Autumn and Summer (6 page)

“I suppose,” I shrugged nonchalantly, avoiding eye contact by looking down at my desk.

“Bullshit,” Meghan laughed before walking away.

I laughed as I straightened the papers on my desk.
Yeah, she’s right. ‘I suppose’ doesn’t quite describe the way that suit fit his muscular body or the way his sculpted jaw made his full lips look kissable or the way the clear blue of his eyes looked right into the core of me or—nope, I’m not going there. I’m not choosing my own guys this month. Or ever again. My track record speaks for itself. I will go on a bunch of dates this month, courtesy of Autumn’s selection for me.

Putting some music on, I spent the
rest of the day working out the details and creating the treatments for the upcoming photo shoots. The idea was to have two photos—one in their office and the other in a location that could showcase where they relax. Before I could work out the third set-up, design and location, my phone rang.

“Hello?”
I picked up the phone and looked at the time.

“
I have your first date already lined up,” Autumn responded as soon as I answered.

“
What?” I gasped. “Autumn! Are you serious?”

“Yes! I’m so excited. But I have to finish up this
email so I can leave in a few. See you tonight!”

“
Wait! When is it?”

“
Sunday night! Oh, you don’t have to work, do you?”

“No, I have to work on
Sunday but it’s early.” Even though it was my idea, the nerves bubbled up inside me. “Auty, that was fast!”

“I know! But after I thought about it for a couple of days, I starte
d really getting into the idea. I scoured his social media and there’s nothing questionable about him. He seems awesome. Fun and crazy, just like you. And he’s cute. Really cute.”

             
I smiled despite myself and squealed into the phone. “I’m excited! The mystery is already killing me!”

             
Laughing, Autumn responded, “Exactly! I hear you jamming over there.”

“Yes
, girl. I’ve had this one song on repeat. It’s been my inspiration.”

“Nice!
Okay, I gotta go. See you at home!”

             
Hanging up the phone, the reality of my plan started sinking in. Grabbing my list of bachelors, I looked the names over and realized I didn’t recognize any of them. The one-line biographies of the men just listed their age, the companies they work for, their current title and their favorite hobby. Because I finished the photography treatments of the first three shoots, I focused on those three men. Searching online and checking social media, only two of them seemed like viable candidates for Autumn.

Brecken James, twenty-five,
TV news anchor, swimmer. Jordan Moretti, twenty-nine, restaurateur and head chef, painter,
I mentally noted as I wrote down their names. As I clicked through their websites, I decided both were definitely hot, smart and interesting enough to get on the top bachelor list, and obviously gainfully employed.

Tomorrow I shoot Brecken…
and Sunday I shoot Jordan. Hopefully I can secure a date for Autumn this weekend! And then let the games truly begin,
I thought with a smile.

Glancing at the clock, I realized I’d been off the clock for forty minutes.
Taking one last look at my email, I saw there was a message from Meghan telling me she had to head out early.

Wow, I must have been in the zone,
I thought as I gathered everything I needed for the Friday morning photo shoot. I packed my camera bag and tote and shut down my computer. I walked down the hall and realized most of the offices were dark. The people who were still hanging around were in The Pit.

Hitting th
e elevator button, I adjusted my camera bag on my shoulder and pushed my tote further up on my forearm. With my back to the office, my thoughts were consumed with this mystery date. 
What am I going to wear on my date? The black strapless dress or the black romper or—.
My thoughts trailed off as the door slid open.

Wearing a grey
suit with a light blue dress shirt that matched his eyes, he stood with his hands in his pockets looking at his matte black shoes. When his eyes shifted to me, I felt my entire body heat up. And finally, when our eyes met, my heart stopped before hammering in my chest.

What is happening? I’m Summer Skye Wilson. I don’t get nervous around men
. Even though I haven’t officially met him or talked to him, Mr. Ford is just a man…granted, he is a sexy, well dressed mystery man… but a man nonetheless. Nothing to be nervous about. Walk into the elevator,
I thought as the elevator doors began to shut. Without breaking our eye contact, he leaned forward and hit a button, reopening the doors.

“Are you coming?”
he asked as the doors opened back up.  It was the first time I’d ever heard his voice. It was rich and velvety and I instantly felt a tension between my thighs.

Am I coming?
I repeated his question in my mind as I was jolted from our trance.
Is he trying to turn me on?

Shaking my head to clear it of the sexually charged thoughts, I walked into the elevator car. “Thanks,” I s
aid softly, hoping the vivid mental image that was starting to formulate in my mind wasn’t apparent on my face or in my voice. Trying to readjust my camera bag on my shoulder as I turned around to face the doors, I bumped him—hard.

