by Kahlen Aymes
“I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.” I wink and lift her hand to my mouth, pressing a small kiss down on it. She mutters something to herself. I turn and walk away with a gleam in my eyes. When I sense that she’s retreated to her room, I turn around and watch her walk away. I hope none of these idiots here try to hit on her in her state because my guess is that Sasha is as innocent as they get. I don’t know why I feel protective over her, but I do.
I walk back down the boardwalk to my bar. We will be busy until about dawn. For some reason I feel like tomorrow can’t get here fast enough.
Chapter 3
Sasha
The hotel room door swings open. The sound causes me to jostle in bed. I’m too tired to even crack open an eye.
“Come on, sunshine, wake up. Hustle! Hustle!” Kelly enters the room. Her voice rings like a high-pitched tune of a flute. My head is throbbing. My stomach is grumbling, but all I want to do is sleep and have her be quiet. The bed sinks a little as I feel her weight beside me. “Wake up, Sash. Come on. I had sex last night and I need to share details.”
I flip a pillow over my head and groan. “No, please. No details.” My voice is a whimper. I don’t need to picture Kelly “Queen Nerd” having sex, even if she is one of my best friends.
“It was Todd.” Her voice drifts off dreamily. “Did you see me with him? The guy with the thick glasses, about five foot five ...” I whip the pillow off my head and gaze at her with an “are you kidding me?” look. “What?” She shrugs her shoulders. “I’m realistic, Sash. Those hunky boys aren’t into me. Besides, Todd and I had real things to discuss last night, like the state of world hunger and why the West sits idly by while there’s famine in Africa. We could be doing so much more,” she says, sulking on the bed beside me. She snaps up to a seated position and crosses her legs. “I had sex.” She screams out. “Good sex!” She claps her hands and the sound reverberates deep inside my brain tissue.
“Oh my gosh! Kelly. My head is killing me. Stop screaming.” I groan, my throat feels like the Sahara.
“Sorry.” She winces, whispering, “How did you make out last night?” she waits expectantly.
My hands come up to my eyes, shielding the light. “Make out?” I repeat. “I didn’t,” I say. Is it possible I’m still drunk? Gah.
Her brows crease. “What did you do then?” she asks just as we hear a knock on the door.
“We should have put the ‘do not disturb’ sign out front. Why is housekeeping here so early?” I say out loud.
“It’s noon,” I hear Kelly chide.
Kelly lifts off the bed and walks with purpose toward the door. She swings it open and a slur of Spanish words come flying out of her mouth. I wince, taking in the sunlight that surrounds the entrance to the room. There’s no mistaking the gorgeous, six-foot hunk with bulging muscles, a man bun, and brow piercing glistening in the sun.
Holy shit. I must look like hell. I’m still in bed, hair mussed, teeth unbrushed, splitting headache, and possibly still drunk. How much did I drink last night? I flip the bed covers over my head trying to hide myself from the incredibly hot man at my door. Was he that hot last night? Yes. Yes, he was. I hide like a little girl under the covers.
Kelly’s voice breaks the silence. “You aren’t the maid.”
I hear Chris snicker. “I am not.”
“Who are you then?” Kelly asks like she’s ready to tear him apart in a court of law.
“My name is Christopher. I’m here for Sasha.” I hear the deep timbre of his voice and curl into a ball under the covers. Shit! What do I do? I remember him saying he wanted to take me somewhere today, but I didn’t actually think he would come back. I mean we’re clearly nothing alike. Like complete opposites.
“Sash! This guy says—”
I cut Kelly off. “I heard. Tell him to give me ten minutes,” I call out. Then I question my own sanity. Am I actually going to let this guy take me out today? Yes, of course I am. He may not be my type, but he’s drop-dead gorgeous.
Kelly goes to repeat my message. “She said—”
He cuts her off. “I heard. I got coffee and warm scones so hurry up, princess,” he shouts into the room. My stomach flips. Like does somersaults. I need to cool it.
“He said—” Kelly begins.
“I heard. Close the door so I can get ready,” I shout from beneath the covers. It’s starting to get hot under here.
