“Until all the guys in our class saw how pretty she was. It was amazing to see how their attitudes changed when they got a look at Ciara after I was through with her,” Emma said, holding her head high.
Emma was proud of her job as a makeup artist and stylist in charge of the Dragonfly Pointe Inn Salon, which catered to elite clientele.
“Alright,” Janelle answered, sighing heavily. “Let’s do it.”
Emma’s eyes went wide, and she dropped her purse. “Really?”
“You’ve got fifteen minutes,” Janelle mumbled, looking at her watch.
“I’ll take it,” Emma said, guiding Janelle into her room.
Emma looked over her shoulder as Ciara tried to follow. “You stay here. I want you to get the full effect, so Janelle can see just how good she can look with minimal effort.”
“Whatever you say, boss,” Ciara answered, giving her a mock salute.
Emma laughed while Janelle groaned. “What am I getting myself into?”
Janelle sat down in the chair that Emma had placed in front of a mirror inside the bedroom.
“Hmm,” Emma murmured, comb and scissors in hand. “I hope you don’t mind if I trim up your hair?”
“Who packs a pair of scissors to take along for a vacation?” Janelle said dryly.
Emma snorted, defending herself. “I do, of course. You never know if one of us might be having a bad hair day.”
Janelle shook her head, laughing. “Okay. Go for it. Maybe I should close my eyes?”
“Sure,” Emma murmured, already distracted.
Janelle felt the scissors running across her forehead first before Emma started cutting away at the length.
Another five minutes later, Janelle was startled when she finally opened her eyes. “Holy…” She huffed out a breath. “I look good.” Her hair was cut short, not quite to her shoulders, and Emma had quickly updated Janelle’s style by brushing her hair back from one side and adding some long wispy bangs.
Emma grinned. “No, you look great.”
Janelle pursed her lips as Emma put down the scissors and opened her makeup bag.
Exactly ten minutes later, when they walked out from Emma’s room, both Janelle and Emma laughed when Ciara’s jaw dropped.
It was amazing how such little effort from Emma had made a huge difference in her appearance, Janelle thought. Since she rarely wore makeup, she’d been impressed at how simple the process had been for Emma as she’d been applying a minimal amount of eye shadow, liner and lipstick to Janelle’s face, giving Janelle pointers at the same time.
“She looks absolutely gorgeous,” Ciara exclaimed.
“She has the bone structure of a model,” Emma said dryly.
Janelle was feeling slightly uncertain, glancing at Ciara. “Do I really look as good as I think I do? It was such a little amount of makeup.”
“I think you look beautiful,” Ciara admitted. “But I’m curious. How come you’ve never worn makeup?”
Janelle grimaced. “My upbringing. My father was a minister and he was rather old school when it came to things like makeup or perfume. Plus, we had a large family. There were six of us. I have two brothers and three younger sisters, and something like makeup was considered an unnecessary luxury.”
“It’s funny how we’ve never talked about your family,” Emma said, studying Janelle’s face. “You’ve got such great eyes to work with. You sure you’ll remember what I’ve done so you can do it yourself?”
“Oh, yeah,” Janelle murmured. “Thank you, Emma. I don’t know why I was so nervous about having you do this for me.”
Emma shrugged, laying her hands over Janelle’s shoulders. “Never hesitate to ask me for anything. You two are my closest friends, even though I don’t see very much of either one of you anymore. And, hey, if you hadn’t liked the look, all you would have had to do is wipe off the makeup.”
Rolling her eyes, Janelle nodded her agreement.
“One more thing,” Emma murmured. “The jeans look good, but how about wearing something other than that t-shirt? If you don’t have anything, maybe Ciara has something you can borrow?”
“I sure do,” Ciara said, grinning. “It won’t be the first time I’ve offered.”
“Alright, already,” Janelle answered. “Have you got something a little less frilly than what you’re wearing?”
“You call this blouse I have on frilly?” Ciara laughed, fingering the loose collar. “I’m thinking it’s the sheerness that you’re probably not comfortable with.”
