“I respect your feelings on the subject. However, I have to admit I’m sorely disappointed I won’t have the opportunity to get to know you better. I hope you get your problem worked out. Just know if you ever need an ear to bend, I’m here. Or you ever want to stop in for lunch, you’re welcome to do so anytime and it’s on me.”
The corner of her mouth twitched, the closest he’d ever come to seeing her smile.
“That’s kind of you. I appreciate the offer. Now, I really must be going. Thank you again for lunch.”
Carson winked at her and stood as she gathered her tote bag. “Anytime.”
Imani rushed from the restaurant as if hell hounds were chasing her, but her brisk pace still didn’t tone down the natural sway of her lush hips. She was a walking wet dream and he didn’t think she had the slightest idea.
“Wow, big brother, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman in such a rush to get out of your presence.”
He frowned at his sister as she came strolling up. “You aren’t funny, Kallie.”
“Wasn’t trying to be. What’s the deal with her?”
“I don’t know. I asked, but she didn’t want to tell. I didn’t push.”
His younger sister’s brows rose high on her forehead. “Really?”
“Believe me, after what I went through with Misty, I know what it feels like to not want to talk about something. I gave her an open invite to the restaurant for lunch and to talk. So any time she comes in her meal is always on the house, in the event I’m not here.”
“Do you think she’s going through a bad divorce or breakup?”
“Divorce? No. She doesn’t have a line on her finger indicating she’s ever worn a ring. I can’t be too certain of a breakup, but I don’t think that’s it either.”
“That sucks because she seems really nice.”
“I agree.”
“Do you think she’s going to take you up on your offer?”
“Who knows? What matters is I put it out there. The ball’s in her court now.”
* * * *
Imani stared off into the horizon, watching the sun set. It was a breathtakingly beautiful sight. She looked at her easel with the depiction of the wildflowers in the field behind the beach house. It was pretty decent. Pride surged through her at her first completed attempt. The sunset would be her subject tomorrow. She couldn’t wait to try it. For the first time in several weeks she felt lighter.
After her brief conversation with Carson at lunch, she’d gone straight home and pulled out her painting supplies. Dragging her comfortable chair outside and setting it up in front of her easel, she’d taken a deep breath and went straight to work.
She couldn’t wait to share the news with Naja. Her sister would be stoked. Her mind drifted back to her run in with Carson. When he’d placed his hand over hers, it’d taken everything inside of her not to jump over the table and throw herself into his arms. She’d never been so affected by a man’s touch. It’d been obvious he’d felt the connection as well. She’d read it in his eyes.
Yet what stood out to her the most was how he hadn’t pushed her when she told him she had a lot going on and didn’t want to talk about it. He’d immediately backed off, extending her an open invitation if she were ever ready.
His response confused the hell out of her. It was the last thing she expected from a guy who appeared to be all about having fun. He wasn’t supposed to be considering and caring. Perhaps she’d misjudged him. Maybe there was more to him than what was on the surface. Did it mean she should take him up on his offer? She truly didn’t know.
A strong breeze swept over her, pulling her from her thoughts. A shriek of joy from kids playing nearby in the water had her looking to the water’s edge. Two little boys played under the watchful eye of their mother.
Her hand immediately began to itch. She’d have enough remaining daylight to capture their images, but it gave her an idea for another painting she might attempt along with the one of the sunset.
Imani smiled. For the first time in a long time she felt like she’d made the right decision by coming to the beach. She just might have a plan in place by the end of June.
The peacefulness of the moment was pierced by the shrill of her cell phone. She recognized the ringtone.
“Hi, Naja,” she greeted.
“Hey, Imani. How did your day go?”
“Really good. I finished a painting.”
“That’s great. What did you paint?”
“A lovely field of wildflowers not too far from the beach house.”
“How does it feel to have a completed project?”
“It feels good. I honestly have to say up until today I felt like coming up here was a big mistake. I hadn’t been able to focus at all. I’d become frustrated enough to almost call this entire thing off and just go home.”
Naja sighed. “I’m glad you didn’t, Imani. I can’t even pretend to act as if I know what you’re going through. This situation would be difficult for anyone, but I know it’s especially hard for you. You’re the one who likes to know what to expect. This time you were completely blindsided. The company you worked for pulled an asshole move. They knew they were in trouble, but to keep you all from jumping ship they lied to everyone and told you everything was fine. Then they pulled the rug from underneath you. Sure, they tried to sweeten the blow with a hell of a severance package, but that’s only a bandage to cover the wound.”
“It sounds like you understand perfectly, Naja. That’s exactly what this entire experience has been like. I guess I just never expected this to happen to me. I also feel like I should’ve known this was coming. The housing market hasn’t been good for a while. My judgment was off. I fooled myself into thinking things were better than what they were.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. This wasn’t your fault. You were operating on good faith. We all have to do that sometimes, some of us more than others.”
