One Hot Summer Anthology (11 page)

Chapter Two

              Sterling Henson sat on the back porch of his friend’s beach house, taking in the serene setting around him. There was a tightness in his chest that had gotten lighter over the past few months, but hadn’t disappeared completely. As much as he tried not to focus on it, he couldn’t help himself. The entire point of this vacation was to unwind from all of the guilt and turmoil he’d experienced over the last eight months.

             
Releasing a pent up breath, he closed his eyes. One of these days the pain of his loss wouldn’t hurt as much. He smiled as he thought about Amelia. She’d been such a beautiful soul. The ying to his yang. The person who’d been the constant reminder for him to relax and not take life so seriously, because one never knew how much time they had.

             
He wondered if she’d been intuitive to know her years on earth would be much too short. Regardless, he’d forever be grateful for the time he’d had with her.

             
Allowing the soothing sound of the ocean to drift over him, he wondered if coming to the beach house had been such a good idea. He didn’t feel as if he was in a place to truly enjoy the beauty of it and everything surrounding him.

He wanted to be though. Elton was right when he said Amelia would kick his butt if she could see how he was carrying on now. Hopefully the two week getaway would help.

The sound of voices brought him out of his inner musings. He opened his eyes to find a couple taking an early morning stroll down the beach, hand-in-hand. It was moments like this he was envious. He hadn’t experience companionship in a long time. To be honest, he hadn’t been ready to for a while.

Perhaps it was time to get back to the world of living. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to follow Elton’s advice and see if he could find a woman to have a brief affair with. It could prove to be the distraction he needed. Right now he clearly needed one if he was going to completely enjoy his vacation.

At forty-six years of age, he felt that was sad to say. He was at a point in his life where he should be settled, completely happy and enjoying every moment of life. Up until eight months ago, he had been. The sudden loss he’d experienced had punctured a gaping hole right in the center of his chest. Truthfully, he didn’t think it’d ever be filled again.

He’d buried himself into work over the past few months. That helped some, but there was only so much work, only so much he wanted to do, only so much diversion when he lay in bed at night.

As a corporate attorney, his job could be stressful at times. But he loved it and he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. He didn’t want to. However, he had to admit, he’d only been in Myrtle Beach for two days and he didn’t miss work in the least. That was a good start.

He’d called Elton to inform him he’d arrived and to prove he hadn’t chickened out. Hearing the relief in his best friend’s voice had sent a pang of guilt through him. He couldn’t ask for a better friend. They’d met their sophomore year in college and had been friends since.

Sterling reached for the water on the patio table and took a sip. It was sort of muggy out. Not surprising with the Fourth of July being around the corner. Summertime temperatures were definitely in full effect. A part of him really looked forward to enjoying his vacation. Another part of him didn’t like the fact he’d be spending it alone.

He looked out at the scenery in front of him, taking in sights and sounds of the people gradually trickling onto the beach. It was rather early in the morning. The sun had barely risen over the horizon an hour ago. He suspected it’d be at least a few more hours before it really became busy and he planned to take advantage of the opportunity before it did.

He took the remnants of his bottle of water back into the house, grabbed a beach towel and the waterproof armband back off the counter. Stepping back out onto the patio, he locked the door then slipped the house key into the armband and secured it. He sat the towel on the chair then made his way down the steps toward the water. It should have just enough of the refreshing chill he’d enjoyed yesterday morning.

The closer he drew to the water’s edge, the more it splashed up onto his feet and ankles until he was eventually waist deep in the water. Once he was chest deep, he stopped and closed his eyes before diving under the surface. He came back up a few feet further out then maneuvered onto his back into a floating position, allowing the waves to help him drift along.

Amazing how weightless he felt in the water. There were days when it seemed like the heaviness of the world was on his shoulders. Yet he refused to give in to his troubles or worries. He floated on the surface for a little longer before turning over and swimming toward the shore.

When he reached it, he stood and trudged up the soft sand. The water had been as refreshing as he’d hoped. Now he planned to get in a short run, then head back to the beach house and get his day started.

After he was clear of other beach goers he slowly jogged down the beach. When he reached a certain part of the shoreline he turned around and headed back to the beach house. He was so into his run he was almost back to the spot where he’d started before he realized there was someone standing there, bent over, stretching.

He decelerated to a walk as he drew closer. The person turned out to be a woman. When she stared up at him his heart skipped a beat. She straightened unhurriedly, one corner of her mouth curving upward into a wicked grin and time seemed to stop.

She had dark brown hair cut in a short and sassy style, complimenting her medium complexion. Brown eyes the color of milk chocolate could probably make him melt if he gazed into them long enough. She had a petite but curvaceous frame clad in a tank top and pair of shorts that appeared made just for her body.

He quickly raised his gaze before he got himself in trouble. Something deep within him shouted it was too late. Sure enough, when his stare met hers, the other corner of her mouth had tilted upward and there was a twinkle in her eyes that made him extremely nervous.

“Did you enjoy your run?”

He blinked sluggishly as the huskiness of her voice traveled over him. When one of her dark brows arched high on her forehead, he realized he was coming across as a complete idiot. Clearing his throat, he nodded, running his fingers through his hair. “It was nice. Did you just get back from yours or are you getting started?”

“Getting started. I’m usually finished by now, but I stayed out a little later last night than planned with my sister so I’m off to a late start.”

