A love worth waiting for

Walking in her sisters’ successful footsteps is a tough act to follow. But Summer Dupree has high hopes for the new Bare Sophistication lingerie boutique slated for a grand opening in Miami. Then she spies a familiar face. Up-and-coming fashion photographer Aiden Chase brings back cherished—and painful—memories. And now her childhood confidant and fiercest protector is determined to take their former relationship to a new intimate level.

In the magic city to pursue his dreams, Aiden isn’t letting Summer slip away again. He can’t change the past—or events that altered his best friend’s life forever. But he’s ready to create a future together. Even when an unexpected threat resurfaces, Aiden won’t give up this time without a fight. Can he turn his long-simmering passion for Summer into a love story for the ages?

“Are you going to keep laughing?”

“I’m sorry.” She fanned herself. “Okay, I’m ready. But you can’t expect me not to laugh when you get so engrossed in playing Leonardo.”

She walked over to the chair in the corner of the room to use it as a platform to lean against so she could pretend it was the edge of the ship.

She rolled her neck and did a little hop mimicking Aiden when he was preparing to act out a scene. “Okay, let’s do this.” She leaned against the chair as she glanced behind her to view the scene on the television.

“I changed my mind,” he said from behind her. “How about I pretend to be myself instead?”

When did he get so close?

His breath fanned the side of her neck. “Don’t come any closer,” she said, mimicking the scene. “I mean it. I’ll let go.”

“No you won’t,” he whispered in her ear. “I know you, Summer. You can’t let go and neither can I.”

She sucked in a deep breath at his nearness. “That’s not part of the scene.”

“I know.” He moved to whisper in her other ear. “I’m done acting. Done pretending. At least for tonight. You were right. We’re too old to play games.”

Dear Reader,

When I was initially creating the Dupree sisters, Summer was the sister I was ready to write about first. Winter, Autumn and Summer are each unique in their own way, but Summer proves that sometimes you have to take a deeper look to understand what someone is going through.

I experienced a range of emotions while writing Summer and Aiden’s story. I laughed. I cried. I jumped for joy after writing some scenes, while breathing a sigh of relief for others. I’m a huge fan of friends-turned-to-lovers story lines, so I knew Aiden would be perfect for Summer. They both have experienced disappointments and endured setbacks that have altered their friendship.

Danni’s story is next and will release in spring 2017. I can’t wait for readers to meet the real Danni Allison. Be prepared for a few surprises you won’t see coming!

Much love,

Sherelle

authorsherellegreen@gmail.com

@sherellegreen

Waiting for Summer

Sherelle Green

www.millsandboon.co.uk

SHERELLE GREEN is a Chicago native with a dynamic imagination and a passion for reading and writing. She enjoys composing emotionally driven stories that are steamy and edgy and touch on real-life issues. Her overall goal is to create relatable and fierce heroines who are flawed just like the strong and sexy heroes who fight so hard to win their hearts. There’s no such thing as a perfect person...but when you find that person who is perfect for you, the possibilities are endless. Nothing satisfies her more than writing stories filled with compelling love affairs, multifaceted characters and intriguing relationships.

To my Godmother, who is also my aunt Michelle, for being an example of what it means to be a strong, wise and proud woman. Throughout my life, I’ve watched you in admiration as you overcame any obstacle that life threw your way. Instead of letting obstacles define you, you used that hurdle as a platform to learn from it and walk away with your head held high and a smile on your face. I love the way you enjoy life and the fact that you are always true to your character, never apologizing for being you. What you see is what you get and through you, I learned that being myself is the best person I can be. When I see you, I see an amazing and beautiful woman with a kind heart, infectious spirit and a candid personality that you can’t help but love. I feel so blessed to have you in my life and I appreciate you more than you know!

Acknowledgments

To my uncle Ricky—my favorite uncle and the one I can always count on to be there for me. When someone asks me where I developed my love for traveling, I tell them hands down it’s because you allowed your nieces to accompany you and your family on trips, giving us an opportunity to explore the world at a young age. You’re always there for every member of the family and you’re a constant support system to all of us. Being a form of strength and power is something that just comes naturally to you. You love with your whole heart and as a little girl, I used to mirror how you acted because I wanted to be just like my uncle. Thank you for always being a solid rock in my life! I’m not quite sure where I would be without your love and support.

To my aunt Kathy—the aunt who never fails to bring a smile to my face! Growing up, you were always the aunt who I loved to visit. I spent more nights at your house than I can count. Now that I’m an adult, I can honestly say that you’re still the aunt I love to talk to when I need a motivating boost or encouraging words. Sometimes, I’m not even sure how you know that I need to hear from you, but it never fails that you seem to contact me at the perfect time. Your beauty shines inside and out and being that I love hugs, yours always have a way of warming my heart. Being around you just makes me feel happy and I hope you realize how important you are to me!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

Two years ago...

“There comes a time in one’s life when a crucial decision must be made. Everything worth accomplishing in life starts with being scared. It’s okay to be scared, but don’t let that fear overpower you.”

As Summer Dupree sat in her car staring at the old brown-brick building, she couldn’t believe she was chanting words she’d heard from a television program she’d seen last week on people suffering from zoophobia.

Unlike the people on that show, Summer wasn’t afraid of animals. She might take off running if a massive and unfamiliar German shepherd ran toward her, but she was a lover of all animals. She rarely saw an animal that unnerved her. Unless that animal walked on two legs and observed her with an intensity that seemed to peel her back layer by layer. Okay, so maybe she was thinking about a human, not an animal. Well, he’s definitely an attractive human. An extremely attractive human. A human so dangerously sexy that she couldn’t think straight sometimes, but that was beside the point.

Movement seen from the corner of her eye got her attention. There was no doubt in her mind that the guy sitting in the car next to her was hyperventilating. Judging by what she could tell from his face, she assumed it was Steve, the class valedictorian. She hadn’t talked to Steve that much in high school, but he’d always seemed nice. Within five minutes, she’d already witnessed him remove and wipe his black-framed glasses several times. There was no doubt he was experiencing the same type of anxiety that she was. Then again, was there anyone who didn’t experience anxiety attending their high school reunion? She highly doubted it.

With all the courage she could muster, Summer stepped out of her rental and began walking toward the entrance of her old high school. She was wearing her killer red heels and favorite black dress. She definitely looked more confident than she felt. When she reached the door, she exhaled the breath she’d been holding, then stepped into the building.

She barely recalled checking in at the sign-in desk and greeting a couple of former classmates before she began walking down the hall to the gym—a somewhat out-of-body experience. Neither one of her older sisters had returned to town for their high school reunions, yet here she was, walking into the place she swore she’d never step foot in again.

It wasn’t that growing up in Claysville, New Jersey, was all bad. There just were parts of the town that she didn’t particularly care for. Like being the main topic of discussion after every town event. Summer didn’t want to blame her hometown for the reason she disliked small towns. But the more she thought about it, the more she wondered if the reason she and her sisters now resided in major cities was because of their experience in Claysville. Both Winter and Autumn were now living in Chicago, and Summer was hoping to move from New York to Miami in a couple years.

The small town of Claysville was only known for three things: its historic buildings, the Fighting Tigers track team and gossip. Summer’s family used to live in a beautiful historic home. She had been on the track team, so that was a plus. Unfortunately, her family had also been the main target of gossip, more than any other family in town when they lived there.

When she stepped into the gym, the bright white lights and green and purple balloons representing the school colors transported her back ten years, to her senior prom. She blinked a few times to adjust her eyes to the brightness. Claysville High was the only school she knew that didn’t dim the lights for a dance, choosing to keep them bright the entire night. Unbelievable how some things never change. Her thought was further proved when Rochelle Slater—the beauty queen herself—approached her.

“Summer, sweetie! I haven’t seen you in Claysville since we graduated. How are you?”

Summer returned Rochelle’s hug. “Hey, Rochelle, I’m doing well. How are you?”

