by Tess Oliver
We sat at the bow. The pilot house gave us some protection from the wind rushing in off the water. I unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite. Three seagulls casually floated down from the mast and perched along the railing to watch me eat.
Cash glanced up along the dock. “That’s your dad’s boat, right?”
“Yep, and he has a little ski boat too down at the end but he never takes it out anymore. When we were younger he used to take us wakeboarding.”
Cash unwrapped his lunch. “We should take it out sometime.”
“It’s a little cold and rough out there in winter. And I don’t think my wetsuit even fits anymore.”
There was a glint in his eyes as he peered at me over his sandwich. “You in a skin tight wetsuit puts all kinds of ideas in my head.”
“Yeah, a full rubber suit, like a thick human condom. Hmm, sexy.”
“All right, you just ruined that fantasy. But I wasn’t thinking about wakeboarding. I was thinking we could do some detective work. Maybe find out the name of Banyon’s boat. Luke said he could alert the coast guard.”
“I don’t want my dad to get in trouble.”
“No, I know. It was just a thought.”
I took a few bites and processed the notion. “The problem is, following someone in a boat isn’t like tailing someone in a car. Clint grew up in this town. Just like me he can recognize any boat from five hundred yards away. No way to be inconspicuous. And I have no idea where they are mooring that boat we saw out on the cove.”
“You’re right. Stupid idea.”
“Of course, there are only a few public marinas along the coast. We could cruise by them and see if we spot that boat we saw in the cove.”
“Are you up for it?” I caught a gleam in his eye that hadn’t been there before.
“Holy shit. You’re bored. My hot biker lover has a hankering for something dangerous.”
He shrugged. “Not at all. Besides, how could I be bored with you around, my lighthouse seductress? Seriously, Esme, I just thought we could ward off something bad before it happens. If I wanted danger, I’d just hop on my bike and head back to Reno.”
Just hearing him say it made my mood fade.
He seemed to notice. “But I don’t,” he said emphatically. “Because I’ve met this person who has somehow managed to break through to me in a way no one else ever has. And I can’t stop thinking about her.”
I tucked my hair behind my ear and the breeze cooled the blush in my cheeks. My throat tightened, and I had to remind myself to keep my feet on the ground. I stared out at the water, the same tide I’d seen drift back and forth beneath the dock for twenty years, but somehow it seemed different now. Everything seemed different now.
***
“There it is. That tree with the layers of flat branches. It’s some kind of a spruce.”
Cash pulled off the road and put the jeep in park. The sky had remained clear the entire day, unusual for this time of year, but the blanket of stars made a perfect ceiling for tonight’s tree decorating.
We stared at the evergreen. “Since we can see our breath inside the jeep, I guess we can assume it is ass freezing cold out there,” Cash said.
“Yep.” I pulled on my gloves and picked up the bag with the popcorn. “Let’s do this.”
We hopped out of the car. Cash’s earlier weather prediction proved accurate. The tree stood at the end of town in a copse of evergreens, that in daylight looked really picturesque standing on a cliff overlooking the sea, but on a cold night like this, they just looked lonely. I handed a strand to Cash. “Just walk around like you’re putting lights on a Christmas tree.” I stopped and looked at him questioningly.
He shook his head.
“No tree? I guess I don’t need to ask where your family put the presents.”
“Yeah that wasn’t really a problem.” He tied one end to a branch and started to walk around the tree and I followed.
“There will actually be popcorn strands on the top branches this time. Cool.”
“I guess those seven foot tall raccoons won’t have to stoop over this year,” he said.
I laughed. “I was thinking about the squirrels and birds. By the way, if we see a seven foot raccoon, I’m climbing back inside the jeep.”
“I’d be right behind you, darlin’.”
The popcorn strand slipped from my fingers. “You always seem to know exactly when to toss that word in and throw me completely off guard.” My gloves made the entire process a little more clumsy, but we managed to get the whole thing covered. I reached into the bag and pulled out the bell made of seeds.