“Oh no! I’m
sorry,” I apologized quickly.

I tried not to notice that th
e heavy bag knocked into him, yet his muscular frame barely moved. He just looked at me for a second before responding. “Apology accepted.”

I should’ve been embarrassed, but instead, I was
incredibly horny and off my game in his presence. The silence as we descended the floors increased the tension in the small space. My first instinct was to flirt to break the silence; however, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’ve never been shy but I was smart enough to know when my brain had turned itself off.  Conversation, flirtatious or otherwise, would not go well with the Greek god that was sharing my air supply.  The smell of his cologne was suffocating me and turning me into a horny, inarticulate, clumsy person.
Just don’t say anything. Don’t say anything. Don’t say anything,
I chanted to myself.

“So…” I trailed off as I continued to stare straight ahead
, watching the numbers decrease as we traveled to the ground floor. “You work in the building?” 

At least you didn’t ask him what kind of cologne he’s wearing,
I thought in semi-celebration and borderline pride that I hadn’t one-hundred percent embarrassed myself.

I could feel him looking at me and I did not want to look ba
ck. “Yes,” he responded, and just the sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine.

Not knowing what to say or do next, I just smiled and nod
ded while staring at the light that indicated what floor we were passing. I started humming the song that had been on repeat in my office all afternoon, but even that didn’t distract me enough.

“What do you know about The Panties?” he asked,
sounding impressed.

Still refusing to look at him, I retorted, “It was never released as a single so what do you know about it?”

“Mos Def is one of my favorites,” he answered. “I’m just surprised you know that one.”

“No one knows that one,
” we both said at the exact same time.

Caught off guard by us saying the same thing at the same time, I finally succumbed
to the intense mixture of curiosity and tension that had built. I tossed my hair over my shoulder and glanced over at him.

I shouldn’t have done that,
I thought as I inhaled sharply.

I tried to look away
, but I couldn’t. His eyes pierced me as if he could see into my soul. The energy between us was undeniable
.

“You should be a model,” I
blurted out, dropping my gaze to his lips.

The left corner of his mouth turned up slightly
as he smirked at me. “Who said I wasn’t?”

His
smartass reply sounded like something I would say and I fought a smile.
I’m going to call his bluff,
I thought.

Channeling the real me and not the pod person I had become
in his presence, I blocked out the way he was trying to pull me in with those hypnotizing eyes.  I decided it was time to rattle him. Shifting a fraction of an inch closer to him, I flirted, “Oh, well if that’s the case, you should pose for me sometime.”

The elevator
dinged announcing our arrival at the first floor, but I didn’t make any moves to leave the confined space. I just batted my eyes at him and waited to see what he would do.

See handsome, two can play this game,
I baited him silently, challenging him with my eyes.

After the doors open
ed, he licked his lips and smirked sexily.  He leaned forward so our faces were only inches apart. “Don’t count on it, Summer Wilson.” Then he left the elevator without looking back.

“Fuck me,” I
sighed breathily, watching him walk away.

I need a cigarette!

**********

              “Hey, I’m in the kitchen!” I called out as I pulled the chicken out of the oven. The smell of baked chicken marinated with onions and peppers wafted through the kitchen.

Summer ran into the kitchen and screamed, “Guess who has a date tomorrow
night?!”

I jumped a little as I checked the dish.
“You scared me,” I laughed, not bothering to turn around.  “You have a date tomorrow. With Mr. J.” I put the chicken back in the oven and peeked inside the covered casserole dish to check on the macaroni and cheese.

“Yes.
I do. And so do you!” Summer squealed with delight.

“What?” I exclaimed
, turning around quickly. I took off the oven mitts with wide eyes. “You just got off of work! How did you even have time?”

“
Like you said, let the games begin! It’s time to get you back in the saddle.” Summer winked before leaving the kitchen with her camera bags. “It smells delicious, by the way. Is it done? What time is everyone getting here?”

“
It’s done. I’m keeping it warm. And everyone will be here in twenty minutes,” I said, chopping the vegetables. Summer washed her hands and then started helping me chop the zucchini.  “So how was work?”

“It was excellent. The
shoot went well and I got some really great shots.”

“That’s great! I’m so happy for you. Striking out on your own…working for Style Magazine.” I glanced over at my best friend and smiled. “You’re just doing everything you’ve always wanted to do and I’m happy for you.”

“Well, I have an awesome role model. My best friend is so well put together and successful and wise beyond her years—”

Cocking my he
ad to the side, I smiled sweetly. “Go on.”

“
And old.”

“What?!” I laughed, bumping her with my hip.
“Our birthdays are ten days apart…and you’re older!”