“Oh, I’m absolutely fantastic. Expecting my second child any day now.” She rubbed her protruding belly.

“Congratulations! Is your husband here with you, too?”

“Oh, you silly girl,” Rochelle said as she playfully hit Summer’s arm. “You call Sam my husband as if we didn’t all go to school together. I mean, I should really be thanking you.”

Here we go. “Thank me for what?”

“Well, we all know Sam had a crush on you throughout grade school and part of high school. If you hadn’t shown your true colors, he probably would have never realized that we were really meant to be together.” When Rochelle stepped closer, it took all of Summer’s energy to remain still.

“You always did want all the men to yourself,” Rochelle said in a perky voice, in an attempt to disguise the insult. “Like, all of them. Each and every decent one. So, thank God you released Sam from your grasp so I could snatch him up. I mean, can you imagine if...”

“I think our view on the subject is different,” Summer said, cutting her off. “Sam was never mine to begin with. I’m glad you two found happiness.”

“Oh, yes, we’re very happy. But I haven’t forgotten what you put me through with my first boyfriend. In case you were thinking of apologizing for trying to steal Aiden away from me, no need. I accept your apology.”

At the mention of Aiden’s name, Summer’s breath caught in her throat. “Rochelle, I never tried to steal Aiden from you. Aiden and I were only...”

“Best friends. Yeah, I know,” Rochelle said with a forced laugh. “We’ve all heard that one before.”

“What have we all heard before?” Sam asked as he approached.

Summer briefly looked around the room for an escape. Okay, where is the black hole? Time travel for one, please!

“Hi, Sam, how are you?” Summer extended her hand, but their greeting was awkward.

“I’m good. Nice to see you, Summer.”

Sam and Rochelle then kissed and embraced. Looks-wise, they hadn’t changed much since high school and they genuinely seemed happy to be together. Hmm, if I liked them more, I’d say they were a cute couple. But Summer still had the scars from the drama she’d dealt with from them in middle and high school. Against her better judgment, she offered her compliment anyway.

“You both look great together. It’s nice to see a couple so in love.”

The smile immediately dropped from Rochelle’s face. “Is that supposed to be funny?”

“No, it’s not. I really mean it,” Summer responded in defense. Little did that help, because Rochelle wasn’t trying to listen to anything Summer had to say.

“Oh, and I suppose we weren’t as cute of a couple before we got Summer’s stamp of approval?”

“Uh, what?”

“For your information, the sun does not rise and set on you. Sam and I know what we have and we don’t need validation from someone like you.”

I’m sorry—what the heck? “I was just trying to be nice.”

“I guess some people never grow up,” Sam said, comforting Rochelle. “Come on, baby. Let’s go talk to some of our other classmates. You can’t get upset while you’re pregnant.”

Summer was sure her mouth was hanging open as they walked away. It didn’t matter how nice she tried to be to Rochelle and Sam, they’d already made a conclusion about her character and there was nothing she could do to change it.

Thanks to social media, she still communicated with two of her childhood girlfriends, but neither one of them could make the reunion. She should have listened when they group messaged her not to go. For a ten-year reunion, only about thirty of her seventy classmates had returned, and unfortunately, those who truly knew her weren’t in attendance.

“Why the heck did I even come to this shindig?” she said quietly to herself. She knew when it was time to make her exit. There was only one reason she’d come to the reunion. Only one reason she’d decided to throw herself into the line of fire with the couple who’d just walked away.

Although they still talked every now and then, Aiden Chase had once been her best friend. Her biggest supporter. Her trusted confidant. When he’d asked her if she was coming to the reunion, she’d told him that she wasn’t going to make it. But although he was usually traveling outside the country for his job as a fashion photographer, he’d informed her that he was attending the reunion even though he didn’t want to. Something about needing footage for a documentary being done on him.

It wasn’t like her to do surprises, but after some careful thinking, she’d driven back to town in hopes of having her first face-to-face conversation with Aiden in six years. Maybe we’ll finally meet up, like we’ve been trying to do for a while. Anything had to be better than staying at the reunion. She wasn’t even sure he was still coming.

Summer waved a few goodbyes and stepped out of the building—right into a guy with a camera.

“Sorry, miss. I didn’t see you.”

“That’s okay,” she said, before her eyes locked on a couple standing near the end of the parking lot. The couple had their backs to her, but she’d know that guy anywhere. Aiden Chase had finally shown up to the reunion, and by the looks of it, he was still dating the marketing director he’d told her he was no longer with.

Did they get back together? She didn’t know what to make of them being together, but he had never lied to her. Aiden Chase was truthful to a fault. The fact that he was also charming and a genuinely nice person meant that people often accepted his brutal honesty.

“Miss? Miss? Did you hear me?”

Summer shook herself out of her daze. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked if you went to school with Aiden Chase.”

“Yes, I did.”

“Great! We’re doing a documentary on Aiden and we’d love to capture your interaction with him before he walks into the building.”

Oh, my goodness, do they know we used to be best friends?

“How well did you know Mr. Chase?”

Good. Mr. Camera Guy doesn’t know. She laughed out of nervousness.

“Fairly well.” She left out the part that most of the Claysville population assumed they’d dated in high school.

“Great! Let’s have you reconnect with Aiden on camera.”

Her heart dropped out of her chest and slammed into the pavement as she listened to the camera guy talk into a walkie-talkie. Wait! Reconnect with Aiden? On film? In front of a small filming crew and his ex-who-may-not-even-be-his-ex girlfriend? There was no way that was happening.

Luckily for her, she knew the school better than camera guy did. There was a janitor’s closet to the right as soon as you entered the school. She quickly opened the door and slid back into the building. She all but leaped to the closet and twisted the knob.

“Are you kidding me right now?” The door was locked. It was just her luck the school no longer kept it unlocked, like they had years ago.

Summer wasn’t surprised when people started gathering in the hallway. It wasn’t every day that a camera crew came to Claysville. The front entrance door opened and she immediately knew the crew was looking for her for whatever greeting scene they wanted to portray. She didn’t even see Aiden walk in, but she could feel her body heat with awareness. She needed to get out of this hallway, but she knew they would spot her. She looked around for possible exits.

Thank God for small corners. Summer slipped between a locker and the wall, praying that the cameraman who’d spoken to her didn’t see her. As the crowd grew larger, the crew quickly forgot about her and took interest in some other possible interactions with Aiden.

Taking advantage of her small escape window, she slipped through the crowd until she’d reached the door again. Just as she was stepping out, she glanced behind her shoulder and saw him. Right there, directly in her line of vision. Their eyes briefly locked and Summer wondered if Aiden would rat her out to his crew but quickly disregarded the irrational thought. She couldn’t think such foolishness about the one man in her life who knew more about her than even her own girlfriends.

His eyes cut right through her in a way that made her feel uninhibited. Man, I miss him. She’d missed him for a while, but the small glimpse of him made the feeling even more prominent.

His lips curled into a smile as he mouthed the word hi to her. She returned his silent greeting before slipping completely out the door. She didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until she was safely in her car, on the road with the music blasting.

She heard her phone ding indicating a text message. She knew who it was, but waited until she was at a stoplight to briefly glance at the message.

You didn’t tell me you were coming. I wish you would have stayed so that we could’ve caught up. I really miss you, Summer.

She placed her phone back in the cup holder and continued her drive out of town. Oftentimes she thought about how their friendship would be now if things had been different back when they’d walked away from each other. He might have missed her, but she missed so much about him and the friendship they used to have. In fact, she wasn’t sure there was anything in the world that she missed more.

Chapter 1

Present day...

If she could pick one superpower in the whole world, there was no doubt in her mind that Summer Dupree would pick the ability to read minds. If she could read her friend’s mind right now, she’d know the best way to respond to her question.

“Summer, who’s the guy in the photo?” Or maybe a better choice would be the ability to erase people’s memories so that Danni could forget she saw the photo in the first place.