Cash took it in his hands. “Impressive.”
“Right? Of course, I didn’t make it. I bought it. I usually hang it at the highest place I can reach. But since I have my abominable snowman with me tonight, just like in the Rudolph movie, we can hang it on top this time.”
He looked confused.
“All right, don’t tell me you didn’t even have a television to watch the Rudolph movie at Christmas.”
“We had a television, but I’ve never seen it. Seriously, is there anything about me that says Rudolph movie?”
“Well, at some point I assume you were a little boy.”
He shrugged. “Kind of missed that stage of life.”
“Then you’re in luck, my giant bell hanging yeti. After this, we’re going to my house. My dad and Seton drove up to the next town to play pool at their favorite bar. Think they needed to get out for awhile, which means the house is mine tonight. My mom bought me the movie back when I was seven. We’re going to watch it.”
“Again, is there anything about me that says Rudolph movie?”
I sighed. “All right, but I’ve got a DVD player in my room, my cozy, warm room. In fact, it’s so warm I’ll probably have to take off all my clothes to watch it comfortably.”
He pulled me into his arms. “What the hell are we waiting for? Rudolph is waiting.”
We climbed back in the jeep and gazed out at our decorating work. The white popcorns dotted the dark green branches like white pearls. “In the book, the family sits in the car as all the animals come out and eat together. I’ve never actually seen any animal come to eat, but the strings are empty after a few days. So unless some family stops, thinking they’ve found a popcorn tree and nibbles all the kernels, I can only assume the forest critters eat it.” I smiled to myself. “It’s a corny tradition, I know, but somehow, doing it each year, lets me hold on to my childhood. Things were pretty good back then when my parents were still together and sane and happy.”
Cash started the jeep and small spurts of warmth sputtered through the vents. “It’s not corny, Esme. It’s part of what makes you amazing.”
Chapter 22
Cash
Esme took my hand and pulled me quickly through the house. Her dog followed us into the kitchen. She reached into a cupboard and pulled out a rawhide bone for the dog. It curled up on a pillow in the corner and started gnawing the treat. “Otherwise, he’ll plop down between us on the bed.”
“Good thinking.”
She grabbed my hand again and led me out of the kitchen. “Don’t look at anything. This place is a pigsty. I tried to keep it clean, but I had three pigs working against me and I gave up.”
I stopped her and turned her toward me. “Do you think I care how your house looks? You could have been born and raised in a cave and I would still be looking at you the way I’m looking at you right now.”
She smiled up at me. “I do love the way you look at me.” She turned and led me down a short hallway lined with dusty pictures. She pushed open her bedroom door. We stepped inside. “I’ve never brought a guy into my bedroom before.”
“Then I’m feeling very privileged.” She had only a few things, some books and glass animals on a shelf, a dresser with a brush and comb on top and a small bed under a window. The quilt on her bed was soft and worn as if she’d had it all her life. The room was neat and organized, as I’d have expe
cted it. Several necklaces hung from a piece of driftwood she’d fashioned into a stand.
I picked up the glass at the end of a gold chain. It was smooth with a frosty green tint. “I take it this is sea glass?”
“Yeah, those are the last necklaces I made. I don’t really have the time to make them anymore which kind of sucks.” She walked up behind me, and I turned and pulled her into my arms.
“If my own life wasn’t such a mess, Esme, I’d find a way to make things better for you.”
“And I’d do the same for you. But, for now, my world is better just standing in your arms.”
I leaned down and kissed her and that was all it took. I reached for the hem of her sweater and pulled it up over her head. I yanked off my shirt before picking her up. She laughed as I draped her over my shoulder and then dropped her onto the bed. I made a point of slipping her shoes off first and then pulled down her jeans. She watched me from beneath long lashes as I took off my boots and pants. I stretched out next to her and pushed her bra straps from her shoulders. Her pert, round breasts begged to be kissed.
