Summers are warm and dry. Full of energy and life.
Gavin usually hated the Summer. Working in suits and ties was torture in the heat. It was nothing but stale air, damp clothes and oppressive malaise.
But he liked this Summer. This was the Season of sparking wildfires.
Cully was home from school and working in one of the local pubs. Apparently her father was under the impression she was a waitress instead of behind the bar; all the better. He would probably ask how she became such an accomplished bartender and frown upon her chatting up so many strange men.
Gavin found out by accident. He was in with some friends one night for a few rounds of beers. When it was his turn to buy a round he went up to the bar. A male bartender had taken his order. He nearly dropped the glasses when he heard her call his name; turning he saw her.
She brought over the last glass he was waiting for with a smile. He felt his own smile breaking through his confusion.
They spoke for only a few moments before he returned the drinks to his friends. They stayed for only one more round before clearing out. They may turn up now and again, but they were all working men now, not college kids.
Gavin stayed behind though. He pretended to forget his coat after walking them out. He made a beeline for the bar.
Pulling up a stool he sat in her section. They caught up on life, it'd been almost a year since they'd last been together, just after that kiss on the ropes course. Cully had fled to school and traveled during her breaks, anxious to avoid home…or him.
It was awkward at first, before breaking into the warm and familiar patterns. They closed out the bar that night. He walked her to her car before going home himself. He'd stopped drinking when the boys left, his current intoxication only from the soda water and her presence.
He started going there every Wednesday night, soon adding Fridays and Mondays. By the end of the stifling Summer he was there every day she worked.
Friendly conversations in between serving patrons had evolved into playful flirting. By the middle of the Summer every look, every hand brush passing a glass was a sparking challenge.
It was the end of July when their pattern faltered. Gavin walked her to her car, but she didn't get in.
She turned and grabbed his tie, pulling him to her in an emotionally charged kiss. He returned her passion whole heartedly and wrapped his arms around her. The heat of the Summer night was nothing compared to the heat between them.
Pulling back, he asked her if she wanted to take a walk.
"What?" She asked breathily.
"I live a few blocks over." He said, leaning his forehead against hers.
"Do you have air conditioning at home?" She asked and laughed at his confused and muddled expression.
"Wha, yes." He said puzzled.
She leaned in for another scorching kiss, "Good, then we won't burn the place down."
Hand in hand they quick strolled a few blocks over to Gavin's building. With the assistance of air conditioning and a cool shower, they avoided any fire or heatstroke.
Funny how Summer's can be hot and stifling one minute then a warm embrace the next. Gavin like this Summer. It might even be his new favorite season.