“Ugh, details!”

Smiling, I shook my head in amusement.
“Anyway, who was the model today?”

“
Well…” Summer put the chopped veggies in the bowl. Turning to me, she said, “I actually can’t tell you.”

“
Why? Is it top secret?” Pouring the bowl of veggies into the pan, I began sautéing them. I glanced over at her and she was standing with her arms crossed, smiling at me. “What?”

“I can’t tell you because
he just so happens to be your date tomorrow night!”

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang loudly.
“I’ll get it!” Summer said as she ran out of the room.

Moments later, the house sounded full as the trifecta of Summer, Olivia and Tatiana’s v
oices bounced off of the walls.  For the next three hours, we ate and drank wine as we discussed work, men, and life in general. Being the quietest of the four of us, it was easy to slip into my own little world. Although the conversation was interesting, I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering.

“Earth to Autumn,” Olivia said
, waving her hand in front of my face from across the table.

“I’m listening,” I coughed
. I picked up my wine glass and took a big gulp.  Looking at their skeptical faces, I could tell they didn’t believe me. “I mean, I’m not doing a good job at it, but I am listening.”

“
Aw, what’s on your mind, Autumn?” Tatiana asked, her hazel eyes full of concern.

Love
,
I thought.
True love. That heart stopping, life altering kind of love. The kind of love that I’ve only dreamed of.

“
Dating,” I answered, side-stepping the truth. “Finding Mr. Right.”

“
You are such a romantic,” Summer replied, patting my hand before picking up her wine glass. “And I love that about you.”

“You
’re a romantic too. Just in a different way,” Olivia countered.

Summer poured herself another glass of wine before responding,
“That’s sweet, Livie. But I’m a realist. I don’t believe in the fairytale. I don’t believe in the happily ever after. I don’t believe in—”

“
Don’t say you don’t believe in love,” Tatiana interrupted, grabbing the bottle of wine and pouring more into her glass.

I sipped my wine slowly and watched Summer’s face. Her gorgeous features tensed slightly before she
deflected the conversation away from herself. “Let’s toast. To good food, great friends, and better sex. Oh, and for Autumn and I to have awesome dates tomorrow night!”

Olivia and Tatiana
both started talking at once. In our conversation over dinner about men and dating, it hadn’t come up that Summer and I were going on our first of ten first dates Sunday night. They were intrigued by the whole idea of relinquishing control over one’s dating life. And the more excited they became, the more excited I became about my upcoming date. Even though I was a nervous wreck about a date with a model, I was excited to be doing something new and different.

I have nothing to be worried about,
I assured myself as we cleaned off the dining room table.

Once the dishes were washed and the food was put away
, we walked the girls outside to say our goodbyes. Because it was getting late, Summer and I headed upstairs.

“Are you okay?” Summer asked once we reached the upstairs landing.

“I’m okay,” I gave her a tight smile.

“Okay,” she said, dragging the word out slowly and looking at me skeptically. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight!” I headed into my room.

As soon as I crossed the threshold of my room,
I froze and allowed my mind to drift to my date tomorrow night.

Who am I going out
with? What am I going to be doing? What am I going to wear?
I wondered as I stared at my closed closet door.
Should I go sexy? What if I go sexy and he wants to do something active? But if I go too casual, he may have planned a nice dinner. Why did I agree to do this?

Taking a few tentative steps to the middle of my bedroom
, I sighed. “How did I let you talk me into this?” I wondered aloud.

“Because you know it’s a good idea
,” Summer said from behind me, causing me to jump.

Gasp
ing, I said, “You have got to stop sneaking up on me! I thought you were in your room!”

“
I was, but I felt like something was going on with you. So what’s up?” Summer leaned against the doorjamb and scratched her head. “Are you stressing about the date?”

“A little. I don’t know who I’m going out with or what to wear or what we are doing. I don’t know anything!” I shook my head in disbelief. “And I agreed to be in this predicament.”

“Don’t stress. I checked him out as thoroughly as you would have.” Walking over to me, she continued, “And we can solve your wardrobe crisis right now.”

I launched myself to the middle of the bed and landed with a thud. Summer
walked into the walk-in closet to pull out some options.

“What are we doing tomorrow? I don’t want to be underdressed or overdressed. I just don’t…know, you know?”
I worried as I scooted around to sit in the middle of my bed.

“
Um, sure,” Summer said slowly with a laugh.  Peeking out of the closet, she continued, “I need you to not stress about this. This is going to be a good time…for both of us.”

Curling my leg
s underneath me, I sighed, “It’s weird not knowing who I’m meeting, but I’m excited. I promise. I just…” My head dropped back and I stared at the ceiling.
How do I even sum up this feeling?
I wondered, struggling to put into words my thoughts and feelings.

