Summer Nights Read online

  After scanning nearly every clothing store in Old San Juan, we finally asked for directions to the nearest mall. We hailed the first cab we saw. Forty-five minutes later, thanks to traffic, we were at the Plaza Las Americas.

  “If they don’t have anything here, I’m going to cry,” I stated, gazing upwards at the three floor mall.

  “Cry? I’m going to pitch a full-on hissy fit in the middle of the closest “Skinny Minnie” store. I mean, really. How hard is it to add a few more sizes to your line?”

  “True.” I sighed. “My feet are killing me. I don’t think I’m going to gain any weight on this trip, which is a little sad.”

  “Don’t pout. If my reason for not gaining was as good as yours is gonna be, I’d be doing a happy dance.”

  “You say that like Ramon doesn’t exist.”

  “Oh, he exists. Only he indulges in food just as much as me before attempting to burn off half of it in bed. Cruz is focused, and you’re too caught up to argue.”

  “Point made, although I don’t think last night will repeat itself.” I couldn’t allow it to happen again.

  “Uh huh. We’ll see about that.”

  Three hours later, we each had a pleasantly plump shopping bag in hand.

  “I can’t believe I spent that much.” I was nauseous over the total.

  “Girl, you’ve been wearing the same clothes for the last five years. It was about time you got a few new items.”

  “Not four-hundred and sixty-eight dollars worth!”

  She shooed my cares away. “We’re on a splurge weekend getaway, remember? Plus, I spent more than you, so I don’t want to hear it.”

  “I shouldn’t have let you talk me into that lingerie. I mean, am I really going to need a black lace teddy with matching thong anytime soon? It took me four-and-a-half years just to get to last night. The odds are not in the teddy’s favor.”

  “Yes, well, while you’ve been babbling about not needing it, I’ve been texting with Ramon, who claims you definitely will be using it this weekend.”

  “You told him?” My head jerked towards her; my mouth hung wide open.

  She laughed it off. “Don’t sweat it. The only person he would tell is Cruz.”

  I put my head in my right hand. “I can’t believe you told him that. I swear you’re out to embarrass me sometimes.”

  “If I didn’t give you a push in the right direction, you never would have applied for that management position, you never would have stood up to your family, and you never would have hooked-up with a sexy Puerto Rican. Believe it or not, I only push you when I know you need it.”

  I heard the hurt in her voice. “I’m sorry, Stel. I’m just overwhelmed. I thought this weekend would be a fun and fancy-free vacation. I didn’t expect to have a fling with a man that I’d actually have a connection with. I mean, we daydream about stuff like this, but rarely does it actually happen. I’m just trying to sort through the emotional and mental aftermath.”

  “No, what you’re trying to do is run away from it, and you’re getting pissed because I won’t let you.”

  “Don’t you hate always being right?” I threw a hand on my hip.

  “Nope. I love it.” She stuck her nose in the air and sashayed off ahead of me. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.” Her voice was regal as she flaunted her success.

  My stomach chose that moment to growl. I rolled my eyes and rushed to catch up. “Let’s go grab something to eat.”

  ***

  The moment we returned to the hotel, Stella pulled out a new outfit from her shopping bags, showered and dressed. She fussed over herself, ensuring every hair, every accessory and every smidgen of make-up was in the right place.

  “How do I look?” she asked, her palms up, arms extended at shoulder height in question.

  I took in her brown eyes, highlighted with the pearl and purple shadow on her lids. Her face was dusted lightly in powder, just enough to even her skin tone and take away the shine. Her full lips were coated in a shimmering plum lipstick. Her hair was styled perfectly; her white shorts, tan tank top, silver tear drop earrings and purple beaded necklace all worked with each other. She finished her ensemble with her silver sandals. She was beautiful.

  “Fabulous, darling,” I replied in a fake, old Hollywood accent.

  “Good. Now, you need to get fabulous, darling, for when Mr. Cruz comes around.”

  I bit my lower lip, fidgeting in place, wishing my nerves would stall out. “I, uh, think I’m gonna go out tonight.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Summer Louise, you better march your butt into that bathroom-“

  “I can’t.” My mouth was dry, my chest tight.

