Blue Moon (Blue Devils Book 2)

by Alana Albertson

  I pressed the mug to my lips and sipped. The sweet vanilla contrasted with the bitter espresso. The warm liquid calmed my nerves, and the caffeine helped to rein in the headache forming.

  I’d been so wrong about Sawyer. Earlier today, he’d looked so respectable in his uniform and in his flight suit. If he hadn’t opened his mouth, I would have assumed he was a well-mannered gentleman by the look of him.

  But I was sorely mistaken.

  He was nothing but a devil in an Angel’s disguise.

  Chapter 7

  Sawyer

  I left Sol standing at the coffee bar with a sad look on her face. Fuck—I’d totally been a dick to her. I needed to do more than just apologize. I headed over to a flower stand across the street.

  I’d been an asshole to plenty of women before and never once wasted a second thinking about how I’d hurt their feelings. Why did I care what this girl thought? Sure, she was beautiful, but I’d had my pick of gorgeous women once I became an Angel.

  Was it because Beck would murder me if I fucked this up? Or was it because Sol was getting inside my head?

  Why, why, why?

  It had to be because Beck had given me such a hard time about not hitting on her. It was the full forbidden fruit thing—that was why I wanted her so badly.

  I could tell by the way her pupils dilated when she looked at me that she wanted me too.

  I could still turn this night around.

  Maybe we could blow off the gala. And then, I could ask her out on a date to The 500 Club, a historic dive bar in the Mission District. I loved that place. No Instagrammable drinks that changed color or were served in eggshells. Just good hard liquor. Afterward, I’d take her back to my hotel room and fuck her on the balcony until all of San Francisco could hear her moan in pleasure.

  And then, I would never see her again.

  Yup. That sounded like the perfect plan.

  Fuck Beck and his bullshit relationship talk. That life was right for him, but it wasn’t for everyone, and most certainly not for me. I knew who I was. I liked who I was, and nobody was going to change me. Not even this gorgeous pageant queen.

  I picked up the phone and called Beck to check in since we would be missing the gala. He answered on the first ring.

  “Hello? Am I your one call?”

  “Funny. No, I didn’t get arrested.”

  “What’s up, man? Did you piss Solana off? Is she not coming to the gala tonight?”

  How did he know? “Fuck, man. Is that what you think of me? A total fuck- up?”

  “Yup. You’re an ace in the air, but sometimes I wonder how you graduated from Annapolis. You know, I fought for you to get on this squad—the other guys didn’t want another cocky pilot, but I swore you’d come through for me. I believed in you and was impressed by everything you overcame to get here. I still am. Don’t make me regret my decision.”

  I paused. I never knew Beck had been the one to endorse me through the audition process. It was so hard to become an Angel. Only six pilots were on the squadron, and only three new pilots were chosen each year. The audition process was brutal. I hoped we found some cool dudes this year—in fact, I’d make sure of it.

  I needed to clean up my act. Getting kicked off the squad would be the worst thing that had ever happened to me, which said a lot, considering the fucked-up childhood I’d had. I would never forgive myself if I ended up being replaced due to my behavior on land. I needed to be a better man.

  “Well, I’m going to come through for you. Though we won’t be going to the gala.”

  “Why are you calling me? The gala isn’t required, though you should attend, so the brass sees you’re making an effort to behave. Do you want to ask me something? Advice maybe? Or do you need to get a confession off your chest?”

  I swear that dude could see right through me. “I guess. When I picked her up, I was pretty fucking annoyed by her. She was recording our every second for her Instagram and didn’t even bother talking to me at first. So, I kind of lost it. Went off on her for her lifestyle and living in this city. I was a jerk.”

  Beck let out a long sigh. “Huck, you didn’t. I told you—”

  “Yup, I know you did. After I said those things, I knew I had completely blown it with her. She seemed genuinely hurt, and I felt awful. Shit, I still feel awful, I do. But instead of yelling at me, she calmly put me in my place. She pretty much told me that I was an asshole. But then, she said she respected my job. I know this sounds stupid, but I feel like she really understands me.”