She glanced over her shoulder at her friend Danni Allison, who had arrived in Miami three weeks ago to help with the opening of the new Bare Sophistication lingerie boutique. The original location in Chicago, Illinois, was thriving under the watchful eye of her sisters, Winter and Autumn. As store manager, Danni had played a major role in the success of their Chicago store; however, Summer was hoping that opening another location in Miami would prove to her sisters that she could further their success. She’d made Miami her permanent home three months ago and had found the perfect Miami Beach location for her boutique. The white brick building had just the right amount of chic and vintage flare.

Although she was confident in her ability to make Bare Sophistication Miami a success, she was glad that Danni had agreed to stay with her until the grand opening the second week of December.

“I don’t know who he is. I must have accidentally taken the wrong box out of Winter’s storage room.” She quickly closed the box and pushed it to the side. “Guess I’ll have to ship that box back to Chicago.”

“Hmm, you only kept a few things in Winter’s storage room and photos weren’t in those boxes.”

“How do you even know what was in my boxes?”

“As manager of Bare Sophistication in Chicago, I had to know everything.”

“Or you were being nosey.”

Danni scrunched her nose. “When Winter asked me to help her clean her storage room, I may or may not have stumbled upon a few of your boxes. They were already lying open on the floor. And I’ve seen photos of Winter when she was a little girl. That wasn’t her.”

Summer shrugged. “Oh, really? Must be Autumn, then.”

“Not her, either. Autumn showed me photos of all three of you, so I know it’s you in the photo. What’s the big deal?”

Summer grabbed the tape from the counter and walked over to the box she’d just pushed away. The boutique was still under construction, so cartons were in an unorganized mess around the wooden floor. Of all the boxes she could have accidentally labeled for the shop instead of her condo, the one containing her photos was the worst one to make that mistake with. Danni was like the female Sherlock Holmes.

“Is he an ex or something? Is that why you won’t show me the picture?”

“No, he isn’t an ex. Just a friend.”

“If he’s only a friend, why are you being so secretive?”

After she’d finished taping the box back up, Summer stacked some unopened boxes on top of it. She admired Danni’s determination when it came to Bare Sophistication customers. However, in this case, she wished she’d drop it.

“I’m not being secretive. I just prefer not to discuss it.”

“Not being secretive?” Danni walked over to Summer and reenacted Summer’s reaction to the box when she first opened it. “If you hadn’t looked like your hand got caught in the cookie jar, I never would have asked who was in the photo.”

Summer was still trying to formulate a response when Nicole LeBlanc and Aaliyah Bai came strolling into the boutique.

“Hey, ladies,” Aaliyah said as she glanced around the shop. “Looks like you got a lot done this morning.”

“Here you go.” Nicole handed Summer a chai tea latte and Danni her usual cup of coffee. “We figured you both would need nourishment for the all-nighter we’re about pull.”

Summer and Danni only had two months to get the entire boutique ready for the grand opening. Luckily, Aaliyah and Nicole had offered to help. Since Danni had been born in Miami, she knew Nicole from high school. Nicole had been nice enough to meet Summer for lunch when she first arrived in Miami, and they immediately realized they shared a love for fashion and beauty. Nicole was an extremely talented makeup artist and Aaliyah was a beauty photographer who’d met Summer and Nicole at a beauty trade show. The three quickly formed a friendship, which grew even stronger when Danni arrived.

“What did we miss?” Aaliyah asked.

“Nothing much,” Danni said as she took a sip of coffee. “Only Summer refusing to tell me about her friend. Her guy friend slash ex-boyfriend. I’m not sure.”

“Recent ex-boyfriend or past ex-boyfriend?” Nicole asked.

“Is he cute, average or really attractive?” Aaliyah asked. “Or is he the so-sexy-I-still-see-him-in-my-dreams type of ex?”

Summer cut her eyes at Danni. “How is it that in less than ten minutes you’ve already started gossip circulating in the office?”

“Girl, please. It’s not gossip. I know you were the one in that photo. He looked cute, but I didn’t get a good glance. And this is hardly an office. Right now, the boutique is still under construction, and even after renovations are complete, the shop definitely won’t have an office feel.”

Summer sipped her chai tea latte and started unpacking another box. She didn’t want to talk about the photo. She considered all the women in the room friends, but she still didn’t feel inclined to be the topic of conversation. Thankfully, they moved on to another conversation and didn’t push her any further. This evening, they had to focus on organizing all the boxes, racks and displays, and develop some sort of unpacking system for the next few weeks. The guy in the photo had caused enough distractions to last her a lifetime. Even though Summer had Danni to help her, she still had a lot on her plate and none of the tasks on her to-do list included thinking about him.

* * *

Aiden Chase stepped into the building that Palmer Lane Photography was renting for the next year and breathed out a sigh of accomplishment. He’d been a fashion photographer at Palmer Lane for eight years. After having several successful exhibits in Los Angeles and New York, he was finally getting a chance to present his work at Palmer Lane’s debut Miami exhibit studio.

“I really like the space you’ve chosen.”

“Thanks,” Aiden said to his friend Daxton Perry. Daxton was Aiden’s business manager at Palmer Lane Photography. The two had been assigned to work together right after Aiden had joined the company. When Aiden called Daxton and told him he’d found the perfect Miami location for the photo exhibit, Daxton had agreed to fly in from Los Angeles and view the space.

“I got approval to fill out the contract if I agreed that the space was exactly what we were looking for. When we finalize the theme and reach out to the two other photographers, we can start getting everything else into place.”

Being one of the top fashion photographers at Palmer Lane had its benefits. Aiden’s exhibits in LA and New York had been considerably smaller and he hadn’t been the featured photographer in any of his showcases. This Miami showcase was his time to shine. His career was at an all-time high.

“Sounds like a plan. I was hoping you liked the place. Were you able to talk to the team about me residing in Miami for the next six months before I head to Qatar for International Fashion Week in Doha?”

“Yes, they agreed that you should stay in Miami and we’ll cover the cost of living and any travel expenses for photo shoots you may have for the duration of your time here. I’ll probably travel back and forth to Miami for a couple months, too, until we get the ball rolling.”

“Great, because I’m staying at a hotel now, but I already found the place I want to stay temporarily.”

“Why am I not surprised,” Daxton said with a laugh. “Ever since I approached you with this Miami opportunity, you’ve been more involved than I’ve ever seen you for any other project. What are you not telling me?”

Aiden appreciated Daxton’s friendship, but he valued his work ethic and keen business sense even more. At thirty-two, Dax was just as driven as he had been at twenty-four when they’d first met. Just last month, he’d been promoted to director of business development; however, he’d agreed to continue being Aiden’s business manager since the two had formed a tight bond. Dax was well on his way to becoming vice president of business development for Palmer Lane.

“Nothing to tell. Just excited to be the headline photographer for this exhibit.” That was only partially true. Yes, Aiden was excited about the exhibit, but he was even more excited about a certain someone who was opening a boutique a few blocks away from the location of the Palmer Lane exhibit space.

“I have a few calls to make so that we can lock in this property. Do you have dinner plans?” Dax asked as they stepped out the building into the fresh Miami air. It was nearing six o’clock in the evening, so it wasn’t as crowded in Miami Beach as it had been midday. Most people were probably getting ready for a night out.

Aiden glanced down the street in the direction of the one location he’d been thinking about since he’d arrived two days ago. “Umm, I actually do have plans.” Or, at least, I hope I’ll have plans. “How about we meet in the morning?”

“I’m on a red-eye flight tonight, so call me. I’ll be at the office.” Dax took out his smartphone and was already dialing away as he walked back to his car. Aiden didn’t feel like driving back to his hotel. In fact, there was only one place he felt like being and before he could contemplate his next move, his feet were already walking in the opposite direction of his car.