  She calmed down and closed the gap between us. She pulled me into her arms and surrounded me with a firm, loving hug. “Honey, I know you’ve been hurt by men and your family, but you’re never going to know love unless you risk the pain again. I’m not saying this is it and that he’s the one, but I am saying that you work too hard and play too little. Let him wine and dine you. Let him show you San Juan from a resident’s point of view. Indulge yourself. You deserve it.”

  I wiped the few stray tears from my eyes. “I know you’re right. I guess I just feel a little vulnerable still from all that’s happened lately.”

  I flashed back to the night of my father’s drunken rage. His words slurred as he projected them throughout the house. He stumbled in an effort to reach my mother.

  “Don’t you take another step towards me you drunk bastard,” my mother ordered.

  “Egh” –he flicked his wrist, blowing her off- “I don’t n..nee…need you. Ibe got someone better. Come here, bubby girl.”

  My eyes widened as I looked to my mother for help. I didn’t know why. She’d never rescued me before. She turned away and went upstairs, leaving me to fend for myself yet again. I didn’t know why I still came around. I was a dreamer I suppose. I kept wishing and praying that things would change, but they never did.

  “Dad, I think you should sit down.” I tried to remove the nearly empty bottle from his grip as he drew closer. He swung his arm out away from me.

  “You trying to steal fum me?” His eyes were dilated, proof that the monster was about to come out and play.

  “No. I think you’ve had enough to drink. Why don’t you go sit down and I’ll get you some water.” I took a step back, unsure of what he would do next. My heart raced, shivers chasing up my spine as I waited with bated breath to see if he’d comply.

  “Fuck you.” He swung his bottle, connecting with the right side of my head. The remnants of the whiskey sloshed over me, soaking my hair and lashes.

  I gasped, jumping back in shock. A throbbing, shooting pain set in. I lifted my fingers shakily towards my head. They came away bloody. Without another thought I grabbed my purse and ran out the door. I didn’t look back to see if he was following; my mother didn’t even call downstairs to see if everything was alright. They didn’t care. The sad truth was, they were my parents, but they’d never cared.

  A couple blocks away, I pulled over on the side of the road, too jittery to continue. I called Stella. She called 911 and met them at the scene. She talked me through everything, kept me sane amidst the chaos. If it wasn’t for her, I never would have filed charges against my father, and I would have probably returned by now, hoping that the next family dinner would end on a better note.

  Absently, I rubbed my wounds. They’d removed three thick shards of glass that bit into my scalp; the wound required forty-two stitches. I was lucky they were tucked away beyond my hairline.

  Stella pulled my arm away from my head. “Stop. I know most of them have dissolved, but still. I don’t need you splitting something open in a foreign country. Plus, my Spanish would probably have you in Labor & Delivery rather than the ER.”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, it probably would.”

  “You deserve happiness, Summer, even if it’s just for a couple nights with a sexy Latin hunk.”

  “Alrig
ht. If he comes by, I’ll answer the door,” I reluctantly conceded.

  “Uh huh. I’ll call you later for a progress report.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Fine.”

  A knock sounded at the door. Stella squealed silently, her hips shaking in her delight. She stopped for a moment, primping herself, before opening the door.

  Ramon stood with a bountiful bouquet of exotic flowers tightly grasped in one hand. He’d cleaned up too having freshly showered and shaved. He even trimmed a good inch off his mohawk. He was dressed in khaki cargo shorts that hung perfectly on him and a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top buttons open; its thin fabric left little to the imagination.

  Stella lit up at the sight of him. I didn’t miss the twinkle in her eyes or her delicate gasp when she noticed the flowers. She was smitten. Despite her earlier claim, this was a man I could definitely see her flying the distance for occasionally.

  I cheerfully waved them off, encouraging them to have a good time. Stella reminded me to do the same, winking as she strutted down the corridor on Ramon’s arm.

