Operation: Beach Angel

by Margaret Kay

  “Would you like to walk down near the beach with me?” Lambchop asked Michaela as everyone said their goodnights and drifted away.

  “Maybe for a short time. It is late, and I am tired. I didn’t sleep on the flight like most of you did.”

  “You weren’t doing work, were you?”

  “Kind of,” she admitted. “But I wouldn’t have slept, anyway. I just don’t sleep well sitting up, never have.”

  Lambchop chuckled. It was a good thing he didn’t have that problem. He motioned her to walk out of the bar area in front of him. They wound their way through the pool deck, over the bridges that spanned the water and around the lush vegetation. Lighting was set up to highlight various aspects of the magnificent pool and the expanse of the gardens.

  Michaela kicked her sandals off and carried them once they reached the sand. “Wow, this is beautiful,” she said.

  The moon reflected off the water and the dark night sky was lit with thousands of stars. There was a light, warm breeze. There were a few other couples walking along the beach, but the area was quiet, peaceful. “Yes, it is,” he agreed.

  She wrapped her hand around the inside of his elbow. It was a gesture of closeness that Lambchop knew didn’t mean anything more than a desire to connect in friendship only. It was the same as the chaste kisses they would press to each other’s cheeks or the brief embrace they would greet each other with. No matter how much more he’d like it to be, he knew that to her, he was just a friend and always would be. They walked in companionable silence until they reached the edge of the resort’s property. It was clearly marked with a sign.

  She halted. “I guess we should turn around and go back.”

  Lambchop took that moment to gaze over her beautiful face. He reached up and lightly caressed over her jaw with his knuckles. “Thank you for coming with me. There’s really no other friend of mine I’d want to hang out here with me and the three couples.”

  She chuckled softly. “It really is weird if you think about it, a team honeymoon.”

  Lambchop chuckled as well. His hand slid down her neck and grasped her shoulder. “I know, only Delta Team. Sloan and Sherman are so close it makes perfect sense for them. Thank God the women they married were on board with it, but the rest of us being invited to join them speaks to how close this team is.”

  “I think it speaks volumes of how welcoming the women are too. I will admit I wasn’t so sure about Kaylee when I first met her, but she has grown on me,” Michaela said.

  “She’s happy and that happiness truly transformed who she is.”

  Michaela nodded. “And Brielle is just a sweetheart. Has been since the day I met her.”

  “I’ve never met anyone more appreciative of everything in life that they have as Brielle is.” Lambchop paused and chuckled. “It takes a special woman to love Sherman.”

  Michaela laughed as well. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with Annaka to get to know her better. I really am glad I came.”

  Lambchop leaned in and kissed the top of her head. “I am too,” he whispered as he held her in an embrace. He took a step back and reached a hand to her. “Come on, let’s head back.”

  She placed her hand in his and they strolled back to where they’d entered the beach. They wove back through the gardens and found themselves back near the main pool area. There was a rock sculpture and waterfall in the middle where the three pools connected. It was lit with lights. He took a moment and just watched the cascading water, listening to the rhythmic splashing of it.

  After a few moments, Lambchop walked with her into the lobby and to the elevators. “I’ll walk you to your room.” He pressed the call button.

  “You don’t need to, you know.”

  “I want to.” His voice was firm. They stepped within the elevator.

  He knew that Michaela could not understand why the concept of ‘doing the right thing’, always, was ingrained in him. When it came to how to treat women, even women who were just friends, most of it came from his upbringing. His momma instilled in him why you must always treat a woman well. Pull chairs out for her, open doors for her, walk her to her door. What he didn’t learn from his momma, the Navy taught him, his fellow SEALs taught him, Sam Shepherd, and his Shepherd Security Team taught him. He believed that how a man treated a woman, spoke volumes about what kind of man he was.

  “Thank you,” she said as she pressed her floor number.

  “Besides, I’d like to see this incredible view that everyone is talking about. My room is on the ground floor. The only view I have is of flowering shrubs.”

  Michaela opened her room door and switched the light on as she stepped inside. Lambchop followed her in. It was a nice standard room with one king sized bed. Her suitcase lay open on the floor in the corner. A sliding glass door and small balcony were on the far wall. She stepped over to it and unlocked it, opening it wide.

  “Kill the lights, will you?”

  Lambchop switched the lights off and stepped over to the door. He joined her out on the balcony. Even at this distance, you could clearly hear the rhythm of waves lapping at the beach. The moon and stars sufficiently lit the horizon that the outline of the two islands out in the channel could be discerned.

  “Yes, this is nice. I booked a regular room like this, but there was some confusion at check-in, and I was given a suite at ground level in the east villas. I don’t know if they ran out of these rooms or what the deal was. I’d imagine the garden view I have isn’t as sought after as the ocean view. I don’t know. I’ll only be in my room to sleep, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.”

  “Well, feel free to come up here to check out the view if you want.”

