“M-Much.” Prue cleared her throat, shocked by the move Summer had made. As much as she wanted a topless Summer lounging by her pool, she hadn’t truly believed she would receive that.
For the first time since they’d met, Summer sensed a nervousness in Prue. In this moment, that façade Summer had come to know had crumbled away. Prue appeared completely different. She had since this morning. Everything about her. Her voice as she spoke. Her eyes as she lifted her sunglasses from her face. And her breathing, her chest rising and falling faster.
“Summer?” Prue focused ahead of her, avoiding the absolute vision to the left of her.
“What’s up?”
“About those plans tonight.” Summer caught the arousal in Prue’s voice as she spoke those words. “Can we change them?”
“I-If you want.”
“What if I told you what I want…is you?”
Summer smiled, her heart skipping a beat. She wanted to just go with this, the desperate need to touch Prue increasing as the day went on, but she just had a few more questions.
“Well?” Prue was done with waiting for a response.
“Is this really going to be that simple?” Summer turned over onto her back, her own breasts now exposed. “I mean, what will your brother think?”
“What will your family think?” Prue countered. “David accepts me for who I am…and who I’m dating. He has his own stuff going on without getting involved in my relationships.”
“I don’t have any family left,” Summer said. “It’s you I’m concerned about.”
Something within Prue crumbled. She wasn’t sure if it was her defences, her heart, or the pent-up emotion from many years of hiding from love. Whatever it was, tears slowly slipped from her eyes. Uncontrollably.
“Hey, don’t cry.” Summer grabbed her tank top hanging over the edge of the lounger and pulled it over her head. “Prue?”
“Sorry.” Prue waved off Summer’s concern. “Ignore me. I’m being ridiculous.”
“You’re upset.” Summer got to her knees in front of Prue, taking her hands. “What’s wrong? Talk to me…”
“Just…you,” Prue said softly, allowing Summer to wipe the tears from her jawline. “You’re too sweet.”
“Because I’m concerned about you?”
“Yes.” Prue nodded. “Not many people tend to feel that way about me.”
“Well, I do.” Summer lifted Prue’s hand, kissing her knuckles.
Prue wanted nothing more than to take Summer inside, locking the door behind them, but Summer’s indecisiveness prevented her from doing so. If this happened, it would be on Summer’s terms. It had to be.
Summer sighed. “I care about what your family will think about me. My intentions.”
“You shouldn’t…”
“I know this isn’t what people do, Prue,” Summer said, a slight smile curling on her mouth. “I know that people will talk…have an opinion, but I’m not sure I care anymore.” Summer’s free hand settled on Prue’s bare thigh. “What I care about is you. You have a life here, a business. I don’t want your friends or your staff talking about you because I’m in your life. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”
“And what about you?” Prue cupped Summer’s face, caressing her cheek.
“Nothing ever works out for me so I’m always waiting for it to fall apart.”
“You shouldn’t go through life feeling that way.” Prue shook her head. “You should be willing to take whatever you can get.”
“I’m beginning to think that way.” Summer’s eyes flickered to Prue’s lips. God, those lips. “I guess being here is just a lot to take in.”
“Being here with me?”
“Not necessarily you, no.” Summer sat back on her knees. “My new life. I feel like this is just a holiday to me.”
“But it’s not, is it?” Prue asked, swallowing hard. “I mean, you’re not considering going back to the UK, are you? Not now…after this morning. Us.”
“No.” Summer appreciated the look of concern in Prue’s eyes. It told her that she was serious about this. “I have nothing left in the UK. I was simply going back so I didn’t have to see you around the town with anyone other than me.”
“I want to know more about you, Summer.” Prue’s hand slipped to Summer’s chin, gripping it gently. “If this is ever going to work, I need you to let me in.”
“I want to.” Summer’s eyes fluttered closed, the sensation of skin on skin overwhelming.
“Those dinner plans we had tonight…” Prue said. “Can we stay here? Spend the evening together without the interruption of everyone around? If you’d be okay with that?”
