“Oh, yeah,” Janelle murmured. “Thank you, Emma. I don’t know why I was so nervous about having you do this for me.”
Emma shrugged, laying her hands over Janelle’s shoulders. “Never hesitate to ask me for anything. You two are my closest friends, even though I don’t see very much of either one of you anymore. And, hey, if you hadn’t liked the look, all you would have had to do is wipe off the makeup.”
Rolling her eyes, Janelle nodded her agreement.
“One more thing,” Emma murmured. “The jeans look good, but how about wearing something other than that t-shirt? If you don’t have anything, maybe Ciara has something you can borrow?”
“I sure do,” Ciara said, grinning. “It won’t be the first time I’ve offered.”
“Alright, already,” Janelle answered. “Have you got something a little less frilly than what you’re wearing?”
“You call this blouse I have on frilly?” Ciara laughed, fingering the loose collar. “I’m thinking it’s the sheerness that you’re probably not comfortable with.”
Janelle grinned. “I guess I do stick to plain and simple.”
Emma snorted. “I’ll say. You must own a solid color t-shirt in every dark color that was ever made available.”
Everyone laughed.
Finally, Janelle gave in. “Alright. I’ll wear whatever you two suggest, without complaining.”
“Okay. Let’s see what’ll work,” Ciara answered.
“Just hurry,” Janelle muttered. “I’m ready to get out of here. Isn’t this supposed to be a vacation?”
Everyone laughed again.
Chapter Eight
They’d decided to make it a short night, since Nick and Jack’s flight back to the states would be taking off early the next morning. Suka Espresso was the restaurant Rand chose for their last night on the island; not just because it was close to home, but because he thought the food was great and atmosphere even better.
After Rand talked to the hostess about their reservations, the three of them were soon walking outside along a series of platforms and ramps leading to the main deck. There was plenty of privacy amidst the trees, with tiers of cozy seating, not to mention spectacular views from all directions.
But as they went to follow their hostess toward the isolated table which had been reserved for the three of them, Nick glanced in the opposite direction, where a familiar redhead was seated with the same hot blonde he’d been staring at earlier that day.
After the hostess escorted them to their table and began walking away, Nick nudged Rand in the ribs. “Is that who I think it is?”
Rand grinned. “It sure is.”
At that moment, the redhead turned.
“Her friends are good-looking too,” Jack murmured. “What do you say, guys? Should we see if they want to join us?”
“Sounds good to me,” Nick murmured. “Check out the blonde. God, she’s hot.”
Jack snorted. “I was angling for the classy taller one myself.”
Strangely, they didn’t look surprised to see them there, Nick realized. He wondered if Rand had mentioned they would be eating here tonight when he’d spoken with the redhead?
“Alright,” Rand answered. “Our table is a little larger, and the location more secluded. Let me see what they have to say if I invite them to eat with us?”
“Sounds good,” Nick said, sitting down at the table.
Jack took a seat opposite from Nick and grinned, leaving empty seats on either side of them.
Rand rolled his eyes before walking over to the ladies’ table and Nick watched Rand smile widely before he spoke. “Hi, Ciara.”
Ciara’s smile was definitely rueful, as she motioned with her hand. “Rand, these are my friends, Emma and Janelle.”
Rand continued, “Fancy meeting you ladies here tonight. It’s nice to meet you Emma and Janelle. Me and the guys were wondering if the three of you would like to join us for dinner? We’ll probably head back to my place afterwards, so we won’t be pests. My friends are returning to the states tomorrow, and we were thinking about making it a short night.”
“Sure. That would be nice,” Emma answered. “We’ve booked a short tour for Monday, but since none of us have ever been here before, maybe you can fill us in on some of the best places to go?”
“It’d be nice to know about the places to avoid, too,” Janelle muttered. “Especially since Emma wants to go everywhere.”
When Emma slapped Janelle lightly on the arm, Janelle grinned.
“I can definitely fill you in,” he answered, as Ciara stood first and then the others followed.
