by Carly Morgan
“Remember the first thing I said? It takes time. Sometimes a very long time. Give yourself a break. You had an experience not many people can understand. That makes it difficult to talk about.” The car halted and Ares straightened up. “I think we’re here.”
The driver stepped out and opened the door. Ares thanked him and handed him a tip. Birdy had already started up the stairs, so Ares followed after her. He’d led his SEAL team and he led his team at work, but he realized at the moment, he would follow Birdy anywhere.
***
Ares walked Birdy to her door, which was sweet. After saying goodbye, she changed, and then unpacked her bags, hanging her maid of honor dress in the closet. While she worked, she found herself mentally replaying tonight’s events.
Actually, the whole evening had surprised her. She’d asked Ares to go with her and then immediately regretted it. But he’d come and in the end, she’d been glad. He’d hardly said a word while they were up in the helicopter for which she was grateful, though she’d been surprised when he seemed to understand she needed time to de-stress and get herself together but hadn’t wanted to be alone. However, the biggest surprise had been their conversation afterward. When he got her out of the taxi, something about him changed in her eyes. At first, she hadn’t understood what it was, but then he’d told her about serving as a SEAL in the Navy, and things about him that hadn’t made sense before became clear. Before tonight, she thought she knew him. Turned out, she didn’t know him at all.
She realized she wanted to really know him. And that scared her a little bit, because it’d been a really long time since she’d had such feelings.
At the thought, Birdy shook her head. Katie would be beyond pleased with herself. But she decided in that moment she wouldn’t say anything to Katie. Not because she didn’t want her friend to know, but because if or when whatever might happen between her and Ares didn’t work out, she didn’t want Katie to be disappointed. They were here to celebrate Katie and Max’s forthcoming nuptials and Birdy refused to ruin that.
As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about the way Ares had been with her and her heart jolted to life. She realized she was looking forward to seeing him again in the morning.
Chapter Six
Katie liked lists and she’d printed up an itinerary for each day leading up to the wedding. Birdy appreciated the organization. But when Georgie knocked on Birdy’s door at seven in the morning, that wasn’t so appreciated. Time zone change or not, it was way too early. At least she had coffee.
“Sorry, boss,” Georgie said after one look at Birdy. “I called and texted first, but you didn’t answer your phone.”
“That’s because I was asleep,” Birdy grumped, allowing Georgie and Josh in before closing the door. Did the man ever sleep or eat, or was he a robot in human skin with a video camera surgically attached to his arm? She was too tired to ask.
Her assistant walked sheepishly over to the couch and sat, placing two extra-large coffees and a paper bag on the table. It all smelled good, but Birdy was still too tired to bother. She fell face-first onto the bed and groaned. Georgie laughed. “I just figured we should go over the day before your surfing lessons.”
That perked her up. “Surfing lessons?” Had that been on the list?
“That’s right. You are supposed to be on the beach in forty—” Georgie paused before continuing. Birdy guessed it was so she could look at her watch. “Forty-nine minutes.”
Birdy groaned again, though she was already more awake. Surfing sounded fun.
“I brought you cronuts. I know how much you like the peanut butter and jelly one,” Georgie said in her most annoying sing-song voice.
That did it. “Okay, I’m up.” Birdy rolled over and forced herself into an awkward sitting position. “Hand it over.” Then she stood.
Georgie had already opened the bag, but paused, raising an eyebrow when Birdy didn’t immediately go for the food.
“I need a quick shower first.” Birdy went over to the bathroom. “Give me two minutes and then come in. We can discuss while I’m showering.” She went in and then quickly walked back out. “Maybe I’ll just have one bite.”
Georgie handed her a napkin with a cronut already on top. Birdy scooped it out of her assistant’s hand and took a big bite. Her insides went gooey. “That is so good,” she said around the food in her mouth.
Georgie laughed, lifting one of the cups of coffee out of its container and handing it to her. “Just the way you like it.”
