by Krista Lakes
“Noah, have you seen Dean?” “Sam” said, running up to the bar. “Paul's being an ass and harassing the caterers. I need a little backup.”
I glanced at the empty stairs. “He had to take a guest out to throw up. I thought he'd be back by now,” I answered.
Noah was already walking out of the bar, anger flashing in his eyes. I felt a shiver run through me. I was glad I wasn't the one he was headed toward with that expression on his face.
I followed “Sam” and Noah upstairs and into the foyer with the main stairs to the rest of the house. Paul had his meaty fist wrapped around Lana's slender arm, and she looked terrified.
“Please,” she said, her voice shaking as she tried to stay calm. “I need to go back downstairs and...”
“Paul, I told you to lay off her.” “Sam” growled, pulling Paul off the girl. Paul stumbled into the wall, obviously drunk. Free from his grasp, Lana twisted away from him and toward the front door, escaping to freedom.
“Get off of me,” Paul slurred, throwing a punch that “Sam” easily ducked. I could see why he wanted backup. Paul wasn't going down without a fight.
“Come on, Paul. I think you've had enough,” Noah said. He put himself on the other side of Paul so that he and “Sam” could each take an arm. “It's time for you to go take a rest.”
Paul took a couple of cooperative steps before he saw me. I swallowed hard and wanted to run. The greasy feeling of his eyes on me told me that I should have followed Lana out. I should have stayed at the bar.
“How about you boys let her put me to bed? She looks ready for me,” Paul leered, and I felt like I needed a shower.
“Nope, you get us. Owen's got a nice room all ready for you upstairs. The lady isn't interested,” “Sam” said, taking his arm.
“Shut up, Robbie. Nobody asked you,” Paul snapped, pulling his arm away. I met “Sam's” eyes as we both registered the name. “Sam”, or rather Robbie's face fell. This wasn't how I wanted to win the bet.
“Thanks, man.” Robbie sighed and shrugged his shoulders at me and continued to try to coax Paul up the stairs.
“No.” Paul stopped in his tracks, his suit hanging in unattractive folds. He had spilled something on his shirt. “She needs to earn the tip I gave her. Besides, she wants it. Just look at her.”
I couldn't stop the heat from rising from my stomach to my cheeks. The insult to my honor burned. My fist balled up but my feet refused to move. I wanted to slug his pasty little head in.
Noah stepped in front of Paul, blocking his path to me. Noah was somehow bigger, more intimidating than he had been down in the bar. He leaned forward and whispered something in Paul's ear, something that made the older man go even paler. Paul's round chin bobbed as he swallowed nervously.
“Now, go upstairs with Robbie,” Noah growled. Robbie took Paul's arm, guiding him to the stairs I was unfortunately standing next to. I wanted to step away from him, but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing I was afraid of him. So, I stood my ground.
As the drunk man came closer, he reached out his grubby mitt and squeezed my chest. I gasped and stepped back, but Noah's fist was on Paul's cheek faster than I could raise my hand to slap him. Paul sprawled out on the floor and held his palm to his cheek, shock in his eyes.
“Get upstairs.” Noah's voice held a threat I knew Paul didn't want to test. He scampered to his feet and hurtled up the stairs with Robbie tailing after him.
“Nice shot, Noah. I'll make sure he gets to a bathroom, or Owen will throw a fit.” Robbie turned. “I'll come find you at the bar to pay up, Izzy.”
“Are you okay?” Noah asked. His voice was low and soft as he put his hands on my shoulders. I could feel myself trembling against him. I wasn't quite sure why; I dealt with drunks on a regular basis at the bar, but I guessed it was just the suddenness of it all that had shaken me.
“Yeah,” I said, giving him a wobbly smile. “Not the first time I've been hit on at a bar. Remind me to stay on your good side. How'd you hit him so fast anyway?”
One side of Noah's mouth went up in a small half-smile as he bent down to look me in the eyes. His blue eyes held nothing but concern, the edges of a flame still there but not directed at me. I felt giddy this close to him, his hands warm on my shoulders. If I leaned forward just a little, I could've kissed him.