According to Google maps, the address Summer’s sister Winter had given him meant that their new shop was only four blocks away. Although he’d briefly seen Summer a couple years ago, when she was leaving their high school reunion, he couldn’t believe that he finally had the chance to really see her after all this time. There was a time in his life he’d spent every day with Summer. She may not miss him as much as he missed her, but she’d been on his mind a lot lately.

Man, who am I kidding? Summer Dupree hadn’t just been on his mind lately. She’d been on his mind constantly since the first day she walked into his kindergarten class.

Twenty-five years ago...

“Class, I’d like you all to meet Summer Dupree. She’s new to town, so I want you all to give her a warm welcome.”

Aiden looked up from the cartoon picture he was coloring to see the new student. It was a girl. A pretty girl in a pink floral dress.

“Aiden, Summer’s going to be your buddy,” his teacher said as she walked Summer over to him. “So be nice to her.”

“Yes, Mrs. Perkins,” he said as Summer took a seat next to him. There were six other students at their table, and until Summer had arrived, he’d been the only one without a buddy since Clarke’s family had moved.

“Hi, I’m Aiden.” Instead of returning his greeting, she turned to talk to the girls at the table. He was a little disappointed that she didn’t want to talk to him, but he kept coloring his picture. A few minutes later, he heard one of the girls asking her to repeat her name. When she did, they snickered a little. Aiden couldn’t be sure, but laughing at her name seemed wrong. Though Summer just laughed it off, before long, the whole table was repeating Summer’s name and laughing.

Aiden stared at the new girl a little longer. She may be laughing along with them, but her eyes looked sad. He stopped coloring his picture and leaned toward her.

“What’s your name again?” he asked. She looked confused.

“Summer.” Her voice was really low, as if she assumed he was asking for the same reason the others had. Aiden smiled as big as he could and made sure the other students were listening.

“You have the best name ever! Summer days are the best.”

All the other kids began to nod their heads in agreement before returning to coloring their pictures. To his surprise, Summer laughed and leaned over to give him a quick hug. “Thank you, Aiden,” she whispered to him.

“You’re welcome.” Her big round eyes didn’t seem sad anymore and that made him happy. She even scooted her chair closer to him.

“Want to help me color my picture?” Summer asked. Aiden glanced around the table noticing that no other kids were coloring together. When he looked back at Summer, he didn’t know why, but he wanted to do anything she wanted to do.

“Yeah, I can help you.” They colored for the rest of the time in silence. Usually around this time all Aiden thought about was recess and lunch. Not today. Today was different. Today he was more excited to learn about the girl sitting next to him than he was about anything else.

Chapter 2

“Are we going to take a break and eat soon?” Nicole asked.

“Sure, how about we head down the street to that Cuban restaurant in an hour?” Summer suggested.

“That works,” Nicole responded. “There’s only so much coffee and tea I can drink. I need food. Or chocolate. Or wine. Hmm, maybe all three.”

The women shared a laugh.

“Speaking of chocolate, I almost forgot to tell you guys what I heard,” Aaliyah said. “I know we all frequently check out popular magazines for what’s hot and new in fashion, so you won’t believe who’s in Miami right now.”

“Who?” Danni asked.

“Well, he’s tall and milk chocolate with the type of body that all sex dreams are made of.”

Danni huffed. “That could be anybody depending on your type.”

“He’s also well traveled, under thirty-five and rumor has it that it’s not just his looks that are deadly. He has the personality to match.”

“Idris Elba,” Nicole guessed.

“She said under thirty-five,” Summer said with a laugh.

“Well, he’s sexy and chocolate, so Idris is always my first choice. Is it Michael B. Jordan?” Nicole guessed again.

Aaliyah shook her head, indicating that wasn’t right, either. “It’s someone who works in the fashion industry, but is occasionally in magazines just as much as his work.”

Summer froze just as she was picking up another box. Call it intuition, but she didn’t think she liked where this conversation was headed. She didn’t say photographer, so maybe it’s not him.

“And he just so happens to be one of the top fashion photographers of today.”

The box slipped slightly in her hand when Aaliyah finished her statement. Sure enough, Sherlock Danni was observing her every move.

“Can you nix the details and just tell us who it is?” Nicole asked.

“Aiden Chase,” Aaliyah said, clasping her hands together in excitement. “Another photographer I know spotted him walking down the street yesterday.”

Summer put on her best poker face as Danni continued to watch her.

“Are you okay, Summer? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Yep, I’m fine.”

“Really?” Danni walked over to Summer and lifted the box that kept slipping out of her hands, placing it on the floor. Summer was grateful, until Danni spoke again.

“Aaliyah, I’ve heard of him before, but what else do you know about him? Since you’re a photographer, I know you’re more familiar with him than I am.”

“I don’t know much. Just that he’s thirty years old. His work in South Africa is getting a lot of recognition right now. He lives in Los Angeles, but oftentimes, is on the New York fashion scene and he grew up in New Jersey.”

“Oh, New Jersey. You don’t say?” Danni was speaking to the group, but looking solely at Summer in curiosity. Summer gave Danni her best can-you-please-drop-it? look and, to her surprise, Danni nodded her head in agreement. She then walked over to the sound system they had recently installed and turned the music up a little louder. It didn’t matter that Danni had dropped the issue, because now Summer’s mind was racing with thoughts about Aiden.

Why didn’t he tell me he was coming to Miami? And why didn’t he contact me as soon as he got here? Even though they hadn’t seen each other in eight years—with the exception of that brief eye lock a couple of years ago—they still remained in contact with each other. He was once her best friend in the whole world. They may have had some disagreements that she’d rather not rehash, but after they’d reconnected via email and social media, it had felt like they were in a good place.

She touched the necklace secured underneath her shirt. They may be in a good place, but they definitely weren’t in the best place. Several times, Aiden had asked to Skype or FaceTime with Summer and she’d refused. She hadn’t really known why at the time, but after giving it some thought, she’d realized she hadn’t been prepared to see him. Even if it wasn’t in person.

Growing up in New Jersey hadn’t been easy for either one of them. Life after New Jersey hadn’t been so peachy, either. Their friendship had always been more of an emotional connection rather than one based on similarities. Although they had a lot in common, they were opposite in a lot of ways, too. In Autumn’s words, they complemented each other.

“Are you guys ready to go to dinner now? I think I’m done working for today.”

Danni was the first to respond to Summer. “That’s fine with me.” Aaliyah and Nicole nodded their heads in agreement.

“I’m sorry I was all in your business,” Danni whispered to Summer as they prepared to close the shop for the night. “I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

Summer smiled. “It wasn’t you. I got caught up in my own thoughts.”

“I understand how that feels. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

“I know, but thanks for telling me anyway.” She’d been thinking about Aiden way more than she should. Regardless of what they’d gone through as friends, her thoughts weren’t always so PG-13. Every now and then, he’d say something on the phone or write something in a text message that reminded her that he was—after all—a hot-blooded male. And she was a female who could appreciate all the characteristics that made him irresistible to other women. Not her, but other women for sure.

Just as Summer was locking the door, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on high alert and her breathing grew staggered.

“Oh, my gosh,” she heard Aaliyah say behind her. “Isn’t that... I think that’s...” Her voice trailed off as Summer slowly turned away from the door of the shop toward the person her friends were staring at. She knew who it was before her eyes landed on him.

“Aiden.” His name left her lips in a whisper as she gazed at him from across the street. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans that hung on his waist and a deep red V-neck T-shirt that stretched across his chest, accentuating his muscles. Seeing pictures of him on social media or in magazines over the years did nothing to prepare her for actually laying eyes on him in person. Her heart was beating so fast that she couldn’t help but clutch her chest to try to slow it down.

There wasn’t too much traffic on the street, but enough that he should have been paying more attention to the cars and foot traffic than to her. Yet, even as he crossed the street, his eyes remained fixed on hers. Her gaze briefly left his face to admire his graceful, yet powerful, stride. His walk had always done something to her. He never rushed when he walked, as if he had all the time in the world. She’d never tell him this, but she couldn’t even watch him walk without the melodies to every Jill Scott song ever created floating through her mind.

