When he turned back, I expected to see disgust or anger. Instead, I saw interest and, if I wasn’t mistaken, arousal. I mean, I’d been out of the game for a while, but I could still spot a semi. His next words confirmed my thoughts. He leaned in close and gave me the best smile. “What can I get you, handsome?”
I felt myself blush when he took my order, and I could kick myself for the silly little glass salute I gave him. The bar exploded with people a few minutes later, and the bartender began working his very nice butt off serving them. A loud laugh next to me nearly made me jump out of my skin, and that’s when I knew it was time to leave. I was surrounded by people on all sides. I felt my chest constrict as my heart started to race. Damn, damn, damn. I could not have a panic attack in the middle of all these people and in front of that hot-as-hell bartender. I leaned forward to get his attention, but he was busy trying to appease the new arrivals. I couldn’t stay any longer. I pulled a twenty out of my wallet and slipped it under my empty glass. I got out of my seat—which was instantly commandeered—and eased my way through the crush as quickly as possible. I hoped since I was staying here for a month, I would see Green Eyes again. Maybe I would get hot and heavy on the Jersey Shore after all.
FIVE
JEREMY
I woke with a start, my heart hammering in my chest and my breath coming in short gasps. Another nightmare. I remembered vague images of being caught in a sea of people surging forward and carrying me with them. I couldn’t get my footing. I couldn’t get away. I threw off my sweat-soaked sheets and did the breathing exercises I’d learned in therapy. After a few minutes of long, slow breaths out, I was calm enough to move. I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Just after midnight, I hadn’t even been asleep for all that long.
I swung my legs over the edge of the king-size bed and carefully stood. I was usually shaky after a bad dream, and I didn’t want to fall and then go through the embarrassment of calling for help if I hurt myself. I looked out the window that was across from the bed. Being on the third floor, I had a perfect view of the ocean, even though it was a block away. The moon reflected brightly off the water’s glassy surface, the cloudless sky offering no hindrance to its light.
I walked over to stand by the window and noticed someone walking on the beach. It looked like a man, from what I could tell. After a little while, he stopped walking and stood at the water’s edge. I could see his shoes dangling from his left hand, so I guessed his feet were actually in the water. I knew the water had to be pretty chilly—it was late spring, and the weather hadn’t been all that warm. Yet there he stood. I shivered in sympathy. I wondered what he was thinking. He stood very still, like he was meditating or looking for something only he could see. Maybe it was both. I certainly knew what that felt like.
Well, I was awake now. Maybe I should go join that guy on the beach. Then I remembered the key sitting on top of the dresser. The one to the dining room that Caitlin had given me, courtesy of Mr. O’Neil. I was surprised when she handed it to me before I even asked. She told me that Mr. O’Neil thought it would be easier to give me a key than me having to chase down someone every time I wanted to use the piano. Smart man. I really wanted to meet the guy so I could thank him.
I pulled on a pair of workout pants, threw on a T-shirt, and then slipped on my Juilliard hoodie—yes, I still had a sweatshirt from my alma mater even though I graduated ten years ago, so sue me.
The endless sets of stairways down to the first floor were softly lit. A man was sitting at the reception desk, watching something on his tablet. He nodded at me as I passed by. The hallway leading to the dining room was darker, with only a few lights on. The dining room was dark except for the moonlight pouring in through the piano alcove windows. It really was a beautiful instrument.
When I was at last seated in front of the keyboard, I let out a sigh of relief. Sitting here in the darkened room with the moon bathing me in its light, there was only one piece that seemed appropriate for the moment. I placed my fingers on the keys, closed my eyes, and began to play.
* * *
Sean
I rubbedmy arms briskly as I walked back into the hotel. My feet were icy cold, even though I had my shoes back on. I loved walking on the beach, even when it wasn’t that warm, but now I wanted a cup of something hot to take off the chill. I probably should have gone out to my little cottage in the back, but I wasn’t ready to go to bed yet. Will, my night manager, straightened when he saw me and quickly put his tablet under the desk. I snorted and shook my head. “Don’t worry about it, Will. I know it’s boring as hell out here at night. Just make sure you stay awake.”
“Yes, Mr. O’Neil.”
I was about to head to the kitchen when I heard…music. “Is that your tablet, Will?”
The young man shook his head vigorously. “No, Mr. O’Neil.”
“Do you hear piano music?”
He listened for a moment and nodded. “Yes, Mr. O’Neil. I saw a man walk by a few minutes ago. Maybe it’s him. Ms. Barnes said there’s a famous piano player staying here, and he has a key to the dining room.”
I pulled out my cell phone to check the time. Twelve-twenty. Mr. Fitzgerald was up late. Well, maybe it was time I met the man. I turned and headed toward the dining room. As I got closer, I realized I recognized the piece he was playing. It was one of my favorites—Beethoven’sMoonlight Sonata. My brother used to play it for me all the time. I wasn’t one to listen to piano music regularly—I just liked listening to my brother play. Everything I knew about piano music, I learned from him. Liam was good on the piano, but what I was hearing now was…magic.
I opened the door as quietly as possible and slipped into the dining room, sitting at the table closest to the door. I could only see his profile in silhouette in the moonlight, although something about him was familiar. He seemed to be younger than I expected. It was hard to tell. After a few minutes, I stopped trying to get a look at him and just sat back and allowed myself to enjoy the music. God, he was good. Better than good. I guess you didn’t get called the best in the world for nothing. I forgot about my feet being cold. I forgot about my brother being in danger on the other side of the world. I just sank into the enchantment Jeremy Fitzgerald wove.
When he began the dynamic third movement of the piece, I leaned forward to watch as his hands flew over the keys. He barely seemed to touch them as he created the cascading sound that marked the ending passages. When the final chords sounded, I leaned back in my chair and breathed out, “Wow.”
Jeremy was startled and gasped, “Who’s there?”
I rose and turned the dimmer switch for the lights so he could see me. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare…” I stopped, and I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped as I stared at him. “You?” I walked toward him. “You’re Jeremy Fitzgerald?”
He stood and swallowed, that adorable blush appearing again. “You’re the hot bartender.” He groaned and put his face in his hands. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?”
I chuckled. “I’m glad you think I’m hot. But I’m mostly not the bartender.” I was close enough now to hold out my hand. “Sean O’Neil.”
Now it was his turn to be surprised. He shook my hand seemingly automatically but didn’t let go right away—which I was totally okay with. “You’reSean O’Neil, the owner of the hotel?”
I nodded. “And you’re Jeremy Fitzgerald, the famous concert pianist.”
“I thought you’d be older,” we said simultaneously.
We both burst out laughing. “It’s nice to meet you, Jeremy,” I said, still holding his hand in mine. I wanted to cup his face and kiss those perfect lips, but that probably wasn’t polite at this point. Hopefully, I’d get a chance later. “So,” I began somewhat awkwardly, “how do you like the piano?”
