One Hot Summer Anthology by Stephanie Morris

up.
                  He heard the chair across from his desk squeak as his sister ignored his request and sat down instead.
                  “I’m guessing you haven’t heard back from Imani.”
                  He sat his pen down and looked up at his sister with his best glare. “I know you think you’re helping, but you aren’t.”
                  “Actually, I just really want to make sure you’re okay. You’ve been a beast the past few days.”
                  Seventy-two hours to be exact. Around the time Imani informed him she was leaving Myrtle Beach to fly to Texas to speak with management from her former company about her old job. Three days since he’d last held her in his arms, made love to her until the early morning hour, since he watched her drive away from Myrtle Beach. Seventy-two hours since he’d last had a good night’s sleep.
                  “I’m fine, Kallie. I just have a few things to work through.”
                  “No, you’re not okay. You’re nowhere near it. You weren’t this down when you found out Misty was cheating on you.”
                  “Probably because I expected that.”
                  “You didn’t expect Imani to leave?”
                  Carson closed his eyes, rolling his shoulders to relax them. “No, I didn’t. I thought I could convince her to stay, at least until the end of summer.”
                  “You really care about her, don’t you?”
                  “Yes. Something about her appeals to me on a level I never thought possible. I know I’ve only known her for a few weeks, but something is there, or at least it could be if Imani would let it.”
                  “Have you given her any reason to?”
                  He scowled at his younger sister. “Of course I have.”
                  “Tell me one thing you did.”
                  He opened his mouth to name off his list, but nothing came out. Snapping his jaw shut, he scowled.
                  Kallie shook her head. “Such a man, big brother. Now while I don’t know Imani very well, I’ve been in her presence long enough to know she seems to be the sort of woman who’s strong and independent. She’s used to making her own way.”
                  “Who says she can’t do that here?”
                  She shrugged. “Evidently her.”
                  “I don’t understand why things have to be so complicated. I’m willing to do long distance.”
                  “Does she know that? Did you tell her? For how long?”
                  “What do you mean how long? Are you supposed to put a time limit on long distance relationships now?”
                  “No, but it probably won’t work out if there isn’t any planning involved. It sounds like the two of you all have a lot to talk about.”
                  “You’re right. Unfortunately, every time I bring up the subject she runs away.”
                  “Then it sounds like you need to find a way to make her stay put and hear you out.”
     
    * * * *
     
                  Imani sat out in front of Carson’s home, second and third guessing herself. When she’d left Myrtle Beach a week ago, she hadn’t planned to come back. But one phone call with an urgent plea was all it took to bring her roaring back to the beachfront city.
    She slid out of the car and adjusted the hem of her dress as she made her way toward the front door of his. She was a few minutes early, so she walked slowly, taking in a few deep, calming breaths. Her nerves hadn’t been this bad since she’d gone on her interview with her former employer. The best thing about that day was the sweet message Carson had sent her the day of her interview