“What are we doing between now and when the show starts? Seems we’ll have an hour or two, right?”
“Other than hanging out here or walking the beach, I hadn’t really made plans for anything else. Something you have in mind?”
“No, no,” she answers rather quickly. “Just wondering.”
“Why don’t we play it by ear and see what the consensus is?”
“Sure.”
When she turns away, her attention returning to Rafe, I smile to myself, thinking she’s already into him. That makes me smile too.
As the band plays on, I focus on Xander, delighting in all the looks he’s giving me. Their set consists of all new covers than those they played last night, including another original song which is just as amazing as anything I’ve heard.
Vikki’s made her way to us, getting fresh drinks, and I thank her for the origami lotus.
“You’re so welcome. Nice to see Xander with someone great.” Before I can comment, she’s off, making the rounds.
I lean toward Stacy. “You wouldn’t happen to have a safety pin in your bag, would you?”
She picks up her purse. “Let me check.” After rummaging through what seems like a bottomless well, she pulls her hand out with one safety pin between her fingers. “Voilà.”
I grin as I take the pin and fashion the lotus to my bodice. The orange looks striking against the blue. When I look up and meet Xander’s gaze, his smile rivals that of Stacy’s a moment ago. I blow him a kiss then laugh as he does that catching motion with his hand as if he’s caught the kiss.
For the next little while, I simply sit back and enjoy the show while being surrounded by wonderful friends. And believe me, it’s no hardship watching a sexy man playing guitar and piano, singing better than most rockstars today. Even better is sharing flirty smiles and focused stares, knowing the evening is only going to get better from here.
Chapter Seven
Xander
The day couldn’t be any more perfect. I woke up in bed with a beautiful woman and it looks like we’re well on our way to spending another night together. At least that’s my hope.
And it’s not that I only want to get Michelle back in bed—which was no doubt fantastic—it’s everything about her. Even with her structured life and serious nature, there’s a fun and sexy side to her. And I’m loving our time together as well as with her friends. Our conversations feel as if I’d been in their circle for much longer than mere hours. Their easy-going manner and love of a good time are right in sync with my ways.
If I’ve learned anything in my fifty-two years, it’s that life’s too short for what-ifs and should-haves. Sure, mistakes are made, but you pick up and carry on, hoping you gained the wisdom that’ll allow you to do better next time. You see something you want, you go after it.
And I definitely want Michelle. I want more time with her to see if what’s between us can become… simply more.
Hey, I’m a simple guy.
After the band’s performance atThe Dive Bar, Dani and her husband are going to check out another group at a nearby café. Rafe, Stacy, Michelle, and I decided we’d stroll around the beach before coming back to the bar where we’d freshen up for the comedy show later. Prior to heading out, I ran next door to the apartment and changed into khaki cargo shorts and flip flops, surprising Michelle.
“I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever see you in anything other than jeans and boots. Not that I don’t love you in them.” She had swept her hand across my backside, squeezing my ass cheek. “Or better yet, in nothing at all.”
I had wanted to scoop her up and march right back into that apartment in order to have my way with her. Instead, I’d spun her around to plaster her body against mine and gave her a kiss she wouldn’t soon forget. After she slipped off her shoes and was steady on her feet, we linked hands and made our way out to the beach.
Stacy and Rafe seem to be enjoying each other’s company as they walk ahead of us, chatting away and making each other laugh. They’re about as much opposites as me and Michelle. Stacy, with her blonde hair, fair complexion, and pixie-like look. Rafe, with his dark hair and tan skin that tell of his Cuban heritage. Not to mention his height is near mine, towering over Stacy by nearly a foot.
“God, it’s so good to see her like that after what she’s been through,” Michelle says as she stares at her friend.
I’d learned about Stacy’s divorce earlier. “Her marriage was that bad, eh?”
“The worst. Her ex was a good-for-nothing lazy bastard who cheated on her. While he wasn’t physically abusive, the emotional abuse took its toll on her. I’m actually quite shocked she’s so at-ease with Rafe.”
“He does have a way about him. He’s a great guy, and I know he won’t take advantage of Stacy.”
“I believe that. He may be just the person she needs right now.”
I give Michelle’s hand a little squeeze. Even though the day is bright and blazing hot, I couldn’t seem to care less about the sticky sweat coating my skin or the sand gathering between my toes. I’ve got a stunning woman by my side and not a worry in the world.
