One Hot Summer Anthology (5 page)

             
“Considering the fact you really seem to like seafood I thought I’d take a chance and prepare my famous seafood bake for you.”

             
As he spoke, he removed the lid from the huge container between them. Steam escaped and the aroma of succulent food assailed her nose. Her eyes widened as she took in the contents revealed.

             
“That looks delicious.”

             
“I hope you agree it tastes the same as well.” He reached back inside the basket for a large serving spoon. “Would you like for me to do the honors?”

             
“Please,” she replied, holding out her plate.

             
She tried to hold back a moan as he placed lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, corn and potatoes on her plate, followed by a little of the broth.

             
“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. I have warm washcloths in that container near your feet.”

             
“You’ve thought over everything, haven’t you?”

             
“I’d like to think so,” he replied as he handed her lobster crackers.

             
“Now, before you dig in, allow me to open the wine. I want to make a toast.”

             
She nodded as she sat her plate aside.

He handed the wine glasses to her and she waited patiently while he uncorked the wine. Once they each had a good serving she held his glass out to him.

              “To a lovely evening I sincerely hope leads to many more.”

             
She touched her glass to his then took a drink. The flavors of the cool refreshing wine burst on her tongue. She took her time to savor it while Carson served himself. When his plate was loaded down, she smiled. “Thanks for making such a wonderful meal.”

“You haven’t tasted it yet.”

“True. Let me rectify that now.” She bit into a shrimp, closing her eyes in pleasure. When she finished chewing, she sighed in appreciation. “Wow. I’m starting to wonder just how many hidden talents you have.”

“None I’m not willing to reveal to you.”

She inhaled sharply, choking when air went down the wrong pipe. It took a few sips of wine to bring herself under control. “I’m starting to think I should always expect the unexpected with you.”

He winked as he popped a clam into his mouth. They ate in silence for several moments. She took the time to savor the food he’d prepared. How in the world did he stay in such great shape if he could cook like this? Not that she was a bad cook. She just tended to eat most of her meals on the go, and they consisted of salad or grilled chicken sandwiches from the closest fast food place.

Working sixty to seventy hours a week didn’t leave much time for cooking. It didn’t leave much time for anything, a major part of the reason why she seriously debated going back into the industry. Now that she’d finally started to relax she was more reluctant to get back into the rat race.

“Be sure to save room for dessert.”

“You didn’t.”

He laughed. “I did. What’s dinner without dessert?”

“I’m guessing not complete in this case.”

“And you’d be correct.”

She ate a few more bites off her plate then sat it aside. When he went to put his plate down, she shook her head. “No, please take your time. I’m just stopping while I can still breathe and to allow my food to digest before I gorge myself on dessert.”

He grinned then resumed eating.

“Have you always wanted to own a restaurant?”

“No. I knew that I wanted to go into business for myself though. I’m actually a former civil engineer. I used to pull an average of seventy hours a week and even though I was paid well for it, I hardly had time to enjoy the money. My sister, Kallie, went to culinary school and spent years trying to work her way up in the cutthroat food industry. So Baxter’s was the perfect out for both of us and we took it.”

“Nice.”

“It has been. While it’s hard work to run a restaurant, I’m able to hire other people to help do the things I can’t.”

“So Kallie’s the cook of the family, huh?”   

“We both are. The difference is Kallie’s formally trained. I just cook for pleasure. We both create recipes for the menu at the restaurant. By the way, she is tickled pink you love her lobster roll sandwich as much as you do.”

“I’ll have to be sure to thank her for her creative genius later.”

“Be sure to thank her for the dessert as well. If you want to clean your hands, grab one of the wet towels.”

She took him up on his offer, wiping her hands briskly on the still warm cloth.

“So, if you could do anything in the world, what would you choose?”

Imani put the towel aside. “Paint. Not on a professional level. But enough to make a decent amount to live off of.”

“Do you think it’d be possible?”

“No. Not unless I want to be the typical starving artist. I could probably get people to purchase some of my basic paintings and take special orders, but it’d never be enough to live off of. I’d have to supplement my income by teaching classes to other inspiring painters or just as a recreation. With all of that combined, I might be able to survive.”

