“Okay, so we need to talk.” He stopped the working of his hands and turned to face me. His shorts hung at his waist and were dangerously close to falling down. He was rapidly losing weight and his newly bronzed skin made his gray eyes pop. I cleared my throat.
“I need this house. I’ve diverted four couples and sent them elsewhere since you’ve been here, but I have this woman—she’s threatening us—and I kind of told her I would make sure her reservation was…”
He nodded in understanding. “I need to leave.”
“Well,” I pointed to my house as if he didn’t know where it was. “It’s temporary. But you can sleep with me if you don’t want to get a hotel.”
Ian raised a brow, his lips twisted into a small smile.
“I mean, you can sleep in one of my spare bedrooms.”
Jesus, why was I so nervous? I shook it off.
“Will you be done with this today?”
“I should be.”
“Okay, great.”
He crossed his arms and studied me.
Get those balls out, Koti!
“Look, I’m sorry. Stay at a hotel or take one of my rooms. Either way, I need you out of here by ten in the morning. Okay? This isn’t a request. I have a business to run and I can’t handle the loss of commission.”
Ian bit his lip.
“Well?” I prompted, waiting for a response, the shake in my voice making my demand seem ridiculous.
“Oh, I think you’ve made yourself quite clear, Ms. Vaughn.”
Deflating I took a step forward. “I don’t want to fight.”
“I’m not going to fight. I’ll take your room.”
“Good, because you’re exhausting.”
His eyes narrowed. “Thanks.”
“Just stating the facts. Okay, so here’s a key to my place.” I pulled it from my pocket and set it on the counter. “Feel free to come and go as you please but if you take wine, make sure to replace it.” The second he took a step forward to retrieve the key, his shorts went.
Our eyes locked right before I let mine drift down.
Commando.
I was staring at Ian’s cock. Ian was staring at his own cock. Disco’s eyes were on Ian’s cock and I quickly covered them to save her virtue. It took every bit of strength I had to look away but not before I took a mental picture. Ian cursed as he pulled up his pants and apologized.
I held up my hand surprising myself with a steady voice. “It’s fine, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.” That was a lie, his dick was impressive and beautiful. I regrouped and reclaimed my tongue.
“But you should probably wear shorts that fit and underwear while you stay with me.”
“Agreed,” he picked up his wool and turned his back to me. “See you tomorrow then.”
* * *
The next morning, I heard Disco squeak at the foot of my bed and pushed off my covers just as Ian raced in after her. “Sorry, I tried to grab her before she got… fuck me—” his eyes lingered on my chest and I looked down and realized I wasn’t wearing anything but underwear and my cami. During the night it must have shifted above my miss sized tits. I laughed and pulled down my shirt to cover myself. “Now we’re even,” I yelled at Ian’s retreating back.
“Hardly. My cock is pointing north.”
“Still a Marine with that filthy mouth, huh?”
“I’ll keep it clean, Ms. Vaughn.”
I picked up a vying Disco from the foot of my bed. “Don’t worry about it, Ian. Thousands of people have seen these tits, Mardi Gras, not to mention hundreds of concerts. Alcohol has a way of temporarily curing anxiety. A few times a year, I could be quite the party girl.”
That was before you became a bohemian recluse.
I left that part out.
Ian’s voice echoed from the guest bathroom. “How worldly of you.”
“I’d like to think so.” Disco barked. “And Disco agrees.”
“Better take a Benadryl,” he said, peeking into my room to make sure I was decent before he again called me out on the fact that I was not allergic to the puppy as I tossed her around on my bed. “You needed her,” I said affectionately and unapologetically as I kissed her fluffy face. “And I wanted you to have her.”
Ian opened the door fully, sat on the edge of my bed and watched us play. After a few minutes, his voice cut through my laughter. “You grew up beautiful, Koti Vaughn.”
Our eyes met before I gave him a lopsided grin. “And you grew up so handsome, Ian Kemp.”
His smile was a sledgehammer to my chest. “So, I’ve moved my stuff into the guest bedroom. I set up my board in the living room. Hope that’s okay.”
“Of course,” I said, lunging after Disco as she tried to wander off the bed.
“Damnit, woman! Could you stop that?” He asked, pushing me back to sit upright and pulling my comforter firmly in place to cover me. “I know we’re friends, but I’m still a man.”
“Really?” I said with a chuckle before eyeing his crotch with a smirk. I was shamelessly flirting and couldn’t have cared less. “Hadn’t noticed. Besides didn’t you hammer all that pent-up sexual frustration out with barstool number five?”
Ian grinned. “No, I failed at execution and accidentally passed out while I was taking a piss. I woke up with a couch pillow under my head on the bathroom floor. She did leave me a note to call her.”
“You lied?”
“Maybe I liked seeing you jealous.”
“I wasn’t jealous and how very immature of you.”
“I never said I was a saint, Koti.”
My name sounded like heaven rolling off his tongue. His eyes grew dark as I gripped Disco tightly to me. “Why would it make you happy if I was jealous?”
Ian’s eyes roamed my neck and chest before they drifted back to mine. “Are you hungry for breakfast?”