The ladies appeared to have just ordered drinks, and their waitress was approaching the table.
Rand motioned for the waitress to lay them down at the more isolated table beyond.
She nodded and smiled, carrying the tray to Rand’s table and carefully laying down the drinks.
While the women took their seats at the table, Rand, Jack and Nick ordered drinks.
“You’re looking lovely, tonight,” Rand murmured, scooting his chair closer to Ciara’s after the waitress left with their order.
“Yeah, well, you look lovely too,” Ciara answered, dryly.
Laughter echoed from around the table, and everyone’s eyes were on Rand.
Rand cleared his throat, rolling his eyes as he motioned with his hand. “Jack and Nick, meet Janelle and Emma. I probably never mentioned that I used to know Ciara, a long, long time ago, when I spent my summers in Crystal Rock.”
Ciara’s jaw dropped, apparently shocked that Rand actually recalled who she was.
Finally, Ciara snapped her mouth shut and spoke. “How in the world did you remember me? I don’t look at all the way I used to look as a kid. Plus, it’s been almost fifteen years.”
“It was your eyes,” he murmured softly. “I remember thinking, even at fifteen years old, that yours were the prettiest color eyes that I’d ever seen. They’re like a deep blue turquoise.”
Ciara shook her head, looking dazed.
Nick wasn’t the only one taken aback at Rand’s pronouncement, but Emma, the beautiful blonde, was studying Rand thoughtfully.
A few minutes went by with everyone conversing as a group. It was probably good that Rand and Ciara had a date tomorrow night, because the attraction was sizzling between them.
Nick turned to Emma, thinking again about how beautiful she was. He didn’t think he’d ever been so attracted to someone in his life.
“So Emma? What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a hairdresser and stylist,” she answered, not meeting his eyes right away.
When they finally met Nick’s, it was like he was suspended in shock, because her eyes were the most beautiful he’d ever seen, their color a glittering shade of deep violet and blue.
Distractedly, he replied, “A hairstylist? What else are you planning on doing with your life?”
Her lovely face turned to stone.
The way Nick said it must have irritated her, because right now, she was kind of giving him the cold shoulder.
Damn it. Two could play at that game. Besides, the last thing he needed right now was to get involved with another woman.
Ciara appeared to be watching them with fascination, along with Rand, because he raised a brow.
“Emma’s had every guy in Crystal Rock in love with her at one time or another. He must have said something to upset her,” Nick heard Ciara whisper under her breath.
“I was just thinking the same thing myself,” Rand admitted, picking up the menu and studying what was inside.
“What do you guys recommend?” Janelle asked, apparently puzzled. “I’d kind of like to try something unique, but what if I don’t like it? We’re planning on going out for a little dancing and a few drinks afterwards, so I want to be sure to eat.”
“Why don’t we order six different items and share?” Rand answered. “I’m going to recommend a few of these appetizers too, so when we’re finished, everyon
e should be satisfied.”
“Sounds good,” Ciara said with definite approval.
“I agree,” Jack said, studying the menu.
When the waitress came back for their order, everyone had pretty much made up their mind, deferring to Rand’s recommendations.
“For appetizers,” Rand said, “let’s have the seared scallops, deep fried marinated squid rings and steamed clams. That should satisfy each of us in one way or another.”
“Sounds good to me,” Janelle murmured.
“And for our main courses? I think we’ve decided.” Rand pointed around the table as he listed their selections. “I’ll have the grilled octopus for myself, two of the baked sea bass, king prawns saganaki, orzo and Ciara, you said you wanted the grilled sea bass fillet?”
Ciara nodded her agreement. “I’ll try a little of your octopus. I’ve had it at home, but I didn’t care for it.”
“You might be surprised at how different it tastes the way that it’s prepared here. There’s a lot that I’ve eaten since I’ve moved here that I never expected to like,” Rand admitted.
It was funny how everyone seemed to relax when food was involved. The ladies each had another tropical drink while sampling the appetizers when they arrived.