“What if it turned out not to be as difficult to achieve as you thought? Would you do it then?”

“In a heartbeat.”

Carson remained silent, but he didn’t have to say anything. He’d given her a lot to think about. To make a living at her hobby would be a dream come true, but she knew it to be virtually impossible. Her biggest fear was painting would become a task instead of a joy. Something that would be a shame since she’d recently rediscovered the fun in it.

“Are you ready for dessert?”

She looked up to find he’d finished everything on his plate and now cleaned the remnants from his hands. “Sure.”

He pulled out two more paper plates and a container with a nozzle. Then he reached for the last unopened container on ice. She could hardly contain her excitement when he revealed what looked to be mini cheesecake squares.

He placed a few of them on each of their plates then drizzled a thick red syrup over them.

“I hope you like white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.”

She couldn’t hold back her moan of excitement. Cheesecake was one of her favorite desserts. Only one thing could top it: her mom’s peanut butter cookies. “I love cheesecake. This meal has been completely over the top.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

“So much so, I don’t want this night to ever end.”

“It doesn’t have to,” he replied huskily.

Chapter Five

Imani rested her head on Carson’s shoulder as they strolled down the beach arm-in-arm. The night couldn’t be more perfect despite the fact she’d nearly run back to the house at the heat behind his statement. While the sexual chemistry between the two of them was undeniable, she wasn’t ready to act upon it yet, felt like it’d be a mistake if they did. Instead she’d defused the situation by suggesting a stroll down the beach.

After helping him get the nearly empty containers and blanket back up to the house, they’d gone for a walk. Now instead of battling raging hormones, she fought exhaustion. She yawned and Carson looked down at her.

“Are you ready to go home?”

“I think I should. While I don’t have any major plans for tomorrow, I’m a little tired.”

“Let’s get you home then.”

Several minutes later, they were back in his car and headed to her family’s beach home. He shut off the ignition after he pulled into her driveway then came around to assist her out. She handed him the key to the door when he held out his hand.

“Where are you from, Carson?”

“Knoxville, Tennessee.”

She laughed. “I knew it.”

“You knew what?”

“That you were from the south. Your mannerisms leave no doubt.”

He winked. “My mother would be glad to hear that.”

He opened the door and she stepped inside.

“Would you like to come in for a moment?”

“Sure, but I won’t stay long. I know you’re tired.”

She sat her bag on the couch before turning to face the man who’d shown her a wonderful evening. “At the risk of sound cliché, I really enjoyed myself.”

“Then I achieved my goal. I also hope it won’t be the last time.”

“It won’t. I have plenty of free time. Just let me know the next time you want to get together.”

“How about tomorrow? I can’t promise I’ll top tonight, but I know a nice Italian restaurant off the highway.”

“I’m game.”

“Good.” He stepped closer to her, brushing the back of his hand against her cheek. “Now, I’ll say goodnight so you can get some rest.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but the distraction of his touch rendered her speechless. So instead, she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

“Imani.”

Her eyes fluttered open at the tone in his voice. “Yes?”

“Do you have any idea how much I’ve wanted to have my hands on you?” he asked softly. “I look at you and all I can think about is how beautiful you are. I can’t get the thought of your flawless skin out of my head. Even as we stand here, it’s all I can do not to strip you naked to explore every inch of you.”

His eyes were intense, his voice intimate and captivating. Arousal pulled at her, tugging her toward him until her palms were against his chest. For a moment, she held back, pushing herself away. Then she gave herself over to the longing and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes closed and she pressed her lips against his.

His mouth was hot and dominating, sweeping her upward though she was pressed against him. Why had she been fighting this when it was everything she desired? One of his hands slid around to grasp the back of her neck, the other ran down the length of her back, molding her to him.

She threw herself into all the feelings she’d tried so hard not to give into. She moaned at the feel of the heat and the solidness of his body against her, the feel of his arms pulling her close, so close. She felt like she was caught up in a violent thunderstorm. The balmy air from outside swept into the room, lifting her skirt.