  “Dude, you need a therapist, but I’ve told you that before. Do you want my advice?”

  “Nope,” I lied.

  “Too bad—I’m going to give it to you anyway. Instead of trying to get Sol into bed, just get to know her as a human being, not as a sex object to be used for your pleasure. Feel what it’s like to spend some time with a woman without your typical end game. You could surprise yourself.”

  That sounded like hell. Why would I spend time with a woman if I wasn’t going to get laid? If I wanted to hang out with a friend, I’d chill with Declan. I knew him, I trusted him, and he always had my back. He was my legit wingman.

  But Beck’s idea latched onto my brain like a leech. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Where is she now? Where are you?”

  I grabbed a bouquet of flowers from the stand and handed the lady two twenties. “Buying her flowers.”

  The lady smiled and tried to hand me my change, but I waved her off as I turned to look back at the coffee bar. Sol was sitting by herself at a table with our drinks, and I didn’t want to keep her waiting any longer.

  “Nice save. Seriously, be good to Sol. That’s an order.”

  “Yes, sir. Got it. I’ll text you later.”

  “Later, bro.”

  I walked back to the coffeehouse. Sol gave me a big smile when she saw the flowers in my hand. My chest swelled with pride—I was glad I could make her feel better after the crappy way I’d treated her.

  I just hoped I hadn’t already fucked up this night beyond repair.

  Chapter 8

  Sol

  Sawyer was walking toward the coffee shop, holding a bunch of red and yellow sunflowers. My heart raced. How sweet. I couldn’t remember the last time a man had given me flowers.

  He stepped inside with a sheepish grin and sat down across from me at my table.

  “These are for you.”

  Swoon! “Thank you! They’re gorgeous. Sunflowers are my favorite. I buy them every week at the farmers’ market.”

  Damn. Why did this have to be such a great Instagram worthy pic though? I could arrange them out right next to our coffees, and there was even a neon quote on the wall that would make the perfect background.

  Do not take a picture, Sol.

  He smirked. “I know. They were all over your Instagram.”

  Ha! He had been looking at my feed? I tried to play it cool and tease him a little.

  “So, you do have an Instagram? I thought it was just for us vapid narcissists.”

  “No, I don’t. Your pictures are on your website.”

  Right. “Cool. I can hardly believe you don’t have an Instagram though. Everyone has one. How do you keep up with your friends?”

  He looked me dead in the eyes, a now serious expression washing over his face. “All my friends are on my squad. I go drinking with them, or we play golf. Or, if it’s one of the men I served with in combat, I call them when I stop by their city. I don’t have the desire to keep in touch with people I don’t have time for in real life.”

  Wow. His words hit me like a punch in my gut. I didn’t know anyone who lived like that these days. “That’s cool. I wish I could be more like you.” His life made sense and seemed super healthy. What would it be like to live like that? Not that I was going to try it any time soon.

  “You’re a sweet girl just the way you are, Sol. I promise I’ll treat you well for the rest of the night assuming you still want to spend some time with me
. But honestly, I really don’t want to attend the gala.”

  I pursed my lips. I was a little bummed about not attending the gala—I had harbored some fantasy of dancing the night away with Sawyer. I did want to spend more time with him, but by now my head was spinning. I couldn’t believe I was actually going to end this night early. “Thanks for that. I’d love to hang out with you, though I’ll be honest, I’m not feeling too well. I think I’m still a bit nauseous from the flight, and I’m getting a headache. It’s just been a long day.”

  He sighed and honestly looked disappointed which made me feel good knowing that he at least wanted to spend time with me. “I understand. Flying like that takes a toll on your body, especially the first time.”

  I paused over the words “the first time.” He was talking about the flight for sure, but maybe he could tell I was a virgin by the way I acted. That was doubtful, but I always feared that I gave off an obviously inexperienced vibe.

  I touched his knee. “Can I get a rain check?”

  He looked into my eyes and smiled. “Sure, are you free tomorrow night? I’m only in town until Monday morning.”

