Summer Love (Sequel 2 H.I.S.M.A)
Can you do a part 2 on how I spent my anniversary?
can you do a sequel? please with chocolate on top!
The clock finally struck 4:00 PM and I was out of the door. I didn't bother to stay for the staff lunch or even acknowledge it was going on. There was somewhere special I wanted to go, and I've been waiting long enough! After pulling out of the parking lot, I tuned into my favorite radio station. My phone started to ring with one of my coworker's name on the screen.
"Nope." I mumble and put my phone on airplane mode.
Two hours later, the smell of BBQ seeped through my vents as I neared the parking lot. As I neared closer, it looked full. Crap. There were even vehicles parked in lines down the road. I came to a sudden halt when a round, curly redhead waved her short arms. My eyes lit up with a face splitting smile. It was Maggie!
"Hey, Candace! Pull in over here, darlin! Take that curve down until you reach the back of the bar."
I nod and drove through the opened gate. Once I parked, a red four wheeler roared down the road and stopped behind my truck. Maggie was holding on to a tall, thin man with a bushy grey mustache. She hopped off and immediately pulled me into a big hug. I hugged her with the same strength, as we said how much we've missed each other.
"It took long enough, hot stuff!" She perched her hands on her hips.
"I know! We don't have spring breaks, so I had to wait all the way until the summer."
"Well, I'm so glad you came. And uh," she looks back at the bar, "he still doesn't know." She winks.
I started to get excited all over again. "Oh, good! I can't wait to see him."
"I can't wait either! I've been anxious all day for this moment." She turns to the driver, "Chuck, this is Candace. My little friend I told you about."
Chuck hops off the four wheeler, grabbing my extended hand. "Nice to meet you, beautiful." He kisses my hand. "How was the drive?"
"Thank you, it was peaceful." I smile warmly.
"Sounds alright," he nods. "Well, you're just in time for some good BBQ."
"Oh, yes! Get out of those business clothes and get comfortable. Put your things behind the bar, then meet us on the patio." She kisses my cheek before heading off with Chuck up the road.
I grab my bag from the backseat and hurry into the bar. I change in the bathroom: jean shorts, converse, tank top, and a plaid button down that I left open. I graze through the thick crowd until I make it to the bar, where I place my bag in a cabinet. As I near the patio, I see him holding a beer to his lips before laughing at something. To his left was another familiar face, his friend, Charlie. Without guessing, I'm sure he was responsible for that laugh. Charlie looked in my direction with surprise as I stepped on to the patio.
"Shhh." I put my finger up and catch him nod with a smirk.
Once I was close enough with the smell of seasoned meat swooning my nostrils, I spoke. "Please tell me you haven't run out of those steak burgers yet?"
"Just laid down another round—," he turned around, "oh shit!"
I bat my eyelashes all bashful. "Hey, Joe."
He put the spatula down and hauled me into a big bear hug. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck, breathing in the scent of smoke and body wash. A juicy kiss was planted on his cheek, as he returned one on my forehead.
"Don't tell anyone, but I've missed you." He says low against my forehead.
I giggle, finally allowing myself to let him go. "Likewise."
"Well, well. Hello again, gorgeous. Thought his ugly face scared you off." Charlie gives me a hug and peck on the cheek. "Happens to me all the time."
"Yet you still keep coming back around." Joe flicks his middle finger up.
Charlie shrugs, "the cost of not having any other friends, mate." He takes a swig of beer.
"Sounds like a bromance to me." I raise a brow at Joe.
Joe wrinkles his face, "Dreadful."
"Oh sure now that Candace's back, you don't find me desirable." He playfully sighs, "I get it. Guess I'll be on my way. All by my lonesome."
"Much appreciated," Joe nods his beer bottle as Charlie laughs and walks off.
I shake my head at the playful banter. "You too are adorable."
"Not as adorable as you are right now." He wraps an arm around my shoulder, kissing my forehead again. "This was a great surprise by the way. Now I see why Maggie was extra excited about today."
I place my hand on his wrist. "I know. I was worried she would get too excited and spill the beans by now."
He splashes marinade on the patties. "Nah, she's been keeping her cool this whole time. Straight poker face. But today I don't think she could control it any longer." He grins.
