Affair on the Beach

Chapter 8

A silly smile plastered itself on my face all through the lunch rush at the Shack. I had a spring in my step and a wiggle on my hips as I sashayed between tables, taking orders one second and serving food the next. The giddy aura surrounding me wasn’t lost to the customers. Even the surliest ones, having forgotten to apply sunscreen and now suffering from a nasty case of sunburn, offered me genial smiles. The tips were awesome too!

I liked Happy, Giddy Tamara.

Hudson seemed to be in a buoyant mood too, but I didn’t want to think that it was because of me hopping around the Shack like a sprite. He actually hummed at the bar while preparing drink orders. Rony, on the other hand, eyed me like I’d spontaneously grown horns. I knew she wanted to corner me and talk, but the rush was crazier than yesterday for the both of us to get a breather. I suspected she was biding her time, lying in wait for the right moment to pounce. I wasn’t worried. I had nothing to hide. Well, maybe except the fact that Xavier was a merman. I wasn’t sure if he wanted people to know. It was usually that way in paranormal novels. The creature, whatever he was, didn’t want to world to know, so I was keeping that info to myself; at least just until I get the go ahead.

I blushed at the thought of him. My brain had accepted him more now, referring to him as Xavier and not by “the god” or his whole name. Unfortunately, my mouth had other instructions. There must have been a disconnect somewhere because I thought Xavier but said Xavier Solomon. Such an odd, yet cute, experience for me. Certainly a first since I couldn’t recall this ever happening in any of my books. But, then again, I haven’t read them all yet. I could still encounter this situation in future readings.

I stopped in the middle of putting down a platter of calamari when I realized I hadn’t thought of reading a romance novel all day. Was it because I’d been with Xavier most of the morning?

“Excuse me?” The man with a receding hairline harrumphed.

I blinked at him twice before understanding what he wanted me to do. I placed his platter down in front of him and treated him to a bright smile.

“Enjoy!” I said. Then I quickly turned on my heel and headed for the bar.

I was shocked to find out my bookworm-shut-in self was ready to take the backseat to my experiencing-life self. Had I been so out of touch with life that my subconscious was willing to cooperate with me? How was that possible?

Once the lunch shift was over, I removed my apron and stuffed it into my locker. I still hadn’t found any answers to my questions. Twenty-four hours in Maverick Bay and already I was changing. Not leaps and bounds, but I was feeling more relaxed than I’d been prior to agreeing to this trip.

“What exactly is up with you today?” Rony asked as she sauntered into the locker room to change.

I exhaled a light and breathy sigh and smiled. “Have you ever surfed before?”

It wasn’t lost on both of us how dreamy my question sounded. Rony c****d a waxed eyebrow at me. I pretended to be busy removing my uniform to change into one of those summer dresses I grabbed from the closet filled with Rony’s purchases for me. I might as well put the clothes to good use while I was staying with her and Hudson. Not that I would bring any of them clothes home with me.

“I surf, but none of those times ever made me look all girly and giggly like you.” She tsked. “I suspect your sickening giggly-ness has more to do with who you were surfing with rather than the actual act of surfing itself.”

I dropped the shorts I was folding. “Rony!”

She glared at me in just her bra, having removed her shirt when she’d come into the locker room. “Don’t play coy with me. I’ve seen the way you’ve been ogling Xavier.”

I picked up the dropped shorts off the floor and placed it on top of my apron. Judging from how hot my face felt my blush was a bright one.

“Oh, TW, you have nothing to be ashamed off. Lord knows all the women on this beach are doing the same thing you are.” When I gave her a questioning glance, she clarified. “Ogling Xavier. Even I must confess to finding him handsome.”

“Do you …” I lost my voice for a second, nervous to find out the answer. I swallowed and tried again. “Do you like him?” I whispered, returning my focus on dressing. Xavier said he would pick me up after shift.

Rony laughed. “God no!”

I gaped at her.

“Don’t get me wrong.” She sobered, waving her hands in front of my face like she was warding off evil. “Xavier is handsome, but he’s not my type. In fact, he’s more like a brother to me the way Hudson is. So, if you like him, by all means he’s all yours. He seems to feel the same way about you.”

“I doubt it.” I pulled the dress over my body. Like everything I’ve worn so far from the clothes Rony bought, it accentuated my curves instead of hid them. Again I felt sexy.

Rony’s reflection joined me in the mirror hanging from the inside of my locker door. She’d put on a baby T and a jean skirt so short all she’d need to do was bend over and everyone would have a great view of whatever underwear she deemed worthy to put on that day, assuming she had underwear on. I wasn’t looking when she removed her shorts.

