“I’d much rather talk about tonight.”
Aiden stopped what he was doing immediately at the sultry sound in her voice. He glanced up and caught her eyes in the mirror. But it wasn’t her eyes that had him hypnotized and speechless at the moment. His gaze raked over her gorgeous legs before noticing a piece of lace peeking from underneath a black satin robe.
“What is this?” he asked, turning around to face her. His voice sounded strained even to his own years.
“This, lover boy, is what I’m calling Seducing Aiden Chase.” She dropped the robe, revealing her toned butterscotch body accentuated by purple and black lace and satin lingerie. Sheer black stockings stopped midthigh, and her hair was sexy and free, just like he liked it. Her body was glowing from what he assumed was a combination of shimmer lotion and sexual stimulation. Her stance was so erotic, his entire body tingled with desire and she hadn’t even touched him yet.
His eyes were trained to her as she moved across the room and turned on the sound system. Enticing music seeped through the speakers and slapped him right in his groin.
“What are you waiting for?” she asked, sashaying past him toward the bed. “Aren’t you going to get your camera?”
Aiden gave her a questioning look. “You want me to take photos of you?”
“Yes,” she said, kneeling on the bed and running her fingers through her long curls. “The girls and I talked and we want this boudoir studio to empower women of all ethnic groups, shapes and sizes. It’s all about embracing your inner and outer beauty.”
She widened her thighs and sank a little farther into the bed. Aiden cleared his throat. “But that’s not the only reason I want you to capture this moment.” She motioned her finger for him to come closer to her.
“You’ve been nothing but a gentleman these last few days, but I meant what I said that day we were on the dock. I’m done letting a bad incident define the type of relationship that you and I have. For as long as I can remember, you’ve been snapping photos of me. Capturing moments and facial expressions that most people don’t even know I have.”
She took his hand and placed it over her heart. “You’ve always taken the time to make me feel special. Beautiful. Cherished. Tonight, I want you to capture another moment for me. I almost hadn’t realized the limitations I’ve placed on myself throughout the years, but I see everything clearly now. So tonight, I want you to capture my empowerment. My deliverance from the restrictions I’ve placed on myself.”
She lifted his hand and kissed his palm. “So get your camera...now.”
Aiden wasn’t sure if it was the authoritative tone in her voice or the way her plush butt looked with a lace panty tucked between its two cheeks. It was probably more the fact that there was never a time in his life that he wouldn’t do any-and everything for her. If she wanted him to walk on fire, he’d walk on fire ten times, approach her with burned feet and then ask if she wanted him to do it again.
“Just so we’re clear,” he said, getting his camera ready. “If at any time you don’t feel comfortable, just say the word and this impromptu photo shoot stops.”
“I understand, but I doubt we’ll stop.” She held his gaze and gave him a soft smile before adjusting her position for the first few shots. Within minutes, they’d developed a nice rhythm as he captured pose after pose of Summer’s empowerment session. Aiden was in his element, and even though Summer had always impressed him, tonight her perseverance was even more inspiring.
* * *
“I’m proud of you,” Aiden said, as he put his camera down and pulled her to him. “You were amazing.”
“Thank you,” she said, returning his hug. But the night wasn’t over yet. She had other plans for him that she figured he wouldn’t see coming.
“There’s only one thing left to do to end this photo shoot.”
“What’s that?” he asked with a smile. Her eyes dropped to his lips, and instead of responding, she leaned back onto the bed and pulled him down to her. Her lips met his at the same time that his reached for hers. Their kisses weren’t hurried, nor were they relaxed. They were demanding at times. Unrushed at other times.
After a few moments, Aiden lifted himself onto his elbows and peered down at her, searching her face. She knew what he was searching for. He wanted to make sure she was okay with whatever happened next. She stared back at him, bold and confident, not hiding the feelings she was sure were reflected in her eyes.
“We may need this,” she said slyly, pulling a condom out of the side of her panties and tossing it on the bed. She read the surprise in his eyes before his mouth curled to the side in a smile.
“I love you, Summer Dupree,” he said, brushing a few curls from her face. “Or, rather, I’m in love with you and I have been for a really long time.”
Summer smiled as she lightly pushed on his chest, ignoring the look of concern on his face. He let her up, looking even more confused when she pushed him back down to the bed and stood in front of him.
She turned so that her butt was facing him as she eased the straps of her bra off her shoulders. She could hear his intake of breath when she tossed the material to the side. Next, she slid her lace panties down her legs, very aware that she’d undressed exactly the same way all those years ago.
“There’s the heart,” he said in a raspy voice. Summer glanced over her shoulder, down at the birthmark on her butt, before meeting his gaze. She inhaled deeply as she turned so that he could view her body in its entirety. It wasn’t shyness that had her taking a deep breath. Quite the contrary. It was the passionate fire in his eyes, exactly what she needed to see. The anticipation almost had her squirming in the spot where she stood.
Still standing, she dipped her mouth to his for a quick kiss before slipping her fingers beneath his shirt. She pushed the fabric up his torso, reaching for his pants next. When she got to his boxers, she slowly inched the fabric down his thighs, amazed by the glorious sight of watching him spring free.
