Tequila Smash

by Aliyah Burke

  “Coffee, please.”

  “Be right up.”

  She was gone with a smile.

  He sipped the coffee and worked to slow that insane beating of his heart. Panicked. I fucking panicked.

  It wasn’t a feeling he appreciated. At all. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d done so.

  When the café closed he set back out once more and found himself staring at the darkened storefront of Last Call. Ellie had gone home. Above the bar the lone light for Dogfish’s place snuffed out.

  Bennett strolled to his truck and got behind the wheel. He didn’t live as close as Ellie, but he wasn’t far. Of course, far was relative. He was on an island, nothing was that far. He sat in his idling truck and debated. With a small laugh, he shifted into gear and departed the lot.

  A short time later he was again out of his vehicle and strode to the door. He knocked and waited.

  “Why are you knocking on my door, son? You can just come in.”

  He bent and kissed his mother and entered his childhood home, closing the door behind him. Padding into the living room, he inhaled sharply and smiled over the familiar smells. She turned and faced him, reaching up to cup his face. He loved her so much.

  “Who is she?”

  Bennett never hesitated. His mom may be small but she was ferocious and relentless.

  “My one.”

  A small smile turned up her lips as her gaze softened. Then tears glistened and he frowned.

  “Why are you crying?”

  “No tears, son. Only memories. You are so much like your father.”

  He gazed over to where the portrait of his parents on their wedding day sat. How she saw it, he wasn’t sure. He didn’t see any resemblance to the haole his mom married all those years ago. Aside from height, that’s what he got from his old man.

  “Why are you up?”

  She put her arm through his. “I’m always up at this time.” She led him out the back to the swing. “You should move home.”

  “No, Mama. I can’t live with my uncles. I’m fine where I am.”

  His five uncles also lived in this house and he would go crazy if he had to live with them.

  She tsked. “Fine. Tell me about her.”

  So he did. And when he finished telling her all about it she hemmed and hawed for a moment.

  “Why are you here with me then?”

  “I came to visit you.”

  “And I welcome any chance I have to see you, but you’re full of hogwash—excuse my poor language. You are here in the middle of the night when you didn’t even know I was awake so I’m not buying your excuse.”

  He hid his laughter at her distaste for foul language. And what she considered bad.

  “It’s not an excuse,” he protested.

  “Son. I know you and I know when you’re lying.” She glanced at him. “You just told me she is your one. And yet here you are, running from her. You’re so much like your father you don’t know what to do with this newfound information.”

  “Wise beyond your years, Mother.”

  “Your father—God rest his soul—told me before the end of our first date that I was the one for him. Then he had a panic attack.”

  Her tone lost its sadness for a hint of amusement.

  “It embarrassed him. Personally, I thought it was cute. Big bad Navy man, frightened by me.”

  “I’m scared of you,” he said.

  “I’m your mother, you should be.”

  “Trust me, I am.”

  She zipped her pendant along the necklace and tucked her feet beneath her.

  “He never gave up on me, Bennett. Don’t give up on her.”

  “When did you know?”

  She rested her head against his shoulder. “A lot sooner than I allowed myself to admit. Either to myself or to him.”

  “Have you met her?” He could totally see Ellie doing this.

  “I know things, is all. Go. The sun will be up soon. You can surf with your uncles.”

  She left him there with a peck at on the cheek.

  Once she’d gone inside, he went to the water lapping the shore at his mother’s house. He ignored the liquid seeping into his shoes. He hung out, surfed, then ate breakfast with his mom and his five uncles.

  “Bring her by,” was his mama’s command on his way out.

  Not much later after he got into his truck, he parked before Ellie’s apartment and headed up the stairs to her door. He rang her doorbell and while he waited he propped his shoulder against the door frame.

  “Who is it?”

  The sleep laden question reminded him he’d not yet been to bed.

  “Bennett.”

  All her locks disengaged and she swung the door open. Her short dark hair was mussed and she looked so adorable.

  “What are you doing?”

  Her thin shirt couldn’t hide her taut nipples. And he was glad. His palms burned with the need to touch her all over. As if it was the first time.

  “Let me in.”

  There was command buried with those three words.

  She stepped back and he moved by her, inhaling deeply as he did, drawing in her scent. Ellie shut the door and yawned as she leaned against the wood panel.

  Part of him felt bad for waking her but most didn’t. Without a word he headed to her and gathered her close to him. She went willingly and settled against his chest with a little sigh.

  “You left abruptly, is everything okay?”

  “It is now.”

  “Good.” She moved back fingers gripping his shirt and backed to her bedroom. “We can talk later, right now I need more sleep.”

  “I was thinking about my dad.” He joined her in the bed.

  “Something happen?” Concern lined her voice as she rose up to gaze at him.

  The morning sun wasn’t completely blocked so the light illuminated her creamy skin.

  “Just wondering about him, he died before I was born.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  Yes, it was something that had been said many times to him but, coming from her, he believed it was something else. There was more in her statement that conveyed something much deeper.

  “Hard to miss what you don’t know.”

