by Allie Able
“Thank you,” I say, as take my seat on the surprisingly comfortable sofa.
“I haven't ordered stools or a dining room table for the kitchen yet, so I thought we could sit in here. Is this okay?” she ask, shifting nervously in her chair.
“This is fine, Summer,” I reassure her. “This room is beautiful. Did you decorate the house yourself?”
She takes a small sip of her bottled water before answering, “Yes, this is the first home I have had that was all my own. I wanted it filled with things that I liked.”
I nod my head in understanding, “Which I guess is why you decided to renovate.”
“Yeah, I want my house to be somewhere that is comfortable for me,” she replies quietly.
Something about the way she says that strikes a nerve with me. I remember what Lexie told me about her marriage not being good. I can't help but wonder how bad it was for her. I don't want to push her and since I am basically a stranger, there is no way I'm going to pry in her personal life, so I let it go, for now. “I get that. So, lets start with what you want done in the kitchen.”
* * *
We have been going over the renovation plans for about an hour, when I hear Summer's stomach growl.
She gives me a sheepish look and blushes, “Sorry, I didn't have time to grab dinner after work.”
I can't help but chuckle. She is so damn cute when she is embarrassed. “No problem. I didn't have time for dinner either. We are almost done here, but if you want I can call in something for us to eat. It should be here by the time we are done.”
I know I should just leave. This is a business meeting, but I want to spend more time with her. I watch as she hesitates. I know she's not use to spending time around men and I'm scared I may have just pushed her too far, too fast, by offering to stay and eat dinner with her. I'm about to take it back and make up an excuse as to why I need to leave, but thankfully she answers before I get a chance.
“Um, sure. Thank you, Grant,” she says, giving me a hesitant smile.
I smile back, relieved she didn't flat out reject me, “No problem. Pizza or Chinese?”
“Pizza is fine with me. I'm not picky, I will eat whatever you like on it.”
After I order the pizza, we get back to the renovation plans and just as we are finishing up, the door bell rings.
“Good timing. I'll get that,” Summer says, as she stands up from her chair.
I wave her off and make my way towards the front door, “I invited myself to have dinner with you, Summer, the least I can do is pay.”
“Hey, that will be $19.98,” the delivery kid says, in a bored tone, when I open the door.
I get some cash out of my wallet and hand it to the kid, “Thanks man, keep the change.”
When I enter the kitchen, Summer is pulling down plates and glasses. “I hope meat-lovers is okay with you,” I tell her, as I set the pizza down on the counter.
“I haven't had pizza in years. I'm sure any kind would be delicious to me,” she replies, smiling, as she hands me a plate.
“You haven't had a pizza in years? Why? I think I have had it almost every day since I came home,”
“My ex-husband didn't think pizza was an appropriate food,” she answers quietly, staring down at the counter, “Whatever the hell that means.”
I don't know what to say. So I just say what pops into my head first. “Your ex sounds like a complete asshole.”
She up glances up at me with a look of surprise and lets out a humorless laugh, “You have no idea. Thank you again for dinner, this looks delicious.”
I know when a subject has been closed. I also know she is probably regretting saying anything about it to me in the first place, but I just can't help but ask one more question. “Why did you move to Cape Isle, Summer?”
She looks at me with wide eyes and I can see all of her pain and fear shinning clearly in her beautiful eyes. Strangely, it makes me want to figure out how to take it all away. I don't want to cause her pain and I obviously did by asking that question.
She searches my face for a moment before she finally responds, “To try and figure out how to pick up all of my scattered pieces.”
Chapter Six
Summer
I WAKE UP EARLY THE next morning, with the sun shining bright through my bedroom windows. As I lazily stretch in bed, my mind immediately wanders to Grant. Lexie was right, he is a genuinely nice guy. I could see myself easily becoming friends with him. He never pushed me to talk or made me feel uncomfortable. While I was eating dinner, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him staring at me a few times, with a small smile on his face. It wasn't like any of the looks Ryan use to give me. It was a look that said he was just happy to be there sharing dinner with me. I didn't say much as we ate and neither did he. As we sat outside eating our pizza, we both simply enjoyed the comfortable silence between us and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. When he asked me why I came to Cape Isle, I wasn't expecting that question, but I didn't even need to think about it before I answered. However, he couldn't possibly know the true meaning of that statement. I am still very much that scared woman that left Winston, Tennessee six months ago, but I feel the old me coming out more and more.
After eating our pizza, we sat on the porch a little longer while I asked him a little about his time in the military. I knew he had joined with Lexie's brother, when they were twenty years old. I also knew he had served for about ten years. He told me funny stories of his time over seas and about the guys in his unit. Our conversation was light and he left just a short time later. When I walked him to the door, he gave me a soft smile and wished me goodnight. I watched him as he got into his truck and drove away.
I check the clock beside my bed and see that I have actually slept in later than I usually do. I don't open the bakery until 1:00 pm on Sunday's. I still have plenty of time before I have to be at work, but I reluctantly get out of bed and go start my coffee. Since it's suppose to be warm outside today, I decide to change into my swim suit and lay on the beach for awhile. For the first time in years I feel light and happy. With a smile on my face, I again think of the words I told Grant last night. Yes, I think I could definitely find the girl I use to be here in Cape Isle, South Carolina.
