A Special Summer (Love Conquers All) by Victoria Wells Read Free Book Online

to be alone tonight.” With any luck she wouldn’t see Ava until Sunday morning at church. But just in case, she left the bathroom door slightly ajar to hear the doorbell.
    Lighting scented candles, strategically arranged throughout the room, Summer turned off the light before easing down into the soothing water. She didn’t know what smelled better, the rose scented candles or the lavender bath salts she added to the water. Whichever it was totally relaxed her. Taking baths always reminded her of Nick.
    The first time they made love she was a virgin. Nick had been gentle with her, yet she still was sore and swollen. Wanting to ease her discomfort he drew a bath for her in his Italian marbled Jacuzzi. When he returned to let her know her bath was ready she attempted to walk
    to the bathroom.
    “No, Beautiful, I’ll carry you.” As he lifted her in his arms, Summer tucked her head in the crook of his neck. She couldn’t believe how he was taking such good care of her.
    Although her heart ached over losing Nick, memories like this one caused her to smile. Things with him from the beginning were always good. That’s why for the life of her she couldn’t comprehend his logic for ending their relationship.
    When the baby moved Summer shifted her attention to her belly. She placed her hand on her stomach and rubbed a soft circular pattern as she closed her eyes and hummed a lullaby. This usually calmed the baby’s movements.
    She was definitely having a Calgon moment. Moments like these, reminiscing about Nick and his ability to be tender was giving her a glimmer of hope. Maybe if I call his office he’ll speak to me and then I can tell him. He’ll understand.
    As Summer daydreamed pleasant thoughts of the man she still loved, her eyes closed and she drifted between deep relaxation and sleep.
    Summer’s eyes popped wide open at the sound of a loud, obnoxious doorbell.
    “Great timing, Ava.”
     

Chapter 5
     
    Turning off the ignition, Nick had second thoughts now that he was outside of Summer’s house. The clock on the interior of the Benz read 10:05 p.m. Glancing up at her bedroom window, the lights were on. She was home. Summer was a homebody; she was probably reading a book or watching television.
    Hesitating for a minute, he swung the car door open, stepping out heavy-footed. The day had been trying. Negotiations had not gone as expected with the textile company. It was going to take longer to add this one to his collection.
    Nick had no business here. He was not in the best frame of mind, but he’d put off going to see Summer long enough. He’d been in town for over two weeks now.
    Taking long purposeful strides, he made his way to her front door. Extending a long finger, he rang the bell.
    Gingerly, Summer rose from her sitting position in the tub. Reaching for the towel quickly drying herself off, she grumbled, “Ava, why are you bugging me now?”
    Snuffing out the candles Summer clumsily quickened her pace. Reaching on the back of the door for her thick pink terrycloth robe she donned it as she searched for her slippers.
    Surveying the room, where are my slippers? Deciding to forgo her search because Ava was ringing the doorbell like a madwoman, she left the bathroom in a hurry.
    Holding on to the banister to keep from falling, Summer was really going to wring Ava’s neck! Didn’t she know her big belly got in the way these days?
    Nick became increasingly aggravated. What was taking her so long? The thought crossed his mind she had someone in the house with her. He clenched his jaw, balling his large hands into fists at the thought of another man touching her soft, delicate body the way he’d been privy to.
    He’d spent restless nights tossing and turning in bed remembering how her petite body felt beneath his. How he had to position himself just so to keep from crushing her with his weight. Imagining her with someone else in such an intimate way made him see red. This time Nick didn’t ease up off