Chapter Nine

Summer entered the coffee shop early the next morning in desperate need of a boost before starting her long day filled with clients. Normally, she made sure to eat at home and avoid stopping for an expensive cup of espresso. Unfortunately, she’d ran late today, had to skip breakfast, and had no choice but to swing by for a cup of java and a muffin. Not much, but it would tide her over until she managed to grab a short break for lunch.

Her luck held as only one person stood in line in front of her. Sighing with relief, she bided her time by searching the room, checking out the other customers. No one looked remotely familiar, so she turned her attention to the attendant at the counter.

“Can I help you?”

“An espresso please. Oh, and a blueberry muffin.” She pulled the money out of her purse as the attendant rang up her total.

“Four sixteen, please.”

Before she could put her money on the counter, someone else reached behind her and tossed down a ten dollar bill. “On me.”

Swiveling around, Summer stared up into Night’s smiling face. Surprised and delighted, she matched his grin, but couldn’t help but argue. Her independent nature stubbornly disliked assistance unless absolutely necessary. “Thank you, but I can get it. Really.”

He shrugged. “My treat.”

Recognizing a futile battle when she saw one, Summer caved. “Well, thanks.”

Her order arrived. She took the cup then latched onto the small white sack and stepped to the side, allowing Night to place his order.

“Black coffee to go.”

She checked him out, noted the faded blue jeans, the deep maroon button down western shirt, and boots to complete the package. The clothes fit him well, alluding to the muscular body underneath while appearing casual and comfortable. He could have passed for a cowboy except for his dark complexion, facial features, and long straight black hair now hanging free which told anyone of his ancestry if they cared to look in his direction.

Just another reason she felt drawn to Night. He didn’t put up false pretenses or try to be someone he wasn’t. Obviously proud of his heritage, he merged his Native American culture with modern day and made his own path in the world.

She didn’t doubt he would have been a chief way back when, possessing the courage and intelligence to not only protect the tribe, but ensure each and every member prospered. He would have faced down enemies just like he probably did today—with guts, determination, and skill.

He peered down at her with those intense blue eyes then appraised her outfit. “Going to work?”

Summer sipped her drink and nodded. “I’ve got a full plate today. Two new clients to set up programs for, plus my usual five patients that I work with nearly every day.”

“Sounds like you’re in a hurry then.” He collected his change, stuck the money back in his weathered leather wallet then picked up his java.

“Unfortunately.”

“Maybe a rain check?” His full lips softened as he stared down at her.

No way would she reject an offer from him. A woman would have to be totally nuts to turn a man like Night away. “Absolutely.”

“Good.” He leaned in and nuzzled her cheek.

The tender affection set her heart to pitter-pattering while brightening up her morning. She couldn’t resist the urge to peck his cheek before forcing herself to head toward the door. As much as she longed to stay, patients never approved when their therapist ran late. She was no exception. “Duty calls. Oh, and thank you again.”

“My pleasure.”

The low rumble of his words made her stomach flip-flop in delight and sensual hunger. She savored the rare reaction for a fleeting moment before forcing her attention back to the task at hand. Patients waited and if she dawdled much more, she would have an irate one to start off her morning.

“Maybe I’ll see you later when I work with your mother?”

“Could be.” His eyes sparked with mischief.

With one more glance, she hurried out of the front door and back to her car.

* * * *

“So, what do you think of my son?”

Summer nearly choked on her iced tea as she sat in the living room taking a quick break before rushing off to the next client. Her docket had been filled to the brim this week, mainly because the agency had another worker out on vacation and she’d volunteered to pick up some of the slack in order to add some change to her bank account. Far from wealthy, she tried to keep a decent savings account as there was always something in the old house that broke. “He’s nice?” She blinked at Mrs Kensington and feared the direction this particular bunny trail would follow.

The older lady smiled wryly. “He enjoyed working on that fence the other day.”

“I feel bad. He won’t let me pay him for all the hard work. A supper seems pretty poor for all the energy he expended in the hot sun.” Summer lowered her head and sighed.

“No need to fret about that, dear. He was paid plenty.” She took a long drink from her glass.

Bewildered, Summer stared at her patient. “How so?”

Mrs Kensington chuckled. “You don’t have much experience with men, do you?”

“Not really.” In truth, she hadn’t stopped long enough to truly consider settling down—and hadn’t come across Prince Charming yet. With no real push to settle, she’d gone about her life and didn’t sweat the small stuff. Lord, I sound like my mother now. She shook her head. Being raised by her forward thinking single mother had obviously left an impression on her.

“Then let me tell you a thing or two.” Leaning a bit, Mrs Kensington placed her glass on the table between the two recliners. “Have you noticed the way Colton looks at you? How he smiles when you’re around?”

Summer shrugged. “He keeps a close eye on me and how I work with you. He’s protective of you and wants to make sure I’m doing a good job.”

“Hogwash.” Mrs Kensington waved her hand. “That might have been the case on day one, but not now. Think he would have insisted on helping with that gate if he wasn’t interested in you?”

“Maybe he just felt obligated because I was going to do the job myself?” The words fell short, even to Summer’s own ears.

“That’s not the reason at all. Yes, Colton is a gentleman and would step up to help any woman. But, you, Summer, he’s interested in.” Her dark eyes twinkled.

Not completely comfortable with an apparent matchmaking situation, Summer squirmed.

“I’ve seen how you’ve looked at him. Like a woman who appreciates a strong man, a capable one.”

