by Eve Vaughn
Tasha shrugged. “Your parents are well off. You didn’t need to work.”
“That’s not the point. I wanted a job and to have my own money to spend, doing normal teenage things.”
“But you had an allowance,” Tasha pointed out.
“So what? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel a sense of accomplishment in oneself. If that wasn’t enough, you know how I had my heart set on going to Berkley. It was my dream school. They didn’t even know I had applied until I got accepted because they assumed I’d be going to a local university. When I broke the news of my acceptance, my mother wouldn’t stop crying and Dad kept trying to bribe me. I felt so guilty that I caved and ended up going to Georgetown. I gave up my dream to make them happy because of my gratitude for all they’ve done for me. I’m twenty-six, for goodness sake, and I haven’t done a thing without them somewhere with their fingers in the pot. I’ve scrimped and saved and borrowed the rest from a bank to invest in a business of my own to prove to them and everyone that I’m not a little girl who needs to have things done for me.”
Tasha rolled her eyes. “Really? Your biggest complaint is that you didn’t get to go to the school you wanted, but instead you got to go to an equally prestigious school. You have no idea how many people would love to have your problems.”
This conversation was becoming more frustrating by the second for Sommer. “Are you deliberately trying not to see my point or do you really not get it?”
Tasha shrugged. “I don’t get it. I would’ve killed to be in your position. You always had the best of everything. You got a car as soon as you passed the driver’s test and you always had the latest fashions. What I don’t understand is that you don’t see how lucky you are.”
“I never said I wasn’t. And I appreciate every single thing my parents have done for me. I’m pretty sure I already said that.”
Tasha shrugged. “It doesn’t sound like you do.”
It was clear her friend simply wasn’t willing to understand. “Wow. Okay, this discussion is done. I appreciate you coming to visit but as you can see, I have a lot of things to do before the grand opening.”
Tasha’s mouth fell open. “What? Why are you upset with me? I’m just pointing out that you had it a lot better than me. From my perspective, I don’t see what you have to complain about.”
“So I won’t waste my breath trying.”
Tasha walked over to Sommer and touched her arms. “Obviously I’ve upset you and I didn’t mean to. I guess it’s just hard for me to see your point of view because I had such a shitty home life. But if this is something that really bothers you, I have no right to minimize your feelings. I’d still rather be in your shoes but I’m sorry for coming off as callous.”
Sommer sighed. “I know I sound like an ungrateful brat, but…it’s one of those you-have-to-be-there-to-understand things. Listen, I have a lot to go over right now. I need to make sure everything runs smoothly for my launch party tomorrow night.”
Tasha lifted a brow, a lopsided grin tilting her full lips. “Are you kicking me out?”
“You can stick around if you’d like, but I won’t be very good company while I’m working.”
“Fine.” Tasha brushed the invisible wrinkles out of her linen skirt. She didn’t need to, as she always looked immaculate no matter what she wore. The crisp white top Tasha sported created a nice foil to her dark brown skin. “I can take a hint. I just wanted to come by and see the place. Thanks for showing me around. I know you’ll be a success. It’s been predicted.”
Sommer laughed. “Puleeze. Don’t start that again. Thanks for coming by and checking me out. I’ll see you at the party tomorrow?”
They hugged.
“With bells on…and my latest friend, of course.”
“Tyree, right?”
“Oh, he was so three weeks ago. I’m seeing Steven now, and can I just say his nickname should be the Energizer Bunny?”
Sommer held up her hands in protest. “Spare me the details.”
Poking out her tongue, Tasha ignored Sommer’s plea. “He keeps going and going.”
Sommer scrunched her nose at the information. “Uh, yeah, I figured that much out.”
“Well, you know how it is.”
Actually, she didn’t. Sommer’s one act of rebellion resulted in the loss of her virginity at seventeen to a kid whose name she could barely remember. All she could recall from the incident was it hurt a little and was over quickly. Her next attempt at a liaison was in college with her lab partner. He’d been so nervous, he’d popped three condoms before he was able to get one on properly, and then it was nearly over as fast as the first time. After that, Sommer got her sexual relief strictly from her B.O.B.
She decided it was wiser not to answer Tasha because if there was one subject her friend could talk about for hours, it was sex.
Too astute for her own good, Tasha squinted her hazel eyes as if scrutinizing a bug under a microscope. “You do know what I mean, don’t you?”
“Can we not get into this now? Aren’t you supposed to be leaving?”
“What’s not to get in to? You’re opening up your own business, declaring your independence. Don’t you think you should take that extra step and leap into full-blown womanhood?”
“Tasha,” Sommer’s voice dropped to a warning tone, but her thick-headed friend continued on.
“Look, I’m simply pointing out that you should take the bull by the cock and—″
God help her. “Don’t you mean the horns?”
“Is that how the saying goes?” Tasha said with mock innocence, her eyes twinkling. “I think it’s an excellent time for you to join the rest of us in the sexual revolution.”
“I’m fine with the way things are. Besides, I’ll be too busy trying to make Afternoon Delights a success.”
