by Riley Walker
I take a moment to appreciate the fine, tight booty of Cash as he leads me up the stairs. I must have been focusing too hard because I didn’t hear him call my name the first time.
“Alice.”
I look up to see Cash trying hard to hide his grin. Dang it. He must have caught me staring at his butt. Play it cool, Alice.
“I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something.”
“Ah, sure. Anyways, Oren is right in here. I’ll just leave you two alone.” Cash winks as he walks by and I feel the blush covering my face. Way to stay cool, Alice.
I turn my attention back to Oren and he has a knowing smirk on his face. “Hey Alice. Thanks for coming by on such short notice. I have uncovered three Cayman Island bank accounts that can be traced back to Du-Kane, Inc. The problem is, I can’t trace the actual owner of these accounts. I need you to help me look into this. At this point, if I dig further, it will send red flags to the banks and we want to try to avoid this.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to do. Without my dad’s laptop my hands are tied.”
Oren’s eyes are sympathetic. “Your dad probably had a safe or a firebox, something he kept his valuables in.”
I facepalm myself. I’m such an idiot. Dad has a hidden wall safe in the laundry room behind a multi-bin hamper. He always said a thief never steals the dirty undies. I don’t want to divulge too much, so I tell him I’ll look into it. We’re interrupted by an overzealous Cash.
“Dude, we’re on for this weekend. The boat is geared and ready to go. Ridge is getting the food and supplies as we speak,” Cash says.
I get up to leave but Cash gently grabs my wrist. “Where are you going, beautiful?”
This makes me blush again. “I’m headed home. My best friend just got into town and Oren has sent me on a mission.”
Cash grins at me. “All work and no play makes Alice a dull girl. Why don’t you come to the lake with us? We’re wakeboarding and grilling out. You could just join us for the day.”
I pull out of his grip. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I just got a new puppy and my best friend just got in to town. Maybe another time.”
Cash throws me his megawatt smile. “You can bring them with you. The more the merrier.”
Oren gives his brother a look that I can’t decipher. “We understand, Alice, but if you change your mind it’s an open invitation. I’ll text you the marina info just in case.”
“Okay, I’ll think about it. Thanks guys.” I walk down the stairs and outside to my car, secretly wishing I could just have one carefree day.
When I get home, I hear snoring coming from the living room. I have to stop myself from laughing out loud at the sight in front of me. Zoe is sitting on the couch and Dobey is laid out on her, belly up, just snoring as loud as he can. Zoe must have heard me come in because she looks up and just shakes her head.
“He’s been like this for half an hour. Both of my legs are asleep and he refuses to move.”
I walk further into the room and plop down in Dad’s old leather recliner.
“So, how did the meeting with Oren go? Did you find out anything?”
“He found out where the money is going. It seems there are a few accounts in a Cayman Island bank.” I lay my head back and look up at the ceiling, trying to gather my thoughts.
“Your dad didn’t have any offshore accounts did he?”
I shake my head. “Not any that I knew of, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
“There’s something else on your mind. What is it, Al?”
“The guys invited me and you to the lake with them tomorrow.” I blow out a long breath. “I told them I couldn’t go.”
“Why the heck not? If four sexy men wanted me to spend the day with them in bathing suits, I’d be there waiting and ready.”
I roll my head over to look at Zoe. “First off, you just got here, and I didn’t think you would want to go. Second, I don’t want to leave Dobey alone for that long. Third…”
“Stop! Look, I have a lot of work to do. I need to start ordering supplies and get my things organized to get started as soon as the house is set up. You can take Dobey to the lake. This crazy dog would probably love that.”
“I don’t have time to go play at the lake, Zoe.”
“Bullshit. It’s one day. You’ve been working non-stop since your dad passed. You’re going to burn out before we even get started. Take the day off and enjoy yourself, Al. You need this.”
I look back up at the ceiling, and I know she’s right. “Fine. I’ll go tomorrow.”
“Good. You can take this dang dog, too. I can’t even go pee without his nose all up in my face.”
