That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Chapter 4

Jayel’s flight homewas arduous due to her inner conflicts. Was she acting foolishly? At nineteen, she was still young and possibly naive. What more could be expected from her at such a tender age? While her intention was never to cause harm, the saying stood: Hurt people often hurt others. Jayel was undoubtedly hurting.

She admitted to herself that she had utilized Ty to make an impression on Carl, fully aware from the beginning that a romantic relationship with Carl was never a possibility. She sought solace in Ty’s company, recognizing him as a suitable companion who possessed the potential for greatness. In her eyes, Ty had the capability to stand on par with Carl in terms of status.

The notable contrast between the two men was that Jayel never needed to downplay her true self to captivate Carl’s attention. However, in Ty’s presence, she often found herself fading into the background. The observation was also made by Carl, who shared his insights with her.

In response, Jayel lashed out at him, accusing Carl of being envious. She had been a total bitch, and she continued with her distasteful behavior up until that eventful night in the rain. Jayel had given Carl plenty of reasons to walk away, yet he’d remained unwavering, now stepping in to save her once again.

She was being flown home on Carl’s private jet, which he had affectionately named Butterfly. The nickname originated when she was a young girl. He christened her with it after she started to engage with classmates and after-school activities, following Brian’s near-fatal accident.

“You fought your way out of your cocoon, and now you’ve transformed into a magnificent butterfly,” Carl had remarked.

Jayel’s brows furrowed. She felt remorse for her actions, seeing herself as a terrible person unworthy of Carl.

When had he purchased a plane? The plane was luxurious, and its sophisticated design was tasteful and suited for comfort. The interior boasted plush taupe leather seats—four spacious seats up front, two on each side. All the furniture was crafted from mahogany.

Past the expansive seating area were comfortable sofas, a loveseat, and recliners, including two massage chairs. The social center boasted a large flat-screen TV and top-of-the-line amenities, mirroring what one would anticipate on a private jet. Adjacent to this area, one could find the kitchen and a bathroom, while the rear of the plane was reserved for a roomy bedroom suite complete with privacy doors. Additionally, there were two smaller bedrooms located behind the cockpit on either side.

Jayel was introduced to the pilot, Reggie, and two of Carl’s staff members. The pilot kindly conducted a tour, displaying great hospitality and leaving Jayel in the bedroom once the tour concluded. Reggie pointed out a button indicator and advised her to use it for any assistance she might require. Jayel settled onto the mattress, reclining before turning over on her stomach to examine the gifts left for her in the middle of the bed. Among them were a bouquet of lilies and a box. Curious, she opened the box:

This phone is for you, it has been programmed with your phone number already ported. Travel safely and try to get some rest. You’ll find the crew extremely accommodating. Carl.

Carl usually closed his messages with “Love, Carl.” This was a formal closing which suggested he was unsure of her feelings. Jayel smiled. Carl still loved her.

Jayel’s only regret over that amazing kiss was that it possessed the power to separate them instead of bringing them together. Jayel meditated and dreamed about the intensity of that kiss too often to ever forget it.

Her mind was made up at that moment. She would do everything in her power to win back Carl’s affection, even encourage his advances. Jayel didn’t know the woman Carl was seeing, but the woman was of no concern to her. Carl was hers first and forever.

It was common knowledge that Jayel had chosen to attend university to be close to Ty. An article in the campus newsletter announced the arrival of “The Shark” and revealed key details about Tyson Gibson, including his love interest and recent engagement. The newsletter read:

Wahoo’s own Olympic hopeful Tyson ‘The Shark’ Gibson was awarded a full scholarship to UVA for his exceptional swimming talent—a talent which earned him the moniker due to his unbeaten streak and dominance in the sport. Despite his rising fame, The Shark has remained focused. Coach Burns, known for his strict approach with athletes, is expected to set clear boundaries and will likely restrict interactions between The Shark and his fiancée, Jayel Winters, who is also a student on campus.

Another article read:

In 2024, Tyson ‘The Shark’ Gibson, a hopeful for the Olympics, earned a full scholarship to Virginia University. Known as ‘The Shark’ for his swift swimming times, Ty has yet to be defeated. He dominates every event. Despite his popularity, his focus remains unwavering. UVA’s Coach Burns, known to give his athletes no quarter, is sure to uphold boundaries on all swimmers for every meet and will likely limit interactions between The Shark and his fiancée, Jayel Winters, who also attends studies at the University.

She’d felt stripped of her own identity, having been reduced to “The Shark’s girlfriend.” She feared becoming the subject of mockery once it was known that she held no more appeal for him than any other woman. Everyone would assume that her virtue was no longer intact.

Jayel rolled over on the bed. The comforter smelled like Carl. Had he done that intentionally, she wondered? The smell embraced her like a hug. Nothing about Tyson Gibson mattered any longer. If she could win Carl’s affections as a woman, nothing else would have the power to faze her. Jayel was never returning to Virginia.

She drifted off to sleep on the plush bed, Carl’s fragrance lingering in her senses. Memories of the enchanting night resurfaced amidst the fog in her mind: Jayel by the doorway, Ty departing. The breeze picked up, signaling guests to shift from the backyard to the patio and eventually inside for more drinks and conversation. Jayel, previously distracted, now actively sought Carl’s presence. Upon glimpsing him deep in conversation with her father, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. He had indeed arrived. Carl nodded, then beckoned her way, making his approach. Jayel was overwhelmed with delight as their hands met, transporting them suddenly to the gazebo. Rain drummed on the roof, thunder rumbled, and Carl drew her close.

His lips found the nape of her neck as he whispered, “Jayel, I love you. Jayel, I need you. Jayel, stay with me.”

“Yes, Carl. I won’t ever leave again,” she cried, pleading, “Hold me closer.”

Suddenly, Jayel awoke to the sound of her name being called, but it wasn’t Carl’s voice. Confusion set in as she tried to place the unfamiliar voice and her surroundings. Where was she now?

“Hello Jayel, this is Reggie, your captain speaking. We will be descending shortly. Please return to your seat and fasten your seat belt.”

Startled, Jayel sat up and reached for the call button, pressing it. The intercom crackled to life promptly.

“Yes sir, I’m on my way,” she responded.

“Very good, ma’am,” came the brief reply before the intercom went silent.

Jayel moved toward one of the plush leather seats inside the bedroom and secured her belt snugly across her lap. She opened the window shade and gazed out at the sunny day, eager to witness the landing. Jayel marveled at the beauty outside. She then frowned, realizing she had slept through the entire three-and-a-half-hour flight. She had wanted to savor more of the plane’s amenities. She hadn’t even requested an in-flight snack.

But then again, her mind had indeed enjoyed a snack. The bed linens enveloped in Carl’s lingering scent allowed her subconscious to indulge in dreams. She had given herself to Carl completely. She hoped for the chance to turn those dreams into reality.

Jayel watched as the plane landed. The sun was shining, and the day looked beautiful. As her flight came to an end, her spirits soared high.

Nestled in the bed linens, enveloped in Carl’s fragrance, Jayel had found solace. Her dreams mirrored the yearnings of her heart. She fervently prayed for the chance to wholeheartedly surrender herself to Carl, believing that only they held the power to overcome any obstacles between them. Jayel exhaled a sigh of relief, recognizing the growth she had undergone in the past year.