“Well, I don’t want to make this a complete pity party. Tell me what’s going on in your world.”
“Not much. I’m sleeping, eating and breathing events for the local dignitaries. On one hand I’m having a blast. On the other I’m about to lose my mind.”
“And you love the chaos.”
“Fortunately I do. Even so, some of these folks are a pain in the butt. I’m just grateful I have two assistants who act as buffers. They keep me from having to deal with a lot of the monotony.”
“I still don’t know how you do it.”
“Probably because it’s in my blood.”
Imani laughed. “That’s the truth. You’ve been planning events since we were teenagers. I thought Dad was going to have a massive coronary when you told him you planned to major in hospitality management so you could become an event planner.”
“He was okay once I explained I’d also be qualified to manage a hotel if things didn’t work out with my first career choice.”
“You’re right. Speaking of our parents, have you heard from them?”
“I spoke with Mom last night. She’s busy packing a few last minute things for their three week southern Caribbean cruise.”
Imani chuckled. “I think our parents may be more with it than we are.”
“Maybe more hip than you, but definitely not me. I’m just glad they can be hip. They raised two successful daughters, have a great marriage and are still healthy enough to enjoy life. They’re doing exactly what I would want to do at their age.”
“You sure you won’t be partied out by then?”
“No more than you’ll be.”
“Well, that’s not saying much since I hardly go out.”
“Hopefully you’ll get out and party a little while you’re at the beach house. It’ll help you relax.”
“Oh no, Naja, that’s the last thing I’m here to do. I’ll leave that to the summer goers who don’t have a care in the world.”
“Technically, you should be one of those people. You’re supposed to resting and relaxing, remember
? Going out on the town a night or two during the week could help you.”
“How do you figure?”
“Imani, it’s been a while since you’ve been to the beach house, but I know for a fact there are some very gorgeous men running around that place who’d be more than willing to show you a good time and help you relax.”
Imani released a pent up breath. “I’m not here to indulge in casual sex with complete strangers. If anything, that will make my current situation even more complicated.”
“Only if you let it.”
“Naja.”
“What? You know I’m telling the truth. You need to relax. I’m not even there and I can imagine you’ve been doing nothing but pacing back and forth in the living room, trying to come up with a plan to figure everything out all at once. What you and I both know is it’s an impossible task, but you’re still going to do it anyway.”
“I’ll have you to know I only did that for the first forty-eight hours I was here.”
Naja laughed. “Only two days. Wow, you must not be feeling well.”
“And you aren’t funny.”
“I wasn’t trying to be. You really need to trust me on this. Take a few weeks and just veg out. It’s been years since you’ve had a real vacation. Go down and enjoy the beautiful beach, soak up some rays, and go to a bar or two. Then once you’ve had a little fun, sit down and do a little reflection. Your brain might actually be clear enough by then for you to figure something out.”
“I’m not sure that will ever happen.”
“It will. You just have to give it time.”
“I have enough of it, don’t I?”
“Imani—”
“You don’t have to say it. We both know I just can’t help myself.”
“So what else did you do today?”
“Not much. I just took a stroll to one of the local restaurants, had lunch, then came back to the beach house and painted.”
“Did you see any gorgeous guys along the way?”
An image of Carson immediately popped up into her mind. He’d definitely qualify by Naja’s standards.
“Hello? Imani, did I lose you?”
She cleared her throat once she realized she hadn’t answered her Naja’s question.
“No, I’m still here.”
“Interesting.”
“What is?”
“The fact you still haven’t answered my question.”
“What question?”
“Then you up the ante with avoidance. Who is he?”
Imani stifled a groan. Her sister wouldn’t let it go until she had a satisfactory response. The problem was she didn’t even have the answer. “Who is who?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Imani. I’ve shared a room with you for too many years. I know better.”
“Let it go, Naja.”
“Ah ha! So there is a man. What’s his name?”
“Sometimes I think you really get a kick out playing the role of pesky little sister.”
“I do. Now stop dodging my question.”
Imani closed her eyes, rubbing the back of her neck. “Carson. His name is Carson.”
She flinched at the happy squeal reverberating through the ear piece.
“I knew it! Tell me all about him.”
“There isn’t a lot to tell.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“You shouldn’t. I don’t know much about him. I’ve only seen him twice and we’ve barely had more than a fifteen minute conversation each time.”
“All your fault, I’m certain.”
“Hey, now—”
“Don’t get distracted. What does he look like? Where did you meet him? Where’s he from? What does he do?”
“Jeez, Naja. One question at a time. To begin with, I don’t know where he’s from, but it isn’t Myrtle Beach. Definitely from the south though, between his accent and manners, I’ve determined that. I met him at the restaurant he owns. As far as what he looks like, well, drop-dead gorgeous is putting it lightly. Intense gray eyes you can get lost in and dark brown hair you want to run your fingers through.”
