One Hot Summer Anthology

by Morris , Stephanie

  He killed the engine as he looked over at her. “Welcome to my home.”

  Every muscle in her body tensed. “I thought you said we were going to dinner.”

  “We are. Everything is ready so I hope you’re hungry.”

  “Carson, I’m not comfortable with—”

  He placed a warm palm on her bare thigh, stopping her in mid-speech.

  “Imani, I promise I didn’t bring you here to try anything with you. As a matter of fact, you won’t even see the inside of my home. Well, not much of it anyway. I know you don’t know me well, but I’m hoping you’ll trust me on this. My plan is to show you a good and relaxing time. How about we make a deal?”

  She studied him warily. “I’ll hear you out.”

  “Allow me to show you the surprise I have in store for you. If you don’t like it, then I swear I’ll take you home, no questions asked.”

  She searched his expression for any signs of insincerity. When she didn’t find any, she looked away, biting her lip as she contemplated the idea. She wasn’t afraid take a chance. She was frightened of what might happen if she did. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to demand he take her home. To be completely honest, she didn’t want to leave.

  Finally she turned her attention back to him. “You’ll take me home no questions asked?”

  “I promise.”

  She released a pent up breath. “Okay then, let’s see this surprise.”

  Before she could blink Carson was out of the car and heading around to her side. He led her up the steps to his home. She found he was true to his word. He ushered straight through the living room, through the kitchen and out to the back patio.

  “Have a seat here.”

  She took a seat at the table that offered up a spectacular view of the beach. As she sat she noticed the blindfold on the table. Her gaze jerked to his and he chuckled.

  “If only I could get you to stop assuming all of my intentions are nefarious.”

  “Tell you what, tell me what you plan to do with that and we’ll see if I’m wrong.”

  “I’m going to blindfold you until I can get the rest of the surprise set up. It won’t take me but five minutes—ten minutes tops.”

  “You sure are asking a lot of me.”

  “For which you shall be greatly rewarded.”

  She shook her head and closed her eyes. “Go ahead and blindfold me. You aren’t tying up my hands, so I can always remove it if necessary.”

  “Exactly. Just promise you won’t peek too soon.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Okay. Go ahead.”

  Before she could draw her next breath, Carson whipped the blindfold off the table and covered her eyes.

  “Can you see anything?” he asked after he was done.

  “No.”

  “Wonderful. Now give me a few minutes to set everything up and then we can have dinner.”

  “I’m waiting.”

  She heard him reenter his home, then nothing but the sound of the beach filled her ears. This date was definitely off to an interesting start. She couldn’t wait to tell Naja about it. It’d probably help her younger sister get over being upset about not knowing about the date beforehand.

  The sound of the patio door opening pulled her from her thoughts. She turned her head in Carson’s direction.

  “I’m almost finished. Just a few more minutes.”

  “Take your time.”

  She was surprised at how much she meant the statement. The tension that’d coursed through her earlier had dissipated. She didn’t doubt his capability to take care of everything. He’d done a good job so far.

  A few moments later she heard his footsteps.

  “Everything is ready. I would make you keep the blindfold on, but I want you to make it safely down the steps. So are you ready for the big reveal?”

  “I am.” She stood still as he undid the ties of the cloth covering her eyes. It took a moment for her eyes to readjust. Once they had, she gasped.

  He’d gone through the painstaking task of setting up a romantic dinner for two on a blanket a few feet away.

  “Do you want to leave your tote up here on the patio or would you like for me to place it inside on the kitchen table?”

  “The kitchen table would be fine,” she murmured.

  He disappeared briefly. Once he returned he took her hand into his and led her down the steps. Once they reached the bottom, he paused, kneeling in front of her. She inhaled sharply when his hand brushed her ankle. Lifting her foot she allowed him to take one sandal off, then the other.

  He rose slowly, his gaze colliding with hers. She found it difficult to take a normal breath. Several heartbeats later he broke the intense stare off and took off his flip-flops. Situating their shoes into one of his hands, he placed the other on the small of her back and guided her down to the blanket.

  As they drew closer, she realized there was a huge covered container in the middle of the blanket. Next to it sat a bucket of ice with a bottle of white wine sticking out of it. Two wine glasses accompanied the set up. There were two more small containers, one sitting in ice, the other just on the edge of the blanket. A small covered basket rounded out the set up.

  He helped her ease down onto one side of the blanket. She crossed her legs at the ankles for comfort and decency. He sat down next to her with a huge grin on his face. She watched silently as he uncovered the basket, revealing paper plates and sliced lemon wedges. He placed the towel over the skirt of her dress then handed her a plate with a few slices of lemon. Her heart rate sped up at his thoughtfulness.

  “Considering the fact you really seem to like seafood I thought I’d take a chance and prepare my famous seafood bake for you.”

  As he spoke, he removed the lid from the huge container between them. Steam escaped and the aroma of succulent food assailed her nose. Her eyes widened as she took in the contents revealed.

  “That looks delicious.”

  “I hope you agree it tastes the same as well.” He reached back inside the basket for a large serving spoon. “Would you like for me to do the honors?”