Then his hand was under the fabric, caressing the bare skin of her thighs, rubbing over her lace-covered bottom.

Passion flowed through her as he touched her skin through the cotton and lace. It wasn’t enough. Her head fell back, her lips parted, and his tongue dipped inside. So sweet, so demanding. Her mouth came alive under his urging, teasing a hundred nerve-endings with the promise of more. It did nothing to satisfy her. The craving only increased.

He brushed his mouth across her cheek and down her neck, feasting on the delicate skin, inhaling her scent until it made her knees tremble. It was amazing to feel him close after waiting to have him touch her again for so long. She clutched at his shoulders as his mouth moved lower to the tops of her breasts.

Imani reveled in the magnificent sensation. He tugged at the zipper on her dress until the straps slid down her shoulders, then unsnapped the back clasp of her strapless bra to let her breasts tumble free. She gasped at the heat of his mouth on her, sighed as his tongue swirled and teased her, starting that gradual, unavoidable tightening in her stomach. Lavishing attention on first one peak, then the other, he drove her higher and higher. His hand caressed the tender flesh. The roughness of his five o’clock shadow scraped against her. The contrast between the beard stubble and his mouth made her gasp.

She wanted to feel him against her, yearned for it feverishly as she unbuttoned his shirt with trembling fingers. She pulled it apart and ran her hands up his smooth, hard chest. She collapsed against him, her breasts pressed into the heat of his skin.

Carson groaned and clutched her hair in his fists, sealing his mouth to hers. She felt how much he wanted her. She craved him just as much. Imani wanted him then and there. She needed him to be a part of her, to bury himself deep within her until neither of them knew where one body started and the other left off. Suddenly, he eased her backwards toward the couch, and slid his hand under the edge of her lacy briefs. Imani was wet and ready. She was on the brink of losing control. Suddenly an unexpectedly car horn sounded out in the stillness of the night. They both jumped and she pulled back. Once she realized what she’d been doing, she struggled to get her dress back into place.

“I’m sorry, Carson. I didn’t mean for things to go this far,” she mumbled, taking a few more steps away from him. She shook her head. “I’m not ready for this.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, his frustration evident. “It’s not your fault, Imani. We both got a little carried away. It’s okay. I’m going to say goodnight now. I open the restaurant tomorrow, but will you call me during the day and let me know how your day’s going?”

She squeezed her eyes shut briefly, then nodded. So many emotions surged through her it was all the response she could manage. He stepped forward and took her mouth again in a quick but heated kiss, then stepped away.

“Goodnight, Imani. Pleasant dreams.”

She wasn’t sure how long she stood there after he left, but finally she was able to put one shaky foot in front of the other. Her body was ablaze with lust. She wanted Carson badly. If it hadn’t been for the person outside blowing their car horn, there’s no doubt in her mind she’d be on the couch doing things she’d only be able to imagine up until this point.

When she entered the bedroom, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. The corners of her mouth curved upward. She wondered what was going through his mind as he drove home. If it were anything close to what was going through hers, he had to be thoroughly aroused and frustrated.

How had things transpired so fast she ended up with the top part of her dress down to her waist? He’d still been completely dressed, but a few more moments of uninterrupted passion and that wouldn’t have been the case. They would’ve definitely ended up making love. His interest in her was almost overwhelming.

She turned away from the mirror and began to get ready for bed. It wasn’t too late, but emotionally she felt tapped out.

She gathered her discarded clothes, placed them in the hamper, then brushed her teeth and washed her face. She rushed through the tasks, unable to keep her mind from wandering to Carson. Thinking about what it’d be like to make love to him.

Finally, she was finished, and after turning out the lights she crawled into bed and closed her eyes. It didn’t take long to conjure up an image of Carson and all the details that came with it. She recalled his scent; masculine, slightly summery. The way his touch made her skin tingle. Mostly she recalled his lips.