Birdy took a tiny sip. “Hot, but good.” She swallowed. “Really good.” She took another drink. And another bite of cronut before setting both down. “Two minutes,” she said again, her mouth still full.
Georgie gave her a thumbs up.
Birdy quickly closed the bathroom door, handled things, then got in the shower. She’d already finished washing her hair the first time when Georgie came in. “I’m ready whenever you are,” she said. “What’s on the agenda?”
“Okay,” Georgie’s voice came from the general direction of the counter next to the sink. “Wedding business first.”
“Go,” Birdy said, rinsing out her hair for the second time.
“The other bridesmaids are all here. You need to make sure they remembered their dresses, shoes, and so forth.”
“Can you coordinate that?” she asked Georgie. “Do you have their numbers?”
“Sure. I can do that, but I figured you’d want to.”
Birdy thought about it. “Will they be at surfing lessons?”
“They should be. Everyone who’s here for the wedding is invited.”
“If I get the chance, I’ll ask.” Birdy squirted shower gel on a loofah and began washing her body. “What else?”
“After surfing is lunch at Ferraro’s. It’ll be a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other.”
“I’m already excited about that.”
Georgie giggled. “I’m sure you are.” She cleared her throat. “Following lunch, the wedding party will be taking a cruise. It’ll be for the afternoon and through the evening. You’ll need a change of clothes and a swimming suit. Everything else will be provided. Um, it says there will be a trampoline, jet skis, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling.”
“Fun. Can you pack me a bag while I’m out surfing? I’ll need my gold swimming suit with the matching cover up and shoes. For clothes, I’ll do the blue shirt with the white halter, shorts, and my white boat shoes.”
“Got it,” Georgie said.
“You’ll be coming too, I gather?” Birdy wasn’t sad about it, just wanted to make sure.
“Yes.” She giggled again, causing Birdy to smile. Georgie’s enthusiasm was infectious.
“I take it you’re excited about the prospect of hanging out with the young Dean Legend?”
Georgie’s voice turned breathy. “Isn’t he dreamy?”
“Well, my friend, I don’t know about dreamy, but he’s cute, if you prefer them young.” A memory of the way Ares had looked at her last night while they stood under the lights, waiting for the limo, came to mind and her stomach did a flip. He was dreamy, she thought. “How’s social media looking? Any fires we need to put out after yesterday?”
Georgie cleared her throat. “I’m glad you brought that up. There are several cellphone videos of you and Ares at the food truck yesterday. One gossip site has the two of you on a secret romantic rendezvous and another has you in a secret love affair with Max.”
Birdy let that sink in. “Make sure Katie and Max know. I’m sure Max’s people have already apprised him of the situation, but it’s best to make double sure. We want to keep this wedding under wraps.”
“You got it.”
“Anything else?” Birdy was clean but would wait until their meeting was over to get out of the shower. The warm water was relaxing.
“There are a bunch of photos of you splashed all over social media, but nothing bad. Overall, I’d say it’s pretty quiet. I’ll keep an eye on it to make
sure, but it should be fine.”
“All right. Then all I need from you today is to keep me updated on anything that might arise. Talk to the bridesmaids if I don’t get the chance to do so. And make sure to talk to Max or his people about that one bit of gossip. Oh, and pack my bag.”
“I’m on it.” Birdy imagined Georgie giving her a salute.
“Great. I’m ready to get out.” Birdy shut off the water.
“Right. I’m leaving.” The bathroom door opened. “If you don’t need anything else right away, do you mind if I go? There’s some work I want to get done while you’re surfing.”
Birdy gave her a wave over the shower door. “Of course. See you later.”
“Bye.” Georgie’s voice bubbled with happiness.
“Oh, and could you tell Josh to get out as well? I don’t need him in here while I’m changing.”
“You got it.”
“Thanks, Georgie. You’re awesome.”