"May I?" My hand reaches for a juicy, steak patty in a tin pan.
"Wanna make sure they taste the same?"
"Absolutely!" I take a bite, instantly moaning.
"I take it they do." He laughs, looking down at my chewing mouth.
I just nod, taking another bite.
As the afternoon rolled into the evening, the guests were full of delicious BBQ and drunkenly singing karaoke. I've never laughed so hard in my life! So many deaf tone, off key singers and off beat rappers. But they were happy. Simply enjoying themselves at Joe's place. This added to my own happiness. As I casually glance back at the bar, where I last sat heartbroken and tipsy, two young women were being approached by two young guys. Their blushing was infectious, as the guys charmed them with their best game. Young love was being created right before my eyes.
"Alright, everybody! This song is going out to all of the lovers! Both single and taken!"
Everyone laughs at the small joke, as Maggie grabs the mic. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton starts playing and instantly the women were all revved up. One tipsy patron yelled out to Maggie to “SING THAT SHIT”, while others swayed their drinks in the air.
Joe’s arms draped over my shoulders, followed by a cheek kiss. “I’m going to take a wild guess and say my dear Maggie is really tipsy.”
“You know, it could be the only reason why she’d dedicate this song to all of the lovers.” I laugh.
We joined in with crowd, swaying and singing to the song. Every time Maggie sang the chorus, it sent Joe and me into hysterics. She would sing it with such passion and determination. Even though she’s been the only contestant so far who could actually sing, it didn’t stop us from laughing. The crowd gave a wild applause as Maggie ended the song and took a bow.
“Whew! That one does it to me every time!” Maggie spoke, “Is everybody having a good time?”
The crowd answers in ‘woohoos’, ‘Hell yeahs’, whistles and claps.
“I’m so glad to hear that.” She takes a napkin and wipes her face. “You know, we wanted to give you guys a special ‘Thank You’ for constantly keeping this bar afloat. To know that there’re so many people that come here from all different walks of life and leave in good spirits, it means so much to us.
“With that being said, I would like to give all of my love and appreciation right now to my young, handsome boss.” Maggie grabs a cup from someone in front of the stage. “Thanks, darlin.” She takes a sip, “Joe! Here’s to our four years and many, many more! I love you like my own son and you’ve been nothing but good to me. Cheers to Joe!”
The crowd send their drinks in the air, as they all look back at Joe with gratitude. I grab onto his arms, looking up at him with the same gratitude. He modestly put his hand up, smiling in appreciation. Then he blew a kiss at Maggie, in which she caught and placed over her heart. It was such a beautiful moment that I was honored to be apart of.
Maggie, Charlie, Chuck, and I began throwing away trash as the patrons were filing out. Joe was at the door bidding everyone a goodnight and thanking them for coming. When he was done, he joined us as we crowded the bar.
“Okay, guys. We can call it a night!” Joe claps his hands. “I appreciate y’all for cleaning up. Frank and his people will be in tomorrow morning to finish up with the floors and such.”
“Alright, mate. Get some rest. You did one helluva party!” Charlie and Joe slapped hands and hugged. “You too, gorgeous. Nice to see you again.” He kissed my cheek and hugged me as well.
A few seconds of us all bidding our farewells, we hauled out of the bar. Joe set the alarm and securely locked up. With my bag in one hand, he tossed his free arm over my shoulder.
“Ready?” He looks down at me.
He drove us to his house in a comfortable silence, as the radio played Soft Rock. We turned down the road that led to his Bed & Breakfast. A smile crossed my lips. What a night we had there. We finally made it to his home that was behind the Inn.
“Welcome to your home away from home, Candace.” He looked over at me with a smile.
“Why, Joe. How thoughtful of you!”
He shrugs, “Well, ya know. What can I say?”
“Silly.” I shake my head on a smirk.
He unlocks the front door, letting me walk in first. It was just how I imagined: manly and tidy. It was almost too sophisticated to be a bachelor pad.
“It’s hard to believe that only a man stays here.”
Joe snorts, “I get that a lot. A man simply can’t have a clean, wholesome home?”
