Chapter Six
Sommer looked over the figures yet again, despite knowing they wouldn’t change. After adding and subtracting, moving a decimal here or there, she came up with the same numbers. Afternoon Delights had been open for business for three months now and her revenue barely made up for the expenses incurred from simply running the business. If she had another couple months like this, she’d be forced to close.
Bottom line, things were not looking good.
This wasn’t something she could share with her parents or they’d immediately step in and take over, all in the name of helping her. While she was sure anything they did would be well-intentioned, she didn’t want that. She couldn’t tell Uncle Seth because he’d do pretty much the same, and there was definitely no chance in hell of her confessing her problems to Caleb.
Caleb.
That was another dilemma she had to soon come to a decision about. He insisted on spending all their spare time together. He was attentive, considerate, brought her little presents to brighten her day, and the sex between them was red hot. Caleb made her experience sensations she didn’t think existed. He only had to look at her and her body grew warm with anticipation. With just one touch, her pussy tingled. In essence, he was the total package.
And that was the problem.
The more time they spent together, the harder it became for her to maintain a nonchalant façade. What she really wanted was to tell him how much she loved him and wanted to be with him, but each time the words threatened to slip out, she’d change the subject.
She found it difficult to open up to him as she used to. In a way, Sommer almost wished they hadn’t embarked on this affair, but the other part of her rejoiced every time he took her in his arms. Still, the dynamic between them had changed drastically. Because she was so frightened of revealing too much to him, she no longer shared certain aspects of her life. It was becoming more and more about sex. Sommer acknowledged most of it was her fault.
She rubbed her tired eyes. A headache was beginning to develop from staring at the computer screen for so long.
“Is everything okay, boss?” Jason, one of the teenagers she’d hired to work at the shop in the afternoons, poked his head in.
She pasted a smile on her face, trying to maintain an air of casualness. “Of course. Is there something you needed?”
He scratched his head and gave her a sheepish grin. Sommer knew right away he wanted something. “Well, I was kinda wondering if you’d let me clock out a little early. I’ve got a date tonight and since it’s not that busy…”
Sommer sighed. Jason was a hard worker and always stayed later to help her close without her even asking. Besides, he had a point. It wasn’t very busy out there. It rarely was. “No problem, Jason. Have fun.”
He shot her a wide grin. “Thanks. I’ll sweep up and then head out if that’s okay with you.”
Sommer waved her hand, shooing him off. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of the store, and you have fun tonight. That’s an order.”
“You’re the best.” The young man didn’t need to be told twice. He waved goodbye and headed out.
She waited for the bell to chime signaling his departure before leaving her office. The place was completely empty. Glancing at her watch, she realized there was an hour left before closing. It was Friday night and there was a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream in her freezer at home with her name on it.
Caleb was out of town for a couple days with his father to take care of pack business. Tasha had plans with her latest boyfriend. And Sommer didn’t particularly feel like visiting her parents. They would ask far too many questions and she didn’t have the strength to deal with them at the moment, although she was quite sure she’d receive a telephone call from them tonight since she hadn’t been by for a couple days.
Sommer definitely needed to re-evaluate what was going on in her life. So much for her friend’s belief in that stupid psychic reading, because none of it was coming true. Her business wasn’t doing as well as she would have liked and her sex life, exciting though it was, was getting much too complicated for her to handle.
Deciding to close early since it looked like she’d have no more customers for the night, she began to wrap the confections that could be redisplayed and boxed up the items that were soon to expire so that she could drop them off at the local homeless shelter. Everything that couldn’t be salvaged, Sommer tossed. She was so engrossed in her task, she didn’t hear the bell chime when someone entered her store.
“Ahem.” The clearing of someone’s throat made their presence known.
Sommer looked up, a ready smile glued to her lips as she was prepared to greet her customer. When she saw who it was, however, she forced herself not to grimace. “Selena. It’s nice of you to stop by Afternoon Delights,” Sommer greeted, silently congratulating herself for sounding natural.
Selena smiled, showing perfect white teeth. “I couldn’t not come by and check out your little…venture.”
She didn’t know if Selena meant to sound condescending, but Sommer’s hackles were raised. “It’s more than just a venture. It’s my livelihood.”
One refined brow shot up. “Oh. My mistake. I was thinking this was simply a hobby.”
