Coming up out of the subway at Walnut-Locust, wanting to turn back around and go home because the snow was coming down in large flakes covering the ground, Summer was fighting the tears that were threatening to fall. “I knew this was going to happen. Those weather people don’t know what they’re talking about. Later this afternoon, early evening my foot. It has
to be at least three to four inches out here already,” Summer fussed aloud not caring if passing pedestrians thought she was loco.
Maneuvering in the wind and snow was difficult; the brutal wind was biting at her face and fingertips. Summer wanted to put her gloved hands in her pockets to keep warm, but couldn’t, she needed her arms held slightly away from her body to keep her balance. Why can’t I get a stinkin’ hot flash right about now? I… am… freezing!
Summer’s face stung from the cold as she glanced up at the tall building at Eighteenth and Walnut. She signed the visitor’s log and took the elevator up to the twentieth floor. As the doors opened, her heart pounded as she stepped off into the main lobby of Stiles Enterprise. I just want this to be over with.
As Summer approached the receptionist desk, a middle-aged woman greeted her.
“Good afternoon, how may I help you?”
“Umm, I’m here to see Mr. Stiles.”
“What is your name and what company are you with?”
“My name is Summer Jackson and I’m not with a company.”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Stiles is expecting you. If you like you may have a seat while I intercom him.”
As Summer took a seat, she nervously rubbed her fingers up and down the thick leather strap of her handbag. She watched as the receptionist informed Nick she had arrived. As she waited it occurred to her this was the first time she’d ever been to Nick’s office.
Whenever she’d suggested meeting him at work he’d tell her, “I keep work and my personal life separate.” Now all of a sudden he didn’t care that his and her personal lives were on display for all to see. Summer could tell the receptionist was wondering who she was since she wasn’t affiliated with a company.
“Miss Jackson, you can go back to Mr. Stiles’ office. Do you know where it is?”
“No ma’am.”
The receptionist pointed, “Straight back to the end of the corridor.”
“Thanks.”
Waddling down the long corridor, Summer had to stop to remove her hat, gloves and coat. Of all times she was starting to have a hot flash. She was sweating and perspiring all over the place. Well isn’t this a blip, I’m sweating like a freakin’ pig. Before she knocked on the door, she wiped her brow with the heel of her right hand and then wiped her sweaty palms on the leg of her pants. That’s better, now at least I won’t look all sweaty.
Summer knocked on the solid oak door with the gold plaque that read, Nicholas Stiles, President and CEO.
“Come in,” came the command from the other side.
Summer’s breath caught as she walked in the office. Why? Why did he have to be so darn handsome? Nick was the epitome of fine. She couldn’t help but to be drawn to the powerful figure talking on the phone as he motioned for her to take a seat in the chair in front of his desk.
She placed her hat, gloves, coat and bag on the chair to her left as she eased herself down into the chair. Fretfully she placed her hands in her lap and studied her nails as she waited for
Nick to end his call. Summer was aware of how his eyes traveled over her; she became uncomfortable as his dark gaze focused on her large belly.
As Nick continued his phone conversation, Summer tried not to pay attention to how his tailored navy suit fit his muscular frame. She couldn’t see his shoes but knew they were just as fly as the suit. Her gaze traveled to his mouth as he talked. He had the most sensual lips she’d ever seen on a man.
All of a sudden out of nowhere, she had to use the bathroom as the fetus shifted and tap-danced on her bladder. Gripping the sides of the chair, pushing herself up to her feet, Summer left the office with the restroom being her destination. When she had to go, she had to go; she didn’t have time for an explanation as Nick curiously watched her leave the office. Summer’s sudden urge to use the restroom gave her a brief reprieve from his penetrating gaze.
Ending the call, he was wondering where in the heck she ran off to. He leaned back in his chair as he waited for her to return. Summer’s appearance surprised him. He noticed how radiant her complexion was and how pregnancy hadn’t distorted her facial features like it did some women. As a matter of fact, she was more beautiful to him. Even her hair appeared more luxurious.
Summer had always been a distraction to Nick. As he talked with a potential investor, his attention shifted to her as she placed her right hand on the side of her belly. He wondered if the baby moved as she patted the area where her hand was and softly mumbled something to her belly as she smiled. As he studied Summer, he could tell her belly had grown since he last saw her. He wanted to touch it, to communicate with his baby the way she’d just done. Before Nick would let his thoughts take him any further a tiny voice warned, don’t get your hopes up like the last time.