“That man comes from a good family, Carrie Ann.”
“I don’t care where he comes from. All I’m saying is that I’ve got a few questions for Jason.”
The sound of a pen tapping on her father’s desk ricocheted through her car. “If you’ve got questions for Jason they should come through me. I’ll make reservations and the three of us can go to dinner to discuss what happened.”
“Dad, I’m not asking you to get involved. I won’t be going to dinner with Jason whether it’s to ask him questions or for any other reason. I’m not accusing him of anything. I simply need to talk with him and I’m sure Summer will be with me when I do.”
“You can’t be serious about starting things back up with him? You’re making a mistake…”
“The only mistake I’ve ever made was never giving him a chance to explain himself ten years ago.”
His criticism was cut short by a sharp breath of air he seemed to be choking on.
Taking full advantage of his rare silence, she advised, “I want you to know, I’m moving in with Summer. Tonight. You should probably come to terms with it, Dad, because he’s not going anywhere.”
“Come to terms with it?” Bitterness hung in his deep baritone like a dense layer of fog on a California June-gloom misty morning.
“Yes. I love him. I always have.” On a courageous high, she continued, “One more thing, Dad. You might want to consider your words carefully from now on. If you’re going to act like judge and jury, throwing down a sentence, reprimanding him for his stock, you might want to consider the fact that your future grandchildren will come from his genes.”
*
The prime piece of celebrity real estate perched atop a mountain provided sprawling 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains and canyons. Carrie Ann nearly stumbled from the car, devouring the stunning sight of the city lights twinkling like diamonds in the dark canyons below.
With less than five-thousand square feet of living space, the secluded Malibu hilltop home was modest in size, yet a mansion by any standards. Set on eleven acres, the modern, earth-toned home made of concrete, disappeared into the rough natural landscape.
Aspen bolted past, ears slicked back, happy to be on her normal stomping grounds. Summer’s long muscular arms slipped around her waist. He nuzzled her ear as she stood at the edge of the drive, staring in awe.
“So you like it?” His lips brushed the shell of her ear as she nodded. “Wait till you see the inside.
“Your place is so remote.”
“It’s a bit of a drive for Starbucks, but I think it’s worth it.”
“I’d say. Who needs a venti caramel macchiato? This view requires enjoying your favorite cup of coffee while snuggling under the covers. It’s breathtaking.”
“You’re gonna be breathless when I get you inside.” The scrape of his stubble tickled her neck before indulging in a nibble. “Seriously, Red, I know it’s going to be a commute for you every day. If it’s something we need to change, then we will. We can live wherever. I want you to be happy.”
“I think I can handle it. Truthfully, I can do most of my work from my computer. I’ve always preferred to go to the office every day because it’s part of my routine and gets me out of the house.” She twisted in his embrace, molding her front to his, staring into his eyes. “However, my tastes have changed recently.”
“Your tastes have changed? Hmm?”
His chest lifted and lowered as a sinful glaze set fire to his eyes. One hand threaded into the hair at her nape, the other slid along the underside of her jaw. Clasping her fingers to his waist, she raised to her toes, hitching her hips, cradling his erection. The heat of his ragged breath fanned across her face. Summer coasted his thumb across her lower lip, tugging gently to open her mouth. Carrie Ann sensually slipped her tongue around his thumb, sucking it into the wet heat.
Their mouths came together. His lips locked to hers, each desperately feasting off the other, as if fearing the moment of promise was too good to be true. He worked her over in an openmouthed kiss, hungry and white hot, until her knees began to give. With little effort, he hooked an arm beneath her legs, carrying her toward the front door. Slinging her arms around his neck, she giggled, snuggling into the curve of his neck.
Pulling his phone from his pocket, Summer entered numbers, a code, to unlock the massive front door. Interior lights automatically turned on, illuminating the white walls and design work of forged wrought iron and frosted glass.
“That’s pretty nifty,” her tone mocking.
“I’m gonna give you something nifty in about ten minutes.” Pressing the thick iron handle, Summer opened the door. A small timid smile touched his lips as he stepped over the threshold. “I should’ve done this years ago.”
Aspen agreed with a bark, circling his legs. He moved so swiftly, Carrie Ann could hardly take in the sunken open living space sparsely furnished with cream-colored sofas and exquisite natural wood tables. The cozy design resembled a rustic version of contemporary art.
Making their way past the dining room, she glimpsed a pool and spa beyond a full wall of frameless glass. Ryan Summer had found his way and was leaving a mark on society. He’d grown up thriving to be his best. No exceptions. No excuses. A sort of profound pride, rooted into the very core during his youth. Football had shown him the road to achieve greatness. It had been a stepping stone, a building block, to the man he was now. His treasures burrowed far deeper than things of monetary value, those were merely the shell of an amazing man.
A cold ache began to settle heavily on her chest, inundated with feelings of loss and regret. “I can’t help but feel like I’ve missed out on so much over the last decade. Time, so much time, that we’ll never get back. I would’ve loved to have been a part of your life.”
Lowering her bum on the granite counter, he brushed long, lingering strokes up and down her arms. Diffused lighting exposed the seriousness held in his eyes. “I feel the same way, but fate has a way of working things out. You probably would’ve never dreamed up the Bare Your Soul campaign for the Have a Heart Foundation. Think of the millions of dollars you’ve raised in honor of your mom. And surely, I would’ve never been an actor. Looking back, I’d like to think I would’ve been successful at something, but my career has opened so many doors for me…including a window into a much more grounded me. I identify with myself on a deeper level now. Everything I’ve been through has made me a better man…and you deserve the best version of me that I can possibly give you, Red.”
He dropped his hands into hers, tugging her from the counter, guiding her to the master wing at the far end of the home. Entering into the pitch black bedroom, she followed Summer’s lead and kicked off her shoes.
She remained still, curling her toes into the thick plush carpet. Summer crossed the room, drawing back the exquisite drapes, filling the room in moonlight. His powerful silhouette lit her veins with adrenaline. She could feel her cheeks turning rosy, radiated by her rising heat.
A cool, moist breeze swept through the room when he pushed open the sliding glass door. A pleasant tremor rippled through her, constricting the sensitive tips of her breast. The short distance between them disintegrated, as she went to him, pressing herself against his back. Making haste with his shirt, she peeled it over his head, tossing it on his bed. Her hands traversed the hard definition of cut abs.
Small tremors of tension flowed through his muscles beneath the tips of her fingers. Quiet pleasurable groans rose from his open mouth. Summer lifted her fingers to his lips, kissing them one at a time. Carrie Ann maneuvered around him, pushing his back to the open doorway and dropping to her knees. His breath was coming hard, in labored breaths. He was shaking as she unzipped his jeans.