“Where are you ladies headed afterwards?” Nick asked.
“Someplace called The Rock,” Janelle answered. “It was recommended to us by someone at the hotel.”
“You’ll like the place,” Rand murmured. “There’s a lot going on. DJs with music and dancing. It’s also a beautiful setting, especially when the sun begins to set.”
Jack asked suddenly, “So why haven’t you taken us there?”
Rand laughed. “There’s only so much I can show you in a week.”
When Nick looked at Rand, he shrugged, so Nick turned to Emma. “I’m not in much need of sleep. What do you say—would you girls mind if we joined you?”
Nick couldn’t believe he’d suggested it, since he’d been the one who’d wanted to lay low the entire week. Maybe it would be good to quit thinking about Marissa.
Rand appeared to be studying Emma and him.
Jack must have been thinking the same thing. “How about it, Janelle? Do you mind if we come along? We wouldn’t want to butt in on your plans. Besides, Rand has an SUV and he can drive.”
“It’s fine with me,” Janelle answered. “We’re going to be here for a couple of weeks. Ciara—is it alright with you?”
Ciara shrugged, looking slightly puzzled. “Of course I don’t mind. You know you don’t have to ask me.” She turned to Rand. “We have a cab picking us up.”
“Cancel it,” Rand said, smiling. “Plus, I have a feeling that Jack and Nick will be happy to stay there as long as you ladies would like, so we can drop you back off at your hotel.”
At that moment, the food arrived. As they began taste testing the different foods, the conversation flowed, and their laughter echoed through the air.
It was strange, Nick thought, while he was eating. It was almost like they’d been friends for years.
Nick watched Rand in fascination as he held out his fork for Ciara.
She turned, her tongue sampling the flavor of the octopus before wrapping her mouth around the entire piece, removing it from the fork.
Nick stared as Rand swallowed, looking completely under Ciara’s spell.
Nick grinned, kicking Rand’s leg under the table.
Grunting, Rand began coughing.
Chapter Nine
Giving Nick a side glance, Emma allowed her eyes to linger on the man sitting beside her. The dark jeans he wore fit snuggly over narrow hips and long muscular legs.
And she was trying hard not to think about how well they fit over his ass. It was way too much of a turn on, and she was already distracted enough being around him.
He was wearing a v-neck t-shirt in a dark shade of blue that clung to his broad muscular shoulders like a second skin. He’d brought along a brown leather jacket, which was draped over the back of his chair.
His face had strongly chiseled features and his dark blue eyes had a strange intensity about them.
But she was still boiling mad about his crack about her being a hairdresser.
His eyes met hers right at that moment and she realized for some strange reason, she knew exactly what he was thinking.
Because she was thinking the exact same thing herself.
It was only a matter of time.
Suddenly hearing laughter, Emma glanced at Janelle who was staring at Rand and Ciara while they ate.
Ciara said, “You’ve laughed more today than you have in the last five years, Janelle, What’s so funny?”
“I have been enjoying myself,” Janelle admitted. “But I was just wondering if the two of you remembered that the rest of us were sitting here with you?”
“Yeah, geez,” Nick muttered, with pretended disgust. “Get a room already. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready to let loose a little tonight.” Nick looked at Emma strangely. “My fiancé just broke up with me.”
“I can’t say I blame her,” Emma murmured.
Surprisingly, Nick laughed at Emma. “I’ll bet you’re a great dancer?”
“I am,” she answered, raising her chin.
“I can’t wait.”
Emma huffed out a breath but didn’t respond.
Nick continued smiling as he went back to his dinner.
“Anyone for coffee, drinks or dessert?” Rand asked.
“I’ll take some coffee with a little bit of rum,” Jack murmured.
“Sounds good. I’ll have that too,” Ciara murmured.
“I’ll send someone out for your drink orders while I go and fetch the car. I need to speak with the manager for a moment and then I’ll wait for all of you at the entrance. Give me a few minutes.”
Excusing himself, Rand left everyone at the table.