She put her hands on my shoulder and stared at my reflection. “What’s not to like, TW? You’re so confident about your curves but when someone comes along to appreciate them you doubt their appreciation.” She removed the tie keeping my hair out of my face and ran her fingers through the strands until half my hair fell over my shoulders and the rest down my back. “I guess it’s because you don’t see it, but take it from someone observing from the outside. Xavier definitely likes what he sees. Don’t doubt that.”

“It’s just—”

“What happened to not doubting,” she interrupted.

“No, it’s not that.” I gathered my thoughts. “I do like where this is going with Xavier. In fact, I want to see how far he’s willing to take it. If it were up to me, I would have let him reach home base last night.” I ignored Rony’s awe and continued. “But other than the physical, I’m not looking for anything serious. Like you said, experiencing s*x is different from reading about it. I want that experience. If it’s with Xavier, then good, but anything other than that I’m not willing to commit to. Just fun, you know?”

For the first time in ages Rony’s jaw dropped. “Who are you and what have you done to my best friend?” She whirled me around to face her. “I’m always up for exploring your options, but in this case, your first time, I don’t think you should take it so lightly.”

Now it was my jaw’s turn to fall. “Who are you and what have you done to my best friend?”

Rony gave me her best stern face.

I shrugged her hands off my shoulders. “Rony, I’m an adult. Have been one for several years now. I think it’s high time I have some fun with a cute boy, don’t you think?”

“When I told you to live a little I didn’t mean for you to lose your virginity to the first guy you see!”

I scratch my forehead. “You confuse me. Would you rather I stay home and read my books?”

“Fine!” Rony slapped her thighs. “Have s*x with him if that’s what you really want. Just don’t run to me when you can’t handle the one night stand. Feelings always get involved, Tamara. And when that happens, it isn’t good for anyone.”

A knock stopped me from defending myself against Rony’s argument. Feelings had no bearing on what I wanted to do with Xavier. That was if he was interested. According to last night, he seemed willing enough. To be honest, I wasn’t a hundred percent sure what I wanted to do. I was going with my gut, nothing more. If I’d learned anything from romance novels it would be to go with my gut.

“Tamara, Xavier is asking for you,” Hudson said when Rony and I turned around to face him.

“Tell him I’ll be right there,” I said.

When Hudson left to deliver my message, I returned my attention to Rony. “I’m a big girl, Rony. You don’t have to worry about me. I …” I paused, pushing away my initial doubts. “I know what I’m doing.”

“You better.” Rony hooked her arm over my shoulders and stirred me out of the locker room. I hastily grabbed my bag as we went.

At the bar sat Xavier in ratty jeans and a button down, looking all casual and relaxed and doubly delicious. His ash blond hair fell over his forehead. My fingers itched to brush the strands away. For someone rich, Xavier certainly dressed below his station. But then again, his jeans might be the distressed designer kind and his button down could cost more than my month’s salary at the bookstore. He finished off his glass of water before smiling at me. Ah! Even his teeth were perfect. I had to resist the urge to shake my head and roll my eyes. If I was going to seduce him into giving me what I wanted then I shouldn’t be giving him the wrong impression.

I stopped in my tracks. My answering smile froze on my face. Seduce? When did seducing him become the plan? I had no idea how to do that. I mentally shook my head. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this sort of thing. Maybe Rony was right and I was being a fool by thinking I could handle just s*x with Xavier without feelings attached.

Xavier stood up from the barstool he was on and came to stand in front of me. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

Rony let me go and joined her bother behind the bar.

I pushed away all my confusing and distracting thoughts to focus on the present, which was that an absolutely gorgeous example of man was standing within reaching distance before me. I fixed the smile on my face by recalling how much fun I had surfing that morning and wrapped my arm around Xavier’s, catching him by surprise.

“So, where are we going this afternoon?” I asked, genuinely excited. The butterflies taking up residence in my stomach rejoiced when I got a whiff of Xavier. Oh, I could sniff him all day.

He relaxed into my hold and moved out of the Shack, me at his side, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I thought we’d explore the summer market. It’s the best place to shop in Maverick Bay this time of the year, especially now that we’re a few days from the Invitational.”

I searched for our mode of transportation when we neared the street. “How are we getting there?”

Xavier glanced down at me, bemused. “We’re walking.”

I remembered what Hudson said. “You mean everything in Maverick Bay really is walking distance from each other?”

“That’s what’s great about a small coastal town like this one.”

Not knowing what to say to that since I was a city girl all the way, I moved to another topic of conversation. “So, the Invitational, did you put it together because you like surfing?”

Xavier returned his gaze to where we were headed. Down the street, apparently. He considered my question seriously and took a second before answering. I could stare up at his face all day if he’d let me, but I kept my eyes forward.