  She curved back into him. “I disagree. When you see what others have and you are missing it, I believe you can miss out on what you don’t get to experience.”

  There was something in her tone which alerted him to the fact she was speaking about something personal. He wanted to know the reason for her pain. It would have to be later, she’d fallen asleep, her scantily clad body pressed tight against him.

  He shut his eyes and allowed the lure of the sandman to sweep him away. Contentment covered him like a warm plush blanket on a cold night.

  Chapter Four

  “Larson!” Ellie hollered over the raucous noise in the bar. “Need another two cases of beer.”

  The bar was hopping. Standing room only and the drinks, along with the money, flowed. For the size of the crowd they were behaving, so far.

  Night’s still young.

  It had been ten days since Bennett had stopped by and they’d fallen asleep. She hadn’t been able to spend time with him and she missed him. Missed how special he made her feel.

  The moment Larson returned with the beer, she decided to take a break. “I’ll be back,” she cried out. Her staff was great. Worked hard and had no petty squabbles. None that she knew of, anyway.

  My staff—they’re not, really, they’re Dogfish’s staff. As am I.

  Her boss meandered around up there, keeping order in his house. She sat down in the small break room and rubbed the nape of her neck. A low moan escaped. She’d been going nonstop since three this afternoon and it was eleven. A few hours left.

  Her feet were killing her. Next time there were shoes to be broken in, it wouldn’t happen on a weekend.

  Scrunching her toes a few times, she swore. There was pain and she had no doubt there would be blisters. She didn’t
have another pair of footwear to change out.

  Toeing her shoes off, she padded across the pristine floor to the coffee pot and fixed herself a large mug. She was always up for a serious jolt of caffeine. And some days it was needed more than others. This time was definitely one of them.

  After the sugar and creamer were added, she retreated to her seat and put in her earbuds. This was her ten minutes to enjoy her music. Nights like this, she tended to listen to classical, it soothed her nerves.

  One minute prior to her break ending, she pulled her shoes back on, wincing as they rubbed against the already raw spots. She bounced on her toes a bit, just to prove she could handle this. Then she rinsed out her mug and left it in the sink. Two more deep breaths and she stepped back out into the organized chaos.

  Larson shot her a look she knew all too well. They were getting rowdy. She took her spot at the bar and got to work. A tingle ran down her spine and she glanced up to see Bennett slowly making his way up to her. A good half-head taller than most of the crowd, he stood out. Then again, perhaps it was because she noticed him over everyone else.

  Tonight, his charcoal gray shirt spread taut over his impressive torso. She dampened her lips, all her focus going on him. The jigger in her hand slipped a bit before she regained her focus.

  “Evening,” he said.

  His smile weakened her knees. That flash of white against his darker bronzed skin turned her into a lust-crazed, insane woman.

  “What can I get you?” She finished her current drink and passed it off to Courtney.

  “Same.”

  Ellie smiled. “I could take that to mean you wanted a pink drink.”

  He rested against the bar.

  “I don’t mind pink.” A wink. “I’d prefer a beer if it’s all the same to you.”

  “I suppose it should be.” She grabbed his drink of choice and popped the top. “But I so wanted to see you with something pink on your lips.”

  His eyes heated and swirled with both promise and hunger. The noise of the bar faded as it hit her what she’d said.

  “It’ll happen.”

  Her pussy throbbed and she wanted to touch herself to find relief. Or have him do it.

  A young sailor stepped up. “Another round of six.”

  “Sure thing.” She gave him his total and began filling mugs after he paid. Bennett barely moved to the side to give him room at the bar.

  “You’re an angel from Heaven.” He gathered the drinks. “I could marry you. What do you say, beautiful? Want to be hitched to a sailor?”

  “Money up,” Larson yelled.

  “Damn.” She tossed five bucks in the jar they had behind the bar on their counter. Bastard never failed to hear when this happened to her. It didn’t ever seem to matter where he happened to be working, if he was in the building he heard, somehow.

  Dogfish walked up. “Another one I see.”

  Each time they had a marriage proposition, they had to pay money. When the jar got full, Dogfish matched the amount and it went to one of the numerous charities he supported.

  She didn’t mind, it was the last tip received or five dollars, and it didn’t ever go over five. So, since the flirt had given her ten, she still got part to take home.

  A win-win.

  “How much have you contributed since you started here to that jar?” Bennett held the bottle to his lips and she couldn’t tear her lips from the sight.

  She lifted one shoulder. “No clue. More than I can remember. But, not as much as others.”

  Bennett cocked a brow. How the fuck such a simple act could make a man that much hotter and sexier, she wasn’t sure.

  “Larson gets a lot of propositions.”

  He nodded sagely. “I’m sure he does.” A blank stare. “I would still proposition you.”

  Her belly fluttered. “That’s good to know.”

  “Very.” He took a drink. “See you later.”

  She needed a moment to regain her sensibility and focus on the job at hand. It didn’t work. She tracked him as he moved through the throng of gathered patrons.

  He glanced back over his shoulder and toasted her with his beer.

