Summer's Night Read Free

"Would you like anything, Night? A refill perhaps?"
    He shook his head. "No thanks." Taking a long sip of his quickly cooling java, he watched her go, energy in every step. To be honest, her offer to wait on them caught him by surprise. Granted, he didn't know much about physical therapy, but he'd expected her to come in, do some exercises with his mother then dash off to another patient. Not bring her cookies and make her green tea in addition to her regular duties.
    "Isn't she a dear?" his mother's soft voice broke into his thoughts.
    "She's not what I expected," he admitted, watching the doorway for her to re-emerge.
    He'd seen more beautiful women, even dated his fair share of them. Summer seemed more down to earth, not a knockout who sent men to their knees and gave them fuel for erotic dreams for nights to come. Yet, something about her snared his attention and refused to let go. What little he'd seen of her personality and her pretty looks drew his curiosity, whetted his appetite for more.
    His mother looked over at him. "She's such an angel. Bakes cookies and does a lot more than she has to. Not a lazy bone in her body. Single, too."
    Night noticed the familiar twinkle in his mother's eye and cringed. Here we go again. She was back to playing matchmaker, an old hobby for her. More than once, she'd prodded and pushed him toward one woman or another, pointing out all their wonderful attributes. The one time he took her advice on a particular woman, it ended in a disaster. He swore afterward he would ensure his mother stayed out of his social life, no matter her frequent clamoring for grandchildren. "Not interested, Mother."
    She snorted. "Stubborn as a frog after a lightning bug. You aren't getting any younger."
    He rolled his eyes. "I'm only thirty-one. Last time I looked, that's not quite in my dotage. Besides, I don't need any help finding a date. Thanks anyway."
    "You wouldn't know a good thing if it smacked you in the face," she grumped.
    Summer entered the room, carrying a container of cookies as well as a steaming mug. "Here you go. The tea is hot, so watch your tongue."
    "Thank you."
    After handing off the drink, Summer held out the treat in offering. "They're oatmeal."
    His mother reached in, pulling two cookies out, placing them on the napkin Summer also provided. Once she finished, Summer moved over to him.
    He followed suit, snatching a cookie from the box. "Thanks."
    "You're welcome."
    Her smile lit up her entire face. Bright white teeth sparkled in the morning sunlight streaming through the large bay window.
    His breath caught as something deep inside clicked.
    "I better get going. Thank you for working so hard, Mrs Kensington. Do you want me to leave the gait belt with you or take it with me?" she asked while unhooking the garment and slipping it off.
    "Oh, you can leave it here. Just set it on the table there."
    "I'll see you tomorrow at the same time?" She lightly rolled up the belt, setting it on the coffee table.
    "Of course." His mother patted the younger woman's hand.
    "It's a date, then." With a small wave, Summer headed to the front door.
    Night met her there, opening the door for her. He stared down at her for a moment before giving a small nod. "Thank you."
    "You're very welcome. Your mother is a wonderful lady. I enjoy her appointments."
    The corner of his mouth hitched upward. "Don't tell her that too much or she'll be impossible to live with."
    She chuckled, her eyes sparking with amusement. "I'll do my best. It was nice meeting you, Night."
    "Same here."
    He stood in the doorway, watching her trot to her car, climb in, and drive off. I'll be looking forward to tomorrow.
    "It's a wonder a girl like that is single," his mother called from across the room.
    Returning to his seat, Night released a sigh. His mother would be on the Summer bandwagon for a while. She meant well, but he tired of her meddling. The simple truth was he hadn't found a woman who made him want to settle down and have a