“How many times do I have to tell you, it’s gonna happen for you? Madam Natasha said so. And when she mentioned new beginnings, I’m certain she wasn’t just referring to opening your business. Find yourself a stud and have some fun.”
Sommer’s patience was wearing thin with this psychic mumbo jumbo, but she managed to keep her voice level. “Okay, this conversation is over. I really need to focus on the opening. I’ll call you tonight.”
“Fine. You can avoid the subject if you’d like, but you and I both know you need to get laid.”
Sommer refused to dignify that with a response instead she turned her attention to the computer screen and began hitting random keys to give the appearance of being busy, making it clear she wasn’t participating in this talk any longer.
With a sigh, Tasha left.
Once alone, Sommer couldn’t concentrate. Was Tasha right? Did she need to take a lover? If she was being completely honest with herself, maybe one of the reasons her foray into sexual exploration hadn’t worked out was because she compared everyone to Caleb Masters.
Just the very thought of him sent a shiver racing up her spine. With his broad shoulders, sinewy frame and dreamy dark-lashed sky blue eyes, he was the epitome of sex on two legs. There was only one problem.
He was Wulfen and Alpha-in-Waiting. There was no way he could want her. As leader, he’d need a Wulfen bitch to govern by his side, not a human who didn’t know much about her own heritage.
While the fantasy of being with him made her pussy tingle; that was all it could be, a fantasy. Besides, he treated her like a little sister. It was Caleb she ran to when her parents and his father wouldn’t cave on certain issues. He’d been there for her to vent to and give advice and often spoke on her behalf. It was he who’d stood up to the other Wulfen children who teased her for being different. He encouraged her in her dreams of starting her own business.
When she thought of him, Sommer smiled. Caleb was the one who’d taught her how to ride a bike, ski and drive a car. She couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t been there for her. He had been like the big brother she’d never had, but somewhere along the line, her feelings had developed i
nto much more. Each day she’d learned to suppress them, content to have his friendship.
The shrill ring of the buzzer brought Sommer out of her silent musings. She wasn’t expecting any visitors. Her parents had come by earlier to see if they could help out. Perhaps Tasha had left something behind. Giving a quick survey of the room, she saw nothing and frowned.
Sommer was shocked to see the object of her affection standing on the other side of the glass door when she stepped into the store section. “Caleb!” With hurried motions, she opened the door for him before throwing herself into his arms. “When did you get back? I thought you’d be in New York until this weekend?”
Chuckling, he bared even white teeth, swinging her around. “And miss the grand opening? Not on your life.”
She smacked him playfully on the shoulders. “Put me down, you big ox,” her lips said, although she secretly reveled in the feel of being held within the circle of his strong corded arms.
Caleb dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “How are you doing?”
Heat suffused her body as she slowly stepped away from him. Why did her heart race so frantically whenever he was near? It wasn’t fair for one man to be so damned gorgeous. Resisting the urge to brush the stray black lock off his forehead, Sommer kept her fists clenched at her side. “Pretty good. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. If you’d like, I can give you a quick tour of the place.”
Again he smiled, making her heart do cartwheels. “I’d love that.”
Remembering what Tasha and she had discussed only moments earlier, she tensed. It wouldn’t do to allow her thoughts to wander in that direction.
“Sommer?” He shot her a questioning look, the muscles tightening in his square jaw. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, I’m fine.” Except, I want you to take me right here on the floor, she wanted to say but bit her lips to keep the words from coming out.
She showed him around her store. It wasn’t big, but it was hers. While the idea of sinking or swimming was daunting, Sommer wouldn’t have it any other way. Once the tour was over, she led him to her tiny office in the back. “Would you like something to drink? I have a couple cans of cola and some bottled water in my mini-fridge,” she offered, bending down to get herself a beverage.
When he didn’t answer, Sommer glanced over her shoulder, only to catch Caleb eyeing her with a strange twinkle in his eyes. She bit her bottom lip that threatened to escape. There was something feral, territorial almost, in that look. Perhaps she was imagining things. Turning back around, as though in deep study of the refrigerators’ contents, she cleared her throat. “Would you like something?” she repeated.
“Water would be fine,” he finally answered. There was a gravelly quality to his voice that wasn’t there before, or maybe she was hearing things that weren’t there?
Sommer handed him his water and retreated to the safety of her desk, thankful they were separated by the big teak monstrosity, a present from her parents.
Caleb seemed to be as uneasy as she felt and she didn’t know why couldn’t quite put her finger on what had happened in just a matter of seconds. An awkward silence cloaked the room until he spoke. “I thought I saw your friend Tasha leaving the shop.”
She gratefully grasped onto that safe subject, glad to have something to talk about. “Yes, she came by to check out the new place, like you have. I’m popular today. Mom and Dad were here earlier, and now you. Tasha’s been spouting on and on about a psychic reading we attended a few months ago.”
He lifted his brow in surprise. “I thought you didn’t believe in that stuff.”
“I don’t, but Tasha does. It was just before I set forth my plan for the business. She told me that whenever she’s stuck in a rut, she gets a reading. I didn’t really want to go, but I went along to humor her.”
“And do you think it made a difference?”
“I don’t think so, although she won’t stop talking about it. She seems to think that because Madam Natasha said so, I’m going to be this huge success.”