“It’s possible, but HIGHLY unlikely.” I retort. “It’s a beautiful home though. I’m a big fan of wooden interior, so that alone wins me over.”
“Thank you, Candace.” He wraps his arms around me from behind. “I’ve really, really missed you.” He spoke into my ear.
I closed my eyes on an inhale from those words. My head was glued to his chest and I felt his calm heart beat.
“I’ve missed you, too. Like crazy.” I began, “I thought I was being dramatic because it was only one night. But you made me feel so special and I haven’t felt that way in a long time.”
“No, you weren’t being dramatic. You made me feel the same way. It felt so natural with us that night.”
My eyes open at a thought. “Why didn’t you ask me for my number before I left?”
He sighs, “Honestly? I felt that I wouldn’t see you again. Yeah, we said that we’d see each other again but I didn’t believe it. You’re from the city. I figured there’s nothing here I have to offer you that’ll make you want to come back.”
I turned to face him. “That must’ve happened before?”
“Well, as you see, I stand before you once again. I know it’s been a few months and I apologize for that. On top of not being able to take off from work like I wanted, I was still dealing with my breakups. I told myself that there wasn’t any way I would come back here with that baggage. I wanted you to see a happier me, not someone who was pitifully, broken-hearted. Not to mention, I also felt that you didn’t mean it when you said you wanted me to come back.”
“I understand wholeheartedly. You had to experience an unfortunate situation that would’ve gave anybody the blues. So don’t apologize for that.” His fingers twirl ends of my hair. “Plus, you’re a busy woman. I just figured that if it’s meant for us to see each other again, somehow, it’ll happen. But mark my words, Candace, I meant what I said. I wish now that I would’ve gotten your number. The sound of your voice would’ve given me less sleepless nights until I saw you again.”
I couldn’t resist it anymore. I planted a kiss on his lips, finally feeling restless from staring at them as the moved. Joe responded by engulfing me in his arms tighter, vigorously kissing back. My hands clasped his neck, pulling him more towards me. I dreamt of this moment since the day I left. I wanted to do this when he held me as we laid in front of the fireplace that night. My senses heightened for him, causing me to moan as we continued kissing. I pulled back to catch some air, while reigning in surprise at my actions.
“I’m so sorry!” I look up at him. “That wasn’t sup—oh!”
Joe effortlessly picked me up and pressed me against the wall. My neck was scorched in heated kisses.
After a few more kisses, he connected his forehead with mines. His chest was rising with every breath, eyes closed.
“Don’t you dare apologize.” He slowly peeled me from the wall and made sure my feet planted on the floor.
There was a moment. We just stood there facing each other not knowing what to say. The thick air was starting to settle around us. Our breathing was becoming steady. I still can’t believe I just did that. Was it the liquor from the BBQ that made me this bold? I didn’t think I drank that much. Or was it simply me making up for lost time? I don’t know where it came from, but I’m stuck between liking it and being totally horrified.
Joe cleared his throat, apparently trying to snap out of it as well. “Um, if you go down this way you’ll see my room on the left at the end. My bathroom is in there as well. So you can get settled in and shower if you want. I’ll go put on some coffee.”
“Sounds good. Um, thanks.” I nervously pick up my bag and head to his room.
After a quick hair wash and cleaning, I linger in the shower for a minute. The water felt amazing cascading down my skin. It just occurred to me that I’d been on the go since eight o’ clock this morning. I’m pretty sure it’smidnight by now. I turned the knobs off and climb out of the tub. The aroma of coffee beans filled the air. I could definitely use a cup right about now.
I let the coffee scent guide me into the kitchen. Joe was standing by the island going through his phone. He was now dressed in a white wife beater with loose burgundy pajama pants. His hair fell in damp tendrils and I could smell that body wash from earlier. He looked up from his scrolling with a grin.
“Everything good? I went ahead and used the guest bathroom for a shower as well.”
“Of course. It’d be much better once I get some of that coffee.” I grab a seat at the island.
“Coming right up.” He winked.
He poured two mugs of hot, black coffee. We added our own portions of cream and sugar.
I blew over the mug. “That was such a beautiful speech by Maggie tonight. I was almost in tears.”
