A Special Summer(14)

Hesitating for a minute, he swung the car door open, stepping out heavy-footed. The day had been trying. Negotiations had not gone as expected with the textile company. It was going to take longer to add this one to his collection.

Nick had no business here. He was not in the best frame of mind, but he’d put off going to see Summer long enough. He’d been in town for over two weeks now.

Taking long purposeful strides, he made his way to her front door. Extending a long finger, he rang the bell.

Gingerly, Summer rose from her sitting position in the tub. Reaching for the towel quickly drying herself off, she grumbled, “Ava, why are you bugging me now?”

Snuffing out the candles Summer clumsily quickened her pace. Reaching on the back of the door for her thick pink terrycloth robe she donned it as she searched for her slippers.

Surveying the room, where are my slippers? Deciding to forgo her search because Ava was ringing the doorbell like a madwoman, she left the bathroom in a hurry.

Holding on to the banister to keep from falling, Summer was really going to wring Ava’s neck! Didn’t she know her big belly got in the way these days?

Nick became increasingly aggravated. What was taking her so long? The thought crossed his mind she had someone in the house with her. He clenched his jaw, balling his large hands into fists at the thought of another man touching her soft, delicate body the way he’d been privy to.

He’d spent restless nights tossing and turning in bed remembering how her petite body felt beneath his. How he had to position himself just so to keep from crushing her with his weight. Imagining her with someone else in such an intimate way made him see red. This time Nick didn’t ease up off the doorbell.

When her foot hit the last step, Summer swore, this girl has lost her ever-loving mind. Waddling over to the door, snatching it open she began tearing into Ava.

“Girl, are you cra−”

Immediate disbelief, panic, terror, and then fear overtook Summer as her heart begin to wildly pump in her chest. Her first instinct was to slam the door shut, and pray he’d go away.

Nick must have sensed what Summer was thinking, her reaction to him was frightening to say the least. Her facial features transformed from one of annoyance to fear within milliseconds. Quickly, he wedged his foot in the doorway and with one strong arm pushed the door open before she could shut it.

With all her might she tried to close the door. But her body and the little life in her womb betrayed her. Her arms suddenly had no strength as she pushed against the door that wouldn’t

budge. A sudden sharp kick to the ribs left Summer gasping for air, and releasing her hold on the

door sending her awkwardly stumbling backwards.

Stalking forward while simultaneously slamming the door shut with his foot, Nick couldn’t believe his eyes. He had to be seeing an illusion, a vision, or a dream. This can’t be.

Summer jumped and took a step back at the sound of the slamming door. Advancing another step toward her, he wore an incredulous expression as his eyes roamed her from head to toe. He couldn’t believe it. Summer was pregnant! Pregnant!

Retreating back another step, Summer’s mind was racing. Maybe I can make it to my bedroom if I run fast and lock the door and then he’ll leave.

Nick was terrifying with his bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, and pulsating jugulars. Never before had he responded to her with such a crazed temperament.

Summer’s mouth suddenly became dry, she wanted to swallow, but couldn’t. Wanted to say something, but no words would form in her brain to leave through her lips. Remembering she didn’t have any clothes on under her robe, self-consciously she gathered the front near her breasts with one hand.

An evil smirk marred Nick’s features. Always the modest one, I guess that changed. Little tramp went and got herself knocked up.

Again, Nick advanced to close the distance between them. As Summer lifted her right foot to take another step back, he barked, “Don’t you dare move another inch, Summer Jackson.”

Startled by his outburst, Summer let her head drop as the tears she fought to keep from falling, fell one by one.

“I see you’ve been busy, Miss Jackson.”

Nick’s tone was cold and sarcastic as he closed the distance between them. He didn’t care she was crying. He did care however, she’d met someone and gotten pregnant while he couldn’t look at another woman, let alone bed one.

He continued his insult through clenched teeth. “Didn’t take you long to let some punk crawl between your legs.”

Summer was appalled at how Nick was speaking to her. Jerking her head up, attempting to give him a disgusted glare, she backed down from the daggers he threw at her more than the harsh words he spewed slapping her in the face.