I hear Chris’s deep chuckle in the background and the door slamming shut. I whip the covers off myself, and it must be a burst of adrenaline running through me because I feel less tired too, even though my head and stomach still ache.
“I thought you said you didn’t have sex,” Kelly chides.
“I didn’t.” I shrug then step into the bathroom, closing the door in her face.
“Then why is that hot male specimen waiting for you outside our door with food and coffee?” she shouts through the bathroom door.
I turn the shower on and turn up the water temperature. When I step under the water it feels too good. I quickly wash my bedhead hair in under two minutes.
“I’m waiting,” Kelly shouts, and I can picture her tapping her foot by the door, her arms crossed around her chest. I laugh and apply some conditioner, running it through my strands. “He has piercings, Sash, in all the right places,” she shouts through the door. I know. Does she think I’m that daft? “Tongue ring. You’re lucky that’s gonna feel damn good when he goes down on you.” Her voice trails off as I walk out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my body and one for my head. I’m pretty sure I had some sexy dreams about Chris last night. As much as the piercings put me off when I first saw him, they have me more than intrigued and excited now. Still, I wish Kelly would keep some of those details to herself. The girl has no filter.
“Where did you meet him? At least give me that.” She rolls her eyes and lets out an exasperated breath.
“On the beach last night. He walked me back to the hotel. We talked ... honestly he’s not my type.” It’s true.
“Who cares? OMG! Did you see his biceps?” She speaks so loud I fear Chris can hear her through the door.
“Would you keep it down?” I scold her. I sure didn’t miss his large biceps or those stunning green eyes.
Kelly is fast on my heels as I rummage through my suitcase and pull out a pair of panties, jean shorts, yellow lace bra, and yellow tank top. I turn to cock my brow and give her a “do you mind?” glare. She retreats to the bed and turns away while I get dressed quickly. With my clothes on I ask, “Did you bring any Advil?” Of course I know she did. She told me she pretty much packed every type of medicine we could possibly need down here, as if we came to a Third World country. She produces the Advil and a bottle of water in no time. I swallow the pill then down with the entire bottle of water. Kelly stands watching me, awestruck.
“I gave Todd sex and he isn’t outside my door with coffee and fresh scones,” she whines.
“I’m sorry,” I answer, unsure of what else to say. “I think this guy will be taking me out for the day. Are you going to be okay?” I take my purse and cross it over one shoulder.
“Yeah, totally.” She waves me off. “Maybe I’ll find Todd and have more great sex.” She grins.
I laugh and lean in to hug her. “Just be safe. Okay?”
She rolls her eyes at me because there’s no way she would have sex if she wasn’t being safe.
I put my sunglasses on before I even step out the door. My eyes need the reprieve from the bright Floridian sun.
I spot Chris by the pool. He’s wearing a basic white T-shirt, which doesn’t look basic at all since it hugs a very taut chest and thick arms, and a pair of khaki shorts that sit low on his trim waist. Even with a pair of mirrored sunglasses on I can tell he’s spotted me. His gaze remains trained on me as I walk up to him.
“Yeah, wasn’t sure how you took your coffee.” He tilts his chin to the coffee tray on the table beside him. In it are two cups of coffee and a bunch of sugar a
nd creamer thrown in the middle. I take one of the cups and three packets of sugars. He laughs. “I would never have guessed you liked sugar that much.”
“Yeah, three sugars, three milk,” I answer.
“Noted.” He nods but doesn’t say much else. I sip the coffee he brought and stare out to the ocean across the street. It’s nice waking up to this view.
“So,” I say in an attempt to make some conversation or possibly convince him to give me one of those scones he promised earlier.
“I was thinking we could drive to the Keys,” he suggests.
I eye the bag of scones. “That sounds fun. As long as you drop the princess stuff from last night.” I cock a brow.
“Got it. No more princess business,” he says as if there’s some underlying meaning.
I still eye the bag of scones, and he doesn’t offer so I do. “Didn’t you say you came bearing scones?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
“Yes.” He chuckles. “You hungry?”
“Starved.” I help myself to the bag. The first one I pull out looks like blueberry. I can’t eat it fast enough. “This is so good. Thank you.”