“You naked is always a good thing, even in a cold lighthouse. But, you naked in a warm bed is a damn good thing.” I leaned down and ran my tongue across her nipples as I reached down and slid my fingers beneath her panties. Her long, smooth thighs parted, and I coaxed the moisture from her pussy. She moaned softly as I massaged her clit.
I rolled on the condom and lowered myself between her legs. “It has been less than a day since I’ve been between your legs and still, I’m ready to fucking explode.” I pushed inside of her and a long shuddering sigh floated from her lips. We moved together as if we knew exactly what the other person was feeling. She pulled my face down to hers, and I kissed her as her sweet pussy tightened around me. She was like warm honey around my cock.
I pressed my mouth against her ear. “It’s you, baby. All fucking day, you’re all that I think about.”
She wrapped her long legs around me, and I drove myself into her. She reached up and grabbed hold of the railing on her headboard and lifted her hips to meet each of my thrusts. I’d reached the end just as she cried out. Her legs tightened around me and I released the groan that had stuck in my throat.
Her body trembled and her face and skin were flushed pink as I rolled down next to her and pulled her into my arms. And in the warmth of the room, and the satisfying comfort of being naked in each other’s arms, we fell asleep only to wake an hour later to voices in the front yard.
Esme sat up. “Shit, my dad’s back.”
I grabbed up my clothes and put them on. “Does that window lead to the backyard?” I asked.
“Yeah, sorry. We shouldn’t have fallen asleep.”
“That’s all right.” I leaned down and kissed her as I buttoned up my jeans. “I’ve done the window escape thing before. It’s not too treacherous.”
She raised a smooth brown brow at me. “You’ve done it before?”
I sat on the edge of her bed and pulled on my boots. “It’s not something I’m proud of, but it is a skill that comes in handy now and then.”
“I don’t want you to go,” she said with a pout. “The bed is warmer with you in it, and we didn’t get to watch the movie.”
I straightened. “Should I stay and have coffee with your dad in the morning?”
She laughed. “Frightening thought. But I was going to give you a ride home.”
“It’s less than a mile.” I pushed up the window and wrenched out the bottom of the screen. I lifted it like a flap and climbed through.
Esme walked to the window and leaned her head out for one last kiss. “You know this is kind of romantic. Of course, I’m the one still standing in the warm room. But this is all making me pretty hot again.”
“Should I climb back in and take my chances?”
“You would totally do that, wouldn’t you?” she asked.
“Some things are worth the risk.”
She kissed my lips. “No, you should go. See you tomorrow. And no more climbing out of girls’ windows unless it’s mine.”
I skirted around the house, through the back gate and down the sidewalk. I shoved my hands into my coat pockets and lowered my face to avoid the biting cold coming up from the marina.
I heard the motorcycles before I reached the end of the street. I continued on my trek home even as their headlights curled around the corner. The motors vibrated behind me as they coasted to the curb and followed me. I glanced back and squinted into the headlights. Clint was riding up front, but his quiet and less obnoxious brother was not on the second bike. It was Banyon, looking like a hulking fool on top of a bike that was too small for his mass. Their bikes were, no doubt, gathering the attention of the entire sleeping neighborhood. Ben’s house was half a block ahead and while he’d left the porch light on for me, the rest of the house was dark.
I stopped and held out my arms. “What the fuck do you two want?”
Clint shut down his bike and Banyon followed. Clint’s face was still black, blue and distorted from its run in with my fist.
“Maybe I didn’t leave you ugly enough the first time,” I said. “I can only improve that mug of yours. Just give me a chance.”
Banyon got off his bike.
“I can do the same for you, goober,” I added. Riding with Bedlam, my mouth had always been famous for digging me deeper when faced with a pile of shit, and apparently, that talent hadn’t faded after months away from the club.