* * *
“So, I heard that Grant and his dad's company are doing the renovations on your house. I also heard you had dinner with him last night,” Lexie says, as soon as I walk into the bakery.
“Holy shit. How did you know that? It just freaking happened last night,” I respond, as I shake my head in disbelief.
Lexie shrugs her shoulders. “It's a small town,” she says, as though that should explain it all.
“It was just pizza and we only ate together because both of us were starving. To be honest, I'm a little frightened at how fast gossip gets around in this town,” I say with a laugh.
“Don't be. So, were you not going to tell me?”
“Tell you what Lexie? There is nothing to tell. You were the one that told me I needed more friends. I could see myself becoming friends with Grant. On top of that, his company is doing the renovations on my house. I'm sure I will have to be around him a lot. Besides, I just walked in the freaking door.”
“You're right. I'm sorry for the inquisition as soon as you walk in the door. You can go put your purse down first,” she says with a smirk.
I laugh as I go towards the office, “Thanks.”
I set my purse down on the desk and walk back into the kitchen. As I'm pulling a mixing bowl out of the cabinet, Lexie comes into the kitchen.
“I know you don't want to talk about this or make a big deal out of it,” she starts, before pausing.
“But -,” I say, waiting for her to finish.
“But, Summer I know it is a big deal for you to have a man in your house, not to mention have dinner with him. I know you try to hide it, but honey I see how nervous you get when men come into the shop and you're not even completely alone with them here. I don't know a lot about your marriag
e, but I do know that your ex did a number on you. I just want to make sure you're okay,” she finishes on a whisper.
I let out a sigh and look at her. “I'm okay. I promise. I feel comfortable around Grant, Lexie. I can't really explain it. I just met him a few days ago, so it makes no sense as to why I feel this way. I may not be with Ryan anymore, but I am still letting him control my emotions and I'm sick of it. I don't want him to have that type of hold on me.”
Lexie gives me a small smile, “I get that. If you ever need to talk I'm here. I hope you know that.”
I nod my head at her, “I know. Thank you.”
“Okay. What are we making today?” she asks and I let out a sigh of relief, thankful she is changing the subject.
“The usual, but for our special I'm making chocolate graham cracker cupcakes with toasted marshmallow frosting.”
“Oh my God, that sounds so good. You are freaking awesome.”
I smile as I start to mix all the ingredients in to the bowl, “Do you want to start on the cookie batter?”
She gets another mixing bowl down and gets to work, “I'm on it, boss lady.”
* * *
Grant and I decided to start the renovations on my house the following Tuesday, so when my phone rings Monday night, I'm surprised to see that it's him. “Hello?”“Hey, Summer. I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to make sure you would be home tomorrow morning to let the construction crew in. They should be there around 8:00 am.”
Crap. I had completely forgotten they needed me to let them in. “Um, I open the bakery at 7:30 am on week days,” I reply, trying to figure out what I'm going to do.“Okay, I'm lucky to get the guys to the job site by 8:00 am. I think it would be considered a miracle if I could get them to your house any earlier,” he says with a deep chuckle, “What time do you leave your house in the mornings?”
“I usually leave here at 6:00 am so I can get everything baked and ready before we open.” “Wow, you're obviously a morning person,” he responds, with a light laugh. I smile into the phone, “Yeah, I always have been.” “I'm sorry. I guess we should have talked about this the other night.” I shake my head, even though he can't see me. “It's not your fault. I knew you guys would be starting tomorrow. I guess I just didn't think of how they would get into the house without me here,” I pause, trying to come up with a good solution, “What if I just gave you a key?”
What did I just say? Did I just offer a him a key to my house? I look at the glass of wine I'm drinking and wonder if I've had more than one glass. I have officially lost my mind.
“Are you sure?” he asks, sounding as shocked as I feel.
“Yeah, I'm sure. I have to be at the bakery so early every morning. Until the renovations are finished, it would make sense for you to be able to get into my house when I'm not here.”
There is a slight pause before he replies, “Okay. Do you mind if I come to pick it up tonight?”
I look down at myself and see that I'm only wearing panties and a tank top and my hair is in a messy bun on top of my head.
“Um, Sure?”
He lets out another deep chuckle and I feel myself shiver in response. I glance back at my wine glass and then look at the bottle sitting on the counter. Yep, I've only had this one glass. What in the hell is going on with me?
“I'll see you in about five minutes, Summer.”
“Yep,” I respond.
I disconnect the call and quickly walk to my bedroom to try and make myself look presentable. After I've brushed my hair, I get a pair of shorts out of my dresser drawer. As I'm putting them on, I hear the doorbell ring. Crap! That was a fast five minutes.
I walk out of my bedroom and through the living room, to the front door. I give myself a second to take a deep breath and compose myself, before opening the door.
“Hey Grant.”
“Hey Summer,” he responds, with a smile.