  “Please,” she replied, holding out her plate.

  She tried to hold back a moan as he placed lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, corn and potatoes on her plate, followed by a little of the broth.

  “Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. I have warm washcloths in that container near your feet.”

  “You’ve thought over everything, haven’t you?”

  “I’d like to think so,” he replied as he handed her lobster crackers.

  “Now, before you dig in, allow me to open the wine. I want to make a toast.”

  She nodded as she sat her plate aside.

  He handed the wine glasses to her and she waited patiently while he uncorked the wine. Once they each had a good serving she held his glass out to him.

  “To a lovely evening I sincerely hope leads to many more.”

  She touched her glass to his then took a drink. The flavors of the cool refreshing wine burst on her tongue. She took her time to savor it while Carson served himself. When his plate was loaded down, she smiled. “Thanks for making such a wonderful meal.”

  “You haven’t tasted it yet.”

  “True. Let me rectify that now.” She bit into a shrimp, closing her eyes in pleasure. When she finished chewing, she sighed in appreciation. “Wow. I’m starting to wonder just how many hidden talents you have.”

  “None I’m not willing to reveal to you.”

  She inhaled sharply, choking when air went down the wrong pipe. It took a few sips of wine to bring herself under control. “I’m starting to think I should always expect the unexpected with you.”

  He winked as he popped a clam into his mouth. They ate in silence for several moments. She took the time to savor the food he’d prepared. How in the world did he stay in such great shape if he could cook like this? Not that she was a bad cook. She just tended to eat most of her meals on the go, and they consisted
of salad or grilled chicken sandwiches from the closest fast food place.

  Working sixty to seventy hours a week didn’t leave much time for cooking. It didn’t leave much time for anything, a major part of the reason why she seriously debated going back into the industry. Now that she’d finally started to relax she was more reluctant to get back into the rat race.

  “Be sure to save room for dessert.”

  “You didn’t.”

  He laughed. “I did. What’s dinner without dessert?”

  “I’m guessing not complete in this case.”

  “And you’d be correct.”

  She ate a few more bites off her plate then sat it aside. When he went to put his plate down, she shook her head. “No, please take your time. I’m just stopping while I can still breathe and to allow my food to digest before I gorge myself on dessert.”

  He grinned then resumed eating.

  “Have you always wanted to own a restaurant?”

  “No. I knew that I wanted to go into business for myself though. I’m actually a former civil engineer. I used to pull an average of seventy hours a week and even though I was paid well for it, I hardly had time to enjoy the money. My sister, Kallie, went to culinary school and spent years trying to work her way up in the cutthroat food industry. So Baxter’s was the perfect out for both of us and we took it.”

  “Nice.”

  “It has been. While it’s hard work to run a restaurant, I’m able to hire other people to help do the things I can’t.”

  “So Kallie’s the cook of the family, huh?”

  “We both are. The difference is Kallie’s formally trained. I just cook for pleasure. We both create recipes for the menu at the restaurant. By the way, she is tickled pink you love her lobster roll sandwich as much as you do.”

  “I’ll have to be sure to thank her for her creative genius later.”

  “Be sure to thank her for the dessert as well. If you want to clean your hands, grab one of the wet towels.”

  She took him up on his offer, wiping her hands briskly on the still warm cloth.

  “So, if you could do anything in the world, what would you choose?”

  Imani put the towel aside. “Paint. Not on a professional level. But enough to make a decent amount to live off of.”

  “Do you think it’d be possible?”

  “No. Not unless I want to be the typical starving artist. I could probably get people to purchase some of my basic paintings and take special orders, but it’d never be enough to live off of. I’d have to supplement my income by teaching classes to other inspiring painters or just as a recreation. With all of that combined, I might be able to survive.”

  “What if it turned out not to be as difficult to achieve as you thought? Would you do it then?”

  “In a heartbeat.”

  Carson remained silent, but he didn’t have to say anything. He’d given her a lot to think about. To make a living at her hobby would be a dream come true, but she knew it to be virtually impossible. Her biggest fear was painting would become a task instead of a joy. Something that would be a shame since she’d recently rediscovered the fun in it.

  “Are you ready for dessert?”

  She looked up to find he’d finished everything on his plate and now cleaned the remnants from his hands. “Sure.”

  He pulled out two more paper plates and a container with a nozzle. Then he reached for the last unopened container on ice. She could hardly contain her excitement when he revealed what looked to be mini cheesecake squares.

  He placed a few of them on each of their plates then drizzled a thick red syrup over them.

  “I hope you like white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.”

  She couldn’t hold back her moan of excitement. Cheesecake was one of her favorite desserts. Only one thing could top it: her mom’s peanut butter cookies. “I love cheesecake. This meal has been completely over the top.”

  “I’m glad you approve.”

  “So much so, I don’t want this night to ever end.”

  “It doesn’t have to,” he replied huskily.

  Chapter Five

  Imani rested her head on Carson’s shoulder as they strolled down the beach arm-in-arm. The night couldn’t be more perfect despite the fact she’d nearly run back to the house at the heat behind his statement. While the sexual chemistry between the two of them was undeniable, she wasn’t ready to act upon it yet, felt like it’d be a mistake if they did. Instead she’d defused the situation by suggesting a stroll down the beach.