Janelle grinned. “I guess I do tend to stick with plain and simple.”
Emma snorted. “I’ll say. You must own a solid color t-shirt in every dark color that was ever made available.”
Everyone laughed.
Finally, Janelle gave in. “Alright. I’ll wear whatever you two suggest, without complaining.”
“Okay. Let’s see what’ll work,” Ciara answered.
“Just hurry,” Janelle muttered. “I’m ready to get out of here. Isn’t this supposed to be a vacation?”
Everyone laughed again.
Chapter Five
They’d decided to make it a short night, since Nick and Jack’s flight back to the states would be taking off early the next morning. Suka Espresso was the restaurant Rand chose for their last night on the island; not just because it was close to home, but because he thought the food was great and atmosphere even better.
After Rand talked to the hostess about their reservations, the three of them were soon walking outside along a series of platforms and ramps leading to the main deck. There was plenty of privacy amidst the trees, with tiers of cozy seating, not to mention spectacular views from all directions.
The place was beautiful, Jack thought. Wouldn’t it be great to set up a restaurant like this somewhere in the states?
But as they went to follow their hostess toward the isolated table which had been reserved for the three of them, Nick glanced in the opposite direction, where Jack noticed a familiar redhead was seated with the blonde, along with the lovely woman Jack had been admiring earlier.
There was something changed about the way she looked tonight, he realized. Her hair was differently styled, so that might have been it, but it could have been the sundress she was wearing, which made her look sexy and super feminine.
After the hostess escorted them to their table and began walking away, Nick nudged Rand in the ribs. “Is that who I think it is?”
Rand grinned. “It sure is.”
At that moment, the redhead turned.
“Her friends are good-looking too,” Jack murmured. “What do you say, guys? Should we see if they want to join us?”
“Sounds good to me,” Nick murmured. “Check out the blonde. God, she’s hot.”
Jack snorted. “I was angling for the classy taller one myself.”
Strangely, they didn’t look surprised to see them there, Jack realized. He wondered if Rand had mentioned they would be eating here tonight when he’d spoken with the redhead?
“Alright,” Rand answered. “Our table is a little larger, and the location more secluded. Let me see what they have to say if I invite them to eat with us?”
“Sounds good,” Nick said, sitting down at the table.
Jack took a seat opposite from Nick and grinned, leaving empty seats on either side of them.
Rand rolled his eyes before walking over to the ladies’ table and Nick watched Rand smile widely before he spoke. “Hi, Ciara.”
Ciara’s smile was definitely rueful, as she motioned with her hand. “Rand, these are my friends, Emma and Janelle.”
Rand continued, “Fancy meeting you ladies here tonight. It’s nice to meet you Emma and Janelle. Me and the guys were wondering if the three of you would like to join us for dinner? We’ll probably head back to my place afterwards, so we won’t be pests. My friends are returning to the states tomorrow, and we were thinking about making it a short night.”
“Sure. That would be nice,” Emma ans
wered. “We’ve booked a short tour for Monday, but since none of us have ever been here before, maybe you can fill us in on some of the best places to go?”
“It’d be nice to know about the places to avoid, too,” Janelle muttered. “Especially since Emma wants to go everywhere.”
When Emma slapped Janelle lightly on the arm, Janelle grinned.
“I can definitely fill you in,” he answered, as Ciara stood first and then the others followed.
The ladies appeared to have just ordered drinks, and their waitress was approaching the table.
Rand motioned for the waitress to lay them down at the more isolated table beyond.
She nodded and smiled, carrying the tray to Rand’s table and carefully laying down the drinks.
While the women took their seats at the table, Rand, Jack and Nick ordered drinks.
“You’re looking lovely, tonight,” Rand murmured, scooting his chair closer to Ciara’s after the waitress left with their order.
“Yeah, well, you look lovely too,” Ciara answered, dryly.
Laughter echoed from around the table, and everyone’s eyes were on Rand.
