Page 26 of XOXO, Summer
The screen door is already opening when we approach the porch, and she greets us with a welcoming smile like we didn’t just wake her in the middle of the night to use her bathroom. “Not sure if I should say good morning or good night.”
Grinning, I walk up behind Roman. “We seem to be caught in between.”
Dressed in a loose pajama top that hits her midsection with straps over her shoulders and shorts with a blue bow in the front, Summer smiles at him and nods toward the inside of the house. “You know where it is.”
He runs past her while I remain on the porch. “Sorry about this.”
“It’s okay.”
Running my hand over the back of my neck, I’m disappointed I didn’t figure out a better situation for my son. “It’s really not. Not to you or him. We can’t stay at the cottage. I’ll make different arrangements in the morning.”
She quietly closes the screen door behind her and moves to the railing to look out into the dark. “You know what they . . .”
“No, what do they say?” I move across the large porch to a wicker loveseat parked there and sit. Since I’m not sure how long this is going to take, I might as well make myself at home.
“It’s all fun and games until someone needs to go number two.” She laughs too loud for this hour before she clamps a hand over her mouth.
Not sure if she’s goofy from being woken up or delirious, but I chuckle. “I’m pretty sure that’s not a saying.”
“You’re probably right.” Her smile is softer in the moonlight. Not surprised, since she was sleeping five minutes ago, but there’s something different about not only that but also her body language. She’s relaxed with her hair hanging down from the elastic earlier, a thin strap straying toward the edge of her shoulder, and her ankles crossed as she rests against the railing. It’s her tipped nipples pressing against the lightweight fabric that draws my eyes. I’m such a bastard. I didn’t wake her up to ogle her, but here I am.
I look away, though it’s hard to do. She’s relaxed, and it’s good to see. No rules or things she needs to get off her chest. Now I’m thinking about her nipples again, and I know I did the right thing by looking away. For her, not myself.
And I’m really starting to think she might not know who I am, that I play pro hockey, or even that I’m famous. I shouldn’t find that as appealing as I do, but to know she’s treating me how she is because of me being me instead of the league MVP is so fucking attractive.
Scraping my fingers through my hair, I look over at my car, needing somewhere for my eyes to land other than on her. “Sorry he’s taking so long.”
“It’s okay.” She pushes off and comes to sit next to me. Tugging on a loose thread at the bottom of her pajama shorts, she says, “The offer still stands.” Her tone is as casualas we are, but I know there’s a lot behind the words. She may be more at ease at 2 a.m., but I have a feeling her mind is still always spinning.
Glancing at the house, I say, “You have a full house. We would only be in the way.”
She brings her legs to her chest and loops her arms around them. “We have a guest room downstairs. It will only be for a few nights.” When her eyes find mine, what little light is out here is captured inside. “It really wouldn’t be any trouble at all.”
I could say no, take the burden off her and out of the mix, but I promised Roman time away from the city and fans barging in anytime we go somewhere together. “I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere that’s as quiet as it is here.”
“When I return from the city, my ears ring for a day or two after.”
“Yeah, I get that. This is nice, and Roman is having a good time.” I rest my arms on my knees and look at her out of the corner of my eye. “You sure about that offer?”
“One hundred percent.”
I nod. “We’ll accept.”
Standing, she says, “How about you stay the rest of tonight? The guest room is ready, and we can make a pallet for Roman to sleep on.” Stopping shy of the door, she thumbs over her shoulder. “I can head in ahead to make sure you have everything you’ll need.”
“You don’t have to do anything special.” I stand, tucking my hands in my pockets. “We can just dive in and fall asleep fast. It’s a skill Roman inherited from me.”
“All done.” Roman pushes the screen door open and is about to let it slam behind him when he walks out.
I fly forward and catch it before it startles the whole house awake. Summer’s hand is over her chest like she’strying to keep her heart from leaping out of her chest. “All good,” I say, almost grinning as much as I do when I score a goal. Nothing touches that high. Other than holding my son for the first time, but that’s a matter of the heart.
“Thank goodness. That would not have been good.” She lowers her hand and comes closer, not enough to touch but to stand together as if we’re suddenly a united front.
I look at Roman. “We’re going to stay here tonight.” The joy in his smile is a good sign. He likes Summer.He’s not the only one.
“Do we get to sleep in Summer’s room?”
My eyes go wide and dart to Summer as I chuckle under my breath. “Thatwouldbe fun.” She seems unfazed until a laugh escapes. Indifference isn’t something she can pull off. Scooting him inside, I whisper, “We’re going to share a room downstairs tonight.”