“I love surfing, but the Invitational could be golf if I wanted to plan a few rounds on the green.” He shrugged; a subtle movement of his powerful shoulders. “It’s more about spreading awareness when it comes to saving our environment. Sustainable fishing is just one of the methods Solomon Fisheries is practicing to preserve sea life. We’re also looking into recycling and repopulating reefs.”

“Does your humanitarian work have anything to do with”—I looked around to make sure no one was listening to us—“being a merman,” I whispered the last part.

Xavier chuckled, causing all the hair on my arms to stand on end. God, that sound was the most beautiful thing to listen to. And what it did to my insides. I thought I would liquefy on the spot if I wasn’t holding on to him.

“Why are you whispering?”

My flush grew shades deeper. “Well, in the books I read, the paranormal creatures aren’t usually forthcoming about what they are. In fact, the less the public knew about them, the better. Am I wrong to assume this about you?”

He regarded me with curiosity. “I take it you do a lot of reading?”

My stomach flipped and I nodded.

Xavier tipped my chin up with his forefinger so he could pin me down with his intensely blue gaze. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Tamara.”

My name on his lips brought on the almost familiar pulse in my groin that Xavier seemed to inspire in me within five minutes in his company. “I’m not embarrassed,” I lied. My tone sounded too breathy for my personal comfort.

He leaned in for a kiss, and just as I was about to close my eyes, he stopped about half an inch away from his goal. My eyes flew open to stare at the mischief in his. I could see what he wanted me to do, and I wasn’t about to play his games. I remained still, willing myself to be patient despite his magnetic pull.

Ten seconds later, he bridged the gap he created and brushed his lips over mine, not quite a kiss. Then he resumed our leisurely walk to the summer market. I closed my eyes and reminded myself I was still alive. My heart sure did stop for a second there.

“I admire your self-control, Tamara Winters,” he said, using my whole name in mock imitation of my propensity to use his whole name.

Well, two could play in that game. “And you’re a tease, Xavier Solomon. When are you going to decide to act on all those hungry stares you’ve been giving me all day?” I almost stopped walking, shocked at my boldness. Did I really just challenge Xavier to do what he wanted with me? Oh, holy foolish thoughts, what was I getting myself into? I touched my stomach with my free hand, feeling the tension there.

Xavier arched an eyebrow at me, his expression playful. “I believe I would have to take you up on your offer, Tamara. Just not right now, no matter how much I want to. I’m not an exhibitionist when it comes to my s****l prowess.”

I gasped and blushed some more, unable to meet his gaze anymore. He was way better at this than I was. Who was I kidding in thinking I could ever seduce someone like Xavier Solomon, god among men?

“But as an answer to your previous question before we got side-tracked by your beautiful blushes …” Xavier winked at me. I didn’t think it was possible to have all the blood in my body burning in my cheeks, but after that sexy wink, I was a believer. Only Xavier continuing what he was saying kept me from burning from the inside out.

“I would prefer that others not know what I am.” He gazed at the sky. “Sadly, people are still afraid of the unknown, so for my own protection, I keep what I am to myself.”

“Except for last night,” I blurted out.

He nodded. “Yes. I thought, considering the things I want to do to you, you should know what I am and allow you to make your own decisions. I’m still surprised you’re taking it very well. I’m guessing all those paranormal romances are prompting your reaction to what I am?”

I pursed my lips at his question. “That’s partially the reason. I mean, if you were a vampire, I might think twice. I don’t relish the idea of having my blood sucked.”

“Who says I won’t suck your blood?”

“Maybe your fake Transylvanian accent?” I laughed when he frowned at me. “It’s terrible. Don’t do it again.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He tilted his head the way cowboys who wore gallon hats did.

“In all seriousness, you don’t plan to hurt me do you? I mean, physically? Eat me and whatever scary thing you can think off?”

Xavier leaned in until his lips were on my ear. “Oh, I have plans on eating you, Tamara, just not in the way you think.”

I shivered. His words and the promise they held excited me. “Bring it on,” I said.

He pulled back, shocked. “You surprise me on every turn, Tamara. I’m never sure how you would react to my advances. I like your unpredictability. I like it very much.” He pointed toward the booths and tents. “We’re here.”

I wanted to moan. I really did. I didn’t know if it was the way he spoke in his deep, hot-as-hell voice, or his words, but they moved over my skin like a physical touch. How was it possible to feel words? If my panties were the loose kind, they would have fallen long ago. Did Xavier have this effect on all women? I knew Rony said he wasn’t her type, but I had to ask her.

Xavier untangled my arm from his so he could hold my hand. “Come on.” He pulled me toward the market. I went with him willingly, my legs feeling like jelly on every step. I wanted to be alone with him, but if I had to do a little shopping to get there then so be it.

We moved from stall to stall, Xavier engaging me in conversation the whole time. I picked up a purple shawl and wrapped it around myself. He shook his head and handed me a green one, saying it was my color. I modelled it for him and he smiled, handing the woman selling them ten dollars.

