One Hot Summer Anthology (3 page)

             
“He was okay once I explained I’d also be qualified to manage a hotel if things didn’t work out with my first career choice.”

             
“You’re right. Speaking of our parents, have you heard from them?”

             
“I spoke with Mom last night. She’s busy packing a few last minute things for their three week southern Caribbean cruise.”

             
Imani chuckled. “I think our parents may be more with it than we are.”

             
“Maybe more hip than you, but definitely not me. I’m just glad they can be hip. They raised two successful daughters, have a great marriage and are still healthy enough to enjoy life. They’re doing exactly what I would want to do at their age.”

             
“You sure you won’t be partied out by then?”

             
“No more than you’ll be.”

             
“Well, that’s not saying much since I hardly go out.”

             
“Hopefully you’ll get out and party a little while you’re at the beach house. It’ll help you relax.”

             
“Oh no, Naja, that’s the last thing I’m here to do. I’ll leave that to the summer goers who don’t have a care in the world.”

             
“Technically, you should be one of those people. You’re supposed to resting and relaxing, remember? Going out on the town a night or two during the week could help you.”

             
“How do you figure?”

             
“Imani, it’s been a while since you’ve been to the beach house, but I know for a fact there are some very gorgeous men running around that place who’d be more than willing to show you a good time and help you relax.”

             
Imani released a pent up breath. “I’m not here to indulge in casual sex with complete strangers. If anything, that will make my current situation even more complicated.”

             
“Only if you let it.”

             
“Naja.”

             
“What? You know I’m telling the truth. You need to relax. I’m not even there and I can imagine you’ve been doing nothing but pacing back and forth in the living room, trying to come up with a plan to figure everything out all at once. What you and I both know is it’s an impossible task, but you’re still going to do it anyway.”

             
“I’ll have you to know I only did that for the first forty-eight hours I was here.”

             
Naja laughed. “Only two days. Wow, you must not be feeling well.”

             
“And you aren’t funny.”

             
“I wasn’t trying to be. You really need to trust me on this. Take a few weeks and just veg out. It’s been years since you’ve had a real vacation. Go down and enjoy the beautiful beach, soak up some rays, and go to a bar or two. Then once you’ve had a little fun, sit down and do a little reflection. Your brain might actually be clear enough by then for you to figure something out.”

             
“I’m not sure that will ever happen.”

             
“It will. You just have to give it time.”

             
“I have enough of it, don’t I?”

             
“Imani—”

             
“You don’t have to say it. We both know I just can’t help myself.”

             
“So what else did you do today?”

             
“Not much. I just took a stroll to one of the local restaurants, had lunch, then came back to the beach house and painted.”

             
“Did you see any gorgeous guys along the way?”

             
An image of Carson immediately popped up into her mind. He’d definitely qualify by Naja’s standards.

             
“Hello? Imani, did I lose you?”

             
She cleared her throat once she realized she hadn’t answered her Naja’s question.

“No, I’m still here.”

              “Interesting.”

             
“What is?”

             
“The fact you still haven’t answered my question.”

             
“What question?”

             
“Then you up the ante with avoidance. Who is he?”

             
Imani stifled a groan. Her sister wouldn’t let it go until she had a satisfactory response. The problem was she didn’t even have the answer. “Who is who?”

             
“Don’t play dumb with me, Imani. I’ve shared a room with you for too many years. I know better.”

             
“Let it go, Naja.”

             
“Ah ha! So there is a man. What’s his name?”

             
“Sometimes I think you really get a kick out playing the role of pesky little sister.”

             
“I do. Now stop dodging my question.”

             
Imani closed her eyes, rubbing the back of her neck. “Carson. His name is Carson.”

She flinched at the happy squeal reverberating through the ear piece.

“I knew it! Tell me all about him.”

             
“There isn’t a lot to tell.”

             
“I find that hard to believe.”

             
“You shouldn’t. I don’t know much about him. I’ve only seen him twice and we’ve barely had more than a fifteen minute conversation each time.”

             
“All your fault, I’m certain.”

             
“Hey, now—”

             
“Don’t get distracted. What does he look like? Where did you meet him? Where’s he from? What does he do?”