I look over at Zoe and we both bust out laughing.
Eleven
Day On The Lake
I double check my GPS one more time before I turn into a long driveway. True to his word, Oren texted the address to their lakehouse yesterday. I sent him a message last night accepting their offer, but I left out the fact that I would be bringing Dobey. It was Cash who responded and told me to park out front of the house and come around back once I got here. The boys will be waiting for me out by the docks.
After I gather my giant bag that I filled with treats for Dobey, extra clothes, towels, a hat, and sunscreen. Once I have Dobey on his leash, we head to the back. I see the guys before they spot us and when Dobey notices them, he pulls from me and takes off like a bat out of hell. I’m yelling his name while I chase after him. I’m not sure if it’s my yelling, or if they finally spot my massive dog flying toward them, but Ridge stands up and turns around just in time for Dobey to crash right into him. I see my dog sliding along the wet dock and Ridge’s arms flying as he’s sent airborne and straight into the lake. Dobey finally stops himself and proceeds to sit there like a good boy with his tongue hanging out of his mouth.
I run down the dock and grab Dobey’s leash as soon as I can. I bend over, trying to catch my breath, and watch Ridge pull himself up and out of the water.
Have mercy.
Ridge dry and dressed is a sight to be seen, but a wet Ridge using his bulging muscles to pull himself out of the water, is a girl’s wet dream.
“What the heck is that? A damn hellhound?”
My thoughts of a wet Ridge are interrupted when I hear North yelling behind me. I turn to correct him and have to stop. My mouth has gone dry. What in the world do these boys eat to make them so damn sexy? I’ve never seen North in anything other than a suit, but today he’s in a pair of long, navy blue boardshorts and nothing else. Who knew North was hiding those muscles and six-pack abs under those designer suits?
I finally remember who it is I’m looking at and give him a glare. “That,” I say, pointing at Dobey, “is my dog.”
“Darlin’, that ain’t no dog. That is a beast.” My body shivers. I had no idea Ridge was standing right behind me until I hear him speak.
I turn around and smack him on the arm. “He’s just a puppy. He was excited to see the water. Be patient with him, I bet you could have him out there on a boogie board in no time.”
Ridge shakes his head, laughing at me. “You may be right, Alice. We’ll just have to work with Dobey.”
North walks past us and claps his hands once. “Alright, let's get in the boat and go play!”
This is definitely not a side I would have expected from him. I grab my bag and dog, and we step onto the boat. Well, I step in, Dobey lunges. Whatever, we both make it onboard. The boat is a luxurious Mastercraft. It is white with bright red seats and a red pole sticking straight behind the bench seat in the back. There are four captain’s chairs and an area with two benches to sit on in front of the driver. That’s where I decide to sit because it has the best view. Dobey walks around sniffing every seat in the boat before he finally lays down next to my feet.
Oren unties us from the dock once everyone has made it onboard. He pushes off and Ridge turns on the engine. Oren sits across from me, bending down to rub Dobey’s head.
I look down at Dobey. “I needed some company in that big old house and I’m hoping he will make a good guard dog. The shelter thinks he’s only nine months old, so he'll get even bigger.”
Oren’s eyes bulge out of his head. “Bigger? You’ve gotta be kidding me!”
I just shrug my shoulders. I look back at the rest of the guys and North is hooking up a rope to the pole while Cash is sitting on the back of the boat attaching a large board to his feet. “What are they doing?”
“Cash is going wakeboarding. That’s the reason we bought this ski boat on steroids,” explains Oren.
I turn around so I can face the back of the boat. “I’ve seen wakeboarding on TV. It looks really hard.”
Oren’s lips turn up at the corner. “You’ve never boarded?” I shake my head no. “I can give you some pointers.”
“Um, maybe later. I think for now I’ll just watch you guys and work on my tan.” I rummage around in my bag looking for the sunscreen. I can get a nice golden tan in the summer, but I burn just like everyone else. After I find the lotion, I take off my coral tank top and the white cut off shorts I have on over my swimsuit. After I shimmy out of my shorts, I look up to see all four guys staring at me, or rather staring at my turquoise bikini. I have a decent body and I’m proud of it. I have ample breasts and a firm ass due to my good genes. My stomach is flat and my long legs are strong thanks to yoga.