  Chapter 7

  I quickly showered and dressed. I was just about to do my make-up when a knock sounded at the door. My stomach fluttered about as I made my way towards it. I took a deep breath, my hand shaking on the knob. Slowly, I opened the door.

  Cruz stood in fresh camo cargo shorts, an extra tight, black Lacoste polo shirt and crisp white sneakers. What stood out though was the absence of his hair.

  “Uh, hi.” The words came out breathy, my body warming at the sight of him.

  “Hola, mi reina.” His eyes grazed up and down my body.

  A wave of self-conscious discomfort rolled through me. I slid further back behind the door.

  “Did you just join the army?”

  He chuckled, his face lighting up. “No.”

  I looked at his cargos again, then back up to his freshly shaved head. Only a few centimeters of each hair remained. Admittedly, with his unshaven face, he was too sexy for words.

  We stared at each other. I knew I looked like a deer caught in headlights. Stella had warned me of his drop-in, but I’d imagined myself a bit more prepared before he arrived.

  “Are you going to invite me in or am I going to have to barge in on my own?”

  “Oh.” I glanced back at the space. Stella’s bed was covered in clothes, her luggage still lying open at the foot of it. Though mine was clean, it wasn’t the cleanliness I was concerned about. Even as I stood there, I wanted to pull him into me and kiss the breath out of him, but I resisted. I couldn’t help but wonder if the door was my protector, and I was afraid to find out.

  “Fine.” He slid past me into the room. He closed the door and pressed my back against it, his mouth eagerly seeking mine.

  His lips were strong in their assault, his tongue skating beyond my lips to taste me. I sucked his tongue, savoring his taste. He was a delicious entrée that I couldn’t get enough of. He angled my head, deepening our connection, sending all the warmth in my body south. His erection pressed against my stomach; my nipples strained against my thin, oversized grey t-shirt. It offered me no protection against his skilled hands. His thumbs strummed my breasts through the flimsy material. I clutched his buff biceps, my body aching to be closer to him.

  Abruptly he pulled away. His breathing was labored, his chest heaving as much as mine. As my teeth went to press into my lower lip, I noticed it was still sore from last night. I tried to hold back a groan, my body coming alive, tingling from his touch.

  As soon as he regulated his inhalation, his features pulled tight; his hands fisted at his sides. “You left me,” he stated in a sharp tone.

  I swallowed hard, my temperature dropping a few degrees. I stared at him, unsure how to respond; unsure of how he wanted me to respond.

  He grabbed my hand and led me to my bed. He sat down on the foot of the bed and situated me between his legs. “It’s not the same here. You’re not as safe.” There was genuine concern in his voice.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You have to promise me you will never do that again. I will take you wherever you want to go.” His brown eyes watched my every move, reading each emotion as it crossed my face.

  “I promise.” His words held maximum conviction so I didn’t press.

  He relaxed at that. He flew backwards onto the bed, tugging me on top of him along the way. My wet hair hung down around my face, droplets wetting hit shirt. “Now, I believe you owe me an apology.” He had an iron grip on me. I wasn’t going anywhere, not that I wanted to. My heart flipped in my chest.

  “I already apologized.” I lifted my chin defiantly.

  “In Puerto Rico, we believe in make-up sex.” He kissed my chin, trailing my jaw and sliding down to nibble my neck.

  “You can’t just waltz in here and expect me to drop my pants for you,” I snapped.

  “Of course not, but I promise you’ll want to.” His seductive tone made my pussy moist already.

  He pressed his mouth to mine. He flipped us effortlessly, gliding me along the sheets until my head hit the pillows. I heard his shoes hit the floor.

  I ran my hands along the hemline of his shirt as he kissed me. He pulled back and discarded the barrier between my hands and his skin. His hands roved my body, stroking every curve, every slope. He squeezed my hips, crowding his center to mine. He slid around to my ass, grasping tightly along its round edges.

  He pulled back, his nostrils flaring. “I’m sorry, mi amor. You’re like a drug. I want you too bad. I can’t wait.”