  “It is spectacular.” Though he’d like to come to her room for other reasons. Maybe it was because they were here with three happy couples. Maybe it was because no matter how many times he told himself he was satisfied with their relationship the way it was; he wasn’t.

  Tango

  The next morning Lambchop rose early and went for a run on the beach. He ran east into the rising sun and was happy it was at his back on the return trip as it climbed higher in the dark blue, cloudless sky. He passed countless resorts and hotels. They all looked nice. He was glad that Kaylee had researched the properties and made the decision. He wouldn’t have been able to pick one had it been up to him.

  After he finished his run, he checked in with the resort staff who were setting out the beach chairs and poking umbrellas into the sand. His group had prepaid to reserve beach chairs every day while they were there. Theirs were already set up, eight of them under four umbrellas, situated in a row closest to the ocean. He left his shoes and socks on one, and he swam for a half hour. As far as he was concerned, he was in heaven. A run, a swim, the perfect relaxing morning.

  After toweling off, he made his way back towards the expansive pool area. The poolside restaurant and bar area had a breakfast buffet out. He took a seat and enjoyed breakfast. It was quiet as it was still early. He watched the couples that drifted through the area. Many just got coffee in paper cups and headed towards the path that led to the beach, for a walk he assumed. As he finished his second glass of a delicious tropical nectar that had guava and mango in it, Michaela exited the hotel and smiled when she saw him.

  “I shouldn’t be surprised that you are already up,” she said. “Had a swim already too, I see.”

  “Yes, and a run. You’re up earlier than I thought you would be.”

  “It’s the time change,” she said. “It’s past eleven at home. Half the day is already gone.” She laughed.

  He laughed too. He realized that he felt calm and content, unlike he had in a long time. His quick three-day trip home after Christmas had not been relaxing. It had been rushed. As did his recent trip back to Pittsburgh to get EJ out of trouble and move Shereese and the kids to Illinois. He gazed at Michaela’s beautiful smile. And he noticed the straps of her bathing suit peeked out from the neckline of her sundress. The opportunity to
spend a week in paradise with her had come at the perfect time. He was thankful that she had come along, even as just friends. It was just what he needed and had definitely created this relaxation he enjoyed.

  “Was the breakfast good?” She asked, nodding to his plate.

  “Very. This juice is my new favorite.”

  “You’re probably done and ready to go.”

  “I have nowhere I have to be.” He sat back and settled in more comfortably, signaling to her that he would remain with her as she ate.

  Michaela rose. “I’ll get you another glass of juice while I grab myself something.” She left her beach bag on the table.

  Lambchop watched her scrutinize the buffet. She returned to the table with two glasses of juice and a plate full of fresh tropical fruit and a muffin.

  “Thank you for staying with me while I eat. I figured afterwards I’d go grab a chair at the beach. As soon as the equipment is available for check-out, I’d like to reserve a paddleboard. Is your offer to teach me still open?”

  Lambchop smiled and nodded. “They already have our beach chairs set up. We prepaid to have them every day as part of the package we purchased. Kaylee really spent a lot of time researching resorts and stay and play packages. Whenever you want to try paddle-boarding, let me know.” He looked forward to spending the morning with her.

  “This is just perfect,” Michaela said. “I’m so glad you asked me to come with you.”

  “I’m glad you came,” Lambchop seconded.

  When she finished eating, they went down to the beach. He sat back and gazed at the horizon, appreciating the serenity he felt. She shucked her coverup and his eyes took in the magnificent sight of Michaela in a bikini. Oh, good Lord, her body was perfect! His heart did a flip flop and his dick came to life. He was thankful he wore sunglasses to hide the fact that his eyes bugged out of his head and wouldn’t leave her body. Knowing his gaze was hidden, his eyes raked over every inch of her incredible exposed flesh with no shyness.

  When the beach toys checkout station opened, they were one of the first guest to approach it. The beach was starting to fill up with more guests. After giving Michaela basic instruction on how to mount, balance, paddle, and steer, he brought the board out to waist deep water. He held the board steady while she climbed on. Just as she was about to stand, a larger wave crashed into them, toppling her into him. He caught her and cradled her close to his chest. It happened twice more. They both laughed as they tried to right themselves. A fourth wave hit, crushing her perfect breasts into his face. He let her slide down his body, stabilizing her as he brought her to her feet, but the waves swept her away and then back into him.

  Lambchop could not help that he reacted. His hands gliding over her soft, wet, exposed flesh and the sight of her in the sexy bathing suit overrode his mental determination. Seeing her perfect body and holding her half-naked form, excited him.

  Another wave pushed her sideways. She slid against him and she felt his erection. She knew she reacted horribly. “What the hell, Landon?” She instantly regretted it. “I’m sorry. I can’t.” She pulled away from him and left him standing in the water.