“I would.” Summer leaned into Prue’s touch, aware that the woman touching her was currently naked from the waist up.
“Just be with me.” Prue dipped her head, capturing Summer’s lips. “Please…” Prue should be terrified, her lack of relationships and love for the last ten years keeping her out of the game, but she wasn’t. Everything she felt with Summer was less harrowing that she imagined it would be before they met. The idea of a first date, that first kiss…it felt perfectly natural. Prue had been waiting for the right woman, her body told her exactly that the first time her lips met Summer’s. No uncertainty. No fear. No regret.
“Okay.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Prue winked, releasing Summer from her grasp. “Now, I should put some clothes on and think about how I’m going to impress you tonight.”
“You already do.” Summer climbed to her feet, her gaze lingering. “Who you are…this, it’s perfect.”
12
Prue wrung her hands together, double-checking everything was as it should be. Tonight, Summer was here on an official date. One that meant the world to Prue. If she could end this night on good terms, since the last few meetings alone with Summer hadn’t gone so well, she would consider it a step forward. Prue checked her watch, noting that Summer would be leaving the annexe any moment now. Candles were lit, low lighting giving the villa a comfortable, relaxing feel. It’s what Summer appreciated, Prue knew that. How she knew, she didn’t know, but Summer’s eyes gave away more than the younger woman likely realised. Those beautiful blue eyes lulled Prue into another universe, and given half the chance, she would spend eternity there.
“Knock, knock.” Summer was right on time.
Prue looked up from the label of the bottle of wine she’d chosen to accompany dinner, her breath catching in her throat. Oh, wow. Prue’s eyes followed Summer’s body its entire length. A little black dress clung to her figure, her breasts sitting perfectly in place. She wore heavy, dark eye makeup, her blue eyes the deepest Prue had ever seen. Summer looked as though she was ready for a night on the town, but Prue had plans to keep her here…locked away until further notice.
“Can I come in?” Summer leaned against the patio doors, wide open and airing out the villa. “Am I too early?”
“No, you’re perfect.” Prue approached Summer, taking her by the hand and guiding her inside. “Really fucking perfect.” Prue stopped, their bodies colliding. “And you look incredible.”
Hearing Prue curse sent Summer’s blood south. Her legs unsteady as Prue leaned in closer, Summer’s heart thrummed harder than it ever had.
“I’m the luckiest woman in the world tonight,” Prue whispered, her breath tickling Summer’s ear. “And I’ll never forget it.”
“You’re going to make me blush,” Summer said, her voice hoarse with desire.
“Take the compliment and enjoy this evening.”
“That’s the plan.” Summer’s hand slid to Prue’s lower back, pulling their bodies flush together. “This place looks amazing…as do you.” Summer’s fingertips trailed the silk dress Prue wore, again…it involved a split that finished at her hip. “You really have to stop wearing these dresses.”
“Not a fan?” Prue pulled back with a serious look on her face, but her silver eyes still glimmering.
“Oh, very much a fan.” S
ummer chewed her bottom lip, her eyes falling lower to the exposed thigh touching her own. “Phew.”
“What is it?” Prue frowned.
“You.” Summer breathed out, her eyes closing. “Just…all of you.”
“Perhaps we should get this date on the road?”
“Depends what you have planned,” Summer teased.
“Oh, anything you want…you can have.” Prue stepped away from Summer. “But since I wasn’t quite sure what that is, I thought fine food and good conversation was the perfect start.”
“My perfect start was the moment I walked through the door seeing you looking like this.”
“Keep saying things like that…” Prue smiled fully. “And you can have the world, Summer.”
“I think I can settle on you.”
Summer watched Prue across the table, popping the final piece of calamari into her mouth. Prue had chosen some simple tapas dishes for tonight, but the tastes were explosive. Prue had an impeccable palette when it came to choosing food, something Summer would always be grateful for. Not only was she a gorgeous businesswoman, but a chef too. For Summer, this was a dream come true and tonight had been perfect in every sense of the word. Nothing felt forced. If anything, Summer believed they were both holding back.
