That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Chapter 6

“You should go backto the party. I’m fine now.” Charlotte dropped down on the edge of the bed in her casita and pushed back hair dangling in her face. “You don’t need to stay here and babysit me.”

“You were about to keel over twenty minutes ago.” He pointed to a pitcher near the sink. “Do you want some more water?”

“No. I’m good now. Water, fresh air. All good.” She started to stand once more but stopped herself as another wave of nausea hit. Thank God it was smaller this time. Like a small tornado moving through her gut. “And I know there’s people looking for you out there.”

“You still look like shit.”

How nice to hear. “Thanks.”

“Your skin color is better than before, but you’re still damned white.” He leaned closer, studying her face. “And your eyes...”

“Don’t look at me.” She flinched, turning her head away. “Ugh! I hate that you’re seeing me like this.” And it would be much nicer to lie down and pretend she was anywhere but here.

“What?”

“I probably still smell like vomit.”

His deep voice softened. “Charlotte, you had—have—cigar sickness. And you brushed your teeth three times as soon as we walked in here. You smell...minty.”

She groaned. Probably like minty vomit. “Maybe I’ll take a shower.”

“Okay.” He stood and headed toward the open doorway leading to the pretty brightly tiled bath.

She lifted a hand to stop him. “I don’t need your help in there.”

“Of course you do.”

Grumbling out loud, Charlotte tapped her fingers on the bedding. Damn. He was probably right.

“Well, stay out here, and I’ll call you if I need you.”

“Or I can listen for a thump when you keel over again.”

“There won’t be any thumps. I’m past that.”

Sam rolled his eyes, clearly unconvinced. “I’ll wait here.”

Ten minutes later, she stepped from the shower and breathed in. “The shower did the trick. I’m totally okay now.” Charlotte did her best to sound peppy as she stood by the bathroom door wearing a long sleep tee. She threaded her fingers through her freshly shampooed hair.

Sam narrowed his eyes at her. “You look a lot better. Can you walk across the room without falling over or getting sick?”

“Sam,” she grumbled.

“Humor me,” he replied, without a hint of humor in his voice.

Charlotte pressed her lips together and nodded. She’d do anything to get him out of here. And that nice, comfy bed was calling her name.

Without saying another word, she marched across the room then turned and strode back. “See.” She held out her hands to her side.

“Uh huh.”

For a long moment, he studied her face, then his eyes lowered as he took in the rest of her. When his gaze landed on her chest, she froze.

For absolutely no reason, no reason at all, her nipples tightened under her sleep tee. Pulling in a deep breath, Charlotte crossed her arms over her chest.

“It’s okay. We’re all talking about sex. It’s a normal reaction.”

Her heart thumped, and she gave her head a quick shake. “No...Um...”

“You’re cold?” He cocked a brow, challenging her to disagree.

No, no. Not going there. And thank God he couldn’t see, couldn’t know the ache suddenly growing between her legs.

She took several long steps and made it to the opening of her casita. “Thank you for helping me tonight.” She closed her eyes and stood straight. This was weird, so weird, but she needed to shake it off and move on. Deal with it, Charlotte. “It’s quite the change having all these people here. I can’t believe I got sick from the cigar and threw up. God, how embarrassing. You saved me out there, and I’m grateful.”

“I was happy to help. And you’re the one who saved me today. I’m grateful you stepped up and took care of so much.”

“It’s what I do.”

For a long moment, Sam stood there staring at her, and then he nodded and made his way toward the door.

“Remember, I’m right next door if you need anything.” He nodded to the casita a few steps away. A tiny portico covered the handful of paces between them.

“Aren’t you going back to the party? I think you’ll be missed.”

“No, Charlotte.” He gave her another look, the air around them heavier. “I’m where I need to be.” He lifted his palm in the air and looked out into the dark, steamy night. The tall, palm trees surrounding the edge of the property swayed—hard. “I’ve been keeping a close eye on the weather. The category one hurricane has been upgraded to a category four, but it’s stalled off the coast further north. It won’t be here for a few more days. But tonight we’ve got some heavy rain before the big storm, and it’s starting now.”