Rand cleared his throat, rolling his eyes as he motioned with his hand. “Jack and Nick, meet Janelle and Emma. I probably never mentioned that I used to know Ciara, a long, long time ago, when I spent my summers in Crystal Rock.”
Ciara’s jaw dropped, apparently shocked that Rand actually recalled who she was.
Finally, Ciara snapped her mouth shut and spoke. “How in the world did you remember me? I don’t look at all the way I used to look as a kid. Plus, it’s been almost fifteen years.”
“It was your eyes,” he murmured softly. “I remember thinking, even at fifteen years old, that yours were the prettiest color eyes I’d ever seen. They’re like a deep blue turquoise.”
Ciara shook her head, looking dazed.
Nick wasn’t the only one taken aback at Rand’s pronouncement, but Emma, the beautiful blonde, was studying Rand thoughtfully as Jack grinned at Janelle, who was seated beside him.
A few minutes went by with everyone conversing as a group. It was probably good that Rand and Ciara had a date tomorrow night, because the attraction was sizzling between them.
Nick turned to Emma. “So Emma? What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a hairdresser and stylist,” she answered.
Sounding distracted, Nick replied, “A hairstylist? What else are you planning on doing with your life?”
Nick had put his foot in his mouth again, Jack realized, because Emma’s face seemed to turn to stone.
Jack kicked Nick in the shin, giving him a disapproving look when he turned to stare at Jack.
Now, it appeared that Emma was giving him the cold shoulder, and Nick grimaced.
Ciara appeared to be watching Nick and Emma with fascination, along with Rand, because he raised a brow.
“Emma’s had every guy in Crystal Rock in love with her at one time or another. He must have said something to upset her,” Jack heard Ciara whisper under her breath.
“I was just thinking the same thing myself,” Rand admitted, picking up the menu and studying what was inside.
“What do you guys recommend?” Janelle asked, apparently not noticing the exchange between Nick and Emma. “I’d kind of like to try something unique, but what if I don’t like it? We’re planning on going out for a little dancing and a few drinks afterwards, so I want to be sure to eat.”
“Why don’t we order six different items and share?” Rand answered. “I’m going to recommend a few of these appetizers too, so when we’re finished, everyone should be satisfied.”
“Sounds good,” Ciara said with definite approval.
“I agree,” Jack said, giving Janelle a side glance and studying the menu at the same time. Not only did she look lovely tonight, she had the sexiest pair of legs he’d ever seen. Jack suddenly realized he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so attracted to someone in his life.
When the waitress came back for their order, everyone had pretty much made up their mind, deferring to Rand’s recommendations.
“For appetizers,” Rand said, “let’s have the seared scallops, deep fried marinated squid rings and steamed clams. That should satisfy each of us in one way or another.”
“Sounds good to me,” Janelle murmured.
“And for our main courses? I think we’ve decided.” Rand pointed around the table as he listed their selections. “I’ll have the grilled octopus for myself, two of the baked sea bass, king prawns saganaki, orzo and Ciara, you said you wanted the grilled sea bass fillet?”
Ciara nodded her agreement. “I’ll try a little of your octopus. I’ve had it at home, but I didn’t care for it.”
“You might be surprised at how different it tastes the way that it’s prepared here. There’s a lot that I’ve eaten since I’ve moved here that I never expected to like,” Rand admitted.
It was funny how everyone seemed to relax when food was involved. The ladies each had another tropical drink while sampling the appetizers when they arrived.
“Where are you ladies headed afterwards?” Nick asked.
“A place called The Rock,” Janelle answered. “It was recommended to us by someone at the hotel.”
“You’ll like the place,” Rand murmured. “There’s a lot going on. DJs with music and dancing, all in a beautiful setting, especially when the sun begins to set.”
Jack asked suddenly, “So why haven’t you taken us there?”
Rand laughed. “There’s only so much I can show you in a week.”