This is almost as bad as having the sex talk with my mother. Summer lifted her chin and blew out a breath. Lying never solved anything. “I can’t help it. He’s beautiful and eye catching. But, he’s your son and you’re my client. Even if he did want to go out on a date, I’m not sure it’s appropriate and could be construed as a conflict of interest.”

Mrs Kensington rolled her eyes. “Excuses. That’s all that crap is. Excuses.” She patted Summer on the hand. “Let me tell you something. Colton likes you. He’s fighting the attraction just as much as you are. But, I know my son. Before he’s always avoided the sweet ones and went for fancy ladies, fast women, and quick dalliances.”

Summer blinked at the statement about Night’s personal life.

“You’re different and he knows it. He’s a bit off balance when it comes to what to do with you and that’s good.”

“Keep the men guessing?” Summer quoted a line she recalled from a romance novel that seemed appropriate at that moment.

Mrs Kensington smiled wide enough to show even white teeth. “Something like that.” She sobered once more. “He’s been smiling and more relaxed than I’ve seen him in a while, all because of you. I want my son to be happy and you are the one who can do that for him.”

“But…”

“But nothing.” Mrs Kensington met her gaze. “You’ll do for Colton. You’ll do quite well.”

Summer swallowed and checked her watch. “I’m sorry. I need to get going.” She hurried off to the kitchen to put her almost empty glass in the dishwasher. The task complete, she walked back to the living room, finding Mrs Kensington watching her closely. Her nerves crackled, although her heart buoyed with the older woman’s words. Unfortunately, reality intruded. Taking another minute, she sat down briefly. “Look, I like Night. I really do. It’s just that he’s so far out of my league that we aren’t even playing in the same ballpark. He’s gorgeous, intelligent, successful—everything a woman could ever want in a man.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I’m pretty darn average. Even if we went out, I’m afraid before long he’ll grow bored and move on.” She clasped her hands together and sighed. “He’d be a dream come true to someone like me and dreams only come true in fairy tales and books.” Standing, Summer patted Mrs Kensington’s hand. “I’ve got to get to my next appointment. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Summer showed herself out of the front door, her mind still reeling from what Mrs Kensington had said. Even if Night found her interesting, she dared not hold her breath. Such a man needed excitement and upscale women, not a poor physical therapist who worked hard just to make ends meet. She wanted to think they could find a common ground strong enough to support a relationship, but she didn’t have much luck in the romance department. Heck, she’d actually been considering following her mother’s footsteps one day. Who needed a man when sperm banks existed?

She tittered at her own odd thoughts, so frequent an occurrence these past couple of days.

Her romance driven mind prodded her to be patient, to see what Night’s next move might be. Butterflies took flight in her stomach at the idea. She let them have their freedom, but chided herself to proceed cautiously. Facts were facts and she had never been a great catch. In fact, on the few dates she’d been on, the men had been too happy to throw her back and go fishing in another pond. Her self-confidence had suffered, but she refused to become someone she wasn’t or crumble under the pressure to sleep with them when love didn’t exist.

Night.

Just as she thought of the man, he pulled into the driveway, shut the engine off, then hopped out with a graceful, fluid motion that would have made a ballet dancer envious. His gaze raked over her before settling on her face. “Done already?”

“Yep. She did wonderful, as usual.” Stopping at the driver’s side door of her car, Summer smiled up at the man she’d dreamed about last night. If she’d have been completely honest with his mother, Summer would have admitted she had a crush on Night. More than that. She wanted him like she’d never wanted another man. But, unless the road went both directions, she wasn’t about to blurt her innermost feelings aloud.

“Too bad I missed it.” He grinned. “Maybe tomorrow?”

“I’ll be here.” She opened the door. “Sorry, I’m short on time today with a full docket of stops.”

“That’s okay.” His eyes sparked as he cupped her cheek with one large hand and drew her in for a light brushing of lips.

She savored the gentle affection, nearly groaning when he licked the seam, then suckled on her upper lip. Mirroring his actions, she threw caution to the wind and embraced the moment with enthusiasm. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned into his hard body, and gave herself over to his skillful kiss.

The sound of the front door opening pulled her back to her senses. A quick glance found Mrs Kensington standing on the front porch beaming at them.

“Why do I have a feeling your mother is happy as a rooster with a harem of hens?” She looked up into Night’s chiseled features, found his deep blue eyes, and sucked in a breath. His expression spoke of longing, of want—and something else.

His mouth softened into a ghost of a smile. “Did she drill you, too?”

Summer nodded. “It was sweet, though. Besides, she adores you.”

“Uh huh.” He nuzzled her neck. “Remind me to put a personal ad in the paper to find her a date.”

Summer danced out of his grasp and laughed. “You are devilish, aren’t you?”

“You have no idea.” The lowered eyelids and sultry spark in his eyes told Summer he had thoughts of his own idea of a date. Her. Minus some clothing.

One she really wanted to experience for herself but didn’t have the time. “I’ve got to go before I’m late and tick off my client.” Settling into the seat of her car, she shut the door, and jammed the key into the ignition.

Night bent over and peered at her through the window she’d left open earlier. “Go out with me.”

Her breath hitched. “Okay.”

“Friday night?”

“Works for me.”

“See ya then.” He stepped back.

She fired up the engine and drove away, checking her rear view mirror more than once to catch a glimpse at the man who’d just turned her life upside down in a wonderful, happy way.