“Is this because of what Professor Dick said?”
I didn’t want to admit it, but a small part of me doubted my business idea. Doubted that I could help other women when I couldn’t even speak up for myself. But something deep inside me, in my gut, told me to persist.
“Why are we even still talking about him?” I laughed, no longer annoyed by the nickname. It was fitting, even if it had taken me longer than it should’ve to see it.
“Has he tried calling again?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. I blocked his number.”
“Good girl.” She sipped her drink, smiling at a man at the end of the bar.
“Just go,” I said with a laugh, giving her a gentle push in his direction.
“Only if you’ll go with me,” she said. “His friend is cute.”
I shook my head. “Nah. I’m good.”
“Gah. I had high hopes for us this summer, and you’re ruining everything.” She pouted.
“And you’re always so dramatic,” I teased. “You should be applauding me for standing my ground.”
“You always stand your ground with me. It’s everyone else that’s an issue, especially men. Now, why is that?” she teased.
“Hm.” I tapped a finger to my lips, which twitched with the promise of a grin. “I don’t know.”
She stared into her glass in a rare pensive moment. “I’ve missed my bestie. And I’m sorry if I’m pushing too hard about this internship. I was really looking forward to spending time with you this summer.”
“I’ve missed you too.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. “And I promise we’ll hang out.”
Less than twenty-four hours back, and already my new boundaries were being tested. I’d made so many promises, I didn’t know how I could possibly fulfill them all, but I was going to try. I hated the idea of disappointing any one of them—my parents, Lea, Piper, even Jonathan.
Chapter Four
“Sumner Gray is here,” Cody said through the intercom.
I glanced at my computer and stood. I wasn’t sure where the past few months had gone. It seemed like just yesterday Ian was asking me to bring her on as an intern. Take her under my wing. And now it was time to make good on my promise, even if I sensed it was a waste of time.
As much as I’d always enjoyed Sumner, I hadn’t seen her in years. And while I was curious about the woman she’d become, I wasn’t looking forward to having to “mentor” her if it meant explaining everything. I had a feeling this was going to be a long summer.
“Send her in, please,” I replied.
There hadn’t been a formal interview, not that it was necessary. She’d had the job by virtue of her resume and Ian’s request. Even so, I wanted her to feel welcome here. Which was why I’d had Cody block off some time on her first day for us to get reacquainted and discuss a framework for the summer.
The door to my office swung open, and I smiled, expecting to see the same little girl I’d known since she was born. My best friend’s daughter. A shy girl with a sweet smile and pigtails. Later, a teen blossoming before my eyes. But in walked a woman with confidence and curves. A woman who made my mouth water and my eyes bulge.
Surely this wasn’t the same girl. I hadn’t seen her since she was nearly seventeen. But it couldn’t be…
“Sumner?” I asked.
My mouth went dry as I scanned her figure. Her black hair fell in waves that caressed the tops of her breasts. Full and perky, they made me want to peel off her shirt and bury my head in them. Her suit nipped in at her waist before flaring out over a pair of luscious hips. I continued my perusal until I met her eyes and realized she was scanning me too, likely cataloguing the changes to my appearance.
“It’s good to see you, Jonathan,” she said, stepping into me and wrapping her arms around me. Even though she’d been shy with others as a child, she’d always been very affectionate with me. We’d always had an easy familiarity, and I’d assumed we’d slip back into it.
But nothing about this felt easy or familiar. It was as if my entire world had tipped on its axis. Sumner wasn’t the girl I’d watched grow up; she was all woman. And holy fucking shit, she smelled amazing. The feel of her in my arms… There was no way to describe it other than to say it felt right, like coming home.
Like coming home? What the hell is wrong with you?I cleared my throat and put some space between us.
“Please, take a seat.” I gestured to the two empty chairs in front of my desk, while I rested my hip against the edge. “So…” I cleared my throat. “Your dad tells me you enjoyed your time at MIT.”