When Nick looked at Rand, he shrugged, so Nick turned to Emma. “I think that Jack and Rand agree, we’re not in much need of sleep. What do you say – would you girls mind if we joined you?”
Jack couldn’t believe Nick suggested it, since Nick had been the one who’d wanted to lay low the entire week. But it would be good for him to quit thinking about Marissa.
Rand appeared to be studying Emma and Nick but seemed to think it was a good idea.
Jack turned to the lovely woman seated beside him. “How about it, Janelle? Do you mind if we come along? We wouldn’t want to butt in on your plans, but Rand has an SUV and he can drive.”
“It’s fine with me,” Janelle answered. “We’re going to be here for a couple of weeks. Ciara – is it alright with you?”
Ciara shrugged, looking slightly puzzled. “Of course, I don’t mind. You know you don’t have to ask me.” She turned to Rand. “We have a cab picking us up.”
“Cancel it,” Rand said, smiling. “Plus, I have a feeling that Jack and Nick will be happy to stay there as long as you ladies would like, so we can drop you back off at your hotel.”
At that moment, the food arrived. As they began taste testing the different foods, the conversation flowed, and their laughter echoed through the air.
It was strange, Jack thought, while he was eating. It was almost like they’d been friends for years.
Jack grinned as Nick watched Rand in fascination as he held out his fork for Ciara. He was trying to pick up some pointers, Jack decided. Nick had always been a little too up front and unromantic with women.
She turned, her tongue sampling the flavor of the octopus before wrapping her mouth around the entire piece, removing it from the fork.
Jack stared as Rand swallowed, looking completely under Ciara’s spell.
Janelle had been watching too, and her eyes met Jack’s as she rolled them upwards.
Jack muffled a laugh, sticking more food into his mouth. Apparently, Janelle wasn’t the flirty type either. Women had a tendency to come onto Jack, not the other way around, so everything about Janelle seemed refreshing.
Jack watched as Nick grinned, kicking Rand’s leg under the table.
Grunting, Rand began coughing.
Chapter Six
Giving Jack a side glance, Janelle allowed her eyes to linger on the man sitting beside her. The white-washed jeans he wore fit snuggly over
narrow hips and long muscular legs.
He was wearing a button-down shirt in a powder blue that clung to his broad muscular shoulders, and he’d brought along a faded denim jacket, which was draped over the back of his chair. The complete package was too much of a turn on, and she was already distracted enough being around him.
His face had perfectly chiseled features and his dark gray eyes had a strange intensity about them.
Jack had to be the most beautiful man she’d ever seen.
Speaking of which…
“Why do I recognize you from somewhere?” Janelle asked suddenly.
As he shrugged, his eyes met hers, and she suddenly remembered exactly where she’d seen him.
“You were in commercials on TV,” she said softly.
He grimaced. “How in the world would you remember me? I was only a kid.”
“I have five brothers and sisters,” she answered. “We ate a lot of cereal.”
Jack snorted.
Suddenly, she laughed, watching Rand and Ciara while they ate. They looked like they’d forgotten that anyone else was there at the table.
Ciara said, “You’ve laughed more today than you have in the last five years, Janelle, What’s so funny?”
“I have been enjoying myself,” Janelle admitted. “But I was just wondering if the two of you remembered that the rest of us were sitting here with you?”
“Yeah, geez,” Nick muttered, with pretended disgust. “Get a room already. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready to let loose a little tonight.” Nick looked at Emma strangely. “My fiancé just broke up with me.”
“I can’t say I blame her,” Emma murmured.
Surprisingly, Nick laughed at Emma. “I’ll bet you’re a great dancer?”
“I am,” she answered, raising her chin.
“I can’t wait.”
Emma huffed out a breath but didn’t respond.
Nick continued smiling as he went back to his dinner.
“Anyone for coffee, drinks or dessert?” Rand asked.
“I’ll take some coffee with a little bit of rum,” Jack murmured.
Jack's Blind Date Debacle (Hot Hunks Steamy Romance Book 8) Page 3