“I used to box. Never professionally or anything. I just liked the exercise.” His lips curved into a stronger smile as he looked at me. I could see now where he got those beautifully sculpted arms and chest. He was so close I could practically taste his kiss. A kiss from him sounded wonderful. It would certainly make me feel better.
“Where's Paul?” Owen asked, breaking the tension between us. His eyes flashed daggers, and anger filled his voice. Dean was one step behind him, looking deadly. I almost felt sorry for Paul.
“Upstairs. Robbie's with him.” Noah straightened and dropped one of his hands, but thankfully left one on my shoulder.
“Are you okay?” Owen asked, turning to me. “That poor catering girl is pretty shaken up.”
“I'm fine. I deal with drunks all the time. He just surprised me is all.” I gave him a stronger smile. “I should go check on Lana.”
“I'll go with her,” Noah volunteered. “You and Dean go make sure Robbie doesn't give Paul a swirly.”
Owen nodded, heading up the stairs with Dean. Noah turned back to me, and together we went out to the front porch where Lana and the other caterer, her sister Rosie, were sitting on the porch. Night was deep and dark, but the porch light held them in a protective, warm, yellow light. Rosie had her arm over Lana's shoulder, and as we came out she gave her a squeeze.
“You two okay?” I asked.
Rosie nodded. “I've got her, Izzy.. She's gonna be fine,” She squeezed Lana's slim shoulder again. “If it's okay, I'd like to take her home.”
“I'll let Rachel know, and I'll make sure you two get your full check,” Noah assured her. I knew he would too. There was something in his voice that told me he would pay it out of his own pocket if he had to.
“Thanks.” Rosie smiled and pulled Lana up. “Let's get you home.”
Lana stood and gave us both an appreciative smile. “Thanks. And thank that other guy for me too.”
Noah nodded and we followed them with our eyes as they headed into the parking lot before heading back downstairs ourselves.
I glanced at my watch as we headed back behind the bar. It was a little after two in the morning. Time had flown by. The Halo Tournament was over, and Owen had won. Jack met us at the bottom of the stairs, his brows drawn together.
“Is everything okay?”
Noah put a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah. Paul was just a dick. Like usual. Sorry about the bad ending to the party.”
“Not your fault. Besides, the party was mostly over anyway.” Jack shrugged and looked around the room. Glasses and food were everywhere. “It was still a great sendoff.”
“Sendoff?” I asked. “Are you getting married or something?”
Jack laughed. “I suppose you could say I'm getting married to my job. I'm taking over my dad's company in a week, and I won't get another day off until I'm seventy. I even got a nice little bed installed in my office.” He grimaced and shook his head as if to clear the thought. “Where's Ro--I mean, where's 'Sam'?”
“Robbie is upstairs helping,” I said, emphasizing the name.
Jack laughed. “So he lost the bet. Good job. I'll have Rachel put my part on your check. Don't let Robbie stiff you on his share.”
And with that he turned back to the TV and started another game of Halo.
Sandcastle Kisses: Chapter 4
It wasn't long before Rachel came down the stairs into the 'Man Cave'. I didn't know how she did it, but she looked as fresh and ready as if it were two in the afternoon instead of the morning. Dean hung behind her in the shadow of the stairs, his eyes watching her move through the room. There was something in the way he looked at her, and how she was pur
posefully ignoring his glances, that made me think there was something between them.
“Thank you for your services, Ms. Baker,” Rachel said, handing me a check. The ink was still wet on the extra two-thousand dollars. I was almost afraid to put it in my pocket, as if it might smudge and the bank wouldn't accept it. “You're welcome to go home whenever you're ready.”
“The bar's still a disaster area, so I'll clean that up before I go,” I said, gesturing to the bar. Cups and bottles were everywhere. Rachel waved a hand dismissively.
“Don't worry about it. I hired a bartender, not a bar-cleaner. I already have custodians arranged to take care of everything in the morning. You've had a busy night. Go on home and get some rest.”
“Are you sure?” I asked her. I always took it as part of my job to clean up the bar. To get to go home early and have someone else take care of the part I hated doing was a gift.