Joe blushed, “Completely caught me off guard. She’s the greatest, I tell ya.” He takes a slow sip.
“She really is. If it wasn’t for her contacting my receptionist, I wouldn’t have known about the BBQ. You should’ve seen my face when I heard her voice!” I chuckle, “It was like an answered prayer. I truly couldn’t remember how to get back here. After all, I just drove last time and magically ended up at the bar.
I smile at the remembrance of our phone chat. “I missed her as well. She said she searched the internet nonstop for me until she finally came across the accounting firm.”
“I’m gonna have to give Maggie a raise for all of her hard work. She truly made my day, today.” Joe genuinely smiles. “By far the best surprise I’ve gotten.”
“Cheers to Maggie.” I lift my mug.
Joe clinks his with mines. “Here, here.”
I take a smooth sip of my coffee. “So how do you end your night after a busy day of running a bar?”
He bashfully answers and reaches his hand to me. “Come on, I’ll show you.
We approach glass doors that stood behind the kitchen table. He unlocked and slid one open, then led us onto a gigantic porch. He guided me to a reclined, patio chair. He grabbed my mug and placed it on the small night stand next to the chair. After he seated himself, he guided me down until I sat back comfortably on him.
“Look up at the sky.” Joe instructed.
I did so and was so astonished. “Oh my, look at those stars!” I gasped. “They’re so many.”
I’ve never seen the sky this beautiful in my life, ever! I could actually see the moon in all its full glory, just lightening up the several shades of black and blues in the sky. The stars were spread out like decorative ornaments. Their shimmers were undeniable.
“It’s a sight to see, isn’t it?” Joe chimed. “Sometimes I’m even left speechless. Looking up at these skies have gotten me through many tough times. All I have to do is stare up and breathe away everything that’s bothering me.”
“That’s exactly how I’m feeling right now.” I shake my head. “I’ve never seen the sky like this in the city. I’m almost jealous.”
“Don’t be, Candace. Just look at it this way: you now have a place to come and see it in this form whenever you’d like.”
I almost feel teary eyed. Joe was filling my heart up in ways I couldn’t imagine. Back home, an ideal date or romantic getaway would be an expensive thing. They weren’t ever this simple; a cup of coffee and gazing up at the stars. This was the most romantic thing I’ve ever experienced and I didn’t want it to end.
I gasp, “Is that a shooting star?!” My eyes spread wide at the white stripe zip through the sky.
Joe confirms with a cool grin. “That sure is. Hurry and make a wish.”
I wanted to shut my eyes like an excited child would to make a wish. But I was too amazed! When it was finally gone, I turned to face Joe.
“I’ve never seen a shooting star before!” I whispered, “That was so cool!”
He nods, “They appear all the time out here. I’ve been seeing them since I was a kid.” His hand glides vertically up my arm. “Did you make your wish?”
“Ugh, no. I was too excited to see it that I couldn’t close my eyes.” I pout.
“Well, you know you don’t have to close your eyes to make a wish with a shooting star.”
“Now you tell me!” I playfully slap his leg. “I take it you made your wish.”
“I want to tell you my wish.” I turn to face him, now sitting on his lap.
He sits up at attention and sets his hands on my thighs. “I’m all ears.”
I take a breath. “I thought back to when you said that you had nothing to offer a city girl. And I want to tell you how wrong you are. You’ve given me so much to appreciate and this is my second time seeing you. I’ve never had a man cook for me, actually listen to me, comfort me, and make me feel this way from simple things. Like drinking caffeine while star gazing. If this is what a country boy can offer me, then I’ll take all of it and more.”
I feel myself getting nervous, so I start to twist my fingers in my lap. Joe soon notices my nervousness and he rubs my thighs, coaxing me to take my time and relax.
“I say all of that to say I’d love to spend my summer with you, Joe.” I sigh victoriously, “That was my uh, wish.”
Joe stared at me for a moment, completely surprised at my statement. I almost regretted my declaration until my mouth was seized by his. They were so soft, kind, and sincere. When he grabbed my face, pulling back from my lips, his smile couldn’t have been more established.
“You’ve just made my wish come true, Candace.”
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