Chapter Two
Startled, excited and scared all at once? Was that even possible? Summer hadn’t felt a single spark of sexual desire since Seth’s death. Suddenly, her libido was leaping with energy. Two years was a long time to be alone. Her many jetting emotions frightened her, and she hadn’t a clue what to do about them.
Falling in love with Seth had been as easy as slipping into an old pair of jeans. She’d gone out for drinks with her girlfriends from work, met Seth at the nightclub, and they’d hit it off. Soon, Seth had swept her off her feet. They’d married ten months later and moved into the beautiful old Victorian she still called home.
Three and a half years into her marriage, the awful phone call came. Her world came crashing down. Bills piled up. Something had to be done or she’d lose the house. She couldn’t bring herself to sell. She’d shared such wonderful times in the old beauty. The idea of a bed and breakfast was born. With lots of help from some very dear friends, she’d managed to make Chase’s Bed and Breakfast her sole source of income.
While watching Tory regale Gage with stories of weeds gone wild, adrenaline rushed through her bloodstream. Even Seth hadn’t set her system exploding with such awareness. Guilt washed through her at the traitorous thought. The handsome, tanned Gage was more man than she knew what to do with. His whole demeanor screamed dominance. From his smoothly shaved head to his powerful, black T-shirt-encased chest, to those scrumptious sculpted arms she’d been eyeballing.
She’d been the innocent virgin when she’d met Seth, but she couldn’t help feeling that their relationship had been too easy. She knew innately that Gage would be anything but easy.
“Summer, have you considered hiring a high school kid to help out?”
The way he said her name, as if tasting it on his tongue. A zing of pleasure raced up her spine. “I’ve thought about it. To be honest, I haven’t taken the time to put an ad out. Besides, Tory helps quite a bit. Without her, I’d be lost at sea by now.”
Tory quickly shook her messy blonde head. “Don’t let her fool you. She’s handled this old girl on her own and done a fine job too. All I do is help out with those things that require more than two hands.”
Summer smiled warmly at her dearest friend. “Well, anyway, it’s become
my pride and joy.”
Gage licked his lips, and her knees went weak. The act seemed so sensual; she could sink right into a puddle at his feet. “I can see how much you treasure this house. It’s been well loved.”
Her legs quivered at the way he spoke. The intimate tone seemed intended for her ears alone. “Thank you. I have four couples right now. You’ll be my fifth guest.” A full house meant this month’s bills were paid.
“I’m glad.” He took his empty glass to the sink, rinsed it and set it inside, then turned and smiled at her. “If you’d like to show me to my room, I can get out of your hair. I’m sure you’ve got more interesting things to do on your Sunday than entertaining the likes of me.”
“Oh, of course. Sorry for rattling on. You’re probably exhausted from your trip.”
He stretched his back. “Making the trip in that Camaro wasn’t the brightest thing to do.”
Summer’s feet were caught in quicksand. She stared, mesmerized by the motion of his muscles moving beneath the tight T-shirt. God, the man was fun to watch.
“I love that sweet baby, but she leaves a little to be desired on road trips.” He flexed his neck from side to side, then glanced back at her and caught her staring at his delicious body. He winked. In a low voice, Gage said, “If I didn’t need a shower and a bed, I’d be perfectly content to sit and talk with you. What I heard about you from my aunt wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy my curiosity.”
She didn’t know what to say. Thankfully, Tory did. “While you show him to his room, Summer, I’m going to head down to the beach for a quick dip.”
“Okay.” The single word was all she could manage. Her throat suddenly seemed horribly dry. Gage held her immobile with the intensity of his gaze. Once Tory went out the back door, Gage moved toward Summer. She held her breath, very aware that serious chemistry was at work between them. As he drew near, she tilted her head back to see into his eyes. So tall, over six feet, and so big she felt dwarfed—a rare feeling considering her five-foot-eight, full-figured frame.
Gage reached out and touched her on the cheek with the back of his hand. His caressing, barely-there stroke electrified her.
“So, you aren’t seeing anyone right now, huh?”
“I haven’t dated since Seth died. You?”
“Nope. Would you consider spending some time with me while I’m here?”
His low, deep voice made shivers run up and down her spine.
“Yeah, I’d like that.” God, how lame. Where had her brain gone? She sounded like an idiot.
His brow quirked up, and his eyes took on a predatory gleam. “Have dinner with me,” he murmured.
Summer had to remind herself to breathe.
When she started to speak, he blurted out, “Tonight.”
Too soon, her mind warned. “I really shouldn’t. I need to pay bills or there won’t even be a Chase B & B.”