A Special Summer(46)

“Wow, Nick, do you know how many jobs you saved? How many people you kept from the unemployment line and possibly becoming homeless statistics?”

Summer got him. The others never appreciated the true man he was beneath the tailored suits, designer shoes, and expensive cars. They didn’t care about the long hours he worked to keep a deteriorating company from going under. Nor did they care about how he literally saved people’s livelihoods. Their only interest was in how stacked his financial portfolio was.

With Summer, Nick changed little by little. Changes he himself felt were uncharacteristic even for him. Though he made it clear he wasn’t interested in a serious relationship he began to exclusively date her. And for the first time in years he had welcomed a female presence into his sanctuary. Initially he’d cursed himself when he offered, “Let me make dinner for you, Beautiful.” Later, he learned his reservations were for naught. Summer respected his space. When the time came in their relationship when she’d spend a night or two he never had to tell her, “Don’t leave this or that here.” Whatever she brought with her to his place went right along with her when she left. There was never any straggling panties, bras, or nightgowns. Not even so much as a forgotten toothbrush to announce she’d been there.

There was one change he would never allow as long as he lived. After Veronica’s betrayal he promised himself he’d never let another woman get close to his heart. Breaking up with Summer was the right thing to do. She’d manage to wiggle her way near his heart. If he weren’t careful she would be the one reason he would rethink his position on love. And as much as he cared about her, he would never love her.

While away from her he reflected on their relationship. Summer was the only woman he ever dated that never, not once, asked him for anything. No jewelry, furs, shopping sprees, nothing. It wasn’t like he couldn’t afford it. He wasn’t a stingy man. He didn’t mind showering beautiful women with gifts. And he would have gladly given her whatever she asked of him.

On Summer’s birthday when Nick presented her with a small package wrapped in aqua paper with a white satin ribbon, her hands slightly trembled as she delicately opened the package. She was in awe as diamond earrings sparkled and winked at her. Nick ignored how his heart fluttered when she looked from the exquisite gift then back to him.

“Nick, these are so beautiful. Thank you. No one has ever given me such a gorgeous gift before.”

He’d never experienced sincere gratitude from a woman. The others always act as if they deserved his exquisite gifts.

Who was he fooling? Nick’s feelings ran deeper than merely caring for Summer. It had taken months of his being without her to see the light, to see that their relationship was beyond the physical. That night on the plane back to Philly, he confessed to himself he wanted her back in his life. In the recesses of his mind, thousands of feet in the air, he toyed with the idea that one day he could bring himself to love her.

Just as quickly as he toyed with the idea it fled his mind as he stood face to face with a very pregnant Summer. Instantaneously rage rushed through his entire being. He had been played again; in spite of all the defenses he constructed to guard his heart. Here he was making plans to build a future, taking a chance on opening his heart, only to be made a fool of again.

What started off as pleasant memories of the petite woman next to him came crashing down like an implosion as anger and doubt overtook him. Hissing a string of expletives, Nick removed Summer’s hand from his midsection as he left the bed.





Chapter 20




Summer, a light sleeper, had been aware when Nick left the bed. She sensed his irritation as he mumbled angrily to himself. What in the world is wrong with him?

Maybe he had forgotten to do something for work. Nick had shared with Summer that he was in the middle of a major deal. Maybe things weren’t going well.

Summer slept off and on. An hour had passed and Nick hadn’t returned to bed. She was getting worried. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, waddling down the hall to his office, she peeked her head in. “He’s not in there.” Nor was he in the hall bathroom, guest bedroom, den or kitchen. Summer was relieved when she found him in the living room.

Nick sat in an armchair gazing out the window at nothing in particular. Something wasn’t right. He appeared troubled. As she eased up to the chair, Summer wasn’t sure if she should approach him. “Nick, are you coming back to bed?”

“No. Go back to bed Summer.” He snarled in a chilly tone causing Summer to stiffen. He was upset with her, but why?