  CRUZ

  Her smell, her taste, the tiny whimpers that barely escaped her throat; everything about her invigorated me. It sent my body into a frenzy. Usually I was always in control. Even at night, sleep never ruled my body. I remained in control. But not when she was there. She walked in and turned my world upside down. The scary part was, I barely remembered my life without her in it; and, after barely twenty-four hours, I couldn’t picture it without her.

  I needed leverage; I needed something to slow me down, to stop me from pounding her in the most barbaric way. I stood, pulling her off the bed with me. She appeared confused for a moment before I captured her rosy lips, swollen from my rough assault. I reached under her shirt, unclasping her bra with ease. I pinched her pert nipples; she winced, moaning the moment I soothed them with my palms.

  I unbuttoned her jean shorts, sliding my hand in beneath her lacy panties. I sought her pussy; my fingers splayed her lower lips. Her center was hot, warming my hand as I worked my fingers over her straining clit to her channel. I dipped two fingers inside, her slick walls inviting me in.

  Her breath hitched. “Oh, Cruz,” she sighed. Her head dipped backwards as I caressed her pussy.

  Damn she was hot. My cock throbbed. I longed to be seated deep inside her, but I would wait a little longer. I knew it was going to be rough.

  As I lifted her shirt and bra, I captured her breast in my mouth. I sucked her tight peak, brushing my tongue over the sensitive bud. She wiggled her hips, my fingers pumping in and out of her, reaching new depths each time.

  I switched breasts, abandoning her heated core to slide her shorts and panties away at the same time. I quickly disrobed my lower half, mindful of my cargos. She cupped my face, pulling my lips to hers. I backed her against the wall before lifting her into my arms and driving home.

  SUMMER

  We moaned in unison as his cock connected with my cervix. Sweet fullness. I felt complete, my skin prickling with awareness, every nerve ending on alert.

  “Ay dios miyo. Ay que rico. You feel amazing. I’m sorry. I can’t be nice.” His words were spoken between harsh breaths.

  I saw the vein in his neck standing out. He was struggling to control himself. Still cupping his face, I lightly shook him, bringing his attention back to me. “I like rough. Now fuck me.” My voice held power and grit.

  The look on his face melted me. The sheer determination, the utter concentration that ov
ertook him shot straight to my pussy. He pounded into my core, the sensation delightfully rubbing me raw inside and out. Cruz didn’t hold back. His cock pounded in and out of me with such speed and force that I felt him in places I didn’t know I could feel. My hands locked around his neck and shoulders, holding on for dear life.

  Waves of pleasure swelled in my womb as I cried out. I threw my arms up over my head, grabbing at the wall to no avail. His relentless drive combined with my bra bouncing beneath my shirt, hitting my sensitive nipples, quickly sent me upwards toward the peak of ecstasy.

  He was focused on me now, our eyes locked on each other. The depth of our connection in this heated moment further tugged at me. This was more than just sex. We each felt the pull. He gritted his teeth, his jaw clenched as he increased his speed.

  “Oh, fuck.” I couldn’t hold back anymore. My pussy pulsated, squeezing his cock as pleasure shot through me. Sweet unadulterated bliss overtook me. My vision muddled as my nerve endings lit up like the Fourth of July. I howled with delight as he rhythmically pumped into his own release, his cock continuing to massage my over-stimulated channel.

  He groaned as he gave one final thrust into me. Our breaths flew past each other. The room began to spin. I closed my eyes and gripped his biceps for support.

  “Are you okay?” He caressed my cheek with the back of his hand.

  I didn’t trust myself to answer. I nodded my head, absorbed in steadying my breath.

  He carried me to the bed, carefully setting me down. Opening the mini fridge, he grabbed a bottle of cold water. “I’ll pay for it. Just drink.” He handed me the uncapped bottle. I obediently chugged half the liquid. “Better?” he asked the moment I gave it back to him.

  “Yes, thanks.” I watched him chug the remainder of the water before tossing the bottle into a nearby wastebasket.

  He sat down next to me and ran his fingers along my bare thighs. He wasn’t the least bit turned off by how large they were. He nuzzled my neck. “How about we get dressed and I’ll take you to dinner.”