Hot Nights Forever (Hot Summer Series) (2 page)

The next day Brian made his way to
his best friend, Aaron’s house.   They had plans to finish putting up railings
around his new deck today.  Aaron wanted it complete before his wife had their
third baby in a few months.  Things were going to be really hectic with three
little boys in the house. 

“What time are you leaving
Saturday?”  Aaron asked as he measured a board to cut and made a pencil mark at
the appropriate length.

“It will probably be midmorning. 
You know how summer traffic is on the interstates.”  Brian took the board that
Aaron had measured and cut it at the mark with a circular saw. 

 “I don’t think I’ve ever
remembered you going after a woman like this locally, much less from a distance. 
Do you want to confess now or later?” 

Brian put the board down that he
had just cut.  “To be honest, I’ve never felt this way about any other woman. 
Stephanie is amazing and I don’t want to see her out of my life.”

Aaron was shocked by his friend’s
admissions.  “It sounds like you love her.”

“I do.  I didn’t think I could ever
love a woman like I love her.  And it is scaring the hell out of me.”  Brian
ran his fingers through his brown hair. 

“I’ve found out that the best
things in life are the scariest.  What are you going to do about living over 2
hours apart?”  Aaron picked up another board and measured it. 

“That’s a tough issue.  She lost
her teaching position and is looking for something else.  I’m just going to
play things as they go between us next week.” 

“Well, I’m glad that you’ve met a
woman that might settle you down once and for all.”  Aaron slapped Brian on the
shoulder. 

Brian raised his head and looked at
Aaron dead on.  “Please reassure me that spending a lifetime with one woman
isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.”

When Aaron looked at Brian, he
could see him completely vulnerable and a little fearful.  “If you find the
right woman, it’s amazing.  Every day with my wife is new and different.  We
both work to keep our marriage together.”

“I already see this but I’ve got to
ask.  Are you and Kara happy?”  Brian already knew the answer, but he needed to
hear it from Aaron straight.

“Yes, I couldn’t ask for a better
woman to spend every day and night with.”  Aaron gave him a genuine smile. 

For the first time in Brian’s adult
life, he knew that he could be happy with one woman forever. 

Stephanie kept herself busy for the
next 4 days and before she knew it, she was waking up to the Saturday morning
that Brian would arrive.   She ate a simple breakfast of yogurt and granola
with two cups of coffee.  Brian had called her at 9 o’clock and said he was leaving
Savannah.  That would mean that he would arrive around lunchtime and Stephanie
began thinking about what she could fix for them to eat when he reached
Columbia.  She decided on Roast Beef Tortillas Wraps and a Raspberry Tossed
Salad. 

 Knowing that if she kept herself
busy by making lunch, time would go by a little faster so Stephanie went to the
kitchen and began taking items from the frig.  She got out sliced roast beef,
mayo, sour cream, lettuce, raspberries, onions, feta cheese, pecans, and raspberry
jam.  From her cabinets, she retrieved tortillas, raspberry vinegar, EVOO,
salt, and pepper.  Turning her IPod on and hitting her playlist, she began
swaying to the music as she began making the spread for the roast beef wraps. 

When Stephanie had finished the
wraps, she began on the salad.  She was making the homemade dressing when there
was a knock at her door.  Looking at her clock and surprised it was almost 11
o’clock, she squealed in delight and ran for the door.  Looking through the
peephole and seeing sexy blue eyes and a beautiful mouth, Stephanie swung the
door open and jumped into Brian’s arms.

He caught her easily and pulled her
into his body.  Brian lifted her off her feet and spun her around on her front
stoop.  Pulling her down, he placed both hands on either side of her face.  He
greedily brought his mouth to hers and began a hungry kiss.  His tongue
explored every part of her mouth.  When he broke away, Stephanie was breathless
and completely wet. 

“Hi baby.  I have missed you.”  Brian
was rubbing his hands along her back. 

“Hi yourself, and I’ve missed you
too.  I will say that our phone call the other night helped though” Stephanie
laughed. 

“Let’s get inside before I
embarrass you in front of your neighbors.”  Brian took her hand and let her
lead him inside her home. 

“I like your place.  It’s very
comfortable.”  Brian looked around the small living room that had just the
right amount of furniture.  A sofa and love seat with two end tables and a flat
screen TV on top of a double door cabinet was all she needed. 

“Thanks.  I’ve been here going on 2
years.”  Stephanie turned and looked up into his eyes.  She couldn’t believe
that he was standing in her living room.  Had he gotten better looking since
last time she saw him?

“Something smells good.  I’m hungry
but not for food.”  Brian’s eyes reflected a sexual hunger that she felt too. 

“Which way to your bedroom?”  Brian
asked. 

“Down the hall to the right.”
Stephanie reached up and touched his chest through his shirt. 

Brian scooped her up and carried
her down the hall.  Stephanie was squealing in delight.  With each step,
Brian’s eyes became a darker blue with need.  When he reached her room, he
carried her to the queen size bed and deposited her onto the blue, brown, and
cream scroll patterned comforter. 