  Right. And tonight was Friday. At best we only had two more nights together.

  “Yes, I’d love to. But there is one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Let me pick the place—I want to show you San Francisco. And wear a suit. You’ll fall in love with my city.”

  He took a sip of his espresso. “I’m game—it is one of my favorite cities to fly in. Let’s get out of here, and I’ll take you home.”

  “Sounds great.”

  We finished our coffee and walked out of the shop. The night was chilly, and the fog was low, almost creating a mist over the city. It was incredibly romantic.

  Sawyer opened the car door for me and drove me home. This time the drive didn’t feel awkward at all, although I wasn’t up to doing a lot of talking because of my headache.

  When we arrived back at my place, he walked me to my door. I considered inviting him in but decided against it. I didn’t want to send him mixed signals since I had no intention of sleeping with him, because, let’s face it, I was stupid. Any other woman in her right mind would lead this sexy man straight into her bedroom. But I never acted on my impulses and desires.

  “Good night, Sol. I have the air show tomorrow in the afternoon, but I can come by and pick you up around seven.”

  The air show. I couldn’t wait to see him fly, but I had VIP tickets for the Sunday performance. At least I could watch him tomorrow from my balcony.

  “Sounds great. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, and I can’t wait to watch you fly on Sunday.”

  Sawyer kissed me on my cheek before walking off into the moonlight.

  ***

  I woke the next morning feeling excellent! Super bright and energetic. And thankfully, my headache was gone.

  As much as I wanted to watch Sawyer fly, I decided to wait until I was at the air show so I could get the full experience. Even so, I could hear the jets passing above my place.

  After spending a leisurely afternoon lounging around my place, I finally got ready for our date. And unlike the anxiety I had last night, I was looking forward to it. Sawyer and I had really turned a corner, and I knew we would have a great time tonight.

  What would I wear? I checked the forecast—another foggy fall night. I had to dress warmly.

  I perused my closet, filled with bright dresses that were on brand for me, but inappropriate for the restaurant I was taking Sawyer to.

  Next, I inspected my business suits. Nope. Too formal. This was a date.

  I studied the rest of my clothes. Maybe I should wear a button-up shirt and slacks.

  I picked one blouse and eyed it critically—it didn’t spark joy, so I threw it into a donation box that was hungry for items. I seriously needed to declutter my closet, and soon, since it was packed with so many clothes that had been gifted to me that I’d never wear. I’d been super inspired since I saw a documentary about organization on Netflix. Maybe I could pitch a decluttering challenge to my PR company and get it sponsored?

  Man, why couldn’t I focus? Clothes! Date! Tonight!

  After a few more minutes, I finally found what I was looking for.

  The perfect outfit, one I hoped Sawyer would appreciate. It wasn’t even in one of my brand colors. Kelli would murder me.

  It was a simple black cocktail dress. I slipped off my shirt and sweatpants and pulled the dress over my head, the soft fabric caressing my curves.

  One look in the mirror and I knew it was exactly what I wanted. Flattering but not tacky. Classy and elegant, with a hint of sex appeal. Not too eager, not too standoffish. Yay!

  Now for the shoes.

  My eyes gravitated toward a pair of pink high heels. Was that too much? The bright pink shade would pair well with a nice glossy lipstick. I’d change out of the heels if I could convince him to go with me after dinner to look at the Blue Moon. But this outfit was perfect for a date with Sawyer.

  I couldn’t wait for him to pick me up.

  Chapter 9

  Sawyer

  After a perfect air show, I got ready for our date. I took my time, showering and shaving before getting dressed. Then I massaged in some aftershave and took a final look in the mirror. I was used to wearing my dress blues with all my medals or my flight suit, but these designer threads were foreign to my body. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d worn a suit and tie. I saw myself always as a Marine—first to fight, last to leave. But that was the problem. My identity was entirely tied to my job. Blue Angel, fighter pilot, Marine. Sometimes I didn’t know who I was outside of work. And putting on this monkey suit stripped me of my work identity. It also covered my tattoos and scars. I looked like a businessman. A businessman who was about to go on a date with a beauty queen. Wasn’t that a joke.