Once they were both naked and protected, she made her way up his body, positioning her core right over his manhood. She looked into his eyes and froze at what she saw. Unlike any of the other times they’d done something sexual, this was the first time nothing was left to question. She knew how Aiden felt about her. She knew he was in love with her. In a way, their friendship had been through hell and back, but now they’d entered a different kind of relationship. They were no longer trying to deny their attraction, but rather embracing the inevitable. Life may be complicated when you fall for your best friend, but a life without a love like that was a worse way to live.
Summer moved her hips slightly on his groin, relishing the amazing way he felt beneath her. He’d given her confirmation, now she needed to return her feelings. “I’m in love with you, too, Aiden Chase,” she said, leaning her face closer to his. “And I have been for a very long time.”
His grin was immediate. He pulled her mouth down to his as she slowly eased herself over his shaft. Inch by inch, she allowed her thighs to spread to accommodate his length. When she was completely locked to his core, they both groaned into each other’s mouths. The feeling of him buried deep inside her was all-consuming.
This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, she thought as she began to move her hips in slow circles. This was the moment that only Aiden could give her. She’d never truly let go during intimacy, even during earlier times she’d shared with Aiden. It wasn’t until she thought about her past experiences that she realized that even when they weren’t as close, she’d been waiting for the time when they’d reconnect and share the exact moment that they were experiencing now. A time in which they weren’t overthinking their relationship but, rather, actually living in the moment.
As feelings and emotions that she’d never felt before began to overtake her body, it brought tears to her eyes. They’d come such a long way and she knew she’d
never love any man as much as she loved the one lying beneath her. Aiden grabbed both cheeks and began to meet her thrusts, arousing more passion from deep within her.
Summer briefly closed her eyes as another wave of sensations rushed through her veins. She could feel him in every part of her body and even though a piece of her wanted to slow down her emotions, she embraced them. She embraced him. She allowed him to take her to a place she’d never gone before. A mind-set that made her feel vulnerable...left her wide open for him to take her any way he wanted. No man ever had a chance with her because it had always been Aiden. He’d always been that one person she couldn’t live without. The one person she needed more than she needed her next breath. He consumed her. And instead of being scared by that fact, she felt even more liberated.
* * *
Aiden watched Summer’s eyes fill with emotion as he tried his best to keep his own feelings under control. Truth be told, he’d always had a difficult time keeping his feelings at bay around Summer, so he knew there was no point trying.
She consumed him, mind, body and soul. Always had. Always would. When he noticed she was on the edge of an orgasm, he increased his speed. He knew it was important for her to remain on top for now, so he held back for as long as he could so she could release her building orgasm.
Then her thighs locked onto his and she thrashed her head back in ecstasy. Her breasts jiggled with every convulsion as her nipples grew even harder. He held her in place, mesmerized by the breathtaking sight before him. As her spasms subsided, leaving a light sheen of moisture across her body, Aiden swore he’d never witnessed anything more beautiful.
He switched their positions and peered into her eyes, drowning in the love he saw in them. If he could bottle up that look and take it everywhere with him, he would. When it came to the way he felt about Summer, words often couldn’t exemplify what he truly felt in his heart.
Even when he’d known that she needed time apart to work through her obstacles, he’d known they would eventually find each other again. They had to. Their once-in-a-lifetime relationship may have changed and matured, but it was still uniquely theirs.
Summer lifted her feet off the bed and wrapped her legs around his waist. He lifted her so that she was in a seated position, which brought him even deeper inside her.
“This feels amazing,” she said breathlessly.
“You feel amazing,” he whispered into her ear. He felt a building sensation travel from his toes to his thighs. He was close to his own release and every roll of her hips brought him closer to the brink.
Summer must have sensed that he was close, because she adjusted her hips slightly forward, which stimulated the tip of his manhood even more. Within seconds, he succumbed to his own passionate release as he clung to Summer, careful not to hurt her.
She clung to him just as hard, both glistening from the provocative act they’d just performed. She laid her head in the curve of his neck and hugged him even tighter. The last thought Aiden had as he continued to grow, still embedded deep within her, was that he was never letting her walk out of his life again.
Chapter 16
Aiden awoke to rays of sunlight beaming on his face and a peaceful Summer asleep in his arms. I could get used to this, he thought as he watched her sleep. Her face glowed like a woman satisfied and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d smiled so much.
Being around Summer had always made him smile, but what he was feeling now was different. They were different. They’d both matured a lot over the years and Aiden finally felt as though they were in the exact place they were supposed to be.
He glanced at the digital clock by his bed surprised that it was already 11 a.m. He needed to get out of bed, but he’d contact Danni and let her know that Summer was sleeping in. He didn’t want to wake her. He and Summer had stayed up late talking and making love...two of his favorite things to do with her.
A couple days ago, they’d had the photo shoot for Bare Sophistication and Aiden was extremely pleased by the shots he’d taken for his exhibit. He only had a couple more fashion-infused ideas that he wanted to capture through his lens before he’d have all he needed for the exhibit.