As he approached, she was able to cast her eyes across his face more closely. Aaliyah had described him as milk chocolate, but Summer had to slightly disagree. She’d spent most of her life admiring Aiden’s complexion and it was definitely more like a hazelnut dipped in a rich chocolate-caramel blend. His strong jawline, deep gingerbread-colored eyes, and low, neatly trimmed beard took his look from sexy to downright delicious. Not that she was thinking about her friend as delicious. She was just observing a known fact...or so she kept telling herself.

When he finally stood in front of her, he didn’t say anything. She felt his eyes on every part of her face, causing her cheeks to grow warmer by the second. Girl, get a hold of yourself. This was Aiden. Her old classmate Aiden. Her good friend Aiden. He must have sensed her discomfort because he finally broke the silence.

“There are no better days than summer days,” he said with a smile, causing Summer to laugh harder than she’d intended. Hearing him say those words brought her back to her first day in kindergarten. She’d laughed then. She laughed now.

“Well, those are the best days,” she replied as she leaned up to give him a hug. Just like that, the feeling of discomfort dimmed. It didn’t go away, but it definitely lessened. She ignored the butterflies she felt in her stomach when they embraced and, instead, relished the joy of seeing her long-time friend again.

* * *

She was there. In the flesh. For once, Summer wasn’t a figment of his imagination. She’d even smiled and hugged him, which was more of a greeting than he’d thought he would get. Summer never did like surprises, and Aiden being in Miami was definitely a surprise. He’d expected a playful punch on the arm to be the most contact they’d have.

“How did you get the address to the boutique?” Summer asked. “We don’t launch the website until next week.”

“Winter gave it to me when I called Bare Sophistication in Chicago.”

“Figures,” Summer said with a laugh. “What are you doing in Miami?”

“I have an exhibit opening soon, so I’m here to finalize those plans.”

“A new exhibit? That’s awesome!”

Aiden turned to the woman who had spoken on his left. He’d seen four of them standing near the boutique when he’d crossed the street, but the closer he got, the more his eyes were only drawn to Summer. Judging by the surprised look on Summer’s face, she’d forgotten they were there, as well.

“I shouldn’t have said anything. The exhibit hasn’t been announced yet,” he stated.

“No worries, we won’t say anything. I’m Aaliyah Bai, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Aiden Chase.”

“We know who you are,” Aaliyah said enthusiastically before winking at Summer. “This is Danni Allison and this is Nicole LeBlanc.” Aiden shook both of their hands, as well.

“The four of us were actually going to get dinner at a Cuban restaurant a few doors down,” Summer said after the introductions were done. “Would you like to join us?”

Aiden looked from Summer, to the women, and then back to Summer. What he really wanted to do was be alone with Summer, but obviously she didn’t want that.

“You know what? I forgot that I need to finish unpacking my stuff back at the condo,” Danni said.

“You finished unpacking last week.”

Danni ignored Summer’s statement and turned to Aaliyah and Nicole. “Ladies, care to join me back at Summer’s condo?”

Aiden smiled at Danni’s not-so-discreet way of helping him out.

“Summer, why don’t you and Aiden go ahead to the restaurant. You can tell us how it is later.”

Summer glanced at him before giving Danni a smile that seemed forced. “Okay, then I guess I’ll see you when I get home.”

Aiden observed her as she watched her friends retreat. She didn’t speak after they left, but turned to walk toward the restaurant. As they walked the short distance, she fidgeted with the straps of her purse, taking it on and off her shoulder several times before opting to leave it on her shoulder. Considering how uncomfortable he was making her, he shouldn’t have been checking her out—but he couldn’t help himself.

“You know, I ate a couple hours ago, so we don’t have to eat if you don’t want to.”

She stopped walking and turned to him. “I could always use a hand lifting some of the heavy boxes in the boutique. The grand opening is in two months, so we’re trying to get everything organized since the floors just got done.”

Good to know some things haven’t changed. When Summer got nervous about something, she always needed to remain busy. As long as she had something else to focus on, she was fine.

“Yeah, that sounds good. I didn’t get to the gym or go running today, so I could use a good workout lifting boxes.”

She studied his arms and even the simplest look from her warmed his body. “So, you still run?”

“Anytime I can.” Running was always something they had in common. “Do you still run?”

“At least four times a week.”

His eyes then raked over the snow-white shorts hugging her thighs and her flowy, yellow blouse. When she turned and began walking back to her boutique, he stole a glance at her creamy, butterscotch-colored legs.

He was still staring at her legs when she opened the door to her boutique and motioned for him to step inside.

“Welcome to Bare Sophistication Miami. It isn’t much to look at now, but it will be as soon as the furniture gets delivered in a couple weeks. I’m having a lounge space on the raised platform in the corner, and we’ll offer tea and infused water throughout the day for our customers.”

Aiden observed the space in detail, noting the deep walnut flooring throughout the boutique and crisp white shelving. Lavender, black and gray accent pieces sat on top of random boxes and counters.

“No home for the accent pieces yet?”

“Not yet. When the furniture arrives, I’m hoping I’ll lock down the feng shui of this place.”

“Well, even though there’s still work to be done, I can see the overall look you’re going for, and I think it’s going to be amazing.”

“Thanks,” Summer said with a soft smile. “Maybe this will help you visualize the space.” She walked over to him and handed him a binder that had been sitting on the front counter.

“Here are some of the preliminary drawings of how everything will look. Still a ways to go, but so far, I’m sticking to my design.”

He observed her as she explained each page in the binder, and he couldn’t help but listen in pride. She wasn’t his girlfriend and never had been. Hell, at the moment they weren’t even close friends, more like old friends trying to catch up. Yet the excitement in her smile made him even happier for her.

“Where do these stairs lead to?” He pointed at the staircase in the drawing before turning his head to look at the beautiful wooden staircase.

“There’s an upstairs loft area, but I haven’t figured out what to utilize the space for yet. I currently have a lot of racks stored up there and the flooring is complete, too.”

Summer pulled out a few sheets of paper that were placed in the back of the binder. “And here are a few new designs that Winter is currently working on for the grand opening in a couple months. We will have all the same lingerie as the Chicago location, only we’re adding a few pieces to represent that Miami flare. As the boutique matures, we’ll add more pieces for our target demographic.”

Aiden wasn’t sure if the idea for a collaboration popped into his mind because of the way she was explaining the lingerie pieces or because, despite the opening of his exhibit in Miami, the real reason he wanted to be there was for Summer. Or it could be the fact that every lingerie piece she showed him only made him imagine her in it. She was standing so close to him that he could smell her perfume. He couldn’t place the scent, but he wanted to bury his nose in the crook of her neck and smell more of it.

“I have an idea.”

She looked at him in confusion. “About the lingerie pieces or about the decor of the shop?”

“Both. Neither. I guess both indirectly. I told you that I’m in Miami to feature in the new Palmer Lane Photography exhibit, but I didn’t mention that I currently don’t have any idea of what the theme of my portion of the exhibit will be. And since I’m the main featured fashion photographer, it has to be a great one.”

“I just figured you would be showing photos from some of your many travels. Didn’t you just go to Greece not too long ago?”

He quirked an eyebrow at her. “We haven’t talked in a while, so I never got to tell you about Greece. Have you been keeping tabs on me?”

She shrugged. “No, but Aaliyah’s a huge fan of yours so she keeps all of us updated on the fashion industry.”

“I think I just saw some of her beauty shots in Cosmopolitan magazine.”

She giggled. “You read Cosmo?”

“Only because I have to keep abreast of the competition.”

“Aaliyah was featured in last month’s issue for a contest they had. She’s a freelance photographer right now, but she’s hoping the Cosmo feature leads to more. If you tell her that you spotted her work, she’ll probably pass out from excitement.”