  Lambchop waited a second for his ‘Little Lambchop’ to settle down and then he brought the paddleboard out of the water. He sat on the foot of her beach chair, where she sat, gazing off at the horizon. “I’m sorry, Michaela.”

  She held a hand up for him to stop. She was the one who was sorry. She’d reacted like an idiot. “Don’t apologize.”

  “My body just reacted,” he began.

  “Please don’t. We’re friends, Landon. I don’t want anything to mess that up.”

  “I think we need to be honest with each other, Michaela. You know I find you very attractive. I like and respect the person you are. You’re my friend. But I could feel more.”

  “I can’t, Landon. I cannot get involved with you. I’ve asked you to respect that.”

  “And I do. Had that wave not knocked you into me that way, I would have never let you know that I was aroused.”

  “I would prefer not to talk about this.”

  “Michaela, come on. We need to deal with this, so it doesn’t fuck up our friendship. You mean way too much to me to let this come between us.”

  “It’s fine, Landon. It’s over and our friendship is fine.”

  Just then Mother and Annaka approached. They held hands, talked, and laughed as they made their way towards their chairs. Yes, the discussion was over. He greeted them both. He was not jealous of their relationship. He was truly happy Mother had found her. He just wasn’t in the mood to see their happiness. He excused himself and headed back towards the hotel.

  It was a long walk to his room, which gave him a lot of time to think about the unfortunate encounter with Michaela. He knew he had to tuck his desire for her away. She was not the only woman out there. Had he kept himself from getting to know other women because he was secretly hoping Michaela would come around? He sure hoped not, but he had to consider it was a possibility.

  As he neared his room, he appreciated that it was beautiful and quiet down at this end of the villas, but it was not nearly as conveniently located as the main tower. In this situation, though, the walk had done wonders for him to sort out his disappointment at Michaela’s reaction. He knew she was not ever going to see him as anything but a friend. That would have to be good enough.

  He slid his card through the reader and pushed the door open. A woman stood in his living room area. “Excuse me, this is my room,” he said, his eyes taking her in.

  She smiled a beautiful smile. “Mr. Johnson, hello. It is nice to meet you.” She extended her hand to shake his as she crossed the room and came up to him. “My name is Nevaeh. I’m with the hotel concierge services.” She wore a white blouse tucked into a pencil skirt at her narrow waist, with a blazer atop it over her slender frame. Her hotel name tag was pinned to her lapel.

  He shook her hand, his eyes focused on hers. She had beautiful, light green eyes. His gaze wandered over her face and then over the rest of her. She was an exotic beauty, appeared to be a mix of Polynesian and something else that gave her a slightly darker skin tone. Her face was thin, with prominent cheekbones, and her hair was thick, smooth, and flowed to her waist.

  “Hello, Nevaeh. It’s nice to meet you too. Why are you in my room?”

  Her smile widened. “I am sorry to have startled you. Our regular housekeeping supervisor is off today. The housekeeping staff assigned to your room is new to the resort. I am merely here inspecting her work.”

  “I see,” he said. “It’s not necessary. I’m not too picky. If there are any problems, I will call.”

  “We pride ourselves on providing a superior guest experience. I would never want a guest to have to call to complain. Going along with that, as one of the hotel concierge guest services professionals, I want to offer you any assistance in planning activities during your stay.”

  Lambchop couldn’t help but focus on her lush lips as she spoke. She had a beautiful smile. Something stirred in him, an attraction he wouldn’t deny. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “I personally offer a wide variety of experiences for our guests, water fun, dining, excursions, even singles events. I noticed that you are here alone. Some people do prefer a quiet stay, but for those who would like company, I can assist.”

  “Personally?” He knew he was flirting. There was something about this woman that appealed to him on a primal level.

  She smiled in return. Her eyes remained locked on his. “I have been known to meet a guest for a drink and discuss offered experiences more in depth. This is a beautiful island. There are adventures that meet every guest’s needs here.”

  Lambchop nodded. “I’d like that. And I find you a fascinating person. I’d sure like the opportunity to get to know you better and discover more of what the resort offers for recreational activity from your unique perspective.”

  “Wonderful,” she said. She presented her hand again. “We ha
ve a date. How about this evening around five p.m. in the sports lounge? You strike me as a man who craves adventure. We can have a drink and discuss the options to stoke your fire during your stay.”

  Lambchop held her soft hand in his. His desire increased. “I’ll see you at five.” He watched her leave his room. Dinner with the group wasn’t until nineteen hundred. He could have the drink with Nevaeh and then join the others.

  As Nevaeh stepped away from Landon Johnson’s room door, relief filled her. He didn’t throw off a creepy vibe like many of the other men did. This assignment from Martin, she wouldn’t mind. At least this whale wasn’t so old he could be her father. His face was attractive, and his body was incredible. She wouldn’t mind cozying up to his form. He looked solid everywhere. She wondered if he was a professional athlete.