The door to the bathroom closed. Birdy got out and wrapped her hair in a towel and her body in one of the big bath sheets. They were soft and smelled good. She went over to the mirror and studied her reflection. Last night had been good, but that didn’t mean she wanted to start dating Ares or anything. At least, that’s what she told herself while she got ready.
At seven fifty-eight, she tucked her key into her swimming suit, grabbed a fresh towel, and left her room. More than a few looks told her she probably should’ve put on something more than just her black bikini, but this was Maui. Surely, she wouldn’t be the only one in a bathing suit. Turned out she wasn’t. Thankfully. Katie and Max were in the lobby talking to a man she hadn’t met. Max wore board shorts and a tee shirt. Katie had on a black one piece and a deep blue mesh cover up. She looked great.
Birdy couldn’t help but smile as she quickly went over.
“Hey, Kiki,” she said, hugging Katie from behind.
Katie jumped, but recovered. “Hey, Bird. Glad you could join us.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it.” She smiled at the man.
He only scowled. Birdy couldn’t help but notice how much he looked like Max. It was easy to see they were brothers. She guessed he must be the elusive Toby.
“Hi, I’m Birdy.” She gave him a small wave.
His scowl deepened. “I’ll see you guys later.”
“What did I say?” Birdy asked once he was out of earshot.
“It isn’t you,” Max said kindly, shaking his head. “That’s my brother Toby. He came, which really surprised me, but now I think he’s regretting it. Apparently, he doesn’t want to surf or go on the cruise. or pretty much anything else because apparently it’ll be too much fun for his brooding personality to handle.”
“He said that?” Birdy asked.
“No, but he was thinking it.” Max frowned.
“It’ll be okay, Max.” Katie tucked her arm through his. “I noticed he was limping. Maybe he’s got an injury, but didn’t want to say anything.”
Max kissed the top of Katie’s head. “I’m such a fool sometimes. That’s probably exactly the reason. Should I go after him and apologize?”
“I think you should let him be,” Katie said.
“He did say he’d be at lunch.” Max ran his fingers through his hair. It’d gotten longer since his last tour. She thought about mentioning it to Katie, but now wasn’t the time. She’d wait until closer to the wedding date.
“That’s good.” Birdy hoped so. Max didn’t talk about his brother much. The only thing she knew was that he’d been in the military. The Army, if her memory served her correctly.
“I thought we were surfing,” Dean said, coming up behind them and draping his arms over Max and Birdy’s shoulders. Katie turned and laughed.
“We are. Right now.” Max took Katie’s hand and headed toward the front door.
“Where are your brothers?” Birdy asked Dean as they walked.
“The crazies got up at six in the morning to go surf with Ares.”
At his name, Birdy perked up. “Ares surfs, too?” she said aloud.
“Apparently, he’s awesome,” Dean said, holding the door open for her.
Birdy shook her head. “Why am I not surprised?”
Chapter Seven
The ninety-minute surf lesson was nearly over. Birdy, Max and Katie, Thea, and Marcy had practiced on the beach for the first hour. Their instructor, a bleached blond by the name of Paco, rocked as a teacher. After a few minutes, he sent Ares and Max’s three brothers away.
“There’s nothing new I can teach you,” he told them. He would have sent Max away as well, but he stayed because he wanted to be with Katie. It was sweet, really. Marcy and Thea mostly kept to themselves. Birdy tried to talk to them, but it was too difficult to be social and listen to Paco give instruction. But they seemed to be having a good time.
It didn’t escape Birdy’s notice that she was disappointed when Ares left. At the realization, she berated herself. Before getting on the plane, she’d had nothing more than platonic feelings toward Ares. Handsome or not, he worked for her father. End of story. But now her heart was suddenly betraying her. She wasn’t sure if it was the Hawaiian sun doing it to her, or what, but it needed to stop.