  Bastard knew I was watching.

  The night continued and she couldn’t express how relieved she was as she turned the sign in the window to closed. Something low and slow played on the jukebox while they cleaned. They worked hard and fast to finish up. When she was the only one left, she finished writing up the day’s receipts.

  “Busy night.”

  She jumped, a scream bursting free.

  “Holy crap! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

  Dogfish rolled the ever-present cigar in his mouth. “You’re jumpy.”

  He had a deep rasped smoker’s voice.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not a Marine who eats trees and pisses sawdust. As far as I knew I was the only one in here. So, when a person speaks to me when I’d believed I was alone, yes, it freaks me out.”

  He shrugged it off and slid his stocky build into the booth seat across from her. After digging in his pocket, he pulled out a lighter and she snatched it from his hand.

  “What?”

  “Just because the place is empty doesn’t mean you can smoke in here.”

  He glared at her. She blinked back, unimpressed.

  “Again, not one of your Marines. I’m gonna let you in on a secret. I know you’re a teddy bear and I’m not scared of your bluster.”

  He shook his head. “Respect. I had it with the Corps.”

  The wistful tone had her glancing up at him, suddenly concerned. The gleam waiting for her had her rolling her eyes.

  “We respect you.” She turned over the last stack of receipts. “You just want us quaking in our boots.”

  “Speaking of quaking. What’s going on with you and the squid?”

  Squid had been said with something akin to that face you make when you step in a pile of dog shit and can’t get it off the bottom of your shoe. And that segue had been poorly done.

  “I’m sorry, what?” She blinked tears away from eyes that had gathered from her choking.

  “You heard me.”

  “I did. I’m not sure I believed I actually heard it coming from your mouth.”

  He leaned forward, resting those Popeye-like arms on the clean surface. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear. What’s going on there?”

  “I’m past the age of needing permission to see a guy.” Could she call it dating, what she and Bennett were doing? Either way, she didn’t need someone’s judgement. Especially her boss.

  She loved him, he was a father figure to her but still, her life was her life.

  “He’s a man with a past.” He rolled the cigar around in his mouth.

  She thought about her own. “Don’t we all have one?”

  “I’m trying to look out for you, Ellie.”

  Gripping his arm, she gave him a small smile. “I know, and I can’t thank you enough for protecting me. But it’s not that serious. We’re friends.”

  Teach shook his head. “Not serious? Half Pint, if that’s what you think then you’re not as observant as I thought you were and gave you credit for.”

  Her heart picked up speed and she resisted the urge to rub her chest. Was Bennett as interested in her as she was him? The very idea made her damn near giddy. She’d been attracted to him since she first witnessed him stroll—swagger would be a better word—into the bar.

  “I’m fine, promise.”

  Dogfish held her gaze. After a short staring match, he grunted, got out of the booth before walking away, and vanishing into the dark without a word. Much like he’d arrived.

  She stared after him, mind a confused mess. Was there a warning there she was being obtuse about, because for the first time since her divorce he was a man who interested her in something other than a platonic way?

  Bennett was a big man, and one who knew how to kill, but she only felt safe around him. Shaking off her past memories, she returned her focus to the re
maining receipts so she could get out of here and head home.

  Dogfish reappeared as she left and walked her home. As usual she was grateful, but there was part of her that filled with disappointment since Bennett wasn’t there.

  “Take some days off.”

  Pausing outside her building, she stared at him. “What?”

  “A week. It’s a forced paid vacation. I don’t want you back at work for seven days. More like nine if you include the two Sundays.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you need some time off.”

  “I like my job and I don’t need a vacation.”

  “Fine, consider yourself fired for nine days.” He crossed his arms. “When you come back, your job will be there waiting after this time off. Go on inside.” She didn’t move. “I can’t leave until you are safely inside.”

  “Are you trying to keep me away from Bennett?”

  He was unimpressed with the ferocity in her tone. “I would ban him from the bar were that the case.” He made a shooing motion.

  She held her tongue, waved, and retreated inside. Locking her apartment door behind her, she toed off her evil footwear, hobbled off only to pause and swing back. Shoes in hand, she deposited them in her donation pile. No way she was wearing those again.

  After a long, hot shower, she padded to her bed in a t-shirt and panties. She yawned as she crawled underneath the bedding. Exhaustion weighed on her yet as she lay there her body came to life as she thought about Bennett.

  Nipples pebbling behind the thin cotton, she slid her hands up beneath the material to tug and pluck on them. Her clit throbbed so she drifted one hand there, pushing between the lips and gasping at the contact with the bundle of nerves.

  More! Her body demanded.

  With a frustrated groan, she reached for her bedside table, needing far more than what her fingers could provide. Ellie withdrew Big Blue Beast and, as the low hum filled the air, she closed her eyes and conjured up memories of Bennett and his touch on her body.

  αβ

  This had been a day from hell. Bennett’s mood was south of the border as he strode into Last Call a bit after eight. Familiar people gave him greetings and he scanned the room—as his usual—before he headed for the back corner he typically occupied.