“I need you now.”  Brian pulled her
shirt up over her head and pulled down her bra to expose her breasts.  With her
breasts pushed up high, he took one of her nipples in his mouth and began to
suck until it was hardened and tight.  He moved his mouth to her other nipple
and repeated the same action. 

Stephanie was withering beneath
him.  She arched her back to allow further access to her sensitive peaks and
cried out.  “Brian, I can’t stand it! I want you now!” 

“Baby, I’m trying to make this last
as long as I can.  Once I’m in you, it won’t take me long.”  Brian began to
move his hand down her stomach to her wet opening.  He slipped one then two fingers
inside and began stroking her in and out. 

“You are so wet for me aren’t
you?” 

“Yes” Stephanie breathed heavily.
She felt anticipation building in her core.

Brian moved back to her nipple as
he was sliding his fingers between her moist folds.  He sucked on her nipple
hard and that was her undoing.  She felt her insides quiver as her orgasm
peaked.  Her hips moved with the rhythm of his fingers as she came down from
her climax. 

Brian pulled out a condom from his
pants and slid it onto his hard shaft.  Moving between Stephanie’s legs, he
entered her still pulsating apex.   Brian began pumping hard and within 4
strokes, he felt his own release.   

Stephanie missed Brian’s weight on
her body.  He was supporting himself above her with his muscular arms and had
his head resting on her shoulder.  Having him here with her made her feel
complete.

“That was wonderful.  I’ve missed
our sex.”  Stephanie smiled and turned to kiss his bicep.

“Me too.”  He tilted his head to
kiss her behind her ear.  “I’m starving. Did I smell some food when I came
in?”  Brian slowly pulled out and lifted himself off of her.  He discarded the
condom in her wastebasket and pulled his boxers up. 

“I’ve got lunch ready for us.”
Stephanie sat up in bed and gathered her discarded clothes. 

Brian leaned down and kissed her
solidly on the lips.  “Where’s your bathroom?”

“Across the hall.  I’ll be in the
kitchen.”  Stephanie dressed as she watched him walk out of the room. 

In the kitchen she was humming to
herself and thinking of how amazing their connection was.  It was almost scary
because they have only known each other for less than 3 weeks.  A smile curved
her lips when she thought about Brian’s arms around her body.  As if on cue,
Brian stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her waist.  He bent
slightly and kissed the sensitive skin behind her ear. 

“So what’s for lunch?  It smells
great.”  Brian moved beside her and watched as she drizzled homemade raspberry
dressing on the salad.  

“Roast Beef tortilla wraps and a raspberry
tossed salad.”  Stephanie placed the dressing bottle down and picked up the
pecans to place on top of the salad.

“Can I help you with anything?”  Brian
was leaning against the counter and enjoying the view of watching her in the
kitchen.  

     “You can fix us something to
drink.  The glasses are in the far left cabinet and I’ve got sweetened tea or
lemonade to drink.”  Stephanie nodded in the direction of the glasses and
watched as he moved about her kitchen and felt a sense of happiness.  This was
so relaxing and comfortable. 

Brian moved to the far end of the
counter and got out 2 glasses.  He filled them with ice and got out a pitcher
of tea from the frig.  “I’ll drink tea. What do you want?”

“I’ll take tea as well.” Stephanie
had the plates and bowls already out.  When Brian was finished pouring the
drinks, she handed him a plate and bowl for his food. 

When they each got their serving of
food, they sat at her small island and ate in silence.  Stephanie didn’t
realize how hungry she was until she began eating.  Brian must have been hungry
too.  He ate 3 wraps and 2 helpings of the salad. 

Pushing his plate away, Brian
looked at Stephanie, who was just finishing.  “That was delicious.  I’m with a
woman that is good in bed and in the kitchen.”  He gave her his sexy half
smile. 

“I’m glad you liked it.”  Stephanie
rose from her seat and stacked their plates and bowls on top of each other to
take to the sink. 

“Do you like to cook?”  Brian moved
from his seat to put up the leftover food as Stephanie turned on the water and
added dish detergent to wash up the few dishes they used. 

“I love cooking but don’t get to do
it that often.  I waste more food than I eat if I cook for only me.  I went to
the store and bought a variety of foods to fix this week because I’m not sure
what you like to eat.”  Stephanie washed the last plate and drained the water. 

Brian crossed the title floor to
stand beside her.  He pulled her into his body and wrapped his arms around her
waist. “I’m not a picky eater. Whatever you cook is fine with me.” 

Stephanie smiled.  “I’m so glad you
came up to spend the week with me.”

“I am too. What do you have planned
for us to do?”  Brian rubbed his hands over her lower back and the tattoo that
she knew he liked. 

“Well, I’ve thought of several
places we could go but I didn’t know if you wanted to start today?” 

“I don’t mind going out today. 
What did you have in mind?”  Brian asked.

“We could go to the Riverfront
Park.  It’s beautiful there and has lots of jogging paths.  I go there to run
when I’m preparing for a marathon.”  The Riverfront Park was Stephanie’s
favorite place in Columbia. 