“So, since Aaliyah is keeping you updated on the fashion industry, when my name got brought up, did you tell her we knew each other?”

She slightly worried her bottom lip, then soothed the bite with her tongue. “Of course I did.”

She’s lying. They might both be older—and hopefully wiser—but the quirks she’d had when she lied were still the same.

“That’s funny, because they looked shocked to see me. I wonder why they all looked so surprised if they already knew we knew each other.”

“Hmm, I can’t imagine why they were surprised.” She walked over to some small boxes sitting on a built-in shelf and began reading the labels. “So, what’s your idea?”

He followed her cue and dropped the subject. “Well, I only arrived in Miami a couple days ago, but I think it’s safe to say the fashion in this city is definitely different than what I’ve seen in other cities. The fashion in Miami is sexy. The colors are bold with heavy Latin influence. The sex appeal in this city alone is enough to make a photographer want to capture the true essence of Miami culture. I’m proud of all my work, but being here makes me want to uncage the fashion culture and represent the true beauty of Miami.”

He stepped closer to her. “If the company accepts my idea, I’ll call the exhibit Miami Unleashed and I’d spend the next few months capturing true Miami fashion. The raw. The weird. The reckless. The sexy.”

“I think that’s an amazing idea,” she said with a killer smile that he hadn’t seen in years. Man, how he’d missed that smile. He couldn’t even count how many times he’d thought of that smile when he’d been away in a foreign country on a photo assignment.

“What if a few of the lingerie pieces you showed me today were featured in the exhibit? We could set up a photo shoot with models and the works. I could even talk to my business manager about including in your contract for you to be able to hang up pieces in your boutique that aren’t chosen to be a part of the exhibit. It only seems fitting that Bare Sophistication be included in Miami Unleashed.”

It was true that the pieces of lingerie he’d seen would be perfect for the idea that was brewing in his mind. But that wasn’t the only reason he wanted to include Bare Sophistication in his idea. There was a time in life when he’d thought he’d always be a friend of Summer’s. That there would never be a time when they were apart. He understood that things had happened in their past that couldn’t be erased. However, spending eight years feeling like somewhat distant acquaintances rather than the best friends they used to be was more than disappointing. It made him feel empty inside. Alone.

He couldn’t quite read the look on Summer’s face, but judging from what he could see in her eyes, she was intrigued.

“Would you really be willing to include Bare Sophistication in your exhibit?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” he said without hesitation. He still needed approval, but he was sure the folks at Palmer Lane would love his idea.

He was watching her so closely, he was able to pinpoint the exact moment she truly believed in his plan. “Okay, then I think it’s a great idea and Bare Sophistication would be honored to be a part of it.”

“Great! Let’s shake on it until I’m able to have the contract drawn up.” He held her eyes as he extended his hand. The minute their hands touched, he felt the same emotions flow through his body that he’d felt when they’d hugged earlier.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you that I’m sorry the documentary that was being done on you fell through,” she said removing her hand from his. “It would have been awesome.”

“You told me that via email last year.”

“I know, but I wanted to make sure I told you in person.”

“Thank you.” His eyes dropped to her lips and lingered there for a few seconds.

“Well, then,” she said suddenly, as she clasped her hands together. “Now that we’ve settled the initial awkwardness of catching up, are you ready to help me move some boxes?”

He laughed when she didn’t wait for him to respond, but instead, got to work. As they fell into a comfortable silence, Aiden couldn’t help but think about how well they worked together on projects in the past. As a matter of fact, he couldn’t recall ever working with anyone as well as he’d worked with Summer. They had a lot to talk about and he was sure she’d rather ignore discussing certain topics. However, too much time had passed and too many memories were left unaddressed. He needed her back in his life. Not as an acquaintance. Not as close friend. He wanted her in every capacity.

Chapter 3

Twenty years ago...

Summer ignored the large raindrops falling from the dark sky as she raced across her backyard as fast as she could in her unlaced gym shoes. It was way too late for a nine-year-old to be out, but whenever things got bad at home her best friend was the only one who could calm her down. She felt bad for leaving her sisters at home, but escaping the verbal wrath of their mother was something Summer had gotten really good at the past year.

Her mother, Sonia Dupree, was a piece of work. When Sonia wasn’t telling Summer’s sister Winter that she wasn’t beautiful enough or her sister Autumn that she wasn’t smart enough, she was making sure Summer realized that she would never share the close bond that her older sisters shared with each other. She wasn’t special, and the sooner she realized it, the better. Winter and Autumn were born eleven months apart, so they were extremely close. Summer only trailed behind Winter by three years and Autumn by two, but sometimes it felt like there were even more years between them.

When she reached her best friend’s house, she went behind the shed that was connected to the main house to climb the small rope ladder hanging from the side. When she reached the top, she climbed the short distance to her friend’s window and lightly tapped the glass. It wasn’t the first time Summer had shown up in the middle of the night in tears after a fight with her mother.

“What happened?” Aiden asked as he helped her inside and wrapped a blanket around her.

“My mom is arguing with my sisters again and my dad won’t be home from his work trip until tomorrow. They are only fighting with her because of me. It’s all my fault.”

In between her sobs, Summer explained that her mother had arrived home looking to pick a fight with her daughters. Tonight, Summer was the object of her wrath because she had told her mother that she was only watching television because she had finished her homework early. Summer knew better. She wished she had cut off the television as soon as she heard the key turn in the front door indicating Sonia was home.

The yelling had quickly escalated when Summer couldn’t find the remote fast enough to cut off the program. Despite the fact that her mother initially began arguing with her, Winter and Autumn deflected the argument so that Sonia wouldn’t continue to yell at Summer. Of course, that only made Sonia angrier, and as soon as she caught on to the deflection, her wrath turned back to Summer.

“Your sisters can handle it,” Aiden said as he cut on a lamp and sat with Summer on the floor. “You know how your mom gets. All the yelling will wear her out soon.”

“I just don’t understand why she’s like this. Why can’t she be like the other moms and give us hugs and tell us that she loves us? All she does is yell and tell us how much she hates that we were ever born.”

“Everyone isn’t meant to be a parent. Don’t give her that power and let her upset you. She isn’t worth it.”

Summer glanced at Aiden with tear-streaked cheeks and instantly began to feel better. “You know, if we weren’t in the same grade I’d swear you were a grown-up.” Aiden wasn’t only mature for his age, he towered over most of the boys in their grade.

Aiden laughed and began imitating their fourth grade teacher who was constantly telling him he needed to act his age. But that was Aiden. Nine going on twenty-nine. Her dad, Vail Dupree, always said that Aiden was an old soul trapped in a young body.

“Thanks for making me laugh,” Summer said when her laughter began to die down. “You always make me feel better.”

“That’s my job as your best friend.” Aiden stood and walked over to his dresser. “I’ve been saving my allowance all year to get you this gift. I was going to wait until Christmas in a few months, but maybe you should have it now.”

She opened the small white box he handed her and gasped when she noticed a gold locket that had Best Friends engraved on it. When she opened the locket, she found a picture of the two of them at summer camp a couple of months ago on one side and her sisters on the other.

“How did you have enough money to buy this?” Her eyes grew wide. “Unless you didn’t buy it.”

“Relax, Dupree. I didn’t steal it,” Aiden said with a smile. “My dad gave me a couple months’ allowance early so that I could get it before the store sold out. Do you like it?”

“I more than like it. I love it. How could I not love it when you included pictures of my three favorite people?” She didn’t feel a need to say that of the three, Aiden was her most favorite.

“Every time you feel like you’re alone and need to escape, look at this locket and know that I’m right there with you.”

She studied the locket a little more before she glanced at Aiden. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten.”