“Are you going to answer my question?”
“No,” he said, standing abruptly. “House rules, no nudity.”
“Hey, I’m not the one with the hat-trick trousers,” I said in an attempt to mock his accent.
“That was actually pretty decent.”
“I’m trying to get better.” We shared a smile before I forced myself to look away. It had been a long time since I’d had any testosterone in my bedroom. I was seconds away from stripping down and begging him to use me. Instead, I spoke to Disco.
“Hey baby, want some bacon?”
“Not us, we eat turkey.” Ian plucked Disco from my hold and I frowned. “She loves you more, doesn’t she?”
“She better, I’m the one who’s doing all the training. Plus, she loves our runs, we’re going ten miles today.”
“You can’t walk her that hard!” I said getting out of bed and shoving my pajama pants on.
Ian looked away as I pulled a thin T-shirt over my head.
“I don’t,” he called over his shoulder as I followed him down the hall.
“What?”
He turned to me and cradled Disco in his forearm.
“You run with her like that?”
He nodded.
“Ha! I bet you get a ton of attention.”
“She’s my ace in the hole. I have an orange juice waiting every morning at mile five.”
I looked at him skeptically. “Making rounds all over the island?”
He gave me a devilish grin. “But I’ll be coming home to you tonight.”
My heart skipped an odd beat before he disappeared out the door.
* * *
I spent my day getting three houses ready and the last of it walking Mrs. Tartar through the Kemps’ spotless beach house. Ian’s new cabinetwork opened the place up, made it seem light and a bit more… airy. It was truly beautiful.
“So you live next door?”
“Yes, but I would prefer you contact me by the number on the counter.”
Mrs. Tartar twisted her lips in distaste before she rudely dismissed me. I wasn’t looking forward to a week of her scrutiny. She had a def
inite bug up her ass. I was counting on my island to rid her of it.
Walking back to my house, I saw my porch candles were lit and my playlist was already on. I opened the door to see Ian in the kitchen. He was wearing a navy-blue T-shirt and loose sports shorts. His white smile greeted me. “Hey, didn’t want to disturb your routine.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, thanks.”
“I wanted to cook tonight if that’s okay?”
“Of course, smells good.” I pulled a vase from the cabinet next to him and filled it with water before I slid Banion’s latest creation in.
“You brought me flowers?” he asked teasingly.
“My friend owns a flower shop. I use him to make welcome bouquets for the rentals. Beautiful, aren’t they?”
“They are,” he said as he chopped up some figs.
“What ya’ cooking?”
“Salad and very bland chicken.”
“I’ll take it,” I said, snatching a fig from the cutting board and popping it into my mouth. I picked up a mason jar that sat next to a pile of vegetables. “What’s this?”
“Pomegranate dressing.”
“Wow,” I said before I shook it up and brought a fingerful to my mouth. “Delicious.”
“Yeah, my mother insisted she teach me a few things about cooking when I was growing up.”
“That’s awesome. I had to learn my cooking skills from Paula Dean and with your diet, I’ll be hard-pressed to find a recipe suitable for you.”
“No worries. I’m easy. I also bought some bananas,” he said his deep voice pure temptation. “I’m making you pops for dessert. I figured I’d reward you for being such a good muse.”
“Good muse?” I took a seat on the stool opposite of him. “How so?”
“You always have music going, it’s always lit up over here. I think I might enjoy your bubble while I’m here.”
“They do sell candles and docking stations everywhere. You could create a bubble of your very own.”
He grinned down at his cubed figs. “I said your bubble. Should I get crystals too? Then my man card should definitely get revoked.”
“Nothing wrong with wanting a little calm in your life.”
“I’ve been off the tit for some time, Koti. I can handle it.”
I took immediate offense. “Yeah cause most people can, right? They don’t need a silly routine when they get home to cope with everyday stresses.” I stood abruptly. “I need to go shower.”
“Shit,” regret was clear in his features as I glared at him over the counter. “I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry.”
“Rule number one of friendship, don’t ever use something against someone that they tell you in confidence, especially a weakness.”
“You aren’t weak at all.”
“Well, then you have a fucked-up way of delivering a compliment. Backasswards way, friend.”
Stomping down the hall, I heard Ian whisper under his breath, “Swallow your tongue, asshole.”
I kicked off my shoes in my bedroom and glared into my closet. My shower lasted fifteen minutes longer than usual, and I knew I was wasting water. I brushed my hair and threw on an old T-shirt sundress. When I rejoined Ian in the kitchen, another apology, in the form of a glass of wine was waiting for me.
Ian’s eyes flit over my face before he snatched a towel off his shoulder. “It was insensitive.”
“It’s fine. I’m used to it.”
He picked up the glass and held it out to me. “Well don’t get used to it from me, all right?”
I nodded, taking his offered wine, while he grabbed the chicken out of the oven.
“This is really nice of you.”
“Least I could do, since you’re putting me up.”
Ian plated up our dinner and took the cushioned seat next to me on the island. We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes as we ate.
“This is delicious.”