“How was dinner?” Prue sat back, taking her wine glass in her hand.
“Absolutely beautiful.”
“I’m happy it was to your taste.” Prue sipped, licking the wine residue from her lips as she placed her glass on the table. “Can I get you anything else? Some more fresh bread?”
“I couldn’t eat another thing.” Summer breathed out.
“Shame.”
Summer’s eyebrow rose. “Oh?”
Prue knew she was partaking in a dangerous dance. The more Summer teased, the more she wanted to tie the younger woman to her bed. Not yet, Prue. Save that for a later date. Prue smiled, shaking her head. “Nothing.”
“No, tell me.”
“I may or may not have made a triple chocolate mousse earlier.” Prue shrugged, refilling her wine glass and leaning forward. She could have told Summer what was really on her mind, but she chose not to. “Another?”
“Please.” Summer smiled. “So, this mousse?”
“You couldn’t possibly eat another thing.” Prue frowned, filling Summer’s glass. “But it’s good. Really good.” She placed the bottle to the side and rested her elbows on the table, clasping her hands under her chin and narrowing her eyes. “Maybe another time.”
“I want your mousse,” Summer stated. “The sooner the better.”
“Oh, is that right?” Prue got to her feet, approaching Summer who remained seated. “And what do I get in return?”
“That would be telling.” Summer winked, taking her wine glass and standing. “Maybe you could bring it out onto the terrace?”
“Ah.” Prue beamed. “You’re getting the hang of it.”
“Learning from the best, beautiful.” Summer disappeared, leaving Prue standing with her mouth hanging open. This side of Summer pleased Prue no end, the heat between them scorching. But to be called beautiful? Prue didn’t expect that. Honestly, she hadn’t expected any of this from Summer tonight. When she told Prue she was trying, that girl meant it.
Summer sunk down into a slouch chair, only the sound of crickets chirping and the faint crash of waves in the distance. Prue had once again illuminated the pool with candles, the atmosphere to die for this evening. Summer had no worries on her mind, no issues with where tonight could be headed. She smiled, hearing Prue humming to the low music playing around the villa. Several palm trees bordered the patio area, the whoosh of the breeze travelling through the deep green leaves settling Summer. She could spend her life sitting out here, listening to the world go by. There may have been no people passing, the sound of chatter, but out here…nature provided all the sound she could need for a late evening meal.
The sound of bubbles caused her to frown, glancing around to pinpoint the noise.
“How about we enjoy these in the hot tub?” Prue appeared behind her, holding two chocolate desserts. “Since you no longer have any excuse…”
“Excuse?”
“Everything you own is in that building.” Prue cocked her head towards Summer’s living space. “So, how about it?”
“I’m not sure I want you out of that dress.” Summer’s eyes shimmered against the candlelight. “I’m undecided.”
“Then I’ll make it easier for you.” Prue set the desserts down, slipping her arms from the straps of her black, silk dress. Allowing it to pool at her feet, she stepped out of it, black lace lingerie on display for Summer. “Have you decided yet?”
“Y-Yeah.” Summer swallowed. “You’re going in like that?” She motioned up and down Prue’s body.
“Don’t see why not.” Prue shrugged, her heels clicking against the stone floor as she approached the hot tub. “Bring the desserts with you.”
Summer ogled Prue as her ass sauntered towards the hot tub. Was this the moment? Would tonight be the night she’d dreamt about? God, I don’t know if I’m ready for her incredible body. It was a genuine fear Summer had. While she was perfectly happy to strip down and roll around the sheets with Prue, she couldn’t be sure she deserved such a stunning woman. When Prue looked at her how she had all night, Summer could have melted. The thought of Prue’s slim fingers touching her in places that begged to be touched, Summer could barely contain her desire. It was only a matter of time before things between them went further, and Summer couldn’t promise that tonight wouldn’t be the night when they crossed that boundary.
“Are you coming?” Prue called out, already sitting in the warming bubbles, her heels kicked off in opposite directions.