Sommer folded her arms across her chest, biting the inside of her lip so as not to say something she’d regret. As always, she found herself on the defensive whenever she was around this woman. “Why would you think that? I gave up a well-paid position at a Fortune 500 accounting firm in order to run my own business. I’d be crazy if I were to treat this as a mere hobby.”
Selena shrugged one elegant designer-clad shoulder, a look of pure indulgence on her face. “I meant no offense, sweetie. After all, one could be forgiven for thinking you wouldn’t have as much to risk. Your parents have the wealth to back you up and you seem to have the Alpha wrapped around your little finger. I’m sure a simple phone call from you would produce the funds you’d need to keep this outfit running.”
Sommer’s nostril’s flared. Was this bitch deliberately trying to provoke her? She counted to ten in her head before replying to that remark. “Selena, your family isn’t exactly in the poorhouse either. Do you get help from them for your boutiques?”
She threw her head back and released a deep throaty laugh. “You’re so adorable, Sommer. No wonder Caleb seems to be taken with you at the moment. And of course, I have my family’s backing to some extent, although I am ultimately the boss. That’s the way of our kind. We stick together and help each other out, which is why I assumed your family…well, you’ve always been a bit prickly, haven’t you? Anyway, judging from how empty this place is, I think you could benefit from a little help. If you ever need some business advice, even though I work on a much larger scale, I’d be happy to provide it.”
As insulting as the other comments were, the mention of Caleb’s name set Sommer off, especially when she’d went to such pains to keep their affair under wraps. “Selena, for someone I don’t see on a regular basis, you seem to know a lot about what’s going in my life—most of which is wrong. I’m sure there was a purpose for your visit, so if you don’t mind, please get to the point. As you can see, I’m busy.”
Selena’s lips tilted slightly, her eyes flashing fire for a brief moment. “You really are a charming child. There’s no need to be so defensive. And by the way, you’d be surprised what I know about you. Caleb tells me how sweet you are. Just the other day, when we were having lunch, he mentioned you. It was quite sweet the way he talked about you, actually.”
Sommer stiffened. “You had lunch with him?” The moment the words were out of her mouth, she wished she would have been able to take them back. The last thing she wanted was to give this woman ammunition to use against her, and letting Selena see that she was getting under her skin was weapon enough.
“Of course we did. That’s what friends do. Caleb and I have an understanding, you see. We may no longer see each other exclusively, but we’re still quite close. He confides quite a bit to me, and his latest favorite topic is you. Look, Sommer, I like you, and that’s why I’m here today. I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t offer you a little friendly advice.”
Sommer’s fists clenched and unclenched at her sides. The heat rushed to her face and a vein throbbed in her head. Red hot anger rolled through her body and she didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to endure this ‘friendly’ chat. “Say what you have to and leave. I don’t have the time to stand around and listen to advise I didn’t ask for.”
Scarlet painted lips drooped slightly. “I figured you’d be a poor sport about this, but it’s understandable. Caleb is the type of man who would make any woman feel special. When you’re with him, he treats you like a queen, and it often gives one a false sense of security. In your case, he’d probably be extra careful, considering who your father is and the role the Alpha has in your life, but at the end of the day, you’re just like the rest of the girls he used and eventually discarded. I wanted to make sure you knew what you’re getting into because I’d hate to see you get hurt.”
This woman was asking to get smacked. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Sommer snapped, narrowing her eyes.
Selena smirked. “Are you sure? I couldn’t help but notice the way you were all over Caleb at your little function. And I’m sure if I did, others did as well. Frankly, I was a bit embarrassed for you. Don’t mistake Caleb’s kindness and temporary interest in you for more than what it is.”
That was it. Sommer didn’t give a damn if Selena’s words were true or not, but there was no way she’d let this woman disrespect or intimidate her. “Selena cut the bullshit. We both know you’re not here to do me any favors. You’re trying to warn me off, which makes me wonder why. Perhaps your understanding isn’t as solid as you’re letting on, otherwise, why would you bother?” Sommer challenged.
Feline-like eyes narrowed to green slits. The smile that had lingered on Selena’s smug face tightened into a thin line. “Surely you don’t think he would want you for more than a few rolls in the hay? In case you’ve forgotten, you’re human and he’s the Alpha-in-Waiting. There’s no way in hell he’d choose you as his life mate.”
“You seem pretty sure about that. How do you know he hasn’t already asked me to be?” Sommer crossed her fingers behind her back for the little lie she’d just let slip. It was probably something Selena could easily dispute, but simply seeing the other woman lose her cool composure sent a burst of satisfaction soaring through Sommer’s chest.
