Free Summer Nights by Christin Lovell Page A

suit, below my breasts, made me
appear thinner though, which was how Stella nudged me past my
hesitation.
    I nodded, admitting to having a
suit.
    “Good. Change into it, but put clothes
over top. I’m taking you to eat, then to the beach.”
    “What about you?”
    “I’ll stop by my place on the way and
change.”
    I shook my head once, satisfied with
his answer. I definitely didn’t want to be swimming
alone.
    Fifteen minutes later, I’d brushed my
teeth, tossed my hair up into a messy bun, changed into my bathing
suit and threw on a new pair of light, stone-washed jean shorts
with a white t-shirt over it. Cruz laughed at me as I liberally
coated my skin with sunscreen. He had a solid bronze tan on him
from head to toe. I slathered my skin with lotion to help mask the
scent of the sunscreen and the sweat I was sure to be bathed in
outside. I dabbed my face lightly with some foundation and powder
to even out my skin tone and hopefully help minimize my red cheeks
in the heat. Some simple, over-sized Cubic Zirconia studded
earrings, my teal watch and gold sandals completed my casual
ensemble. Satisfied with my appearance, I put on my glasses. I’d
just gotten dressed after coming out of the shower last night when
Cruz knocked, so this was the first time he’d see me in
them.
    I walked towards my suitcase to return
my beauty bags. Cruz growled, pulling me to him. He tapped my
glasses. “I like these, very sexy.” He smiled, giving me a quick
kiss. He inhaled deep. “You always smell good.”
    “It’s probably my lotion.” I lifted the
bottle for him to smell.
    “I like it, but you smell better.” He
sniffed my neck, his breath tickling me. My stomach growled again,
interrupting the moment. “Let’s go feed you. I neglected to do that
last night.”
    “Aren’t you hungry?”
    “I work long hours. It’s not unusual
for me to go all day without food.” He shrugged.
    I worked long and odd hours as well,
but something about his answer bothered me. When I couldn’t
pinpoint what it was, I broke away, grabbed Big Bertha and headed
out the door with Cruz right behind me. He checked the lock on the
hotel door before leading me to the elevators down the hall. His
arm was wrapped around me, holding me against his side
protectively.

Chapter 9
    I checked my phone while Cruz retrieved
his car from the valet. Stella had called once and left a message
around eleven. I dialed my voicemail, going through the
prompts.
    “Hey, girl. I’m guessing by you not
answering that you’re cozying up with Cruz. Make it count, and make
it good ‘cause I want details. Call me in the morning. I’m staying
the night with lover boy. Love ya.”
    I smiled as I hung up. Checking the
clock, I saw it was already 9:06 AM. I sighed deep as last night
flickered through my mind, a slow ache beginning to
build.
    Cruz waved me over as the young male
handed him the car keys. In exchange, Cruz handed him a tip.
Turning around, he opened my door for me as the valet moved on to
the next car.
    “Thanks,” I said as I passed him to get
in.
    “I just do it for the view.”
    My mouth opened, but nothing came out.
He laughed devilishly before closing the door and coming around to
the driver’s side. I was right about him; he was definitely like
Stella and would keep me on my toes. The sex last night proved that
though. I certainly wasn’t expecting to be bombarded immediately
but was grateful for his forward attack. I squeezed my thighs
together, suppressing a satisfied moan.
    As Cruz drove off, my phone rang. I
peeked at the caller ID before quickly answering. “Hey,
girl.”
    “Well, good morning, little miss
sunshine. I take it by your chipper tone that you have a wildly
sexy story to tell me about last night.” Stella sounded
hopeful.
    “Later. Where are you?”
    “In the hottest damn apartment on the
planet,” she grumbled.
    Cruz chuckled; apparently he heard
Stella. “Ramon doesn’t have A/C.”
    I lifted my brows, facing him.