I smirk at them. “Take a picture boys. It’ll last longer.”
Ridge gives me a lopsided smile. “I’m so glad you decided to come along, Alice. I’ll have a nice view all day.”
Cash clears his throat. “I’m hooked up and ready, Ridge. Let’s get this party started.”
The guys all seem to relax and I rub sunscreen on my neck, face, and shoulders. I look over at Oren and hold out the bottle. He just stares at it like it’s going to bite him.
“Oren, could you be a prince and rub this on my back?” I ask with a wink.
He is still staring at the bottle when Ridge groans. “Come on, man. Trade places with me? You can drive the boat.”
Oren gives his brother a confused look and then perks up, realizing what I’m asking. “No way, dude. You insisted on being captain today, so I get to be host. Turn around, Alice. I would love to rub you down.”
I turn around and pretend like I didn’t catch that innuendo. Oren squirts sunscreen in his hands and rubs them together to warm up the lotion. What a gentleman. His hands are so big that one palm covers my entire shoulder blade. I am surprised at how gentle, yet thorough, he is. I’m imagining all the things those large hands could be doing to me. I am so caught up in my daydream that I don’t realize Oren has finished rubbing in the lotion, and is now trying to hand the bottle back to me.
I try to hide my blush as I grab the bottle and return it to my bag. A quiet thank you is about all my brain can muster after the little slideshow I just had running through my head. Those large hands rubbing every part of my body, those long fingers stroking my core and massaging my clit. Get it together, Alice. I blame the fact that I haven’t had sex in months. Being a pre-law student doesn’t afford me much time for romance. I have a couple of friends with benefits, but nothing serious. Sometimes the three of us will even get together for a little romp in the sheets. Oh good gravy, now I’m thinking about how much fun twins would be, especially these twins.
I bring my head out of the gutter just as Cash jumps off the back of the boat. He gives North a thumbs up and North tells Ridge to hit it. The boat lurches forward and I turn around to watch him. Cash is doing 180 turns back and forth while skimming across the waves. He then lays on his back with the board in the air spinning in a 360, and then stands back on his feet.
I look over at Oren. “I am impressed.”
He smiles back at me. “You haven’t seen anything yet. Cash is a bit of a show off.”
Cash proceeds to do one trick after another. He grabs the rope behind his back while spinning around and then he does flips in the air and grabs his board bending backwards. I’m amazed at all the different things he can do on that one board. The guys spend the next couple of hours taking turns on the board. We only stop when Ridge declares that he’s starving to death. I forgot about bringing food, but the brothers assure me they brought plenty, and pull the boat into a little alcove. They have a cooler packed with waters, sandwiches, and even a bowl of fruit.
After we eat I need to cool off. It’s hot sitting in the boat, even with the constant breeze.
I stand up and dive off the side of the boat. I hear a splash just as my head emerges out of the water. I look around and see Dobey dog paddling his way over to me. The big lug puts his front paws on my shoulders and just about pushes me back under the water. I hear another splash just as Dobey decides he’s going to try to crawl up on my shoulders.
Cash swims over with a knee board and drags my dog on top of it. “I thought you could use some help. He looked like he was about to take you both under.”
I giggle and scratch Dobey behind his ears. “Yea, he has separation anxiety from being at the shelter. That’s why I brought him with me. Eventually, he’ll figure out that I will always come back for him.” I kiss his snout. “Isn’t that right, good boy?”
Cash grabs the board and starts swimming back to the boat. “Come on. It’s your turn to wakeboard.”
What the what? Has this man lost his mind? I can’t get up on that board. I swim back to the boat and climb up the ladder. I haven’t had much interaction with North today, but right now he is looking at me like a starving man presented with a porterhouse steak. If it were any one of the other brothers, I would be flirty and say something sassy, but I never know how to act around North. Most of the time I’m pretty sure he hates me. We’re staring at each other when Dobey chooses that moment to shake the water off and brings us out of our trance.
