It takes longer than Dani accounted for to negotiate the holiday traffic, so by the time we arrive, we’re thirty minutes late and several blocks away from the bar. My phone had buzzed with a message from Xander asking if everything was all right, so I’d given him a status update. He replied with a thumbs-up emoji andsee you soon.
Normally we wouldn’t have a problem with walking, but it’s practically a hundred degrees and we’re already melting. We’ll be a sweaty, stinky mess by the time we get to the bar. What little makeup I have on will be blotted away and no amount of hair spray Dani used on my waves will hold the style due to the humidity.
“Dios mio! This sucks!” Even in her heels she’s marching like a general toward battle. “The quicker we get there the quicker I can sit my plump rump down and have a frosty drink.”
I manage to keep up despite my wedges, and Stacy is clipping right along, not even breaking a sweat.
“You’re so lucky you don’t perspire,” I say to Stacy. “You look just as fresh now as you did an hour ago.” She is one of those people who literally do not sweat. She never wears deodorant because she never stinks. Me, I buy the clinical strength antiperspirant-slash-deodorant and still struggle with it keeping up.
“Good thing I’ve got hygiene wipes in my purse you can use. Didn’t think they’d fit in that teeny clutch you’re using.” She grins before nodding to the article dangling from my wrist.
I chuckle. “Yeah, just the necessities. You know I hate using even this.” Usually if I can’t tuck it in a pocket, I don’t feel it’s needed. My driver’s license and debit card slip nicely into my phone wallet which easily tucks into a pocket along with a tube of lip balm. But since my dress has no pockets, there was the need for at least the clutch. “Good thing you’re here,mom.” I tease. Stacy just hip-bumps me as we try to keep pace with Dani.
Within moments we arrive and walk into the bar. Dani scans the area, and we see her husband, Dom, standing, waving us over. As we get to the table, receiving hugs from the big teddy bear, I focus on Xander’s band already playing on the outdoor stage.
“I’m going to head outside and—”
“Yeah, we know,” Dani waves me on with a smile. “Go let lover boy know you’re here. I’m going to park myself in the AC for a bit and we’ll join you later.”
“Actually, I’ll come out with you, Michelle,” Stacy says.
I nod and we head outside, surprised to see a thinner crowd than I’d expected. As we spot a table, Vikki, the waitress, sidles up beside me.
“This way, ladies.”
She starts weaving around patrons while I exchange a curious glance at Stacy before following. I’m touched when she leads us to a table markedreserved. But the nicer surprise is an origami lotus and a bottle of peppermint oil on the table where Vikki pulls out one of the six chairs for me.
I laugh as I glance up at Xander then back to the waitress. “Thank you.” Taking the seat, I gently finger the delicate paper masterpiece before looking once again at the man who is quickly stealing my heart. A wide smile blooms on his face, and I can feel my mouth stretching to mimic it.
“So pretty,” Stacy says, leaning toward me to be heard. “And thoughtful. He’s got it just as bad as you do and that’s a good thing.” She pulls away smiling at me.
Vikki returns with waters and asks if we’d like something to eat or anything else to drink. Stacy orders a soda with the cheeseburger meal, and I decide on the same. We both skip out on the onions, because, kissing later. At least for me. Besides, Stacy gets awful heartburn if she eats them, so she avoids them at all costs.
While we wait for the orders, Holly launches into a Stevie Nicks song that also has a male part, but instead of Xander singing, Rafe takes over, his voice perfect for the rendition. I happen to glance over at Stacy and find her focused on the drummer, swaying to the music. Smiling, I look back at Xander and receive another wink. The gorgeous man is in an olive-green t-shirt stretching across his massive muscles as well as faded jeans encasing his equally impressive rear and legs. Makes me wonder if he ever wears shorts. I suppose when he’s surfing. And why does it matter as long as he’s comfortable. Besides, I’ve already seen him naked.
I chuckle to myself at that thought. Oh boy have I seen him naked. His body is truly a work of art, and I cannot wait to get my hands on him again.
Those thoughts are interrupted as our food and drinks arrive, so Stacy and I dig in. The band finishes with a few more songs before taking a break and Xander wastes no time in hopping off the stage and making his way toward me. He looks like a man on a mission with hunger in his eyes as his gaze locks on mine. I barely have time to clear my mouth and take a swallow of water before he’s dropping to one knee, wrapping a hand around my neck, and pulling me in for a kiss. It’s deep and demanding, making my insides burn hotter than the Florida sun. Those around us along with the ambient noise fade away as everything narrows down to only the two of us. I hear myself moan as Xander’s tongue sweeps inside my mouth, thoroughly consuming me.
All too soon he’s easing up and pulling back, resting his forehead against mine.
“Hi,” he whispers while grinning. “I missed you.”
I stare into his dazzling eyes. “I missed you too,” I say softly. Funny how I forgot all about freshening up after the walk, suddenly not caring if my makeup isn’t perfect or that my hair is limp.
“All right, all right, let the woman breathe. Some of us want to eat around here.”
I look up at the sound of Rafe’s teasing voice to see him standing behind and off to the side of Stacy, grinning like a loon. He pulls out the chair next to Stacy and plops down, turning to her.
“Hi, I’m Rafe, the sexy band member.” He wiggles his eyebrows, earning a laugh from my friend.
I look back to Xander and we share a knowing nod. Well,hopeful, maybe. Hopeful that Stacy will actually enjoy some flirty fun with Rafe.
Xander stands and moves to the chair next to me just as Dani and Dom join us, and introductions are made. Holly andWillie stop by for a moment to say hello and exchange a few words before they scoot off, informing us they’re going to say hi to family that showed up. Vikki then swoops in to take orders before flitting away in her ever-efficient manner.
“Aren’t you playing another set?” I ask curiously of Xander since he ordered a meal.
He sets down the water, the glass already half drained. “Yeah, we’re going to play again after a thirty-minute break. Thought we’d get some food and enjoy your company before we do another hour up there.”