“I have no doubt about that. You’ve always been determined.
Feeling reckless, she decided to see what his reaction would be by telling him the other half of the conversation. “Tasha also seems to think I should also try new avenues as far as my love life goes.”
His eyebrows were drawn together in what looked like disbelief. “Oh?”
Sommer wasn’t sure what prompted her, but she found herself saying, “She says I should take a lover, and maybe she’s right.”
“Like hell you will,” he growled suddenly, surprising her.
“Excuse me?” she demanded in a stunned whisper. Why was he so angry? Usually, she could tell Caleb anything, but at the moment, she was sorry she brought it up.
“You’re not taking a lover!”
Her cheeks grew warm with embarrassment before anger took over. She was tired of being told what she could and couldn’t do. Hearing it from Caleb, in particular, didn’t sit well with her. “I’m twenty-six, not six, old enough to do as I please without your permission.”
“Damn right you’re old enough. And I’m glad you’ve finally realized it because I was getting tired of waiting.”
Her jaw dropped. Was he implying what she thought he was? No. That was impossible. She had to be imagining things. “What are you talking about, Caleb?”
“The only lover you’re taking is me.” A fierce possessive gleam twinkled in his eyes, daring her to contradict him.
Sommer nearly fell out of her chair.
Chapter Two
The minute the words were out of his mouth, Caleb knew there was no turning back. There. He’d said it, and now the ball was firmly in Sommer’s court. For years, he’d been watching, wanting and waiting to claim her for his own.
Her mouth hung open and then formed a perfect ‘O’. It took every ounce of willpower inside of his being to not get up at this very moment and take her in his arms. Caleb was in love with Sommer McGregor. Everything about her sent his body into a tailspin from her bright smile and big dark brown eyes he often found himself drowning into, those thick bow-shaped lips, gorgeous brown skin and a body that filled his nights with wet dreams.
Often he’d wake up rock hard from wanting her. Yet he had to pretend to be the big brother figure she’d relegated him to. Not anymore. He’d watched jealously on the sidelines when she began to date, going crazy with thoughts of someone else touching her, holding her, kissing her. Nothing angered him more than when some other guy so much as looked in her direction in a lustful way, and she inspired that in a lot of men, much to his dismay.
Biding his time, he knew one day she would be his and he wouldn’t rest until that happened. To hear her saying she was considering taking a lover was the final straw. Caleb refused to stand by and watch another man initiate Sommer in the sexual arts. Of course, he didn’t kid himself into believing she was a virgin, but it was also apparent to him that she hadn’t been satisfied properly. She still had that untouched air about her, but Caleb fully intended to fix that.
He lifted a brow. “Are you going to say something or do you plan on staring at me with your mouth open?”
Sommer blinked a couple times in obvious astonishment. “What am I supposed to say? You were joking, right?”
“I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. Do you want me to repeat myself? Though it’s not a habit of mine, I’ll do it gladly. The only lover that you’ll have is me,” he declared through gritted teeth, the beast within roused, making him cagey.
She shook her head, her eyes wide with wonder. “Caleb…we’re friends. You’re the big brother I’ve never had.”
That was it. Action was definitely needed where words were failing. Moving with a natural grace inherent of his kind, he stood up and stalked toward her with purposeful strides.
Her mouth fell open. “What are you doing?” she squeaked.
Caleb didn’t answer. He grabbed Sommer’s arm, hauling her out of the leather
swivel chair and pulling her into his arms.
She splayed her fingers against his chest, probably to push him away, but his arms tightened around her, bringing Sommer closer still. The accelerated beating of her heart pounded and the softness of her curves molded to his body.
A smile tugged the corners of his mouth. She might feign indifference, but she wanted this as bad as he did. His instincts were rarely wrong and Caleb sensed her arousal—could smell it.
Sommer moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue, panic gleaming in her eyes. “Caleb, this is wrong.”
He unclipped the barrette in her hair, watching the thick dark curtain fall to her shoulders. Then he threaded his fingers through the soft strands before giving it a tug in order to expose the lovely line of her neck to his gaze.
Bending his head, he brushed his lips against her throat. “Nothing has ever felt more right.” Flicking his tongue against her soft flesh, Caleb absorbed her tangy sweet flavor on his taste buds. “Delicious,” he groaned, wanting more.
One taste wasn’t enough. Nowhere close to it.
Sommer gasped, shivering. The slight tremble of her bottom lip begged to be captured. Unable to deny its summons, he nipped it between his teeth.
“Caleb,” she whispered, still standing rigid, but slowly softening to him.
“Don’t say anything, just feel.”
Sommer twisted her headway from his questing mouth. “No, Caleb. This will change things between us forever. I value your friendship too much to throw it away on a brief fling.”
A fling? Is that what she believed he wanted? “Do you think a quick roll in the hay is all I want? Do you know how long I’ve waited to make my move? Watching you with other men…wanting to kill each and every one of those bastards has been torture.”
“But—”
“No buts. You say things will change between us, but that’s exactly what I want and I think you want it too.”
“I don’t,” she said, but her body told another story.
