wasn’t long, only two and a half hours. Maybe I could get a nap in before seeing my dad.

  A few minutes later I felt someone tap me on my shoulder. Opening my eyes, I saw a man who utterly took my breath away. He was dressed in black slacks, a white button down dress shirt with stripes on the shoulders, and a solid black tie which made me assume he was my new pilot.

  Popping out my earbuds I said, “Hi.”

  “Hello ma’am. I’m your pilot, Radek Cole. Thank you for trusting your safety to me. I can assure you that you are in very capable hands.” Great, now I was focused on his hands and wondering what they would feel like cupping my ass while he pounded into me. “Our flight time will be approximately two and a half hours. If you need anything at all I’m at your service.” Anything? I wondered if he really meant that.