I stand in the doorway and look at him. He is wearing a pair of gray shorts and a black t-shirt, that is stretched across his broad chest, showing off his defined muscles. I feel my mouth go dry and I can't help but wonder why I respond to him the way that I do. Never in my life have I felt this way towards a man. Sure, I was attracted to Ryan when we first met, but even in the beginning it was never this jolt of awareness, that I have every time I'm near Grant.
I hear him chuckle and my eyes go to his face to see him smiling at me, with dimples on both cheeks. Holy shit! How have I not noticed the dimples? I quickly advert my eyes to the floor. I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment at being caught checking him out, again. I mentally chastise myself. Get control of yourself, Summer!
Chapter Seven
Grant
I WATCH IN AMUSEMENT, AS Summer tries to hide her embarrassment. While she is looking at the floor, I take a minute to look at her. She is so damn beautiful. Her long hair is flowing down her back and over her shoulders. She is wearing another pair of those tiny shorts, that shows off her long tan legs. When I look at the top she's wearing, I can't help but notice she's not wearing a bra. Her nipples are hard and pocking through the thin material. Fuck! I quickly glance up at her face and see she is still looking down. I clear my throat and she looks back at me.
“Do you mind if I come inside?”
“Yes! I am so sorry, Grant. That is the second time I've made you stand in my doorway and not invited you in.”
She opens the door wider allowing me to walk in. I shake my head at her. If she knew I was just staring at her chest like some horny teenager, she would probably never let me in her house again. I quickly decide to keep that thought to myself.
“You have nothing to apologize for, Summer,” I reassure her.
I look around her living room, trying to regain my composure, and I see a blanket laying on the couch and a glass of wine on the coffee table.
“I'm the one that should be sorry,” I say, gesturing towards the couch, “It looks like I interrupted you.”
She shakes her head, “Not at all. I was just unwinding after a long day. Let me go get you that key.”
I watch as she disappears towards her bedroom. I look around the living room again and see that the patio doors are open. I know she likes to keep the doors open a lot to let the breeze in, but it's dark outside now. It's none of my business and this is safe neighborhood, but for some reason it bothers me. She comes back into the living room and hands me a key.
“Did you know those doors were still open?” I ask.
She looks at me in confusion for a moment before answering, “Yes? I usually close them before going to bed.”
“Summer -,” I start to tell her how unsafe it is to keep them open like that after dark, but I'm interrupted from saying anything else, when the doorbell rings.
“I'm sorry,” Summer murmurs, walking towards the front door, “Let me get that.”
I hear the door open and female voices. I turn, when I hear footsteps coming into the living room.
“Is that you Grant Hamilton?”
“Mrs. Clara I haven't seen you in a while,” I say, walking towards the elderly woman. I give her a hug and pull back to look down at her, with a smile, “You're just as beautiful as ever.”
She laughs and pats my cheek, “And you get more handsome every time I see you. How's your Mom and Dad?”
“They're doing good. Dad is about to retire so he can spend his days driving mom insane.”
She laughs and nods her head, “I heard you had moved home to take over the business.”
“Yes ma'am.” I look over her shoulder and see that Summer is watching our exchange, with a small smile on her face. I look down at her hands and see that she is holding what looks like a pie.
Mrs. Clara turns to see what I'm looking at and walks over to Summer to take the pie. “I was just telling Summer that she is always baking goodies for other people and I thought it would be nice for someone to bake something for her for a change. I didn't realize she had company,” she says with a wink in my direction.
<
br /> Summer smiles and looks at me, “Would you like some pie, Grant?”
I smile in return before answering, “I would love some.”
Summer walks towards the kitchen, with me and Mrs. Clara following behind her.
“She's a special one, Grant, and she's as pretty as a picture,” Mrs. Clara says in a low voice.
I quietly chuckle, “She's absolutely gorgeous, but we are just friends, Mrs. Clara.” Maybe if I say this enough I will think it's true.
“Uh-Huh,” she says under her breathe, her eyes shining with humor, as we enter the kitchen.
Summer looks over at us, as she sets the pie down, “Do you both want some coffee?”
Mrs. Clara waves her off, “None for me, dear. It would keep me up all night.”
“I'll have a cup, but only if you let me help.”
“Thanks, Grant,” Summer says as she points towards a door in the kitchen, “The coffee is in the pantry over there.”
I watch her beautiful body stretch, as she tries to reach the plates in the cabinet. I hear a small laugh from behind me and I turn to see Mrs. Clara watching me with a knowing look. I shake my head at her and get started on making the coffee.
After we have all eaten our pie, Mrs. Clara stands up and tells us she is going back home.
Summer gets up from her spot beside me on the couch and hugs her, “Thank you so much for the pie. I will bring you some sweets from the bakery this week.”
“I would love that, sweetie.”
I set my coffee cup down, as I stand. “Do you want me to walk you home?”
Mrs. Clara gives me a look, “I may be old, but I think I can walk twenty feet to my front door, dear.”
I laugh and give her another hug, “Thank you for the pie. It was delicious.”
“You're welcome. Tell your parents I said hello,” she says, as Summer walks her to the door.
“Yes ma'am.”
Summer walks back into the living room and, after a moment of silence, I look at my watch, “Well, I guess I should be going too.”
She nods her head, “Thanks for coming to get that key.”