“God, I hope so.” Summer stood, shimmying out of her little black dress. As she lifted the desserts from the table and approached Prue, she found complete want in her eyes. A desire to touch Summer, just how Summer had imagined it. This…tonight…was everything.
Prue pulled her hair up into a messy bun sitting on the top of her head. Her exposed jawline begged for Summer’s mouth, her tongue. “You should really hurry.”
“Why? Going somewhere?” Summer asked, her forehead creased.
Only to bed with you. Prue smirked. “Not at all.”
“Patience…”
Prue had zero patience left. Summer had gotten deep into her soul, her slightly curvaceous body gaining every ounce of Prue’s attention. The pink lingerie…she would deal with that later. Summer handed the desserts to Prue as she lifted her leg over and into the tub. Prue’s eyes burned through her, setting every nerve ending on fire. Tonight, if either of them could control themselves, would be one hell of an achievement.
“So, uh…” Summer settled in the water, moaning. “Rochelle.”
“Really?” Prue deadpanned. “You’re in a hot tub with me wearing very little…and you want to know about Rochelle?”
“I just don’t want any surprises.” Summer smiled, taking a dessert from Prue. “Other than that, I couldn’t care less.”
“You have nothing to worry about.” Prue lifted the spoon from her dessert. “She won’t be joining us…unless you’re into that kinda thing.”
“Me? No.” Summer shook her head, her blonde hair framing her face. “Wait! Are you?”
“No, baby.” Summer’s heart rate shot through the roof. “I’m a one-woman kinda woman.”
“G-Good to know.” Summer eyed Prue as the flat of her tongue removed the chocolate residue from the bottom of the spoon. Summer didn’t know if it was Prue’s tongue distracting her from what was currently happening, or the fact that she’d just called her ‘baby’.
“Here…try this.” Prue shifted closer, bobbing up and down in the water as she slid between Summer’s legs. “I know I shouldn’t brag, but it’s too good.”
Summer opened her mouth, accepting a spoonful of Prue’s dessert. “Mm…” She licked her lips. “That’s good.”
“Ju
st good?” Prue fake pouted.
“No. Too good.”
Prue smirked. “Right?” Smearing chocolate across Summer’s bottom lip, Prue leaned in close, seeking permission. When Summer didn’t back off, Prue poked out her tongue, licking it from Summer’s soft, plump lips. “Mm…even better.”
“O-Oh, God.” Summer’s chest heaved. “Fuck.”
“Is that a request, or…?”
Summer placed her own dessert down on the side of the tub, gripping the back of Prue’s neck with her free hand. “Y-You, just…”
“I’m really going to need you to kiss me, Summer.” Prue’s voice low and sultry, Summer drew her in, kissing her with everything she had. Tonight, Summer was certain she’d never felt this way about another woman. Satisfaction. Prue tasted sweet, that mixture of chocolate and red wine sending her body wild.
Their tongues met in that perfect dance between wanting more and dragging out the inevitable. For every nip of Prue’s teeth, Summer felt her body throb. For every lick, she wanted Prue’s tongue other places. Prue pulled back, her forehead pressing against Summer’s. “You’ve no idea how long I’ve been waiting to kiss you like that.”
“I just have one request.” Summer groaned, taking Prue’s bottom lip between her teeth and releasing it slowly.
“What’s that?”
“Don’t. Ever. Stop,” Summer whimpered when Prue’s hand disappeared beneath the water, settling on her thigh. “Prue…”
“Do you want this with me? Tonight?” she asked, her voice wavering for fear of Summer turning her down. Blowing her off. Laughing in her face. “I-I need to know.” Prue gripped Summer’s thigh, her chocolate dessert also discarded. “Baby…”
“God…” Summer shivered. “W-When you say things like that…”
“What does it do to you, Summer?” Prue smirked, her arms braced against the hot tub either side of Summer’s shoulders. “Tell me…” Her tongue found its way to Summer’s lips once again.
“F-Fuck!”
“As I thought.” Prue squeezed Summer’s thigh. “You wanna take this inside?”
The Heat of Summer Page 12