“Mia,” I replied, not even trying to hide my smile.
“So, Mia,” he said, my name sounding exotic in his accent, “would you like some help, or would you prefer to continue your war with this innocent kayak?”
I hesitated.Every stranger-danger warning from childhood to college orientation buzzed in my head.Yet something about his open expression and the absurdity of my situation made me relax slightly.
“Help would be… appreciated,” I admitted.
Oktober nodded and moved past me, his presence reassuring instead of intimidating.He gripped the kayak with one hand -- one freaking hand!-- and dragged it effortlessly into knee-deep water, positioning it perfectly for launch.
“There,” he said, turning back to me with water lapping around his boots.He didn’t seem to care that they were getting wet.“She’s ready for you.”
I approached cautiously, both grateful and embarrassed.“Thank you.”
“First time kayaking?”he asked, holding the craft steady as I neared.
“First time alone,” I corrected, then wished I hadn’t when his eyebrows raised slightly.
“Ah.Vacation gone wrong?”His perception was unsettling.
“Something like that.”I reached the water’s edge, the cold lapping at my ankles through my water shoes.
Oktober extended his hand to help me into the kayak.I hesitated only briefly before taking it.His palm was calloused and warm, engulfing my smaller hand completely.
“Careful now,” he murmured, steadying the kayak as I lowered myself into the seat.He didn’t grope or let his touch linger places it shouldn’t.He steadied me in a protective way, but I felt the heat of his touch, innocent though it was.
Once I was settled, paddle in hand, he gave the kayak a gentle push, sending me gliding into deeper water.“Enjoy your paddle, Mia.The north side of the lake has a small waterfall.Worth seeing if you have the time.”
I nodded my thanks, oddly speechless as I dipped my paddle into the clear water and pulled away from shore.Only when I was a good thirty yards out did I look back.Oktober still stood at the water’s edge, watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.He raised a hand in casual salute before turning to walk back up the shore, his confident stride marking him as a man comfortable in his own skin.
I pointed the kayak toward the center of the lake, my arms finding rhythm with the paddle.The physical effort felt good.I knew I would pay for it later, but I decided I liked the physical exercise and promised myself I would do more.Probably.The morning sun warmed my shoulders as I glided across the water’s surface.
Throughout the day, I explored the lake’s perimeter, eventually finding the small waterfall Oktober had mentioned on the north shore.It cascaded down moss-covered rocks, creating a peaceful soundtrack as I floated nearby, eating the sandwich I’d packed.The beauty should have been soothing, but my mind kept returning to the biker with the blue eyes.The irony of the situation was that finding this little waterfall should have been something I’d done with Eric.Or, at least, with someone in a romantic context.Instead, it had been the suggestion of a sexy stranger with a kind smile.
I paddled past where the Kiss of Death members were staying.Several motorcycles gleamed in the sunlight, parked in a neat row outside.Music drifted across the water.I caught glimpses of movement, men in various stages of relaxation -- drinking beer, working on bikes, one shirtless figure splitting wood with powerful swings of an axe.Most of the men had a woman with them, but I noticed a couple who didn’t.
I found myself scanning the group, looking for Oktober’s distinctive height and blond hair.He wasn’t among them, at least not visibly.I paddled on quickly, embarrassed by my own interest.What was wrong with me?My three-year relationship had imploded less than forty-eight hours ago, and here I was looking for a leather-clad biker?Who probably had a woman of his own in that house?
The thought of Eric and Jade sent a fresh wave of anger through me.I absolutely would not let my need for self-validation make a fool out of me.I wouldn’t throw myself at him or stalk him or anything else.I was better than that.
By late afternoon, my shoulders burned from hours of paddling, and I reluctantly turned back toward my cabin.The sun had begun its westward descent, casting long shadows across the water.As I approached the small landing where I’d launched, I spotted a large figure seated on a boulder near the shore.Oktober?
My breath quickened and my heart hammered as I guided the kayak toward shore.He stood as I approached, hands in pockets, his expression unreadable at this distance.I felt suddenly self-conscious of my appearance.Wisps of hair clung to my neck and temples, escaped from what had already been a very messy bun.I could feel the heat radiating from my cheeks, a combination of hours under the sun and the workout my arms had gotten.My tank top stuck to my skin in patches, a mix of honest sweat and the occasional splash from the lake.
The bow of the kayak crunched against the rocky shore.I set down my paddle, preparing to extract myself from the craft and drag it ashore.But before I could struggle to my feet, Oktober was there, his boots in the water, his hand extended once more.
“Good paddle?”he asked, his voice rumbling over the sound of lapping water.
I took his offered hand.“It was exactly what I needed.”
His smile suggested he understood more than I’d said.“I don’t want to sound creepy, but if you’re here alone, you’re welcome to join us while you’re here.”
I shook my head.“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be.The old ladies love making friends.When I tell them you’re here alone -- and there is no scenario where I don’t tell them -- the women will descend on you like a plague of sunshine and happiness and pull you into the fold.”He smiled widely, completely unapologetic.And so perfectly devastating I wanted to lean into him and beg him to kiss me.Oktober tilted his head as he studied me.His eyes darkened with the same spark of lust I felt inside me.“I see an invitation in your gaze, sweet Mia.Wanna tell me where your man is?”
I felt like a bucket of ice water had been thrown at me.It wasn’t Oktober’s fault.But I suddenly realized I’d been about to do the very thing I’d promised myself I wouldn’t do.
“Yeah,” I said with a sigh.“Sorry.”I raised my hands in surrender.“It’s been a hell of a couple days and I’m being rude to you.”