             
“Jeez, Naja. One question at a time. To begin with, I don’t know where he’s from, but it isn’t Myrtle Beach. Definitely from the south though, between his accent and manners, I’ve determined that. I met him at the restaurant he owns. As far as what he looks like, well, drop-dead gorgeous is putting it lightly. Intense gray eyes you can get lost in and dark brown hair you want to run your fingers through.”

             
“Sounds yummy.”

             
“He is. Exactly the reason why I’m eluding him at all costs.”

             
“Why on earth would you do that? Is something wrong with him? Is he married? Oh no, he’s gay.”

             
Imani burst out laughing before she could stop herself. Encouraging her younger sister would only ensure she ended up with a headache. “He’s not gay. Nor is he married. No ring anywhere in sight. And yes, there is something wrong with him. He’s dangerous.”

             
“As in a criminal sort of way or he’s a heartbreaker so don’t get close?”

             
“The latter. As the song goes, he’s sexy and he knows it.”

             
Naja giggled. “Maybe I need to rearrange my schedule so I can check this guy out.”

             
“Oh no you don’t. The last thing I need is for you to come play matchmaker. Resisting him on my own is difficult enough.”

             
“Why are you?”

             
“I just told you, he’s dangerous. I have enough I haven’t figured out. I don’t need to add anything else to the mix. Heck, I couldn’t even see through the fog of the company I worked for. No way am I going to even think about getting involved with a man right now.”

             
“You’re not looking to marry him, Imani. Just get naked with him a few times, have wild sex and then go on about your business.”

             
“If only it could be that simple.”

             
“Did he give you any indication it couldn’t be?”

             
“No.”

             
“Then you have your answer. He could be the summer fling you need.”

             
“Wait. Who said I needed casual summer sex with a complete stranger?”

             
“You did.”

             
“I’m about to hang up on you in a moment.”

             
“I’d call you right back.”

             
“I wouldn’t answer.”

             
“Then I’d sic Mom on you.”

             
“That’s just mean, Naja.”

             
“No, I’m only looking out for your best interest.”

             
“By torturing me?”

             
Her younger sister was smart enough to remain silent.

             
“Look, I’ve finally cleared my head enough to the point I can start painting again. I already feel much better. That’s my main purpose for being here. Not to take up with a complete stranger for no-strings attached sex. Carson is a nice guy, but he isn’t the guy for me. End of discussion.”

             
“Okay, Imani. I’ll respect your decision for now, but just know, this isn’t over.”

Chapter Three

              A week later Imani realized just how right her younger sister had been. Carson was constantly on her mind. She hadn’t been back to Baxter’s in over a week. Unfortunately that didn’t stop her rampant thoughts. Somehow she’d still managed to complete two more paintings. She hadn’t come up with a solidified plan as to what her next move would be, but at least she didn’t feel so overwhelmed anymore.

             
The pressing issue for her right now was Carson. She realized this was a stone she couldn’t leave unturned. Her attraction to him wasn’t going away. If anything, it was growing stronger, now manifesting as very provocative dreams. Waking up this morning with her hand between her legs and his name on her lips had been the final straw. She planned to take him up on his offer today. Stopping by Baxter’s for lunch might not solve everything, but it could be a start.

After making sure she had everything in her tote bag, she secured the house and headed toward Carson’s restaurant. The weather was beautiful. Not too hot, not too cool. Perfect. She slipped off her shoes to enjoy the feel of the cool sand and water as she walked. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought of what she should say to him. Would he even be there? What would she do if he wasn’t? She didn’t have the nerve to keep coming back. Just this morning she’d nearly talked herself out of going at least three times.

She stopped and stared out into the water, watching children and adults play in the waves. If her lunch plans went well, she might come back and spend the day at the beach herself. She could use a relaxing day at the beach. She’d yet to get into the water. Today would be a perfect day to do so.

Walking closer to the water’s edge, she let waves splash up and rinse the bottom of her feet before sliding back into her flip-flops. Taking a deep breath, she continued on toward Baxter’s.