“You’re lying,” Selena snarled through clenched teeth. Her eyes glittered with evident fury and her now elongated canine teeth bit into her lower lip.
Sommer shrugged. “What you believe won’t keep me awake tonight. Now that you’ve done your good deed for the day, please leave. I can’t say it’s been pleasant.”
Selena tossed a strand of her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Fine. Be stubborn if you’d like, but think about this, even if for some misguided reason Caleb does choose you for a mate, do you think the pack would accept his choice? Seth Masters’ protection of you will only extend but so far. The elders won’t stand for it and neither will the rest of the pack. Caleb would be ridiculed and possibly challenged by another to take over the leadership reins. He needs someone strong to stand by his side—a leader like him to govern the pack.”
Sommer lifted a brow. “Someone like you, I suppose?”
“Exactly like me. You may have grown up among us, but you’ll never truly be one of us. Any offspring you’d have would be half-breeds and shunned by both worlds. In the end, Caleb will come to resent you and any abominations you produce. If you really care about Caleb, which I suspect you do, you won’t pursue this little pipedream of yours. Have your fun and sleep with him, if you must, but don’t get your hopes up.” A malicious smile tilted Selena’s lips. “He’s killer in the sack, isn’t he?”
“Get out.” Sommer delivered the words deadpan. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to stand here without getting violent.
Selena chuckled. “There’s no need to be nasty, sweetie. Us girls have to stick together. Good luck with your little shop.” Her gaze swept the four corners of Afternoon Delight with a disparaging glance. “From what I can tell, you’ll need it.” With that, the other woman turned on her expensive heels and stalked out of the store with slow easy strides. It was the walk of a self-assured woman.
Once the door closed, Sommer’s shoulders drooped and she bowed her head. Nausea swam through her body, leaving her shaking. As upsetting as the confrontation was, she realized Selena was only voicing what other pack members had probably been saying behind Sommer’s back for twenty-six years. She wasn’t one of them and would never be completely accepted. Which was why she’d have to end her affair with Caleb sooner rather than later.
* * *
“A penny for them.”
Caleb looked up from his rare filet mignon, his appetite non-existent. He tried to conjure up a smile for his dinner companion, but he didn’t much feel like it. With a sigh, he pushed his plate away from him. “You wouldn’t understand.”
Michael Kazama, an executive at Masters and Son, his Beta and one of his best friends, placed his eating utensils down. “Try me.”
“It’s a bit complicated.”
A faint smile touched Michael’s mouth. “Is it Sommer?”
“How did you guess?”
“I would be dense if I didn’t. When you’re not talking about her, you have a far off look in your eyes, so I can only assume you’re thinking about her. The only time I see you is at the office or on business trips now because you’re always spending time with her.”
“I’m sorry. I haven’t been a good friend lately, have I?”
Michael waved his hand dismissively. “It’s okay. I understand. Anyway, I kind of figured something was up when you didn’t want to go for a run last night. The moon is nearly full and it isn’t like you to pass up a chance of racing through the woods in our second form.”
“Have I been that obvious?”
“I’ve noticed because I know you so well.”
“I guess I have been spending a lot of time with Sommer lately and things should be great but I feel like we’re stuck.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’ve claimed her, I’ve even marked her but we’re at a standstill. It’s like she’s keeping me at arm’s length and it’s frustrating the fuck out of me.”
“That’s surprising to hear. You’ve loved Sommer a long time, haven’t you?”
There was no point in denying it. If Michael could see his feelings, others probably could as well, and hell, why in the world was he trying to hide it? He wasn’t ashamed of his feelings for her. Caleb was proud of her and wanted everyone to know it. Sommer, on the other hand, was of a different mind.
She didn’t want people to think their relationship was anything other than platonic. Caleb was willing to give her the time she needed to adjust to the change in their relationship, however, he was getting tired of being her dirty little secret. The worst part was that adding sex into the mix wasn’t the only thing that had changed between them. Sommer didn’t share what was going on in her life with him anymore, never laughing at his jokes with the full heartiness she used to or just calling him up for the sake of saying hello.
Whenever he asked her something as simple as how business was doing, she’d clam up. He didn’t know the exact moment it happened, but somehow she’d erected an invisible barrier between them and the easy friendship they’d once had was no longer there. The only time he was sure of her feelings was when they were fucking. She gave herself to him with the same wild abandon as the first time, but that was no longer enough. There were many nights after making love with her when he wanted to tell Sommer how he felt, but something always held Caleb back. He didn’t like this new dynamic.