“Sounds yummy.”
“He is. Exactly the reason why I’m eluding him at all costs.”
“Why on earth would you do that? Is something wrong with him? Is he married? Oh no, he’s gay.”
Imani burst out laughing before she could stop herself. Encouraging her younger sister would only ensure she ended up with a headache. “He’s not gay. Nor is he married. No ring anywhere in sight. And yes, there is something wrong with him. He’s dangerous.”
“As in a criminal sort of way or he’s a heartbreaker so don’t get close?”
“The latter. As the song goes, he’s sexy and he knows it.”
Naja giggled. “Maybe I need to rearrange my schedule so I can check this guy out.”
“Oh no you don’t. The last thing I need is for you to come play matchmaker. Resisting him on my own is difficult enough.”
“Why are you?”
“I just told you, he’s dangerous. I have enough I haven’t figured out. I don’t need to add anything else to the mix. Heck, I couldn’t even see through the fog of the company I worked for. No way am I going to even think about getting involved with a man right now.”
“You’re not looking to marry him, Imani. Just get naked with him a few times, have wild sex and then go on about your business.”
“If only it could be that simple.”
“Did he give you any indication it couldn’t be?”
“No.”
“Then you have your answer. He could be the summer fling you need.”
“Wait. Who said I needed casual summer sex with a complete stranger?”
“You did.”
“I’m about to hang up on you in a moment.”
“I’d call you right back.”
“I wouldn’t answer.”
“Then I’d sic Mom on you.”
“That’s just mean, Naja.”
“No, I’m only looking out for your best interest.”
“By torturing me?”
Her younger sister was smart enough to remain silent.
“Look, I’ve finally cleared my head enough to the point I can start painting again. I already feel much better. That’s my main purpose for being here. Not to take up with a complete stranger for no-strings attached sex. Carson is a nice guy, but he isn’t the guy for me. End of discussion.”
“Okay, Imani. I’ll respect your decision for now, but just know, this isn’t over.”
Chapter Three
A week later Imani realized just how right her younger sister had been. Carson was constantly on her mind. She hadn’t been back to Baxter’s in over a week. Unfortunately that didn’t stop her rampant thoughts. Somehow she’d still managed to complete two more paintings. She hadn’t come up with a solidified plan as to what her next move would be, but at least she didn’t feel so overwhelmed anymore.
The pressing issue for her right now was Carson. She realized this was a stone she couldn’t leave unturned. Her attraction to him wasn’t going away. If anything, it was growing stronger, now manifesting as very provocative dreams. Waking up this morning with her hand between her legs and his name on her lips had been the final straw. She planned to take him up on his offer today. Stopping by Baxter’s for lunch might not solve everything, but it could be a start.
After making sure she had everything in her tote bag, she secured the house and headed toward Carson’s restaurant. The weather was beautiful. Not too hot, not too cool. Perfect. She slipped off her shoes to enjoy the feel of the cool sand and water as she walked. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of what she should say to him. Would he even be there? What would she do if he wasn’t? She didn’t have the nerve to keep coming back. Just this morning she’d nearly talked herself out of going at least three times.
She stopped and stared out into the water, watching children and adults play in the waves. If her lunch plans went
well, she might come back and spend the day at the beach herself. She could use a relaxing day at the beach. She’d yet to get into the water. Today would be a perfect day to do so.
Walking closer to the water’s edge, she let waves splash up and rinse the bottom of her feet before sliding back into her flip-flops. Taking a deep breath, she continued on toward Baxter’s.
Several moments later, she reached the entrance. Her hand shook as she grabbed the door handle and pulled. It took everything she had to walk through the door without collapsing. She couldn’t ever recall being this nervous in her life and that frightened her.
“Hi, Imani. It’s good to see you again.”
She relaxed at the sound of Carson’s sister voice.
“Hi, um…it’s Kallie, right?”
“Yes.”
“It’s nice to see you again as well.”
“Do you want to sit at the bar, table or booth?”
“Booth would be fine.”
“Right this way.”
Kallie snatched up a menu and silverware before heading off toward a section of booths.
Imani followed her quietly, uncertain of how to ask her impending question. She slid into the booth, accepting the items Carson’s sister handed her.
“Here you are. Your waitress will be over in just a moment. Is there anything I can get for you right now?”
It was the opening she’d been looking for.
“Um…yes. Is Carson in today?”
“He sure is. I’ll let him know you’re here,” Kallie responded with a wink.
“Thank you.” Imani opened her menu and buried her face into it.
How mortifying.
She studied the laminated menu as if it held all the answers to every important question in the world. A few moments later, even footsteps approached the table. Glancing upward, she expected the find the waitress. Instead she laid eyes on the man who’d plagued her dreams for the past week. The words she’d rehearsed all week stuck in her throat.
“Hi, beautiful.”
One Hot Summer Anthology Page 2
