Page 5 of Here & Now

“In case we need to contact you, where are you staying?”

“Turtle Cove Resort.”

“Great place.”

She nodded. “Do you want a phone number too?”

He shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”

She looked disappointed.

“It’s a pretty small island. We can track you down at the resort if we need to,” he said with a smile. He went on to explain the rental details and pricing.

Callie and Gina conferred with each other and decided on the half-day rental.

“I just need you to sign here,” Zane said.

Callie signed her name with a flourish and added her phone number underneath it. She glanced up at him and said, “Just in case.”

Her meaning was clear, and though this had happened many times before, he was still flattered by it.

While he ran her credit card through, Marco wheeled out the mint-green bikes.

“Oh, so cute!” Gina said.

“Why, thank you,” Marco said.

The woman laughed.

“Oh, you meant the bikes. My mistake.”

Zane shook his head, but he chuckled too. Marco was a true professional with the ladies. Even though his intentions were blatantly clear, his carefree, non-threatening demeanor allowed him to get away with it. Plus, he looked like a surfer, with sun-streaked, longish hair, lean frame, and strategically placed tattoos. Aside from that, he was Zane’s best friend, and Zane loved him like a brother.

“Why don’t you hop on and see how it feels?” Marco said to Gina. He held the bike steady as she hoisted herself onto the seat. “Looks like I need to lower the seat a touch.”

In the meantime, Callie turned to Zane. “Can you recommend a good restaurant for lunch?”

“I can do better than that.” He pulled a printed sheet out from behind the counter. “This is a list of the restaurants on the island. The starred ones are our personal favorites.”

“Great. Thanks.”

“We aim to please.”

She licked her lips, and suddenly he got the impression he was on the menu too.

“Your turn, Callie,” Gina said.

With a reluctant frown, Callie turned and hopped on the other bike so Marco could adjust it for her.

“Is there anything else we can do for you ladies?” Marco said.

“I think we’re good for now,” Callie replied, looking at Zane.

“Our phone number is on the receipt if you need to contact us. Otherwise, enjoy the ride,” Zane said.

When the women returned the bikes a few hours later, their faces were flushed, and their bodies glistened with perspiration. From the way they strode into the shop, Zane could tell that they’d decided something. He and Marco were standing behind the counter as the women approached.

“How was it?” Marco said.