A Special Summer(8)
Giving one last glance in the mirror, Summer headed down the stairs. When her foot hit the last step the doorbell rang. Her heart began to thump as she went over to the door slowly opening it.
The man was absolutely fine. Nick was wearing a gray sports jacket, black turtleneck and dress slacks with black Kenneth Cole dress loafers. Mmmm he always smells sooo good!
Summer was so taken with how darn good he looked and smelled, she hadn’t noticed him holding a bouquet of flowers. Handing her the flowers, flashing a hundred watt smile, “These are for you, Beautiful.”
Summer blushed. Accepting the flowers their hands touched, sending a current racing through her slightly knocking her off her square. “Come on in so I can put these in water.”
Nick watched as she quickly retreated to the kitchen. With each sway of her slim hips her hair bounced full of body against her slender back. Putting his hands in his pockets, he looked around the living room, then into the small dining room. Appreciating the feminine and genteel décor he strolled over to an entertainment unit. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he looked at photos of Summer at various stages in her life. From the photos he gathered she’d always been a looker.
A few seconds later, Summer emerged with the flowers in a crystal vase with Ava and Starr on her heels. They’d come down the stairs earlier to eat the take-out they’d ordered.
Stopping briefly to set the vase on the dining room table, the trio stood before Nick with Summer positioned front and center.
Pointing to her friends, “Nick, these are my friends, Starr Avery and Ava Peretti.”
Taking Starr’s, then Ava’s hand in a handshake, Nick flashed a charming smile. “Oh, yes, I remember you ladies from the benefit. How’s everything going?”
Sharing a quick glance they both sang in unison, “Good, everything’s good.”
He engaged in light conversation with Ava and Starr as Summer went to the hall closet to get her coat. Coming back into the living room with the coat draped over her slender arm, “I’m ready now.”
“Here, let me help you with your coat,” Nick offered as he smoothly sauntered over to her. She handed Nick the coat allowing him to assist her with it. Before Summer could pull her hair out Nick gathered the silky tresses in one large hand gently freeing every strain trapped beneath the coat.
Turning to face Nick, Summer gazed at him momentarily speechless. They hadn’t even left the house yet and she was feeling unsure of herself. He was already making her nervous.
“Thank you.” Summer whispered.
In a deep, low husky voice Nick replied, “It was my pleasure.” He loved the feel of her hair. It felt like what he’d imagined – soft, thick silk.
Summer shivered from the deep vibration his voice sent out. She had to say something, anything to help her regain her balance.
“Where’s my purse?” she asked her friends who apparently were in a daze.
Ava and Starr were just as taken as they stood staring wide eyed as the fine brotha made a simple act of helping a woman with her coat appear so sensual. Not to mention the way he was gazing at their girl Summer made goose bumps pop up all over them. They could only imagine what she was feeling.
Starr whispered to Ava, “Brotha got it going on.”
“You ain’t said nothin’ but a word.”
“Hellooo. Have you seen my purse?”
Snapping out of the trance, Starr pointed, “Right there on the sofa.” Taking quick steps to the sofa picking up the purse she handed it to Summer.
Giving each a quick hug, Summer told them she’ll see them later. Meaning, “Don’t go anywhere until I get back home.”
Both the women nodded their heads in understanding.
♥♥♥
“Are you always so quiet?” Nick wanted to know as he intently examined Summer.
Looking up from the menu Summer’s gaze was met by intense dark eyes encased in a serious expression.
“Umm, no, not really,” she answered barely above a whisper.
“Then why are you so quiet now?”
Hunching slender shoulders, she admitted, “I guess I’m just a little nervous.”
Nick took a sip from his water glass. “Of what?”
Letting out a slow breath, Summer tried to steady the quivering of her voice. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date.”
“And why is that? I know you must get asked out all the time.” Nick paused as his expression changed from intense to playful. “I noticed all those dudes asking you to dance. But you shot them down, one after the other. You broke a lot of hearts.”
He was right. Men did ask her out all the time. However, she avoided men like the bird flu because they usually only wanted one thing… Sex.