Dax had been really thrilled by the preliminary photos he’d seen so far. Last night, Aiden had sent over a few photos of Bare Sophistication pieces that he wanted to include in his exhibit, and any minute now, Dax would be calling to let him know what he thought.
He eased out of bed, careful not to wake Summer, and made his way to his kitchen. He wasn’t sure who he would be without her, since she’d been a part of his life for so long. He may have been there for her during some rough times growing up, but she’d been there for him, too. It almost felt like a dream that she was here with him now.
Just after he’d made himself a cup of cinnamon tea, his phone rang.
“Hey, Dax.”
“Hey, Aiden. Glad you were available for a quick chat. I loved the photos of Bare Sophistication, and so did the team. We had a conference call this morning with Rogan Studios, including founder Seth Rogan and his team, via Skype. They were really impressed by what they saw and we all agreed that the lingerie photos truly represent the Miami sexiness you’re portraying in your exhibit.”
“Man, that’s great news!” When Dax had told him he was showing some of Aiden’s work to Seth Rogan himself, Aiden hadn’t really thought much about it. He had been so focused on rebuilding his relationship with Summer at the time.
“It sure is! Right now, you’re the top candidate for that position in London. Mr. Rogan was so impressed that he spoke to Palmer Lane and myself. We agreed that you’d be a great featured photographer for a film they’re collaborating on in the future.”
Hearing Dax mention Rogan Studios and London brought everything back into perspective. He hadn’t even told Summer that he was up for a position in London. Deep down, he wasn’t even sure he still wanted it.
“That’s not all,” Dax said. “Mr. Rogan did some research, so he knows your mom is the infamous Mia Meeks. Her travel photography is extremely well-known in London, and it just so happens that Rogan Studios is looking to do a piece on famous parents and their children. His team has already begun reaching out to other artists, musicians and photographers. He’d be interested in discussing that possibility with you further, and since I think you’re a shoo-in for that position in London now, I doubt you have anything to worry about.”
Aiden sank deeper into his chair and dragged his fingers across his face as Dax continued to talk. For years, he’d been waiting for a better opportunity, and now it had finally fallen in his lap. Worst timing ever. Summer was a reasonable person and she wanted him to be happy. He was sure he could talk it over with her and see how it would impact their relationship.
“I’m emailing you a nondisclosure agreement to review right now,” Dax said, interrupting his thoughts.
“An agreement for what?”
“Weren’t you listening?”
“The phone went out,” he lied. “Can you repeat what you said?”
“Sure. I was just saying that Mr. Rogan will be in Miami in two days because he’s a guest speaker at a film event near South Beach. In true Seth Rogan fashion, he reserved a yacht for the afternoon and invited us to join him. I assume you can make it.”
“Yeah, I can definitely do that.”
“Good. I was also saying that all final candidates are requested in London soon for a special project. From what I’m told, even though I think the position is yours, this project carries a lot of weight. His team sent out basic nondisclosure agreements to the five final candidates, so I need you to sign it.”
“Sure, but why the rush? When are candidates due to arrive in London?”
“About two and half weeks, the second week of December.”
Aiden cringed. Summer’s grand opening was also that week. �
��I can’t arrive until after the second weekend in December at the earliest.”
“Won’t work. I think once you get to London you’ll be visiting several different locations. You won’t be finished for four to five days after your arrival.”
Aiden dragged his fingers over his face once more and groaned louder than he’d meant to.
“What’s the deal?” Dax asked.
“Bare Sophistication is having their grand opening that day.”
“And you have to be there?”
“I want to be there.”
Dax was silent for a while. “Listen, Aiden, at first I didn’t know why you wanted this job. But now I see it’s the position of a lifetime. As your friend and business manager, I think it’s too good to pass up. You’ve been waiting for this point in your life for years.”
“I know,” Aiden said, taking a sip of his tea. “At first it was all I wanted. Now I’m not so sure.”
“I understand. Only you know what the right decision is for you. I just don’t want you living with any regrets. So maybe you need to talk to Summer about it. But make it quick. Signed agreements are due back to Rogan Studios’ headquarters by 1 p.m. today.”
Aiden looked at the clock, noticing it was almost noon. Aiden had to get his thoughts together and he wouldn’t be able to do that and talk to Summer about the situation in an hour.
“Is there any clause saying that if you sign the agreement and can’t do the secret project, you’re out of the running for the position?”
“That’s exactly what it says. But there’s no harm in signing it if you remove your candidacy for the job.”
“Okay, sounds good. Email it to me and I’ll sign and scan it back to you. I’ll chat with Summer later.”
As Dax went over a few more details, Aiden barely listened. All he could think about was that he’d just reconnected with Summer and already he would have to talk to her about the possibility of being gone for a while. Taking the position in London didn’t require him to be there 24/7, but it would require him to do a lot of traveling, and he’d probably have to spend at least two weeks at a time there before coming back to the US for two weeks.
Waiting for Summer Page 15
