Page 4 of One Hot Summer

The crunch of tires on gravel cuts through our conversation. Carson's eyes dart to the window, a smile softening his features.

“That'll be Collin.” He rises from his seat. “Come on, I'd like you to meet him.”

I follow him to the front door, my heart racing. The prospect of meeting his son - this living, breathing proof of the life he's built without me - sends a pang through my chest.We were supposed to have kids one day together.

The door swings open, and a whirlwind of energy bursts through. Collin is the spitting image of his father, all dark hair and bright blue eyes. He skids to a halt when he sees me, curiosity blooming on his face.

“Collin, this is Miss Kelsie. She'll be staying with us for a while.”

“Hi, Miss Kelsie!” Collin chirps, offering me a grin. “Do you like horses?”

“I do, actually. Though it's been a while since I've ridden. Your dad is actually the one who taught me many years ago.”

“Maybe Dad can teach you again!” Collin exclaims, bouncing on his toes. “He's the best rider ever!”

Carson chuckles, ruffling his son's hair. “Why don't you go get started on your homework, bud? I'm going to show Miss Kelsie to her room.”

As Collin scampers off, Carson leads me up a creaking staircase. The scent of pine and leather clung to the air, soquintessentially Carson that it makes my heart ache. I miss that smell.

As we go upstairs, we walk past what I assume to be his bedroom considering the flannel shirt laying on the bed and the work boots by the bedside.

“Here we are,” he says, pushing open a door right next to it. “It's not much, but I hope you'll be comfortable.”

I step into the room, drinking in the cozy quilts and lace curtains. It is simple, but warm - just like the man who offered it to me. I’m not sure how this is going to work with me sleeping in the room next to his, but I guess I’ll have to make it work.

“It's perfect. Thank you.”

He nods, hesitating in the doorway. “I’ll let you get settled. Dinner's at six, if you're up for it.”

As the door closes behind him, I sink onto the bed, overwhelmed. My fingers trace the intricate pattern of the quilt, and suddenly, I am transported back in time. To stolen moments in the hayloft, Carson's arms around me, his lips on mine. To whispered promises and dreams of a future together. I close my eyes, fighting back tears. How did we end up here, strangers living under the same roof? And more importantly, how am I going to survive with all these old feelings threatening to resurface?

Chapter Three

Carson

Isnap my head back to her door, my heart pounding. Kelsie is back, after all these years. I never truly believed I would see her again. We had been each other's first love, our passion and connection intense and all-consuming. But after she left for the city, I had no choice but to move on. I got married, had a child, built a life. But deep down, I always held onto a small flame for Kelsie, the girl who had stolen my heart.

And now, she is here, sleeping in the room next to mine. How am I going to handle this? I want to tell her everything, to pour out all of my emotions that have been pent up for so long. But I know that the words won't mean anything to her right now. She has built a life without me, and I can't just expect her to drop everything for me.

Despite everything, when she walked up my front porch steps… in just seconds, I had fallen for her all over again.

I have no idea how long she will staying, but my focus is showing her how much I still care for her while she is here. If she chooses to walk away a second time, I’ll be gutted, but at least I’ll know I did my part.

I go out to the kitchen to start dinner. Collin is in the living room with our dog watching television. As soon as her brothercalled to let me know she was on her way, I ran to the store and bought the ingredients to make her favorite dish. It’s one her mom used to make every birthday. Now, I’m no professional, and certainly not as good of a cook as her mom, but the thought has to count for something, right?

I put the pot of water on the stove and turn the burner on high while I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch. Growing up, I spent so much time over at their house that honestly I can make it in my sleep. Butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, but her mom adds garlic, salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning… and it is orgasmic.

I simmer the butter and cream in a large saucepan, and mix in the garlic and seasonings. I add the pasta to the boiling water, and then add the final ingredient into the sauce, parmesan cheese.

I stir the sauce, lost in memories. My fingers trembled slightly on the wooden spoon, betraying my nerves. I sure hope it’s good, but I don’t dare try it yet.

Soft footsteps pad down the hallway and freeze, my breath catches. Kelsie appears in the doorway, her chestnut hair tousled from what looks like a short nap, those familiar green eyes still hazy with drowsiness. It’s so weird having her here, and it’s going to take a little time to get used to having a woman in the house again.

“Hey, something smells amazing.” She walks into the kitchen and pulls herself up and sits on the counter next to the stove where I’m finalizing the vegetables.

I swallow hard, willing my voice to remain steady when I notice just how short her shorts are now. They are pushed up high so even more of her body is exposed and I gulp. “Just whipping up some dinner. Thought you might be hungry after your trip.”

She peers into the pot. A small smile curves her lips as recognition dawned. “Is that…?”

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