Read Online Autumn and Summer by Danielle Allen - Free Book Online Page A

but even that didn’t distract me enough.
    “What do you know about The Panties?” he asked, sounding impressed.
    Still refusing to look at him, I retorted, “It was never released as a single so what do you know about it?”
    “Mos Def is one of my favorites,” he answered. “I’m just surprised you know that one.”
    “No one knows that one, ” we both said at the exact same time.
    Caught off guard by us saying the same thing at the same time, I finally succumbed to the intense mixture of curiosity and tension that had built. I tossed my hair over my shoulder and glanced over at him.
    I shouldn’t have done that, I thought as I inhaled sharply.
    I tried to look away , but I couldn’t. His eyes pierced me as if he could see into my soul. The energy between us was undeniable .
    “You should be a model,” I blurted out, dropping my gaze to his lips.
    The left corner of his mouth turned up slightly as he smirked at me. “Who said I wasn’t?”
    His smartass reply sounded like something I would say and I fought a smile. I’m going to call his bluff, I thought.
    Channeling the real me and not the pod person I had become in his presence, I blocked out the way he was trying to pull me in with those hypnotizing eyes.  I decided it was time to rattle him. Shifting a fraction of an inch closer to him, I flirted, “Oh, well if that’s the case, you should pose for me sometime.”
    The elevator dinged announcing our arrival at the first floor, but I didn’t make any moves to leave the confined space. I just batted my eyes at him and waited to see what he would do.
    See handsome, two can play this game, I baited him silently, challenging him with my eyes.
    After the doors open ed, he licked his lips and smirked sexily.  He leaned forward so our faces were only inches apart. “Don’t count on it, Summer Wilson.” Then he left the elevator without looking back.
    “Fuck me,” I sighed breathily, watching him walk away.
    I need a cigarette!
    **********

Chapter 6: Autumn
     
                  “Hey, I’m in the kitchen!” I called out as I pulled the chicken out of the oven. The smell of baked chicken marinated with onions and peppers wafted through the kitchen.
    Summer ran into the kitchen and screamed, “Guess who has a date tomorrow night?!”
    I jumped a little as I checked the dish. “You scared me,” I laughed, not bothering to turn around.  “You have a date tomorrow. With Mr. J.” I put the chicken back in the oven and peeked inside the covered casserole dish to check on the macaroni and cheese.
    “Yes. I do. And so do you!” Summer squealed with delight.
    “What?” I exclaimed , turning around quickly. I took off the oven mitts with wide eyes. “You just got off of work! How did you even have time?”
    “ Like you said, let the games begin! It’s time to get you back in the saddle.” Summer winked before leaving the kitchen with her camera bags. “It smells delicious, by the way. Is it done? What time is everyone getting here?”
    “ It’s done. I’m keeping it warm. And everyone will be here in twenty minutes,” I said, chopping the vegetables. Summer washed her hands and then started helping me chop the zucchini.  “So how was work?”
    “It was excellent. The shoot went well and I got some really great shots.”
    “That’s great! I’m so happy for you. Striking out on your own…working for Style Magazine.” I glanced over at my best friend and smiled. “You’re just doing everything you’ve always wanted to do and I’m happy for you.”
    “Well, I have an awesome role model. My best friend is so well put together and successful and wise beyond her years—”
    Cocking my he ad to the side, I smiled sweetly. “Go on.”
    “ And old.”
    “What?!” I laughed, bumping her with my hip. “Our birthdays are ten days apart…and you’re older!”
    “Ugh, details!”
    Smiling, I shook my head in amusement. “Anyway, who was the model today?”
    “ Well…”