Fifteen minutes later, Rand was pulling up to the restaurant entrance, where everyone was ready and waiting.
“You guys must have slugged down your drinks,” Rand said as Nick slid open the back door for Janelle and Emma and stepped inside behind them.
Jack opened the front door for Ciara and then sat in the seat behind her with Janelle, facing Nick and Emma.
“How were you planning on getting around while you’re here?” Rand asked Ciara before slipping on some sunglasses.
“I had cabs lined up for the weekend. But we’re picking up a rental on Monday,” Ciara answered. “I wish we would have thought about renting a car sooner. By the time we talked about transportation, there wasn’t anything available for this weekend.”
“This is the end of the busiest tourist season,” Rand answered. “But Bali is getting more and more visitors from the U.S.”
“Here’s what it says online about the place we’re going,” Jack said, looking at his phone. “Showcasing unparalleled views from 14 meters above the Indian Ocean, Rock Bar is accessible via AYANA’s dramatic cliff side inclinator.”
“Hmm. Interesting. The place has a beautiful sunset view and rolling waves,” Rand answered. “What else does it say?”
Jack continued, “Perched atop distinctive rock formations along Jimbaran’s pristine sunset coast, Rock Bar Bali is widely respected as one of the globe’s most popular sunset, cocktail and entertainment venues. Featuring a glamorous sunset vibe, and a seductive after-dark ambiance, listen to premier international DJs as they heighten your experience from a custom DJ booth carved directly into the cliff face.”
“I read somewhere that eventually they’ll be able to host over 800 guests,” Janelle said.
“Yes, soon,” Rand murmured. “I noticed there was some construction going on further down the coast last time I was there.”
Another twenty minutes later, they arrived on the scene.
As they approached the structure, Rand muttered, “I’ll warn you. The parking’s not great—especially on a Saturday. Can I drop you guys off?”
&n
bsp; “That’s alright,” Ciara answered. “It’s a beautiful night and we’re wearing comfortable shoes. I don’t mind walking.”
“Fine with me, too,” Emma said. “I’m enjoying the change. It’s so warm and tropical. They were predicting early snow this weekend in Wisconsin.”
As Rand drove closer to the nightspot, he was lucky enough to be able to find a parking place vacated by a departing cab. ‘
“That wasn’t so bad,” Ciara said softly.
Soon, they were walking across the grounds towards the bar and being led to some empty seats on a faraway platform, which would give them a little privacy while enjoying the spectacular sunset. Rand had slipped some cash to one of the men standing behind the bar.
“The guests get first dibs, but I know the owner,” Rand said, smiling at Ciara.
As they were seated, Janelle growled, “That’s right, Rand, we want to pay you back for our dinners.”
Rand grimaced. “Tell you what, Janelle, since I’ve got the funds, can’t you just forget it for now? You’re going to need a lot of cash while you’re here. You can pay me back before you leave if you insist, but better yet, how about paying me back with a favor if I would ever need it?”
“What kind of a favor?” Ciara asked suspiciously.
Rand waggled his brows, grinning widely at Ciara. “Well, I have a feeling that the favor I’d want from you will probably be a lot different from the favor I’d expect from Janelle or Emma.”
Everyone laughed as Ciara clamped her hands over her mouth, suddenly realizing how suggestive she’d been.
Still laughing, Jack shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Just let him take care of it, ladies. He’s said the same damn thing to me and Nick each time we’ve come to visit, but he never lets us pay for anything when we’re here.”
“Sometimes, he actually lets us pay for drinks,” Nick murmured. “Hopefully tonight?”
“Alright, already,” Rand growled. “Pay for the damned drinks.”
Nick grinned as the waitress appeared.
They settled in, and kept the conversation going for several minutes, until the sun fell low on the edge of the horizon, prisms of golden light streaming across the rolling ocean waves, casting a fiery haze while enhancing the magic of the night.
St. Nick's Christmas Wish (Holiday Hunks Book 7) Page 5
