Page 3 of One Scorching Summer

“Pampering and retail therapy. Sounds perfect.” It was just what Jorja needed. A massage to soothe her aching body and bruised ego and to stop her from thinking about the hottest man she had ever set eyes on. She scrutinized her recent manicure and pedicure and sighed. Both were victims of the spectacular tumble at the Carpenter Ranch. Repairs and new polish were needed. She also might find a housewarming gift or two for Nettie when they shopped.

Jorja turned slowly, inspecting the immense open space that had once been part of a warehouse, appreciating the large windows lining the exterior walls, exposed brick, industrial supports, and the two-story ceiling that allowed for an impressive dual-sided gas fireplace. A loft was evident through the horizontal metal railing. The apartment in the new complex that Nettie had lived in when moving to Ulen for her job, where they had enjoyed the pool and nearby restaurants, but never ventured into the town’s center, was not in the same league as this place.

“You never mentioned a loft.” Jorja continued inspecting it all. The sleek galley kitchen—with its peninsula on locking wheels—was offset and perpendicular to the great room, modern, yet welcoming. Right outside the french doors were an enclosed patio and garden. A table for eight and buffet filled the area closer to the great room. “I know I griped about you not sharing the before and during photos, I’m so glad you didn’t. I’m completely blown away. It’s really something.”

“Thank you. Since you’re finally seeing my new place, I’ll share the ‘befores’ and the blueprints and renderings with you.I made an album. Now that the project is completed, except for little touches here and there, I have to admit that it was worth the long wait. I doubt I’ll ever return to living in an apartment complex again. I adore this place. The loft was an early decision during the conversion, so was adding the wrought iron staircase. The additional square footage increased the value of the condo immediately.IfI ever sell.”

“Smart decision.” Jorja agreed, shaking her head in wonder. “You really have an eye. Your degree in design has certainly paid off. I don’t know that I could ever sell this, Nettie.”

“Says my friend who swears everyone has their price. You’ll be in the guest room, in the loft, across from the other bedroom which serves as my office away from the office. There’s Jack and Jill between them and a nice sitting area where you can read, work, or whatever you want. There’s even a TV. I’ll give you the rest of the tour and then get you situated.”

She guided Jorja around the rest of the main floor. To a small hall behind the wall of the great room, which housed the powder bath and laundry, and on the other side, where a door provided access to the kitchen’s walk-in pantry. And to the hall furthermost from the kitchen which led to the master suite. Light poured in through the sizable windows and transoms. A second set of french doors led to a screened-in porch, which had a door to the small, landscaped yard with a fountain. It was bordered by a rustic fence, dense landscaping, and mature trees.

“It’s lovely.” She was content in her townhome in Landry, but Jorja could easily imagine living here in the middle of nature, yet right in the center of Ulen.

“The bidding war for this end of the building was so stressful but, well, I’msoglad I stuck it out.”

“I remember. You’ve got to be thrilled that you didn’t give up.”

“I am, and thanks for encouraging me from Landry. It was more than I planned on spending, but the possibilities were endless, and it turned out that the additional outlays were worth it. I love how it turned out. It’s home and part of my portfolio. My largest project to-date, although I have an even larger one starting soon. I have a waiting list of people wanting to hire me. Ulen is booming.”

“So proud of you. Look at us. Two badass women killing it in our professions.” Jorja crossed her fingers behind her hip, hoping to somehow reclaim the opportunity to talk to Rake Carpenter and bring the surface estates that Ogden-Keller wanted under lease.

“Go us.” Nettie winked at Jorja and grinned, then pointed toward the back of her oasis. “There’s a walking trail on that rise. It was converted from the old railway and runs through Ulen and then continues in both directions, connecting points of interest and other small towns. My contractor installed steps and a gate so that I have access, but the curious are discouraged from coming into my private sanctuary.”

“It locks?”

“Yep, by keypad. I use the shared path almost daily. We’ll take some walks while you’re here, that is if you want. Most of it is in deep shade.”

“I’d enjoy that.” Jorja might run, too, if she could rise early enough before the sweltering weather snuffed out any outdoor activities for the day. No noticeable break in the weather was predicted for days.

“Come with me. I’ll show you where you’re staying.” Nettie led her upstairs.

I need a long hot soak.Jorja winced as she stepped, then slipped off her pumps.

Nettie frowned at her friend's appearance, suddenly noticing the blood and dirt on Jorja’s skirt and the injured knees. “Ohshit, I’m sorry. I was so excited that I didn’t even notice. You’re hobbling. Oh, no … Bleeding in places. And covered in dirt. It appears that Miss Put-Together bit the dust.” Her eyes landed on the scuffed pumps. “Your Manolos? They’re your favorites. What happened? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Humiliated, but whole. A soak in the tub will go a long way to healing.”

“I’ll get the water going. Are any of the abrasions too deep for Epsom salts?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Wearing them out to the middle of nowhere was a bad idea. I had a bit of a tumble getting out of Granddad’s truck.” Barefoot, Jorja carefully followed her friend up the steps, securely gripping the rail, not quite ready to share all the details while she was still processing the entire excruciating episode.

Because Rake Carpenter had gone full alphahole on her.

Because mentioning him might unleash the unsatisfied carnal hunger and simmering frustration she battled.

Because this weekend was about friendship and catching up.

“You drove it? I thought you’d drive your car with the air on high. It’s supposed to be as hot as blazes this weekend. How interesting that you’d drive out to a rural spot in a vehicle without air, dressed like this. What were you thinking?”

“I was trying to fit in with who I was calling on and be professional at the same time.” True and not true. “Not one of my best decisions.” She slipped round Nettie, sucking in a sharp breath as the exposed wound on her right knee stretched. Shit, she ached in so many places and hurt in others. “I really don’t want to talk about it right now, okay?”

“Sure. But you know I’m going to want more details. After you’re feeling better, of course.” Her friend ran the water, tested the temperature, and closed the stopper. Nettie kneeled by the tub and sprinkled in the salts in, swirling her hand to encouragethem to dissolve. She added more hot water, tested the warmth again, and said over her shoulder, “That feels about right. These salts will do wonders. There are bandages, gauze, and miracle ointment in the cabinet.”

“Miracle ointment? Seriously?”

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