“Well, don’t let me keep you. The beach will start to get crowded soon.”

“Yes, it will. It was nice to meet you. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Perhaps. Enjoy your run.”

Sterling turned away when she chuckled, hiding his body’s reaction. He made his way toward the beach house, not stopping until he reached the patio. When he glanced back the woman he’d shared a brief interaction with was bent over at the waist again. He bit back a groan of torture at the shapely derriere provocatively presented to him.

After picking up the beach towel, he fumbled for the house key. Once he was inside, he raced straight to the bathroom to take the coldest shower he could stand. He stood inside the shower stall in shock. He hadn’t had this sort of reaction to a woman in so long, he hadn’t thought it possible. On one hand he was happy as hell. On the other, he felt a little guilty.

Releasing a pent up breath, he picked up a washcloth and changed the water to a warmer temperature. There was no point in analyzing his reaction to a woman he’d never see again. He was in Myrtle Beach on vacation. Not to worry himself to death. He could do that after he returned home.

* * * *

Naja focused on keeping her breathing deep and even as she ran down the beach. It was hard to contain her excitement. She’d hit the jackpot. Without even trying, she’d run into a man appearing to be the perfect candidate for what she desired. The fact he was her neighbor was icing on the cake.

It was hard for her not to break out in a sprint to hurry up and get back to the house, but she needed to plan. Her mystery neighbor had definitely appeared to be interested, but nervous. She didn’t know why. There hadn’t been a ring on his left hand when he’d run his fingers through his brownish blonde hair. And what nice hands they were. Wide palmed and connected to what appeared like lean fingers. Oh yes, he would most certainly have a nice firm grip.

She grinned. This vacation was definitely starting to shape up. She’d discovered one fine specimen of a man. When she’d first glanced up at the sound of approaching steps in the sand, she’d been weary, hoping she wasn’t about to be approached by another man who didn’t look as if he’d barely graduated high school. Instead she’d found herself staring at a man who was definitely mature. He had to at least be in his early to mid-forties. And he was sexy as all get out.

Even now she could picture his intense blue eyes. So blue they were almost gray. His shirtless broad shoulders and his long subtly muscled body deserved honorable mention too. He’d towered over her five-foot six frame when she’d straightened by almost a foot. He was definitely over six feet and just the right height for her to climb if he gave her the chance.

She laughed at the thought. It was bound to be one heck of a ride. The only thing she had to figure out how to get him to agree. While she could pick up on his interest in her, he seemed a little reluctant to act. Maybe he had a girlfriend. If he did, she’d walk away. If he didn’t, he was fair game.              

Today was shaping up to be a good day. She turned around and headed back in the direction she’d just come from. Several moments later she slowed her pace as she reached the beach house. She took a few moments to run through her cool down regime.

When she was finished she looked over at the house her gorgeous stranger had disappeared into. She wondered what he was up to. After making her way into the beach house, she made her way straight for the shower. Half an hour later she stood in the kitchen, cooking up a plan. Literally.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she found herself at the front door of her neighbor, hand raised to knock. A few heartbeats later the door swung open and her handsome stranger stood there. She stifled a chuckle when his mouth fell open before he schooled his expression.

“Good afternoon. I brought you a neighborly gift.”

His brows furrowed together. “Neighborly gift?”

“Yes.” She held up the small covered basket in case he hadn’t seen it.

His frowned deepened. “Did you say neighbors?”

“I sure did,” she said, nodding in the direction of her family’s home. “I’m staying right next door.”

“Interesting.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she murmured. “Anyway, I don’t want to keep you. Just thought I would drop this by.”

She held the basket out to him. When he didn’t take it, she lifted the lid so he could see the contents. “It’s harmless, I swear.”

He finally took the basket, one corner of his mouth curving upward. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day.” She turned to leave.

“Hang on a second. What’s your name?”

Putting her brightest smile into place, she pivoted on her heels and extended her hand. “Naja. Naja Westbrook. And you are?”

His large hand engulfed hers. “Sterling Henson. Pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well.”

When he made no move to release her hand, she pulled back. As much as she would like to continue to hold hands with him, she’d successfully completed her task and gained more useful information in the process. “Again, I don’t want to keep you. Enjoy.”

She spun back around and headed toward the steps.

“Wait,” he called out.

Naja stopped, but she didn’t turn around. “Yes?”

“It looks like you’ve made enough for two.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Yes, in case you had any guests.”

“It’s just me. Would you like to join me?”

“Are you sure?”

“Not really, but it beats eating this great looking food by myself.”

Naja fought a grin. Maybe he wouldn’t put up as much resistance as she’d expected.

“Okay then. It would be my pleasure to join you.”

“Great.”

When she faced him, he stood to the side of the doorway in invitation.

She walked toward him, slightly brushing up against him as she entered his home. It was nice and spacious.

“Would you like to eat in the kitchen or out on the patio?”

“It’s nice out. Let’s sit on the patio.”

“Okay. Let me just grab a bottle of wine, some plates and eating utensils. Are you okay with a cabernet?”

“Perfect. Let me take the basket while you get the other stuff.”

“Deal.”

Naja took the basket from him and headed out to the patio. She took the items out of the basket and placed them on the table. At least she was off to a good start. Not only had Sterling accepted her gift, he’d asked her to share it with him and he’d informed her she didn’t have any competition present.