Several moments later, she reached the entrance. Her hand shook as she grabbed the door handle and pulled. It took everything she had to walk through the door without collapsing. She couldn’t ever recall being this nervous in her life and that frightened her.

“Hi, Imani. It’s good to see you again.”

She relaxed at the sound of Carson’s sister voice.

“Hi, um…it’s Kallie, right?”

“Yes.”

“It’s nice to see you again as well.”

“Do you want to sit at the bar, table or booth?”

“Booth would be fine.”

“Right this way.”

Kallie snatched up a menu and silverware before heading off toward a section of booths.

Imani followed her quietly, uncertain of how to ask her impending question. She slid into the booth, accepting the items Carson’s sister handed her.

“Here you are. Your waitress will be over in just a moment. Is there anything I can get for you right now?”

It was the opening she’d been looking for.

“Um…yes. Is Carson in today?”

“He sure is. I’ll let him know you’re here,” Kallie responded with a wink.

“Thank you.” Imani opened her menu and buried her face into it.

How mortifying.

She studied the laminated menu as if it held all the answers to every important question in the world. A few moments later, even footsteps approached the table. Glancing upward, she expected the find the waitress. Instead she laid eyes on the man who’d plagued her dreams for the past week. The words she’d rehearsed all week stuck in her throat. 

             
“Hi, beautiful.”

             
Just like that, all of the tension in her body dissolved.

             
“Hi.”

             
He stood there silently until she remembered her entire reason for eating lunch at Baxter’s.

             
“Would you like to join me?”

             
“Are you certain you want me to?”

             
She nodded. “I’m here to take you up on your offer.”

             
“Which one?”

             
“Both of them.”

             
He studied her quietly for a few moments before sliding in the booth across from her. “In that case I’d be happy to join you.”

             
Before she could say anything else the waitress walked up to the table and took their drink orders. When their server walked off, Carson leaned back in his chair.

             
“So what brings you by for lunch today? I haven’t seen you around here in a while.”

             
“I’ve been a little busy. I had a few things to do.”

             
“Did you get everything you needed to done?”

             
“Yes.”

             
A few moments of silence fell between them and Imani fidgeted a little.

             
“Look, Carson—”

             
“Imani, I—”

             
They both laughed.

             
The waitress came back with their drinks and took their food order.

             
“Are you always a creature of habit?” Carson asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve been to my restaurant three times and each time you order the lobster roll.”

“Actually, I’m usually pretty versatile when it comes to my food, but the lobster roll is so good I’m compelled to order it each time I come here.”

“I’m glad you enjoy it.”

She took a sip of her tea. “I’m not keeping you from anything important today, am I?”

“No. I extended you an open invitation. I meant it.”

Imani stared at the man across from her. He was a very intriguing man. Sitting across the table from him made her realize just how dynamic his presence was. In a way she felt a little jealously at the self-confidence he emitted. He definitely didn’t seem to have a care in the world.

She looked down at her tea and frowned. It made it a little difficult to say what she had on her mind. Would he think she was crazy? Would it change his opinion of her? Would he no longer be interested in her? It frightened her to put herself out there in front a man she didn’t really know, but something told her she had to. If she wanted move forward, she didn’t have a choice.

“You don’t have to tell me anything, Imani.”

His voice pulled her from her inner musings.

“What?”

“I said I’m fine with just sitting here enjoying lunch with you. We don’t even have to talk. I made my offer to you so you felt as if you had one place you could frequent and relax. I can literally see the wheels turning in your head.”

She sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m just a natural worrier. I always have been. I’m also somewhat of a perfectionist. So much so I had what I thought to be a fool-proof plan in place before I came over here today. Yet, the instant you walked up to the table my mind went blank.”

“Good.”

She frowned. “Is it?”

“Yes. Sometimes you have to be a little spontaneous in life. Just allow things to occur naturally. It’s something I’ve had to learn over the years.”

“Really? I would’ve never guessed.”

He chuckled. “Did you think I’d always been this laidback?”

“You appear to be.”

“I can assure you I’m a work in progress.”

“What do you mean?”

He didn’t respond as the waitress walked back up to the table with their food. Once everything was situated, the server stepped away and he resumed speaking.