  After helping him get the nearly empty containers and blanket back up to the house, they’d gone for a walk. Now instead of battling raging hormones, she fought exhaustion. She yawned and Carson looked down at her.

  “Are you ready to go home?”

  “I think I should. While I don’t have any major plans for tomorrow, I’m a little tired.”

  “Let’s get you home then.”

  Several minutes later, they were back in his car and headed to her family’s beach home. He shut off the ignition after he pulled into her driveway then came around to assist her out. She handed him the key to the door when he held out his hand.

  “Where are you from, Carson?”

  “Knoxville, Tennessee.”

  She laughed. “I knew it.”

  “You knew what?”

  “That you were from the south. Your mannerisms leave no doubt.”

  He winked. “My mother would be glad to hear that.”

  He opened the door and she stepped inside.

  “Would you like to come in for a moment?”

  “Sure, but I won’t stay long. I know you’re tired.”

  She sat her bag on the couch before turning to face the man who’d shown her a wonderful evening. “At the risk of sound cliché, I really enjoyed myself.”

  “Then I achieved my goal. I also hope it won’t be the last time.”

  “It won’t. I have plenty of free time. Just let me know the next time you want to get together.”

  “How about tomorrow? I can’t promise I’ll top tonight, but I know a nice Italian restaurant off the highway.”

  “I’m game.”

  “Good.” He stepped closer to her, brushing the back of his hand against her cheek. “Now, I’ll say goodnight so you can get some rest.”

  She opened her mouth to respond, but the distraction of his touch rendered her speechless. So instead, she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

  “Imani.”

  Her eyes fluttered open at the tone in his voice. “Yes?”

  “Do you have any idea how much I’ve wanted to have my hands on you?” he asked softly. “I look at you and all I can think about is how beautiful you are. I can’t get the thought of your flawless skin out of my head. Even as we stand here, it’s all I can do not to strip you naked to explore every inch of you.”

  His eyes were intense, his voice intimate and captivating. Arousal pulled at her, tugging her toward him until her palms were against his chest. For a moment, she held back, pushing herself away. Then she gave herself over to the longing and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes closed and she pressed her lips against his.

  His mouth was hot and dominating, sweeping her upward though she was pressed against him. Why had she been fighting this when it was everything she desired? One of his hands slid around to grasp the back of her neck, the other ran down the length of her back, molding her to him.

  She threw herself into all the feelings she’d tried so hard not to give into. She moaned at the feel of the heat and the solidness of his body against her, the feel of his arms pulling her close, so close. She felt like she was caught up in a violent thunderstorm. The balmy air from outside swept into the room, lifting her skirt.

  Then his hand was under the fabric, caressing the bare skin of her thighs, rubbing over her lace-covered bottom.

  Passion flowed through her as he touched her skin through the cotton and lace. It wasn’t enough. Her head fell back, her lips pa
rted, and his tongue dipped inside. So sweet, so demanding. Her mouth came alive under his urging, teasing a hundred nerve-endings with the promise of more. It did nothing to satisfy her. The craving only increased.

  He brushed his mouth across her cheek and down her neck, feasting on the delicate skin, inhaling her scent until it made her knees tremble. It was amazing to feel him close after waiting to have him touch her again for so long. She clutched at his shoulders as his mouth moved lower to the tops of her breasts.

  Imani reveled in the magnificent sensation. He tugged at the zipper on her dress until the straps slid down her shoulders, then unsnapped the back clasp of her strapless bra to let her breasts tumble free. She gasped at the heat of his mouth on her, sighed as his tongue swirled and teased her, starting that gradual, unavoidable tightening in her stomach. Lavishing attention on first one peak, then the other, he drove her higher and higher. His hand caressed the tender flesh. The roughness of his five o’clock shadow scraped against her. The contrast between the beard stubble and his mouth made her gasp.

  She wanted to feel him against her, yearned for it feverishly as she unbuttoned his shirt with trembling fingers. She pulled it apart and ran her hands up his smooth, hard chest. She collapsed against him, her breasts pressed into the heat of his skin.

  Carson groaned and clutched her hair in his fists, sealing his mouth to hers. She felt how much he wanted her. She craved him just as much. Imani wanted him then and there. She needed him to be a part of her, to bury himself deep within her until neither of them knew where one body started and the other left off. Suddenly, he eased her backwards toward the couch, and slid his hand under the edge of her lacy briefs. Imani was wet and ready. She was on the brink of losing control. Suddenly an unexpectedly car horn sounded out in the stillness of the night. They both jumped and she pulled back. Once she realized what she’d been doing, she struggled to get her dress back into place.

  “I’m sorry, Carson. I didn’t mean for things to go this far,” she mumbled, taking a few more steps away from him. She shook her head. “I’m not ready for this.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck, his frustration evident. “It’s not your fault, Imani. We both got a little carried away. It’s okay. I’m going to say goodnight now. I open the restaurant tomorrow, but will you call me during the day and let me know how your day’s going?”