“It’s the dish my mother taught me to make for my dates,” he confessed.
“And here I was thinking you had skills,” I said with the nudge of my elbow. “Still, it’s impressive.”
“My mother was always thinking of things like that. She made me a cookbook for quick reference in case there was a second date.”
“Wow.”
“She trained me well. She said she always wanted her children considerate more than any other characteristic.”
“I think I love your mother,” I said with a mouthful. “Rowan is good people.”
“So tomorrow, will I get a rain check on the dinner I missed?”
“Oh, I get it. This is a favor thing?” I turned to face him and felt the awareness of him shoot through every cell, every pore. He was temptation, his smell, his smile, his beautiful voice.
“In a way. But I was wondering what that dinner might have tasted like.”
“Well,” I said as I took the last bite of chicken off my fork. “I’m not a modest cook with truly mad skills. The fish will be dry, but the wine will be delicious.”
We clinked glasses. “I look forward to it.”
“I’ve got the dishes,” I said grabbing his plate.
“I’ll let you.” He grabbed Disco and nodded his head toward the door. “Going for a walk.”
I nodded as my hands shook in the dishwater.
This is not good, Koti.
* * *
Half an hour later, I was browsing through a painter’s magazine of canvas templates and accompanying paints while Ian set up his computer.
“Shit, the Wi-Fi here is barely catching with next door.”
“Waiting on a call from your daughter?”
“Yeah. I may have to go elsewhere.”
The glowing blue light flashed in front of him and I saw his eyes light in recognition. He waved at the screen.
Uncomfortable with the intrusion, I gestured toward my bedroom. “I’ll just go.”
“You don’t have to.”
He signed fluidly at the screen. “Stay.”
“Okay.” I sat back down in my seat and he began talking with his hands. I watched fascinated.
“I’m telling Ella,” he said as he flicked two fingers out and closed them at his heart, “that I’m staying at my neighbor’s as the paint dries at her grandmother’s house.” He twisted the computer and I saw his daughter wave at me excitedly. I straightened in my seat and waved back.
Ella waved a hand over her face and closed her fist before she began frantically signing.
“She wants to know if you’re my new girlfriend.”
I shook my head and wound my index finger next to my ear and pointed at her father to let her know I thought he was crazy. She laughed on screen. Ella was a beautiful little girl with long blonde hair and deep-water eyes. I assumed she favored her mother. And then she spoke. “Dad, what have you done to her?” Her English was clear but tainted in the way where she sounded as if she spoke through her nose.
He mocked offense and then spoke. “Nothing. I’ve done nothing to her.”
“Does she read lips?” I asked.
He looked between us as Ella spoke up. “Yes, Koti, I read lips.”
I moved in so she could get a better look at them.
“He’s lying to you. He’s an awful neighbor. I only let him come here because of this.” I lifted Disco up and heard her loud squeal. Though her voice wasn’t completely clear and she had a slightly off point tongue, she had mastered her speech. “Oh wow. Please, Daddy, tell me that puppy is for me!”
“She belongs to Koti and you’ll meet her when you come,” he signed as he spoke.
“What’s her name?” Ella asked animatedly.
“Disco,” Ian and I both answered before sharing a smile.
“I love it,” Ella said, beaming.
“I’m going to give you some privacy. It was nice meeting you.” I told Ella directly.
“Nice to meet you,” she waved. I was close to leaving the room when she spoke up again.
“Dad, she’s
so pretty. Is she why you haven’t come home?”
I looked over my shoulder to see him jerk his head to cut her off. I made my way to my bedroom and plucked a book from my shelf. I was curious as to why his daughter would be encouraging him to date. And after meeting her, I was curious about far more than that. Ignoring the constant clench in my stomach and the new warmth that spread through me, I successfully immersed myself into the pages.
An hour or so later, there was a soft knock on my bedroom door.
“You decent?”
I was tangled in my body pillow. “Yep.”
“Sorry, I don’t want to make you feel like you have to retreat in your own house.”
“This isn’t my house,” I said with a wink. His gaze moved from the book I was holding to the bare leg that gripped the pillow.
“Trust me, I’m good here.”
“What are you reading?”
“Outlander.”
“Ah,” he said with a smile. “My daughter loves those books.”
“They’re amazing,” I said, sitting up.
“Well, I just wanted to say goodnight.”
“Thanks for dinner.”
“No problem.”
“There’s some extra pillows in your closet.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Goodnight.”
Chapter Nineteen
Koti
The next day after work, Ian wasn’t home when I got there so I did the twenty-minute prep for dinner. Foil, almonds, salt, butter. Simple and delicious. I went to my bathroom and disrobed before I realized I was out of shampoo. Knowing my hair would be a rat’s nest if I used soap, I wrapped a towel around myself and crept down the hall to Ian’s room and knocked out of consideration, which I was sure he would appreciate before I walked into the bathroom to grab the extra bottle. On my way back through the bedroom, I saw an open letter on his bed. Against my better judgment, I peeked. It had Ian’s signature on the bottom. I glanced around briefly before I picked it up.
Beach Reads Box Set Page 274