North glares at Dobey. “That dog is a menace.”
Ridge claps him on the back. “Nah, he’s just a puppy.”
I grab Dobey by the collar and pull him to the front of the boat with me. The big lug jumps up on the bench and lays down, not a care in the world. I pet his head and whisper in his ear, “Good boy, Dobey. You can shake water all over the big grumpy man anytime you want.” Dobey looks at me with adoring eyes and huffs. Yep, best dog ever.
The guys wakeboard and kneeboard the rest of the afternoon. Each brother trying to outdo the other with bigger and better stunts. They try to get me out there with them, but I’m scared Dobey will try to follow me. I tell them I promise to try next time. I don’t know why I think there will be a next time, I’m assuming they only invited me on the boat to help soften me up. They’ve been helpful in trying to figure out why and how my dad’s business started losing money, but I’m sure they would still buy it in a New York minute. Right now, I have to keep my guard up with everyone, but Zoe. She’s pretty much the only one I trust right now. My ride or die bitch.
Oren sits down on the bench beside me. “We’re headed back to the dock now. Would you like to come to our cabin? We’re roasting hotdogs and smores by a campfire.”
“I don’t know. I really should be heading home, but I’ve had a blast.”
He nudges my shoulder. “Oh come on. It’ll be fun. I’ll even roast Dobey a hotdog.”
“Let me call Zoe. She may need my help at home since she just moved. I hate to leave her alone this long.”
He gives me a sweet grin. “No problem, I’ll leave you to it.” Oren gets up and walks to the back of the boat and says something under his breath to Ridge.
I pull out my phone and dial Zoe, she answers on the first ring. “What?!”
“Hey girl! How’s it going?” I ask.
Zoe sighs on the other end of the phone. “Fine, fine. I’m really busy with the greenhouse right now. The renovation is moving along and now I’m trying to set up my lab. You know, seeds to crossbreed and plants to grow.”
I chuckle to myself. Zoe is such an overachiever, and I have complete faith in her. “The guys asked me to stay for a campfire dinner, but if you need me, I’ll come straight home.”
I hear a crash and a few curses from my best friend. “No. Stay as long as you like, you’ll only be in my way here. Oh, by the way, I have a date tomorrow night with the contractor. He is absolutely scrumptious. I’ve always wanted to meet a man who knows how to use his tools. If ya get my drift.”
I laugh so hard that the guys are now staring at me from the back of the boat. “Oh my god, Zoe, you little minx! I’ll see you later then.”
Twenty minutes later and we’re back on land. The guys dock their boat and I follow them to up to their cabin. I have no clue why these guys would call this a cabin. It’s a beautiful log house with a wrap around porch, complete with a swing. It’s partly nestled in the woods, but you can still see the lake through the trees. There’s a fire pit a few yards from the house with Adirondack chairs surrounding it. It’s like a little piece of heaven. Dobey jumps off the dock and immediately relieves himself on the nearest tree. Poor thing was on the boat all day.
Ridge comes up behind me and places his hand on my lower back. “Would you like to freshen up?”
I nod my head. “That would be great. Lead the way.”
Ridge steps around me and I follow him inside with Dobey right on my heels. He points me in the direction of the bathroom, then turns to head back outside. I take a moment to appreciate my surroundings. We walked in through the back door that leads straight into the kitchen. The walls are painted a soft yellow, the cabinets are a deep ebony, with a polished, solid white granite countertop. There’s a small table that seats six sitting under a giant window.
I follow Ridge’s directions out of the kitchen and down a dark hallway. Outside of the kitchen, there’s no more sheetrocked walls. It’s all the beautiful red hued cedar from the outside showcased inside of the house. It’s beautiful, rustic, and I could see myself spending a lot of time here. I make my way to the bathroom and turn on the light. This is a half bath with only a pedestal sink and toilet.