Throughout the lesson Birdy kept getting distracted. Every time Ares caught a wave, she noticed. It was fun watching him, his dark hair catching the sun’s rays, and the bright smile on his face. That man had skills. She’d never seen him so happy. It was like he was meant for the ocean. She’d believed she was too. Then she’d paddled out with Paco, Katie, and Max. After sitting up, her legs dangling over the board’s edges, she nearly had a panic attack. To a shark, her bare legs probably looked just like two delicious fish.
Paco had talked to her soothingly, telling her there was nothing to worry about. But his words did nothing to stop the rapid beating of her heart. Even Katie and Max couldn’t help. Finally, Ares had paddled over.
“What’s the matter, Bird?” He pulled his board next to hers. His legs bumped her board, but she had her legs tucked in tight against her chest, her arms wrapped around her knees.
She squeezed her eyes shut at the sight of him. He was always so calm, so sure of himself, and here she was acting like a weeping weakling. Did he always have to see her at her worst? “Nothing. Leave me be.” She rested her forehead against her arms, hiding her face.
“You’re scared?” Ares sounded surprised. “The woman who survived prison and came out with her head high is afraid of the water?” Instead of mocking her his voice was soothing, a rich tenor full of warmth and confidence.
“This is different,” she said quietly, unable to believe she was so afraid. She’d been in the ocean before. Many times. There was no logical explanation for where the fear came from. But it was paralyzing.
“You’re right, this is different. The water is much less scary. In fact, it’s beautiful and peaceful and full of—”
“Sharks,” she said cutting him off.
“So that’s the problem? You are afraid of sharks?”
“Yes,” she mumbled, still unable to look at him.
Ares touched her arm. “Look at me.”
She shook her head, her face still buried against her knees.
“Come on,” he encouraged.
She swallowed, slowly turning her head toward him, though she still didn’t open her eyes.
“Hey.” Ares touched her cheek, sending tingles through her.
She blinked her eyes open and focused on his handsome face.
“You’re allowed to feel afraid, Birdy. It’s even understandable. I was scared the first time I learned to surf, too.”
For some reason, his gentle words made her want to cry. “What, when you were five?”
He responded with a soft chuckle. “It doesn’t matter. What does, is that your feelings aren’t uncommon.”
“They aren’t?”
“No. So why don’t we get you back to shore. Okay?”
She shut her eyes again, beyond
embarrassed by the tears pushing against her eyelids. “I can’t. I—” She bit her lip and sucked in a deep breath. “I literally can’t move.”
“It’s fine. Just hang on and I’ll paddle us both back to shore.”
Birdy slowly opened her eyes and grabbed hold of the edges of the board. Ares was lying on his board on his stomach so he could paddle with his right hand and hold her board with the other.
The closer they got to shore, the slower Birdy’s heart thumped, until it was nearly back to normal. Once she could see the sand beneath her, she put her legs on either side of the board and stood. When they were out of the water Ares grabbed both their boards, taking them back to the surf school stand to drop them off.
“Thanks,” Birdy said, when he walked back to her. She felt silly now, and more than a little embarrassed. “Sorry.”
“No need to apologize.” He bumped softly into her shoulder. “I have an idea, though.”
She gave him a sideways glance. “What is it?”
He smiled conspiratorially. “Nothing too scary. You’ll see.”
A smile formed on her lips. Despite her thoughts about him and his place of work, she enjoyed his company immensely.
“I’m in.”
He offered his arm and she took it.
They made their way down the beach in the opposite direction of The Shark Pit. A light breeze blew, making the temperature enjoyable.
“How’s Birdy Knows Best going?” Ares asked.
She snorted, watching Josh as he walked in front of them, sometimes backwards, with his camera. More than once he tripped and nearly went down, but the guy was a pro, and managed to stay up. “It’s almost over. I’m grateful for that.”
He scowled at the camera. “What will you do when the world isn’t watching your every move?”
“Breathe easier,” she said. “I didn’t really think my decision through before I signed the contract.”
“That happens,” he agreed. “Have you thought about becoming a lawyer? You know, using that degree you have and doing something with it?”