He’s still laughing. I’m not sure what I’m missing. I actually don’t care. The coffee and scone hits the spot, and I feel a little more human.
“So you comin’ on a road trip with me, Sasha?” The way he says my name with a sexy Southern drawl makes my belly clench.
“Why should I?” I ask, because this guy looks better than good. I’m sure he can get any of these bikini-clad girls lounging beside us to join him. Why does he want me? He kept calling me princess last night and irritated the heck out of me. If he sees me in that way and he thinks it’s a bad thing, then we really need to part ways.
“Why should you?” he repeats, almost appalled or maybe shocked.
“Let me guess, you aren’t used to a girl turning you down?” I say in the same chiding tone he uses to call me princess.
He runs a hand over his beard. “Well, no. I’m not,” he confirms. He scratches his head.
I can’t help the chortle that bursts out of the back of my throat. “Just say it like it is. Why don’t you?” I huff. “You should know I’m not that type of girl.” I tilt my chin upward a little.
His smile spreads slowly across his lips. “I know. I wouldn’t dream of bedding you.” He winks.
I drop my jaw, unsure if that is an insult.
He shakes his head and his eyes close for a brief moment. “Look, I like your company. I’m just asking for a day, not a lifetime. Come with me. I’ll show you some nice places.” He grins warmly.
“And you promise to bring me back in one piece?” I ask with all the sincerity in the world.
He bites his lip and his green eyes roam over my body. When his gaze meets the length of my untanned legs, his nostrils flare. He brings his hand up to his chest and says, “You have my word. I got you back safely last night, didn’t I?”
“You did. Okay, let’s go.” I nod, grabbing another scone from the bag. He laughs and follows me, his brown leather flip-flops make a clacking noise as he catches up to me. Which is a good thing because I don’t know where the hell I’m going. I just go because my mom’s words ring in my head. You need to live a little. This is me living. I just hope I don’t fall too hard for Chris because under his rough exterior, I’m guessing there’s a nice guy. A guy that I could potentially really like. I already know that I want his lips on mine. I’ve never been the type of girl to just hook up; for me sex is mixed with feelings. I only hope I can separate the two with Chris.
Chapter 4
Chris
This princess is a handful, but I can’t seem to get enough of her. My mind constantly wonders what she’ll say or do next. In the light of day she’s proven to be playful, sincere, sweet even. Nothing like the stuck-up snob I had her pegged for. And hot damn those short jean shorts she’s wearing have me adjusting my dick left, right, and center, which doesn’t make any sense. Being a bar owner means I have a constant flow of chicks at my beck and call. Some are vacationers looking for a good time and some are locals that I bed on and off. I’m pretty sure every chick I know has a pair of short jean shorts, so the reason this one has my dick stiffening is beyond me.
“Right over here,” I say, clicking the unlock button to my convertible Jeep.
“This is your car,” she says, and it’s not a question. She just nods her head and gets inside. “I’ve always wanted to ride in one of these.” She smiles and settles into the front seat. I reach over to the glove compartment and pull out two hats for the drive.
“Here, you’ll want to wear this, and there’s some sunscreen in there too.” I give her a wry smile and start the car. When I turn to give her one last glance before hittin’ the road, her lips are spread wide and turned up like she’s having the time of her life. Our trip hasn’t even begun.
I almost laugh to myself and head out for the Keys.
“So where you from?” I ask, figuring that’s basic conversation in a tourist town.
“Greenwich,” she pauses. “Connecticut.”
I nod. “Figured something like that.” I wink.
“Geez! Are you back to the princess bashing?” she snaps, her doe eyes narrowing in on me. I turn my head back to the road.
“Not at all. No princess bashing from me today, Sasha.” Her name rolls off my tongue like a sensual kiss. I like it. I like her.
“Where you from, Chris?” She turns her head to look at me.
“Question is where am I not from.” I wink.
“So it’s like that.” She nods then reaches over to the radio to turn up the volume.
“Not really. I was born in Texas, did some travellin’, decided to settle here in Florida where the sun shines all year round. Got a good thing going with my bar. And Logan, the guy you met last night, he’s my cousin and partner. He’s got my back. Don’t need much else,” I explain, staring out at the large expanse of road ahead of me.
