A Special Summer(10)

Summer twisted her mouth to one side as if in deep thought. “Umm, I guess toward Lincoln Drive.”

If they made it that far it would be at least a mile walk, give or take. This would allow her to walk off the huge meal and get a chance to spend a little more time with Nick. To Summer’s surprise she was really enjoying his company. Besides being the most sophisticated man she’d ever been out with, he was a true gentleman. Not once had he made any unwanted advances. Once she’d gotten over her shyness, Nick had been very attentive when she talked. It was as if he was interested in what she had to say as he held onto her every word.

“Okay, Beautiful, Lincoln Drive it is.”

Good. This would give him more time to get into that pretty head of hers. Nick was impressed. He found her rather mature and well versed for a twenty five year old. Usually his rule was never to date women five years his junior. Summer was that and then some, twelve years to be exact. He had figured she was much younger, however, she carried herself with such elegance and grace the age difference didn’t bother him at all. She wasn’t some young, hoochie momma, gold digger, but rather an intelligent, articulate, young woman.

Nick’s lips twitched in a faint smile remembering Summer’s offer to help pay the check while back at the restaurant. When he refused, she pleaded with him to let her at least leave the tip. Again Nick refused. Summer pouted, not even thinking when she stubbornly insisted, “Next time I’m paying.”

Yes, there definitely will be a next time, Miss Jackson.

Again with Summer he’d experienced something new. Every woman he’d ever taken out expected to be wined and dined, of course at his expense. Nick didn’t mind though; that’s what a man was supposed to do when he invited a woman out. Summer, however, wasn’t presumptuous; she had not assumed he would foot the bill. Nick wondered about that. Had the men she dated been so cheap she was used to helping foot the bill? Or was it she didn’t want him to expect any favors at the end of the night because he’d taken her to a five star restaurant? The last thought made him frown.

Strolling at a comfortable pace, Summer found it hard to put one foot in front of the other. She couldn’t believe her first date with Nick was going so well. The man looked good, smelled good, and for goodness sake had manners. Not once had he attempted to touch her inappropriately. Certainly, Summer noticed how his eyes glanced over her when she opened her front door for him earlier, how during dinner he made her so nervous when he gazed directly at

her nearly making her drop her fork, or how he would take her small hand as he helped her in and out of his car.

Nick interrupted her reverie. “A penny for your thoughts, Beautiful.”

Oh, mercy he had the sexist, deepest voice she ever heard in a man.

Stopping mid-step, prompting Nick to stop as well, Summer turned facing him; she tilted her head to get a better view of him in the moonlit sky.

“Why do you keep calling me that?

“Calling you what?” Nick was aware of what she was asking, however, he wanted to draw her out, make her talk more.

Lowering her head, she avoided Nick’s penetrating gaze. You know what.”

A lazy grin curved his full lips. “No, Summer, I don’t know.”

Letting out a breath of frustration because she knew he was messing with her. “Beautiful. Why do you keep calling me that?”

Taking a finger he gently lifted her chin to meet his gaze. “Because, Summer Jackson, you are beautiful.”

Summer thought she would die as Nick proceeded to lean down, kissing her ever so lightly on the tip of her nose. A current ran through her body causing her to shiver. Maybe it was the sudden gust of night wind that just blew by and not the kiss. Nah, it definitely was the kiss.

“Are you cold?” Concern laced Nick’s husky voice.

All Summer could do was nod her head. No way was she about to tell the finest man she’d ever laid eyes on that he had reduced her to shivers.

Before Summer could blink, Nick held her in an embrace so close she had no choice but to lay her head on his strong muscular chest as his chin gently rested on top of her head. Summer’s nipples tingled while the butterflies in her stomach fluttered as she melted into Nick’s solid form.

“Does this feel better?” he whispered holding her close generating heat from his body.

“Yes.” Summer answered in a small voice.

It didn’t matter she barely knew this man, because this felt so right. Summer’s arms which had been at her side freely wrapped around Nick’s midsection.

Closing her eyes she inhaled the scent of his cologne. She recognized it as the same scent as the one on his handkerchief the night of the benefit. Holding onto Nick, she let herself go and simply enjoy the feel of his strong presence.