Rachel nodded. “Go home. It looks like the boys had a good time, so you did your job well.”
“I'll walk you out,” Noah volunteered quickly. Rachel smiled at him and then went to go find Jack. He was busy setting up a rematch with Logan on some video game. I waved to the two of them as Noah led me up the stairs.
At the top of the stairs, we ran into Robbie and Owen.
“Here's your prize money,” Robbie said, handing over twenty one-hundred dollar bills. “I'll still throw in the date if you're interested, though.”
I laughed. “Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.” I paused in taking the money. It felt weird to take as much as he was offering, even though he seemed so nonchalant about it. Like it was nothing to hand over two thousand dollars on a stupid bet.
“Take the money,” Robbie said, closing my hand around it. “You won it.”
I stuffed the money into my pocket, feeling a little strange at holding that much cash. I wondered what he did that he even carried that much cash around. The island is a millionaire's play-place, I silently reminded myself. If he's here, he can afford it.
“Okay. Thanks.” I smiled up at Robbie. “You have a good night. You too, Owen.”
“You too. G'night, Noah,” Owen said. He took a sip of a drink and waved us out the door. Noah put his hand on the small of my back, guiding me out onto the yellow light of the porch. Insects sung to one another in the night, and I could hear the ocean keeping time for them. Stars peeked out of their dark blanket while the moon glided on silver wings. I loved nights on the island. They were always magical.
“I had a great time working with you,” Noah said quietly. I liked the way his hand felt on my back. I didn't take the step off the porch. I didn't want the night to end yet. Especially the part with Noah.
“Me too.” I turned and smiled up at him. He smiled back and offered me his arm.
“Can I walk you to your car?”
I took it, feeling the muscles flex. I felt embers deep in my stomach flare to life. I wanted to know what it would feel like to run my fingertips down those arms. How he would look without a shirt... his body pressed to mine...
Before I knew it, we were at my car. I wished I had walked slower, but I knew we had gone at a snail’s pace the whole way.
“Thank you. For everything,” I said slowly, digging in my pocket for my keys. I took my time.
Noah ran a hand through his short dark hair. The pale sliver of moon accented the lines of his jaw and sparkled in his eyes. “Um, I don't usually do this, but would you be interested in coming to my place for drinks?”
Liar, I thought. I'm sure you have girls over all the time. You're too handsome not to. Smooth, but not smooth enough. As gorgeous as he was, there was no way I was going to do anything while exhausted and covered in various liquors and whip cream. I shook my head no.
“Oh, okay then. Your place?”
I gave him a gentle shove. “Nice try. Nope. I am covered in sticky.”
“So am I...” he laughed. “There's a dirty joke in there, but I'll be the gentleman and not say it.”
I imagined myself getting sticky with him. It was a nice thought. A deliciously hot and sticky thought. But not one I was ready to do tonight. My body was just too tired.
I clicked the unlock button on the car and then smacked my forehead with my palm. “I forgot the tip jar!”
Noah grinned. “But I didn't. Here you go.” He handed me a neat roll of bills and one quarter.
“Noah...” I eyed the massive roll, seeing mostly fives and tens. “We have to split it. You did most of the work anyway with all the girly drinks.”
Noah laughed. The sound was light and floated on the night air like it had wings. “I don't need the money.”
“Why not?” I asked. Suddenly it dawned on me. “You're more than just a bartender, aren’t you?”
“Yes. But Jack paid me more than enough to tend bar again.” He smiled. “I want you to have it. Seriously. Use it for something fun.”
“You're sure?” I asked once more before taking the money. It seemed like everyone here was giving me crazy amounts of money tonight.
“Very sure.” He leaned forward and gave me a light kiss on the cheek. The touch of his lips fanned the embers in my stomach to an achy burn. I closed my eyes. I wanted to say yes to him, to go with him to his room and let those arms wrap around me, but I knew I should say no. I needed to stay strong. He was handsome, but I didn't need a one night stand.
“Thank you,” I whispered. He pulled back and opened the car door for me to get in. A true gentleman.
“Have a wonderful night, Izzy.”