Those cerulean eyes land on me in an assessing way. I think she’s trying to figure me out. She won’t be able to though. I don’t stay with chicks long enough for that to happen. She has my interest now, but it won’t last. Never does.
Four hours later and we’re driving up the coast of the Keys, the wind blowing in our hair. Sun shining bright. I like the fact that she didn’t feel the need to talk the whole time. She kind of just soaked up our picturesque surroundings and relaxed. I wanna say my kind of girl, but no.
“It’s so beautiful here.” She grins widely, holding the hat on her head so it doesn’t blow off.
“It is.” I pull the Jeep into a spot next to my favorite restaurant out here. “You a seafood girl?” I ask, giving her my signature smile.
She looks back to me warmly. “I can do seafood.”
We exit the Jeep, and I take her hand. She doesn’t protest. I guide her to Vinnie’s Seafood by the Sea. They have the best mussels and lobster I’ve ever tasted. I order for us both and good ol’ Vinnie comes out with his large bibs.
She gives me a sideward glance. “Trust me, you’re going to wanna wear that.”
She seems unsure but I put my bib on and she follows suit. Vinnie arrives with a sky-high plate of mussels. “Man, that looks good, Vinnie.”
“You enjoy, Sir Chris.” He smiles.
Vinnie walks away, and Sasha gives me a questioning glare. “Sir Chris?” she asks.
“Doesn’t mean anything.” I wave her off. “Good ol’ Vinnie calls everyone sir. You ready to eat? No fork and spoon here. You gotta eat with your hands. You ready?” I grin devilishly because I still can’t help but goad her. I like her fiery responses.
“Yes, Sir Chris. I can eat with my hands. My family vacationed in Nantucket growing up. I know how to eat my seafood,” she says and then places some mussels on her plate. “And before you have a smart response about Nantucket, think twice and swallow it because you don’t hear me calling you some tattooed guy with too many piercings,” she says, shooting me daggers
.
I fall back in my chair, laughing hysterically. “You know chicks usually dig the piercings...” I begin and stick my tongue out at her, “...especially this one here.” I point. “I can do wonders with my tongue.” My eyes gleam with mischief as those words leave my mouth. Her cheeks turn a healthy pink, and she shifts in her chair uncomfortably. I’ve been well-behaved until now. There’s only so long I can behave, especially with her smart mouth and too-tight body turning me on all day. I need to push things a little. See if she digs me at all. With her crimson cheeks, I’m gathering I just planted the thought in her mind. A very delicious thought of my tongue between her succulent thighs. I bet she tastes heavenly.
We eat in silence, enjoying the stack of mussels followed by the lobster. Sasha isn’t shy. She enjoys her food. I like that she’s so real. She’s a no-bullshit kind of girl. I respect that. When we’re done, Vinnie brings out a large bowl of lemon water with a white hand towel. Sasha gets right in there rinsing her hands and mouth. I don’t know why I find her cleaning herself so sexy; maybe it’s her self-confidence that seems to shine through. When we’re both done cleaning up, I lean back in my chair just watching her.
“What?” She smiles, and I can tell I’ve made her self-conscious. Adorably so. It seems like she’s confident until it comes to all things sexual, which tells me she doesn’t have much experience.
I don’t answer her as I sear her with my stare. Our eyes lock. I take the chance of leaning forward to kiss her. I’m either going to get smacked or enjoy one hot kiss. Our lips connect and there’s no smack, so I take it as a go ahead to move forward. Our lips join, and I lick the seam of her mouth my tongue, begging for entrance into her warmth. We haven’t even gotten that far and my dick stiffens. I move my chair closer and cup the back of her head, my hand running through the silky strands of her auburn hair. She tastes sweeter than I imagined. Her tongue is more talented than I originally thought. I picture her wrapping that sweet, smart mouth of hers around my cock. As I kiss her intimately in the restaurant, she moans and something about the moan sends shooting need through my body. I groan into her mouth, completely entranced with her, forgetting my surroundings. The sound of a male voice clearing his throat brings me back to reality, and I slow the kiss, but I’m unable to break the stare we now both share. Her eyes heat with lust.