She’d never been kissed like that. Never. Gently, at first, but not timidly. Then heat. Heart racing, sweat inducing heat. Not at all. He’d held her tight, his hard body pressed against hers, making her knees weak and her heart race. He’d given her a little time to get used to him, to relax, but she hadn’t. Couldn’t. Especially not when his warm, wet tongue touched the crease of her lips. She’d gasped, and he’d taken advantage of her reaction, slipping his tongue inside.

Imani squeezed her thighs together, but it wasn’t enough to ease her growing tension. Rolling onto her side, she slipped her hand inside her panties. As she conjured up every exquisite detail of how he tasted, how he’d explored her so sweetly, her excitement grew until she breathed fast, hard, and her body grew taut as she climbed toward her release. The orgasm swept everything in the world away except the current sensation and memory. Suspended in a cocoon of pleasure, she moaned his name.

Drawing in slow, deep breaths, she struggled to regain her equilibrium, which wasn’t easy. Residual memories of his touch began to swamp her again. How his hand had caressed the top swell of her behind, his chest had rubbed against her breasts. Made the request out loud. Said it with a look of pure lust in his eyes.

He was trying to get past the fortress she’d worked hard to erect, the one thing she never thought anyone would try to do, never expected. It made her nervous, borderline insecure. She closed her eyes, trying to fight off the overwhelming feelings, willing sleep to come. When it did, it was the restless sort.

* * * *

             
Carson pulled into his driveway, turned off the ignition then let out a loud groan of frustration. It hadn’t been his intention for things to go as far as they had with Imani, but the moment he had her in his arms a surge of lust had rushed through him and he’d been unable to stop at just a kiss. The only reassurance he had was she’d been right there with him until the sound of the car horn brought them back to reality.

             
He opened the car door and marched inside his home, needing a shower in the worst of ways. After locking up, he made a beeline upstairs to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and undressed, sighing as he released his semi-hard erection from the constraints of his swimming trunks. Rubbing it briefly, he stepped under the spray of hot water and closed his eyes. Now he could pay proper attention to his unfulfilled need. He gripped his rigid shaft, ready to come quickly, bathe and go to bed. Only his image of Imani wasn’t cooperating with the plan.

He kept thinking about how she watched him with those inquisitive brown eyes of hers. He was uncertain what she saw, but he recognized longing when he saw it. She wanted him, which was a damn good thing because he wanted her just as bad. When she’d drawn her bottom lip in between her teeth, it was all he could do not to push her onto the table and have his way with her.

But there was a sense of strangeness, too. On one hand, she stirred something in him, a sense of trust, as if he could tell her his secrets. On the other, she made him hard as steel in an instant.

He sighed, knowing he was trying to comprehend the unfathomable. He might be a genius when it came to business matters, but he wasn’t as savvy when it came to women. She just brought out a natural carefree side of him. But he didn’t have time to worry about that. There were more pressing issues.

He pumped his hand, getting into a nice, easy rhythm. He yearned to be inside of Imani, to feel her surround him. He’d wanted many women in his life, for a number of reasons, most having to do with sex, but this was different. She was different. He wanted to unwrap her like a gift, tear away the disguise and see what lay beneath. And once he had her stripped bare and open, he’d elicit all that passion, all that slow, smoldering sexual tension, and he’d take her to a place he was sure she’d never been. She’d scream with pleasure for him before he was through. He thought about her standing in front of him completely naked, pictured her silently sinking to her knees and taking his erection into her mouth.

He squeezed his eyes shut, losing himself in the fantasy. A few seconds later, he shuddered as his climax slammed into him and whispered Imani’s name.

Standing there silently for several moments, he relished his release then began to bathe. Several moments later he slid beneath the cool sheets on his bed and rolled onto his back. Placing his arms underneath his pillow, he cradled his head, staring up at the ceiling.

He wondered what Imani was doing at that exact moment. When he’d left her home, the regret and sexual frustration had been clearly visible in her eyes. Had she taken matters into her own hands as well? He growled at the thought.

Things between him and her had progressed much faster than he’d expected. He hadn’t even been this initially attracted to Misty. There was something about Imani that appealed to him on both a basic and complex level. He wanted to be with her in ways even he didn’t understand. A long time ago, he’d learned to listen to his gut. Right now it told him she was the one for him.