“Let me,” I said.

Xavier shook his head. “I want to pay. In fact, whatever you want is on me,” he said.

I blushed. “I can’t spend your money.”

“Of course you can. It’s my money and if I want to spend it on you what’s wrong with that?”

“Why?”

“For the pleasure of your company I would give you the world.”

The truth in his words sounded so real. Even the seriousness in his eyes. Would he really give me the world if I asked? I pushed the thought away.

“Okay,” I said.

His brow lifted. “Wow that was quick. I was expecting a little more fight from you about this. I thought we lived in an age where women were independent? Buying their bling and all that.”

I giggled. “Buying their bling? What music do you listen to?”

“You know what I mean.” He led me to a stall that sold silver jewellery.

“I’d hate to burst your bubble but I’m not the type to be stubborn for the sake of being stubborn.” I lifted a pair of chandelier earrings to my ear and examined my reflection in the mirror. “Like you said, if you want to spend your money on me, it’s your choice. I might as well enjoy the experience. Not every day Daddy Warbucks spends money on me.”

“I don’t think I like the implications of that comparison.” He ran his hand through his hair. “And last I checked, I still had a full head of hair.”

I smiled up at him. “That you do.” I lifted two pairs, one tear drop and one loop. “Which looks better?”

“Get them both,” he said. “I can’t decide. They would both look good on you.”

My smile turned into a deep frown. “I said I would spend your money, but I’m not about to buy two of everything just because you can afford it.”

Mischief colored his features. “There’s the modern day independent woman I was looking for. Take the loop. They look sexier than the teardrop. And if I were going for teardrop earrings, they have to be the diamond variety.”

I let him pay for the earrings, not commenting on his insinuation. Buying me stuff at a bazaar s***h market was one thing, but diamonds? I draw the line at diamonds. Too much was attached to a purchase like that, and I wasn’t ready to explore what feelings entailed diamond teardrop earrings.

I stuffed Xavier’s new purchase for me inside my bag when I felt him stiffen beside me. I looked up and his face had gone deathly pale. I touched his arm to get his attention.

“What’s wrong?” Concern unfurled in my chest like a flower.

He looked from me to deeper into the market. I followed his gaze to catch a group of tanned men walking toward us. All of them were in boardshorts and tight t-shirts. They were led by someone who could easily be Xavier’s twin in terms of built, hair color, and tan, except his eyes were the color of seaweed and his features were more angular. From the way he smirked, like he had malicious thoughts in his head, I understood on some level why Xavier suddenly seemed uncomfortable. But it still didn’t explain why he paled at the sight of the group nearing us.

“Xavier,” the man leading the group said. He reached out his hand.

“Zander,” Xavier said, taking the other’s hand and shook it briefly before letting go like it repulsed him to come into contact with the other.

The man called Zander smiled wider than he did before. “It’s good to see you again.”

Xavier’s lips disappeared into a tight line. “You didn’t RSVP for the Invitational. What are you doing here?”

Zander faked a hurt expression. “My schedule cleared up. You know I wouldn’t miss participating if I didn’t have any other obligations.” The men behind him laughed like they shared a private joke with each other. Zander’s green eyes skirted over me and I had to suppress a disgusted shiver. There was something about him that I didn’t like right off the bat, and it wasn’t because of Xavier’s obvious animosity.

“Who is this delectable morsel you’re with?” He reached out for me, but before he could take my hand for whatever he hand planned, Xavier slapped his hand away. The men behind Zander tensed.

“Don’t touch her,” Xavier said between his teeth. I looked up at him and noticed the tendons on his neck sticking out like he was holding him temper back by his fingernails.

Zander raised his hands in surrender. “I wouldn’t think of it.” Then his eyes hardened. “But if you touch me like that again in front of my men, you better be prepared for the consequences.” And as he walked away, he deliberately slammed into Xavier’s shoulder. The rest of the men with him gave the both of us leering glances, like we were nothing but bugs to be crushed under their flip flops.

Xavier closed his eyes and breathed in the way that told me he was forcing himself to calm down, like he was counting to ten. When he opened his eyes again, they were shining with barely leashed rage.

I was taken aback by his expression, but I forced myself to speak. “Xavier, are you all right?”

And just like that, the anger dissipated from his eyes. “You just called me by my first name.”

I blinked. “Did I?”

He grinned. “You did. Not the situation I was hoping for, but we can always remedy that.”

I wasn’t about to let myself get distracted by naughty thoughts. “Who was that?”

Xavier looked toward the direction the group disappeared to. “Zander Bartholomew.”

Another name I recognized. My eyes widened. “As in Bartholomew Shipping?”

He nodded once. “One and the same, and the only merman who wants me dead.”