Page 422 of Summer Heat
She runs her hand over her soft porcelain skin and through the modest waves in her thick dark hair. Even those slight movements and the swing of her hips as she walks carry a sadness with them. It never leaves her. It defines her. But it suits her well.
More than sad, and more than beautiful, Addison is memorable. Unforgettable.
Her car beeps as she unlocks it, a shiny new black Honda from the looks of it, and the sound echoes in the alley. She’s parked in the third spot in the row of cars lined up under the streetlight. She looks to the left and right, cursing as she drops her keys in the gravel.
My dick stirs in my pants, straining against the fabric and I let out a low groan at the sight of her bent over. Her hair is swept to one side and the strap of her top is falling off her shoulder, giv
ing me a view of that soft spot in the crook of her neck.
I adjust my dick and memorize the curves of her hips and waist until she opens up her car door and slips inside.
Every second my breaths come in heavier. The air around me feels as if it wants to suffocate me. Her tires kick up the gravel in the lot and I have to take a step back into the alley to avoid her headlights as she turns out onto the street.
I tell myself it’s only out of instinct that I take a picture of her license plate as she drives off.
Well I try to, but I’m a poor liar.
When she’s gone from view, I step back out onto the concrete sidewalk, staring down the desolate street and letting the brisk night air cool my hot skin.
Addison is back.
The only question on my mind is what I’m going to do with her.
Chapter 3
Addison
I’ve hated Daniel for a lot of things. I’ve never really tallied them up before.
The silent drive back to this tiny apartment provided plenty of time to recount each and every moment that bastard has made me feel inadequate, embarrassed … undeserving.
I take in a deep, calming breath then toss the keys onto the small kitchenette table and head right for the wine.
This day was going so well.
The thought settles me as I open the fridge and quickly grab a half-full bottle of red blend. I use my teeth to pull out the cork and pour the wine into a bright yellow coffee mug with sunflowers engraved on it. It’s the closest thing to me and all my glasses are still packed in boxes.
It’ll do fine to hold the wine, I think as I take a small sip. And then a large one.
I don’t have a buzz yet, but in fifteen minutes I’m sure I will.
As I lick the sweet wine off my lips, I stare aimlessly at the glass bottle. I have to be careful not to fall into old patterns. It’s been a long time since I’ve needed wine to sleep. But I can see myself relying on that bad habit tonight. That’s what some memories will do to you.
I take a good, hard look at the bottle. It’s more than halfway empty as it is. I’ll be fine.
Leaning against the counter, I let the past flicker in front of me and trace the outline of the flowers on the mug.
Each memory is accompanied by another gulp of wine, each one tasting more and more bitter.
So many times Daniel’s left me feeling less than. And it’s my fault.
Even the first time was my fault.
The sudden memory of Tyler both warms my heart and makes my vision blur as my eyes gloss over with tears. I can’t think of him for long without feeling a deep pain in my chest.
He was my first. My first everything.
Just like his brother Daniel and just like the rest of the men in their family, Tyler Cross was stubborn. And he didn’t let up until I finally caved and said yes to being his girlfriend.