Not one bit.
Caleb raked his fingers through his hair. “You’re right. I’m crazy about her. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to make my move.”
Michael grinned. “I believe I do, but judging from the woe-is-me look on your face, things aren’t going well?”
“How can it when she basically treats me like a goddamn stud for her amusement.”
Bemusement crossed his friend’s face. “Sommer? She doesn’t strike me as the type to do that. There must be some explanation.”
“I would never have thought it of her either, but she wants to treat what we have as a no-strings-attached type sex thing.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“With Sommer it is. I want more than a convenient fuck buddy. If that were the case, I would have chosen to be with someone else.”
“Like Selena? She’s made it known in our circles that she’s not averse to the idea of getting back with you.”
Caleb shrugged. “Not interested.”
“She’s beautiful.”
“So is a mannequin, but I have no desire to rush into bed with one of those either.”
“You were very casual about the affair and it ended rather abruptly. I think she had her hopes set on being the Alpha Bitch.”
“If that’s what she’s believed, that’s too bad for her. She knew the deal when we were together. She grew a little too clingy for my taste. I’m sure Selena will have no problem finding another lover. Weren’t you interested in her at one time?”
‘”What red-blooded man wouldn’t be? She’s sexy as hell, but I think she still has her sights set on you. Anyway, I’ve got my eye on someone else.”
“Anyone, I know?”
“I think you do. A friend of Sommer’s. The one with the hazel eyes and the legs for days. You should have seen that ass on her.”
He had to be talking about Tasha. “She’s human.”
Michael looked unconcerned. “So is Sommer. That hasn’t stopped you.”
“But she grew up among us and knows what we are. Tasha doesn’t, as far as I know. Anyway, weren’t you the one who said you were through with human women because you’re tired of holding back?”
A sheepish grin split Michael’s face. “For an ass like hers, I’d give it another chance. It’s not like I’m looking for anything permanent, mind you. I just want to hit it and quit it.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Some things never change,” Caleb murmured.
“Enough about me. What do you plan on doing about Sommer?”
Caleb released a deep breath. “That’s the million dollar question. I want to tell her how I really feel.”
“So what’s stopping you?”
“Weren’t you listening? She shuts me down whenever I try to talk about anything besides fucking. Sommer isn’t acting like the woman I fell for, but I think there’s something deeper, something she isn’t telling me. Maybe if I can find out what it is, we could work things out.”
“Perhaps she’s going through some difficulties she may not be comfortable sharing with you.”
A low growl of frustration tore from Caleb’s throat. “The same thing has occurred to me and it hurts like hell. There was a time when she would tell me anything, and I wish to God she would share what’s bothering her now.”
Michael rubbed his chin. “Do you think it could be work related? I’m sure starting a new business is probably stressful. Maybe she’s worried about doing well.”
It seemed as if a light had gone off in his head. That had to be it! The few times he’d visited Sommer’s shop since that first time, it had been empty except for the help she’d hired. Caleb had asked her about it, but she’d brushed it off by simply saying he’d missed the rush. At the time he’d dismissed it as him just happy to be in her presence, but in retrospect, he did remember seeing a fleeting gleam of worry in her eyes. He thought he’d imagined it, but now Caleb was sure it was what he’d seen.
“You’re on to something, Michael. I have a strong feeling that’s exactly what the matter is. What else could it be?”
“Why not shoot some business her way? It may give her the boost she needs.”
“That’s the problem, man. She wouldn’t appreciate my help, or anyone else’s for that matter. Sommer is adamant that she not receive any help. It’s important to her that she becomes a success because of the hard work she’s put into Afternoon Delights, not because she got help from me, her parents or anyone else.”
Michael furrowed his brows. “But isn’t that what business is all about? There’s no shame in networking and using who you know.”
“I get it and you get it, but try telling Sommer that. The thing is though, it’s a bit more complicated than that.” Caleb slammed his fist on the table, making the plates and utensils jump. “I wish I could do something.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“I already told you, I can’t.”
“Of course you can. The trick is not letting her find out about it. In my opinion, you want to help her and she needs it, so why not just do it? And with all of your business connections, you could surely throw some clients her way without Sommer finding out.”
The more he thought about it, the more the idea began to appeal to him. He would do it! But the thing was if Sommer found out, he could lose her forever.