Page 73 of No Summer Hotter than You

Sitting at the head of the dining table with the sun setting behind him, my dad smiled brightly after telling everyone he wanted to make an announcement.

His eyes had a glint to them as they landed on Andy then moved to Julie and then flicked between me and Shoua. He looked so happy.

“I have a big announcement and it couldn’t have come at a better time with great food, amazing wine, and the people I care about the most in my life. Andy and Anthony, when you two were born, I admit I was scared shitless. There I was, married to the love of my life, and with the most perfect set of baby twin boys at twenty-five. I didn’t know what I was doing with my life, and I was afraid I’d fuck up, but I made the choice that I was going to be a father. I’ve watched you two grow up into fine, incredible men and I couldn’t be prouder,” my dad said and then chuckled softly. His voice was light and bubbly as he glanced at my brother.

“Andy, you’ve always been the brainier one between you and your brother. Your mom and I could hardly keep up with your academic achievements as you grew up and continuously accomplished greater and better. I never wanted to admit it, but I know for sure you got that cleverness from your amazing mom. Not from me.” Everyone laughed as my mom playfully slapped his chest. “I’m delighted you’re working hard at one of the top finance companies in our country, and it makes me so happy to hear how high you continue to soar.”

He turned to look directly at me with shining hazel green eyes. His eyes misted over for a quick second. “Anthony, I’ve been marveling at the work you’ve conducted on this house all day—from the kitchen to the living room, and to the bathrooms—it’s all gorgeous. I hope you’ve been giving yourself all the credit for the beautiful work you’ve accomplished on this home. It was here where it all started. It is because of you, your expertise, and what you’ve done here that our revenues have more than doubled these last two fiscal years, son. Our company is now a multimillion-dollar company because of you.

“We would have never reached this point if it wasn’t for you. Your mom and I can retire and not have to worry much because of your hard work. I’ve been considering this for a while, but I I’ve finally decided now is the time.” He let out a long breath as he continued to hold my gaze. “Anthony, son, I will be stepping down from my position as head of Hughes Developers Incorporation. I want you to take over within the next three to five years after I show you the ropes and help you ease into the position. I believe it is time this company made strides toward a brighter future with you as its leader. You’re ready.”

I blinked, unsure of how to react.

Our parents were only fifty-five years old. I didn’t expect my dad to give this kind of speech for another ten years at least. Although it was great news that he trusted me enough to hand over such an important role, I wasn’t sure how well I could fill his shoes.

He had accomplished so much on his own. My dad built Hughes Developers Incorporation from scratch while I felt like I could barely compare myself to him. I may be a project manager with years of experience under my belt now and I’m confident with what I currently do.

The truth is I knew now because of my dad’s guidance and expertise. He was the one who always guided me, even now when I ran into issues. So, I question my abilities to take over what he built. Would I truly be able to take over this company and do as great of a job as him? What if I fuck up? I still wanted more time to work harder and be more fitted for this role through the projects, money, and connections I brought in.

“Are you going to be retiring then?” I wheezed.

My dad let out a thunderous laugh. “Of course not! I’ll be stepping down, but I’ll work as a project manager. I have far too much energy to retire and just sit around the darn house, you know!”

I bobbed my head up and down in a stiff nod, relieved. I gulped my beer down thickly, with worry and dread racing through my mind. What if I fail? What if our company burned to the ground because of my incompetence? Sure, I’m confident when I’m the project manager in my little team. But to be the leader of the whole company? I wasn’t sure how I’d do.

A warm, smaller hand touched mine, threading our fingers together and pulling me out of my thoughts. Her sweet coconut scent lightly wafted over to me before she leaned in and whispered, “You’ll be incredible, Mr. CEO.” Shoua flashed me a gentle smile; she was so full of confidence that I would be fine.

Andy, who was sitting on the other side of me, placed a firm hand on my shoulder, giving me a quick squeeze. “Congratulations, I know you’ll be great, Anthony. I can’t think of anyone who deserved this more than you.” He turned to our dad with a wide grin. “Dad, at the rate you’re still going, will you ever retire though?”

Our dad let out another booming laugh. “Not unless one of you boys start having kids soon, then I’ll gladly be home all day to look after my grandkids!”

I snickered, glancing over at Andy and Julie. “Yeah, you two. When are you going to start having kids?”

“In three years!” my brother answered giddily. Everyone laughed at his excitement. He turned to Julie with bright eyes. “Right?”

She giggled. “Maybe.”

I chuckled, grateful the current of the conversation had shifted. Despite shifting the topic to the happy couple, the fact that I would soon be taking over the company hung over my head. I was going to be the leader of Hughes Developers Incorporation in a few years. I was nothing great like my dad, but I hoped I’d at least have the potential to be.

Shoua drew calming circles over my knuckles, bringing me back to earth instead of being lost in my thoughts. I squeezed her hand, silently thanking her, and she smiled so gorgeously back at me my heart skipped a beat.

I held her hand all night up until the moment she pulled away before going to bed. Despite going to sleep with fear and dismay still weighing me down, I dreamt of her scent, the softness of her lips, and the supple dips, curves, and lines of her body.

I was consumed by her and only her even in the midst of my own worries. Because with her, I always knew I’d be fine. With her, I knew who I was.

“Did Dad give you any clue he wanted to step down?” Andy asked. He heaved as we came to a slow stop from our morning run. We ended up on the other end of the vast lake, glancing at our rental house as the sun rose.

We agreed last night that we needed to wake up early for a run, partially to get the blood flowing but mainly to talk in private. Even though the house was big, we didn’t want anyone to overhear our conversation.

“I had no idea,” I admitted with a ragged breath. “Who would’ve thought he would be saying that now?”

Andy let out a laugh. “It’s because he’s proud of you. To be honest, you should be happy. I know you’re worried and everything, but you’ll be fine.”

“Says who?” I asked.

“Says me. I know you’re scared, but it’s what you deserve for your hard work, Anthony.” Andy clapped his firm hand on my shoulder and gave me another reassuring squeeze as he did last night.

I scoffed. “You’re not the one who’s been named to take over the company Dad built on his back. So, of course you’d say that. But what if I fuck up? Have you ever thought of that?”

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