  When I arrived at Sol’s place, she was already waiting outside, wearing the sexiest black dress. Damn, she really was a knockout. I wanted her so badly. Right now. But I would be patient and wait until after dinner—she would be my dessert.

  I got out of my car and opened the door for her. This was way too formal—we were dressed up, and going to dinner in the city. This was most certainly a date. And I never went on dates.

  All day I couldn’t stop thinking about Sol. I was dying to eat her pussy, fuck her from behind while slapping that phenomenal ass as she screamed my name.

  Fuck Beck and his spend some time getting to know her bullshit. This was a hot weekend fling. All it could ever be. All I wanted it to be.

  Yup, I had to have her. Tonight, she would be mine.

  The wind blew up her dress, and I hoped to get a glimpse of her panties but had no such luck.

  I kissed her cheek, though I wanted to plant one on her lips. Not yet though. Our first kiss would be epic—one for the books. “You look beautiful, babe. Where we headed?”

  “Do you like seafood? There’s this amazing Chinese restaurant. Their salt-and-pepper crab is to die for.”

  Now we were talking. I’d been eating nothing but the same catered crap for weeks.

  “Sounds great. Which way?”

  “The city.”

  Once we went over the bridge, she directed me through the maze of San Francisco traffic. Who designed this city? There were so many one-way streets, it was a mess. But I sucked it up for our date and kept my thoughts to myself. Luckily, the only traffic I normally had to deal with was air traffic.

  We finally arrived at the Embarcadero, and I left my car with the valet. Once outside the car, I saw a long line of people wrapped around the building.

  I hated crowds. “Do we have a reservation?”

  She shook her head. “Not exactly.”

  Nope. Not going to happen. I don’t do trendy hot spots.

  I didn’t want to spend my night waiting like cattle when I could be feasting on food. And her. I still hoped I could convince her to go to that dive bar with me af
ter dinner and then back to my hotel. I had to keep this night moving.

  “The wait looks pretty long. Let’s find something else.”

  She smiled. “Follow me.”

  I gladly let her take the lead while I walked behind her and stared at her incredible ass. I couldn’t make out any panty lines. Was she wearing a thong? I’d find out later tonight when I undressed her.

  Sol walked up to the hostess, who embraced her and then immediately showed us to a table.

  What the . . .

  We sat down at the lone empty booth in the back, which had an incredible view. Sol cuddled up next to me, so I put my arm around her and whispered into her ear, “Do you know the owner or something?”

  “I mean, not personally, but I’ve been here before, and my Instagram is well-known. If I post a picture of their dishes, they’ll get tons of free publicity.”

  Got it. I was starting to see the perks of her job. “So, where’s the menu?”

  “Oh, that’s the catch. They’ll serve us what they want me to feature, usually their in-season specials. But they’ll bring the crab dish for sure—it’s their signature dish. Everything will be delicious, I promise.”

  Wow. Okay. I didn’t like my choice of entree being taken away, but I wasn’t going to complain. “Can I order a beer, or do they decide what I want to drink, too?”

  Before she could answer, the waiter brought over a bottle of white wine. So much for the Tsingtao beer I craved. After the waiter poured me a sip of the wine to taste, I okayed it, and he filled Sol’s glass and mine. Then, Sol took a picture of the wine label.

  “I’m going to do a quick story.”

  “Knock yourself out, babe.” I still wasn’t used to her phone addiction, but I was hungry and horny, so I didn’t care at this point. Her eyes were hypnotic, and her bright pink lipstick contrasted with her skin, which was the color of the harvest moon. She really was stunning. But I wasn’t just physically attracted to her. I was impressed that she was financially independent, even if her job seemed pretty superficial to me. I’d met many women who wanted to marry men in the military just so they could get free benefits, but that definitely wasn’t the case with her. Hell, Sol probably made more money than I did, which pissed me off.