Banyon’s deep set eyes looked like black dots in his big face. “We aren’t here to fight.”
“No? Great.” I turned to leave.
“We want to offer you a job,” he said.
I turned back to him with a laugh.
“There’s no way someone like you is going to keep interested in patching walls and weeding yards for an old man. We can offer you good money. It comes with some risk, but we are looking for another man. One of our middlemen recently chickened out and ran off to his mommy’s house. Of course, he left with the threat hanging over his head that the rest of his family was still here, in town, in case he felt like running his mouth off to someone.”
“Come on, Bedlam. Join us. Or maybe you can’t pull your cock away from Esme long enough to make some real money,” Clint sneered.
I looked over at Banyon, and he knew exactly what I was thinking. He turned to Clint. “Shut the hell up, Ridgewater, otherwise I’m going let him finish what he started on your face.” Clint’s mouth sealed shut. Banyon faced me again. “Look, we’ve got a pretty good gig going. It’s all on water. We leave no tracks. Lots of big money connections, mostly foreign, some local. You can fill your pockets, and in a few weeks, when we move on, you can come with us or ride off on that bike and away from this boring ass town.”
“Yeah, not interested. I’m out of the business of watching over my shoulder for the law and every blowhard with a gun.”
“Don’t have the balls anymore? No wonder Bedlam cut you loose,” Banyon said.
“Yep, that’s it.” I started walking away. Then something he’d said earlier clicked in my mind. I stopped and walked back up to him. He was just an inch taller, but he outweighed me by a good fifty pounds, although some of that was useless weight. “I know you’re pissed at Bodhi for taking off, but when you’re talking about his family still being here as insurance, just know that if any of you go anywhere near Esme, I will kill you.”
“Yeah? Unless we kill you first,” he said darkly.
“Yep. Unless you kill me first.” I headed to Ben’s house. Their bikes started up, and they rode away. In the club, we had a rule ‘kiss a formidable enemy’s ass’. If an enemy was too powerful or too dangerous, we worked to make them an ally instead. Something told me that Banyon and his guys worked under the same rule. They’d held out their lips, but I hadn’t dropped my pants and bent over.
My phone buzzed as I reached the bedroom, reminding me that I was going to get Esme a phone. With the crazy crap that was going on, she h
ad to have one. “Hey, Angel.”
“O.K. I want to hear all about her and don’t leave out any details. And then tell me how we can find one for Jericho.”
I laughed. “Good to hear from you too.”
“Sorry. I’ve missed talking to you, Cash. Is everything all right there, sweetie?”
“It’s good. How about you?”
“I’ve never been better. Now details.”
“Luke has a fucking big mouth. Esme’s really cool. She reminds me of you a little.”
“I already like her and Esme, what a cute name.” She paused. “I was worried about you. I had visions of you just traveling the highway completely alone with no one to talk to, no one to count on.”
I smiled into the phone. “Hey, Angel, it’s good to hear your voice.”
“You too, Cash.” Angel and Jericho were my only true family connection. We’d gone through a lot together. Angel had seen a ridiculous amount of tragedy, but her feet were always securely on the ground. “Stay safe, Cash. And don’t break any hearts, all right?”
“Who me? Break hearts?”
“Shit, you and Jericho are like mirror images. Try and come back to Nevada soon, O.K.?”
“I will.”
Chapter 23
Esme
The ski boat fired up quickly. Dad had kept up the maintenance, and occasionally, he took it out to keep it running smoothly because he’d planned to sell it. He hadn’t done it yet. Deep down, I hoped it was because he didn’t want to part with the fond memories of us boating together. But being sentimental about family stuff was something only I seemed to be good at.
Cash wasn’t big on showing emotion, but it was obvious from his slight grin that he was excited to go out on a boat. Bodhi had lamented about how sheltered we’d been growing up in Tucker’s Village, but it seemed Cash’s out of the ordinary life had left him with few experiences other than dangerous ones.