“That sounds good.  I need to get
my bags from the car.”  Brian wanted to see all the things that interested her
and learn as much as he could about this wonderful woman.

“Ok.  I need to wash up and change
clothes.  Do you want to go to dinner somewhere tonight or eat here?” 
Stephanie was about to jump up and down with excitement. 

“We can go somewhere and eat.  Your
choice.”  Brian kissed her swiftly on the lips and turned to go out the door.

Brian could tell that Stephanie was
excited about them going to the park and out to eat afterwards.  Brian was
looking forward to it too.  He planned on this next week to learn everything
about her.  He had deep feelings for her but he was still afraid of spending
every day with someone for the rest of his life.  Part of his fear came from
his parents.  They were married for 15 years and then one day his dad up and
left.  He was 13 years old and can still remember his mother’s heartbreaking
cries every night. 

“Ok, we’re here.”  Stephanie turned
and smiled at him. 

He squeezed her hand.  “I’m ready
for you to show me around Columbia.”

They both got out of Brian’s Dodge
Charger and began walking up the path holding hands. 

“Columbia isn’t rich in history or
beauty like Savannah but we do have some interesting things to see and do.” 
Stephanie had an idea of their first stop at the Riverfront Park.

They made their way to an old
textile mill that was at the far end of a large lake.  It was four stories high
and made completely of brick.  There were narrow windows that provided outside
light to come in.  Several windows were broken on the top two levels and gave
the building a slightly eerie feeling. 

“What is this?”  Brian asked,
looking up to the roofline. 

“It’s an electrically operated
textile mill.  This is the oldest in the state.”  Stephanie pointed to the
lower levels.  “It’s still in operation but only the lower part of the
building.  The top floors are used for storage I think.”

They walked around to the back of
the building.  On the side that faced the lake, there was a large wheel that
circulated in the water.

“This is the only mill in the state
that is powered by water and electricity,” Stephanie said as they made their
way closer to the bank. 

“What do they make here?”  Brian
pulled Stephanie in front of him as they looked out over the smooth surface of
the lake. 

“Mostly denim.  Sometimes they get
large orders for canvas materials for tarps or boat covers.”  Stephanie rested
her head against Brian’s hard chest. 

“This looks like it’s a large
employer for the city.”  Brian had heard of towns being built around a textile
mill. 

“Not as much as it once was but
they employ about a thousand workers.  My dad has worked here for almost 26
years.”  Stephanie had pride in her voice as she spoke of her father. 

Brian could tell that she loved her
father.  “He must be a hard worker.”

“He is.”  Stephanie smiled.  “Come
on.  I want to show you something else too.”

They began walking on the path that
bordered the water’s edge.  There were a few people walking and jogging along
the trail.  Brian was holding her hand and began asking her questions about her
family. 

“So you’re the youngest of three
sisters.  What’s that like?”  Brian thought about his own younger sister and
how she tormented him growing up.

“Well, we had lots of petty fights
over girly things like makeup, clothes, and shoes growing up.  We get along now
with only an occasional argument.”  Stephanie thought of her two older sisters
and wondered what they would think of Brian.

“Do they still live here?”  He
rubbed the pad of his thumb over her hand. 

“No.  My oldest sister, Shannon,
lives in Charleston and Brittney lives west of here in Lexington.  They are
both married.  Shannon and David have one son.

As they were walking, Brian noticed
the variety of birds and other wildlife in and around the water.  There was a
bird circling over the shimmering surface.  It was dark brown with a stark
white chest and an orange beak.  The bird flew in circles closer and closer to
the surface of the water.  Suddenly, it dived into the lake and created a
ripple effect in the calm waters.  Seconds later, the bird emerged again with a
small fish between its long bills.        

“Did you see that?” Brian pointed
to the bird that was now flying to the nearby tree line.

“Yes.  This area is full of
wildlife.  Our school brings classes here on field trips to explore and
identify different species.  Well, my former school.”  Stephanie felt a pang of
disappointment that she wouldn’t be a part of the faculty anymore. 

Brian stopped and turned her to
face him.  “Baby you are smart and beautiful.  I know you will find something
soon.  It could be a better job than the one you had.” 

“I know and I really don’t want to
spoil our day by talking about it.”  Stephanie wrapped her arms around him. 
His words comforted her so much. 

“Nothing could spoil my time with
you.”  Brian cupped her face with is long fingers.  He angled his head down and
gently touched her lips with his.  His tongue traced the inside of her lips. 
She opened her mouth wider and invited him to take this kiss deeper.  Brian
threaded his fingers through her hair and pulled her head in as he explored her
mouth further with his tongue.  Knowing that he had to stop because they were
right in the middle of the park, Brian slowly pulled away.

“Can I take you to see one more
place and then we go eat?  I’m starving and ready to go home.”  Stephanie gave
him a seductive smile. 

“Sure.  I’m hungry too.  For
several things.”  Brian touched her lips with his fingertips.