His mouth curled to the side in a crooked smile that she was starting to like more and more each day. Even though he’d always be Aiden, her friend who happened to be a boy, she was starting to see why so many girls had a crush on him. Ever since Rochelle Slater told all the girls during summer camp that she knew Aiden liked her because he would always give her a special side smile. Summer had then wondered why Aiden gave her the same smile if that’s what he gave the girls he liked.

“I’m glad you like it.” He playfully shoved her shoulder. “Just remember around Christmastime that I gave you your gift early.”

“I won’t forget.” She handed him the locket to clasp around her neck. “I have to go back home, but I’ll see you tomorrow at school.”

She gave Aiden one last hug before tying up her shoes and climbing out the window. The rain had slowed down, so it wasn’t as slippery outside as it was when she had left her house.

Once she reached the end of Aiden’s driveway, she waved goodbye and tucked her locket into her shirt before running home. Running was quickly becoming one of her favorite things to do. Not only did running help her get away from her mother, but when she ran, she felt free. Alive. As if everything in the world would be okay. Running helped her clear her mind and made her remember that despite the fact that her mom didn’t really love her, she still had her dad and her sisters. She didn’t know what she’d do without them. Or Aiden, she thought. She didn’t know what she’d do without him, either.

Present Day...

Every time you feel like you’re alone and need to escape, look at this locket and know that I’m right there with you. Summer thought about the words that were voiced to her nearly twenty years ago. Words that had offered her comfort in a time of need. Throughout the years, every time she’d felt alone or needed an escape, his soothing voice would drift into her mind.

She probably shouldn’t wear her locket while she jogged. Anything could happen to it and she cherished it more than any other piece of jewelry she owned. However, she felt naked when she wasn’t wearing it. Like a piece of her was missing.

Glancing at her Fitbit, she realized she’d already been jogging for over an hour and the sun was starting to set. She needed to head back to her condo if she was going to get any unpacking accomplished today. Three months there and she still hadn’t fully unpacked her kitchen or bedroom.

As soon as she arrived back home, she kicked off her sandy gym shoes and walked into her bedroom. She covered her ears from the blast of music that shot through her walls.

“I swear this place has the thinnest drywall known to man,” she shouted to herself. It never failed that every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, Summer’s neighbor would blast music as loudly as he could. On Sundays he played orchestra music, Thursdays he played soundtracks from musicals, and on Tuesdays—her least favorite day—he cranked up the opera.

Danni had decided to go to a Zumba class with Nicole and Aaliyah. Summer hadn’t gone with them in hopes of having some time to herself after her run. But with the opera music so loud, there was no way she would be getting any R & R.

“Mr. Higgins, can you please turn it down,” she yelled as she banged on her wall. She knew he could hear her. When she’d first moved into her condo, he’d startled her when he’d knocked on the wall and answered a question that she’d asked herself. Her complex was located in between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It was supposedly one of the best, which was why she was thrilled when she’d seen the reasonable price of her place.

She’d missed the unstated disclaimer that having a top-floor apartment in the corner came with thin walls and an inconsiderate neighbor. There were only three condos in her wing of the building. When she was told that one condo was occupied by a professional dancer who often traveled and the other was occupied by a seventy-five-year-old man, she didn’t think she’d have to worry about music being played too loudly.

When he didn’t respond to her second knock, she went into the hallway to knock on his actual door. The music stopped for a couple seconds, so she used the silence to her advantage. “Mr. Higgins, it’s Summer Dupree. I know we haven’t personally met, but I’m your neighbor. Can you please turn down the music a little?”

She waited for a minute with no response from her neighbor. Just as she was walking away, she heard the door crack open.

“Mr. Higgins?”

“What do you want?”

She swallowed back a gasp at the harshness in his voice. He’d only opened the door about a couple centimeters wide. “I was wondering if you could turn down the music.”

“No.”

Summer blinked a few times. “No? Not at all? I wanted to ask you before I called management.”

She’d barely gotten out all her words before he began laughing at her. “Foolish girl, you’ll do no such thing. I’ve been living here for over thirty years. That’s probably longer than you’ve been alive.”

“I understand that,” she said trying to remain reasonable. “But my bedroom and bathroom share a wall with your condo, so every time you play the music that loud, the picture frames in my bedroom shake and things fall out of my bathroom cabinet. A few of my accent pieces have even broken from falling off my dresser.”

“Superglue and permanent adhesive.”

“What does that mean?”

He groaned in frustration. “Superglue and permanent adhesive.” He said it slower as if it would suddenly make sense to her.

“Maybe I should just call management.” She was about to head back to her condo before he explained himself.

“I suggest you buy some superglue and adhesive to stick all of your important belongings to your dresser so that they won’t fall.”

“Excuse me?” Who was this guy? If he weren’t so rude, she’d compliment him on his voice. The words he spoke were normal, but the tone of his voice sounded as if he’d walked out of a Shakespearean play.

“And while you’re shopping for glue and adhesive, you should get a better cabinet, too. I’ve known current management since they were babies in diapers. Family-owned business. If you need their number, you can find it on the bulletin board of the first-floor foyer. I also ask that you refrain from knocking on my walls and door for the rest of the night. It disrupts my euphoria when I’m listening to my music.”

The door slammed in her face before she could say anything else. “Unbelievable.” She walked back to her condo even more annoyed than she had been before she’d knocked on Mr. Higgins’s door. She’d only met her other neighbor once. The dancer had claimed that Mr. Higgins was a piece of work, but had assured Summer that he’d grow on her.

“Ha!” It was hard for him to grow on her when she could barely hear herself think. She contemplated heading to her boutique to get some work done there, instead. After showing Aiden the idea she’d had for the boutique a couple of days ago, she’d gotten even more fired up to turn her decor visions into a reality.

She sat in her plush round chair next to her bedroom window overlooking the beautiful city of Miami. She needed to hop in the shower, but she couldn’t stop her brain from going a mile a minute. Summer had always handled stress well, but as of late, she couldn’t seem to stop her brain from overthinking everything she had to do. Usually she compartmentalized her feelings into categories so that she could tackle one issue or area at a time.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of her lavender notebook and favorite ballpoint pen. She’d often used them to jot down her thoughts back when she was living in New York.

She’d enjoyed her career working at a top fashion public relations firm. The firm had allowed her to split her time between their New York and Miami offices. However, she’d known it was time to move on and pursue her ultimate dream of opening up a Bare Sophistication lingerie boutique in Miami.

Aiden...

Her mind drifted to him, as it often did. With his current company having a New York office and her previous company being in New York, she found it surprising that with the exception of that random reunion moment, the only time their paths had crossed was a couple of days ago. Not that surprising, since you were the reason he kept his distance.

Just as she began jotting down decor ideas for the boutique, her iPhone rang.

“Hey, Danni, is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. Zumba was great, but Aaliyah was in a bad mood throughout most of the class. After the workout, we went out for veggie and fruit smoothies and she told Nicole and me that she just lost a big client.”

“Please tell me it’s not the cosmetics company she was excited about. The one with the new organic makeup releasing in two months who wanted her to capture photos of the entire line for their website.”

“That’s the one,” Danni said with a sigh. “She’s really disappointed so I wanted to see if we had a few hours tomorrow night to spare to take her out and hopefully cheer her up.”

“I think that’s a great idea. We can always spare time for her.”

“Thanks, Summer! I’ll let the girls know.”

Summer was still thinking about Aaliyah minutes after she disconnected the call. All of them were in the fashion and beauty industry and even though they had established careers, each of their careers was still a work in progress and ever evolving. Their work wasn’t easy, and every day Summer thought about how she could highlight her friends’ talents in Bare Sophistication instead of just utilizing their help with getting the shop ready for the grand opening.

Without focusing too much on what she was drawing or writing, Summer began to let her pen flow across the current page of her notebook. She thought about the Chicago lingerie boutique and the unique way her sisters tapped into the bachelorette and bridal business by incorporating masquerade lingerie parties into the boutique’s services. She then thought about Aiden’s idea to feature Bare Sophistication in his photography exhibit to represent the sexiness of Miami—and the exposure they would receive if everything went as planned.