“Is it Derrick?”
Summer asked softly. Even in the softness of her voice, I heard the mixture of worry and nervousness. It was the same cocktail of concern that always managed to bring me to tears.

My head snapped toward her quickly. Holding the cream silk dress in her hands, Summer walked out of the closet
. Sitting beside me on the bed, Summer draped the dress across her lap.

“So…what’s going on?” Summer asked quietly.

I looked from the dress to the eyes of my best friend and I blinked back the tears that were developing. I shook my head and shrugged. “I don’t know,” I answered truthfully. I looked down at my hands and stretched out my fingers. After analyzing my nails, I looked back at her with a sad smile.

“Is it Derrick?”
Summer repeated, shaking the dress in her lap.

After a beat, I responded, “No. It’s not Derrick.
Well, not him specifically.”

“Talk to me. What’s going on?”

I took the dress out of her hands and clutched it between my fingers. I ran my fingertips across the smooth fabric, contemplating. “I keep this as a reminder. A reminder of both the feeling of being in love and the total heartbreak it can cause. And even though I was wearing this dress when I was completely crushed, that was the absolute last time I felt something so strong.” I glanced up and blinked back tears before I admitted, “Whenever I consider settling for a man that’s not right for me, I look at this dress.”

Looking Summer directly in her eyes, I said, “
I’m not pining away for Derrick or anything. Believe me, if he came back today and said ‘sorry I abruptly ended the relationship without explanation and I’ve spent the last four years planning to win you back,’ I wouldn’t take him back. I am over him.  But when he broke my heart, I fear some irreparable damage happened. Because ever since then, I haven’t had that feeling, that spark, that magic that happens when you’re falling for someone. And I’ve met some genuinely nice guys who are handsome and smart, but I feel nothing. And I miss that. I miss those feelings. I don’t miss Derrick. I just miss the feelings he brought out of me. I’ve been in a four year drought.”

“
Auty…” Summer started. “First, Derrick was a boy and you need a man. He couldn’t handle being in a real relationship with real feelings and real commitment so he bailed. You are better off without him, spark or no spark. It was true four years ago and it’s true now. Second, you are the most romantic person I know so I don’t think your romantic feelings have disappeared. You just haven’t been swept off of your feet and that’s the issue. It’s the men. Not you. Third, this month is all about first dates. Ten first dates with hot, sexy, worthwhile, available men who may bring that feeling back out of you. And one of them may be the one to knock the dust off of your…feelings.”

I put my head in my hands and laughed.
I love this girl,
I thought before I leaned forward to hug her. We laughed for three straight minutes and in that time, I realized that she was right.
Maybe not being in control is exactly what I need
, I thought pensively.
Although I had been trying to feel that spark with someone, no one I’d dated since Derrick had brought it out of me. Yet. No one I’d dated had brought it out of me yet.

My hope for love was unwavering even when it wavered a bit.

“It’s time for me to let it go,” I acknowledged
with as much conviction as I could muster. I delicately folded the dress and placed it between us. “It’s just a dress… what it symbolizes is what I’ve been holding on to.”

I don’t know why I keep getting choked up about this
. Tossing the dress is not tossing the hope of love away with it
, I thought, climbing off of the bed and walking across the room to my walk-in closet.

“So what do you think I should wear
? All black?” I asked over my shoulder with a smirk.

Following
me into the closet, Summer tossed the dress over her shoulder. “I look hot in all black and you know it.”

“Yes, but I wish you’d let me put you in something like this.” I held up a hot pink mi
ni dress with the tag still on. “This would look good on you. One day soon, I’m going to dress you in a nice, colorful outfit.”

Pursing her lips, Summer rolled her eyes. “
Anyway…” She bumped me with her hip before stepping around me. “I think this would be perfect for tomorrow. I know you are going to dinner. That’s all I know.”  Summer held up a tight black pencil skirt and a white backless top. “You will look perfect in this. You always look perfect.”

“Is that too much for a first date?” I asked as I took the clothing out of her hands to inspect her choice.
“You do know that this shirt is sheer right?”

             
“For where he’s taking you, it’s perfect. Promise,” Summer answered with a wink.

             
Turning on my heel, I walked out of the closet and out of the bedroom completely. “Okay, cool. I’ll wear it. Now let’s find something for you to wear.”

             
Entering Summer’s bedroom, I stopped short, causing her to run into the back of me. “Wait, you know where we are going tomorrow?”

             
Summer laughed, “Yes and it’s a really cool place with a sexy dress code. Trust me.”