I sat down on my imitation leather seats, and he closed the door. He gave me one last dazzling smile before turning and heading back to the house. I watched his figure outlined by the yellow light of the porch for a moment before starting the car.
The engine mumbled quietly as I pulled out and onto the empty road to get home. It was close enough that I could have walked, but I liked the ease of a car on these late night jobs. I turned onto the main road, my headlights bright against the dark night.
I could still feel his lips on my cheek. He had been funny and charming. No mention of a wife or a girlfriend or anything to give me warning. He had been protective. I nearly hit the brakes to turn around and go back. I wanted to feel those muscled arms encircling me. I wanted to feel those lips again.
No, I told myself firmly. He's just a tourist. You don't even know his last name. He's going to leave just like they all do. Best not to even get attached.
I nodded, proud of myself for staying resolute and ignoring the way my heart cried out that I should go back. My head, not my body, was who I needed to listen to. No matter how wonderful he had seemed.
Sandcastle Kisses: Chapter 5
I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face. My dreams had been invaded by an irresistible man with blue eyes and unending charm. The best part was that in my dreams, I didn't have to stop. I didn't have to be responsible, reasonable, or nervous. I could do anything, and everything, that I wanted. Waking up, I was sad to leave my dreams behind. They had been some of the best dreams of my life.
I stretched my hands over my head, looking over to see a neatly made bed in the opposite corner of the room. Brooke was already up, which meant that there was probably some leftover breakfast in the kitchen. Brooke was always good for leaving me breakfast after work nights.
I quickly got ready, running a brush through my hair and finding my wetsuit. Despite my diet of fish and tropical fruit, it was still snug across the hips. Eh, I thought, I don't need to impress the sharks today. Sunglasses and some sunscreen completed my morning preparations.
I walked quickly to the kitchen and found two deviled eggs waiting for me in the fridge. Brooke made the best deviled eggs, and she knew they were my favorite. I couldn't ask for a better roomie. I stuffed one in my mouth and carried the other out of the kitchen to the back porch.
Outside, the big porch wrapped around the house. To the right was a sandy beach where we had built several holding pens for containing
sharks for research or rehabilitation. We had several sheds set up by the pens to hold more equipment and gear.
The house backed out onto the water with a little dock for our two research boats. The building had once been a decently sized home, but Dr. Algos had transformed it into a marine biology research station over twenty years before I had even arrived. The only part of it that actually looked like a house anymore was the outside. The three bedrooms were now for research assistants and their projects, the living room was filled with different sized fish tanks, and the dining room was full of computers and research equipment. Even the kitchen had an attached area where we could prep shark bait.
Dr. Algos was out loading one of the boats. I headed down the dock toward the boat, filling my mouth with the second egg.
“Hi, Izzy,” Dr. Algos called out as soon as he saw me. “Good night last night?”
“Hey, Doc. I made awesome good tips. Where are you off to?” I asked.
“Tagging. There have been some hammerheads spotted over by Shark Tooth Rock. Brooke and I going to try and get a transmitter on 'em.” Doc straightened from loading the boat and shaded his face with his hand. “You know when Lucas and Devon get back from the mainland?”
He was a tall, lean man with graying hair that he kept cropped close to his head. He had permanent sunglasses lines around his warm brown eyes. His love was the ocean. Sharks, rays, fish, dolphins- if it swam, he studied it. He had been studying marine biology for longer than I had been alive. His love of the ocean was a big part of why I was out here helping him with his research.
“They'll be back tomorrow evening. Devon said his dissertation went well,” I told him. “They promise they'll bring as much peanut butter and mainland goodies as they can fit in their suitcases.”
“Mmm, peanut butter,” Brooke said as she walked past me with her arms full of chum buckets. She somehow made carrying bloody fish look sexy. Some days I hated Brooke. She was possibly the most beautiful person I had ever met. Tall, with legs that stretched into infinity, she also had perfectly sculpted abs and a megawatt smile. The thing was, she knew she was gorgeous, but she only used the advantage at the bars. She was also one of the nicest people I knew, and my best friend and roommate on the island.