Rubbing her locket with her left hand, she let her right hand do most of the work, further thinking about the beauty trade shows she’d attended throughout the years. She leaned over to her small bookcase and pulled out her tablet to view the details she had regarding her budget and photos of the layout of her shop. It wasn’t until her hand stopped moving that she noticed the music on the opposite side of her bedroom wall had actually gotten louder than it was before.

She stared at the wall as if it were a mirror staring back at her. Glancing back down at her notebook, she looked at the preliminary plan she’d present to the girls tomorrow.

There was no guarantee that they would be interested in her plan, but if they were, there was no doubt in her mind that Bare Sophistication Miami had just found its niche in the industry. “Well, well, you crazy old man. Guess your opera music served me well tonight.”

Chapter 4

“Thanks for the detailed email yesterday,” Daxton said on the other end of the phone. “I presented your idea to the CEO and the rest of the team and they loved the idea of Miami Unleashed for your feature exhibit.”

Aiden raised his fist in victory as he peered out of the floor-to-ceiling window in the penthouse suite of the hotel he was staying at. It had been three days since he’d seen Summer and he couldn’t wait to tell her the news. “I was hoping you’d say that. And I have complete creative freedom?”

“Yes, you do. I just need you to keep me abreast of your plan of action because we’re already working on concepts for the other two photographers being showcased.”

“I’ll make sure I keep you in the loop, but just like I wrote in the email, the overall idea is to represent the sexiness of Miami. I want to show the raw fashion. The somewhat unorthodox fashion. The fashion that may lie beneath the clothing. A lot of folks don’t look at Miami as a fashion capital like LA and New York, so I want to change their view through my photos. Which is why a few pieces will be photos of Bare Sophistication’s lingerie collection.”

“I meant to ask you about that.” Aiden could hear Dax typing on his laptop. “I did some research and although Bare Sophistication has a location in Chicago, the Miami one hasn’t opened yet. How did you hear about this place and why will it be a central part of your exhibit?”

Aiden cleared his throat. “You’ve never asked me details about my work before.”

“Well, we’ve never given you complete creative control before. You’re already one of our top fashion photographers and even though you travel out of the country for us a lot, you said your next move is nailing a high-profile corporate position. You want to be the creative director of our travel and fashion photographers in our London office. That’s a huge responsibility.”

“I know it is, but after eight years of being a fashion photographer for Palmer Lane, I’m ready to step into a new role. Besides, now that Palmer Lane has partnered with Rogan Studios, the idea of merging film and photo is too good to pass up.” And it puts me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of filming a documentary.

“I’m sure the London partnership will stream down to the other offices within the next two years. So why not get more involved in the New York office like you are in LA? They’ve wanted you in New York permanently for a while now, since the fashion scene is larger. You’re traveling to New York all the time anyway, and eventually my new role will place me there permanently.”

Aiden ran his fingers across his face. “Living in Jersey, I basically grew up in New York. LA was a nice change, but London will be even better.”

The line grew silent. “Dax, are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m here. Look, as your business manager, I have to question you more than usual about this exhibit because you’re up against some stiff competition. But as your friend, I have to ask you if this is really what you want.”

They’d talked about it before, so Aiden knew where the conversation was headed.

“Yes, I want the position.”

“Okay, man, if you want it, then I want you to have that position just as much as you do. I just always thought that, by now, you’d have moved on from Palmer Lane.”

“You haven’t moved on.”

“I’m in sales. You’re on the creative side. Our worlds are completely different and I know you’ve been approached with opportunities from other companies. Photographers with your talent usually don’t do the same thing for too long. I won’t go there with you right now, but don’t think I don’t notice things.”

Aiden opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the balcony. “And what things do you notice?”

“Well, for starters, did you honestly think I wouldn’t find out that Summer Dupree is the owner of the new Bare Sophistication store that’s opening soon? The same company that happens to be the main inspiration for your exhibit?”

Aiden laughed. “So you do remember when I told you about her.”

“Man, you date even less than I do, and that’s saying a lot because I rarely have time to date. Summer is the only woman you’ve ever mentioned to me.”

“What about Adriana? You actually met Adriana and we dated for two and a half years.”

“You mean the Adriana who left the Palmer Lane office throwing vases at my head even though you’re the one who’d just broken up with her? That Adriana?”

“Any grown woman who throws a temper tantrum in a public place has a lot of growing to do. You should have seen my office.”

“Childish or not, she never stood a chance with you. You’re one of the most down-to-earth guys I know, but around her, you weren’t yourself. You were closed off. I’m not even sure she truly knew you.”

Aiden thought about Daxton’s words. Adriana hadn’t expected the breakup, but he knew it had been the right thing to do. “It wasn’t fair to date her for as long as I did. I know that now.”

“My sister tells me that all men are slow, so don’t blame yourself. Our gender never had a chance at easy breakups. Have you seen Summer yet?”

“I saw her a few days ago at her boutique and I helped her organize a few heavy boxes.”

“That’s good. Hopefully, you can rekindle your friendship with her. I know she means a lot to you.”

Means a lot was an understatement, but Dax didn’t need to know all that. “Thanks, man. If I think of any additional details for the creative portion of the exhibit, I’ll email you later today.”

“Sounds good.”

After disconnecting his call, Aiden stretched his arms before leaning over the balcony to view the red-orange sun setting over beautiful Biscayne Bay. Although the view was fantastic, Aiden had stayed in enough hotels to last a lifetime. He’d contact the realty company for the temporary home he wanted soon.

Movement in his peripheral caught his eye. There was a couple a few balconies over who’d clearly had a much better morning than he had. Not that his morning had been unpleasant. But judging from the looks on the man’s and woman’s faces, their morning had included some extracurricular activities.

He thought back to his conversation with Dax about Adriana. A year after they’d broken up, she’d apparently found someone else and had called him to let him know that she now knew what true love felt like. He’d told her he was happy for her, and her response had been that he should really figure out what or who was blocking his heart. She’d claimed he only shared a part of himself with her, but she always knew he had more to give. He hadn’t said anything to her at the time, but instead, he’d remained silent while she hashed out her feelings. Feelings that he was all too familiar with. She’d said that, at times, it seemed like he didn’t really care about her at all. That wasn’t true. He had cared about her, even if his heart had been blocked. He told her such, but she didn’t seem to listen. He didn’t push the issue because, unfortunately, she wasn’t the first woman to tell him that.

Seventeen years ago...

“I’m so excited we’re here,” Rochelle said with a squeal when they walked into the dance. Aiden only smiled and tried his best not to get annoyed by the way she was tugging on his arms.

“It’s the last dance we’ll have before high school starts. Aren’t you excited Aiden?”

“Thrilled.” He hoped his voice didn’t sound as nonchalant as he really felt.

“Why can’t you at least pretend to be happy that you’re at the dance with me?”

“I am happy to be at the dance with you.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Then why are you looking around the room like you’re trying to find someone else? You better not be looking for Summer.”

“Why can’t I look for Summer? Aren’t you going to look for your friends?”

“My friends are all girls. No boy and girl should be best friends. It doesn’t make sense.”

He sighed. “I have guy friends, too, so how about you look for your friends and I’ll look for my friends.”

When he stopped looking around the room for Summer and looked at Rochelle, he noticed how sad she looked.

“I’m sorry,” he said sincerely. “Do you want to dance now and we’ll find our friends later?”

“Yes,” she said with a big smile, before grabbing his hand and leading him to the dance floor. He really did like Rochelle, but he didn’t understand why she always got so upset about Summer. They were just friends.

“This is nice,” Rochelle said when they were on their eighth song. Aiden discreetly looked around the room as she talked. Summer should be here already. Last time he’d talked to her, they’d agreed to arrive with their dates around the same time.

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