“I tell you what. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll tell you anything you want to know about as long as you promise not to overthink anything for the duration of this lunch.”

Imani laughed. “I can’t promise that.”

Her laughter died off once she realized Carson hadn’t joined in. Instead he stared at her as if she were some sort of anomaly.

“What is it?”

He blinked slowly, shaking his head. “Nothing is wrong. Just realized how absolutely breathtaking you are when you smile and how much I want to be the person who makes sure you always have a reason to.”

A full body tremor swept through her. Boy, did he have a way with words. Even more terrifying was the fact she knew he meant them. How in the world would she survive this entire lunch?

“I didn’t say that to make you nervous. I said it because it’s true. The last time you were in here I wondered what you would look like if you smiled. Now I know I want to be the one responsible for it every time.”

“Wow. How can you say that and not expect me to become anxious?”

“Easy. Let’s move onto another topic. Ask me a question and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

There was so much she wanted to know about him she didn’t know where to begin. She started with what intrigued her most. “How did Baxter’s come about?”

She reached for her sandwich when he grinned.

“Short version or long?”

“Long,” she replied without hesitation.

“Okay. Several years ago, I’d come to Myrtle Beach on vacation a handful of times. I’ve always loved the area and even thought about how nice it’d be to live here full-time. But it just never felt like the right time. However, the perfect opportunity came about six years ago. The nasty divorce I was going through was almost finalized and I realized I needed a new start. My sister, Kallie, quickly reminded me how I always talked about coming here permanently.”

He paused to take a bite of his burger, chewing slowly before continuing. “I thought it was a great idea, but I had to find a place to live and a way to make a living. It took about six months before anything came through. The former owner of this place put it up for sale. His only daughter had been diagnosed with
Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that’s very difficult to treat. They decided to get her medical treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. I was fortunate because they also put their house up for sale.”

Carson reached for his water. “The restaurant was in good shape, but I wanted to change a few things, mainly the décor and the menu. Another six months and the doors to Baxter’s were officially open. We’ve been going strong ever since.”

Imani sat back in booth, amazed. Perhaps Carson did understand exactly what she was going through, possibly even more so. He’d clearly been through the ringer and managed to come out on the winning end. Still, what he’d revealed only led to more questions.

“Why did you get divorced?”

“Because I married the wrong woman. Everyone tried to tell me she was, some of my so-called friends even went as far as to sleep with her to prove it to me, but I had blinders on. It wasn’t until Misty informed me she was pregnant I’d had enough.”

Imani’s mouth fell open. “What?”

“I might have been an idiot behind my ex-wife, but I wasn’t a complete fool. I knew she hadn’t stopped cheating on me and I hadn’t had sex with her in months.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

She couldn’t imagine how a woman could be so low-class. What in the world could drive a person to do such a terrible thing? She considered marriage to be sacred. Watching her parents over the years had given her a great example of what it should be. Clearly Carson hadn’t experienced that in his relationship with his ex-wife.

“It’s all in the past. I learned from my mistake.”

She cleared her throat. “Are you seeing anyone right now?”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “No, but I’d like to be.”

“You don’t mince your words, do you?”

“No. I don’t have a reason to. I’ve learned sometimes you just have to go for what you want.”

“Even if it’s harmful?”

Carson’s brows furrowed together. “Do you consider me to be harmful?”

“No, I think you could be dangerous.”

“In what way?”

She hesitated, wondering how much she should reveal about herself. He’d been nothing but an open book, telling her what she wanted to know and a few things she hadn’t expected. For some reason she felt as though he’d guard anything she told him closely.

“First, let me tell you why I’m here and that might help clear up a few things.”

“Okay. I’m game.”

She took another sip of her tea then cleared her throat. “A few weeks ago I lost my job. Not through any fault of my own. The company I worked for finally took a financial hit and had to downsize. They also figured it’d be cheaper to run the company in another state. At first I thought my job would be saved by the relocation effort, but it wasn’t.”

Imani sighed. “It really took me by surprise. I’m the sort of person who believes in having a five and ten year plan. Mine was just blown to bits. So I’m here on vacation in an attempt to relax and rest, then come up with a new plan to help me get back on my feet.”