However, his thoughts and frustrations suddenly disappeared when Izzy walked over to him and began to button the silk shirt up. Johnny took this time to study her without worrying about getting caught and then reprimanded by her. Her calm brown eyes were focused on him, and he could tell she was trying to keep her fingertips from accidentally grazing his bare chest. Normally, he would have made a witty innuendo, but he couldn’t seem to open his mouth to speak. His eyes were locked onto her face, tracing every curve, every inch of her with his mind. She was naturally beautiful, and did not need the aid of powder, rouge, or coal like many of the prostitutes he had known. Her lips were full, and he noticed the edges of her teeth graze her bottom lip, indicating that she was deep in thought. Her small, upturned nose was centered, splashes of freckles caressing the tips of her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. He wanted to kiss her, if nothing else.
A flash distracted both of them, and they turned, both gazing at Bex standing there, looking at her camera with an unreadable expression on her pretty face.
11
“So then, darling,” Johnny said, turning to Izzy once Bex had taken her leave and the two were back at the apartment. His dark eyes were scanning his cuticles, finding it odd that after twelve hours, his nails were actually quite clean. It wasn’t exactly something he was used to. However, when he grew weary of his subject, he looked over at Izzy, who was regarding him with an expectant stare. “Right. What is the plan for the rest of the day? Sleeping? More shopping? Or something a bit…” He took a step towards her as his lips tugged up in a mischievous grin. “More…” Another step and now he was in front of her. He leaned down and whispered, “intimate.”
“Oh, yeah right,” Izzy said, rolling her captivating brown eyes, but Johnny skillfully noticed the nice red shade currently overtaking her lovely cheeks. “I don’t think so, bub. Here’s what’s going to happen for the rest of the night. You need to get changed into a T-shirt and jeans—remember what jeans are?” His look turned somewhat sour at her sarcasm and he crossed his arms over his chest before nodding once. “Oh, and try and maintain your hair somewhat. I’m going to try and get you a job at the bar where I work. You need to look presentable, but you know…” Her eyes skimmed over his ever-prevalent five o’clock shadow and she smiled slightly. “But not too presentable. It is a bar, after all.”
“A job?” Johnny asked, taking his index finger and tapping his chin as his lips pushed into a frown. “And what will I be doing at this job, pray tell?”
Izzy shrugged. “I assume cleaning up, kind of like a busboy or whatever,” she murmured. As Johnny studied her, he could tell she was somewhat tired, indicating that she probably wasn’t getting a lot of sleep during the evening. “But whatever it is, someone will train you and if you learn quickly, everything will be easy for you.”
“And you are quite certain I will get this job, yes?” Johnny asked, concealing the slight apprehension in his chocolate-colored eyes. He would never admit it aloud, but there was a certain worry that had overtaken his mind. If he happened to not get the job, did that mean Izzy would kick him out to find someone more suitable to help her with finances? Who more suitable than him, though? And if that did happen, what did that say about him as a man? Not very much, he gathered.
“Brian can be very unpredictable,” Izzy responded after a long moment, wondering the same thing, “but I’ve been working there since I was nineteen, on and off, so I know that he trusts me and my judgment. I think most likely you will, Johnny, so there is nothing to worry about.”
“I was not worried,” he said quickly, causing Izzy to smile as though she knew better, and knowing her, Johnny suspected she already did. “Well, then. I will get dressed now and meet you in the kitchen.”
Izzy nodded. “Sounds like a plan,” she agreed.
Johnny emerged from his bedroom fifteen minutes later. Izzy had already changed and was waiting for him on the couch. When she heard his bedroom door re-close, she stood up and turned around. Seeing him caused her brow to push up and her mouth to slacken just a bit. If he had looked like Johnny Depp in sweatpants and a wife beater, he looked even more like the actor in jeans and a nice, dark T-shirt. The only couple of differences, of course, were the fact that Johnny the pirate was taller and more built. His shaggy hair framed his face, and his dark eyes looked into Izzy’s, almost as though he was searching for some kind of approval. He wasn’t used to such clothing, and felt rather silly in these. Izzy was sure that if their places were reversed and she was wearing a corset-clad gown, she would feel just as he did now. A smile shone on her face as she took him in, and she nodded her head. Now, she just needed to make sure that everyone who worked with her believed he wasn’t Johnny Depp, but Johnny Clover.
The walk to the bar was quick and entertaining as Izzy told Johnny of her co-workers, along with amusing stories. Since she had worked there for four years, she had plenty to tell, and Johnny, for whatever reason, found that he could not stop listening to her if he tried. The way her voice sounded, the way her eyes shone, the way her lips moved…her actions was subtly hypnotic, and Johnny would wager the clothes on his back that she was not aware of how she affected anybody who watched her, who interacted with her.
The bar itself was rather small, but it was always packed with the usual college kids, tourists, and usuals. Johnny immediately recognized the similarities between this so-called bar and every scrag he had frequented back home. Music was playing from a jukebox, and as usual, all the pool tables were filled. Izzy looked around for any employees; from what she could see, Brian was manning the crowded bar, while an acquaintance, Brittany, was serving those who chose to sit at tables rather than stools.
“Brian!” Izzy exclaimed once she had led Johnny through the crowds of people, pointedly ignoring the pirate’s incessant questions about where the music was coming from and what game the people were playing on those funny tables.
“Ah, Izzy,” the man said, obvious relief flooding his features. “I’m glad you’re early. Sam called in sick not ten minutes ago, and she was supposed to have stepped in now. Do you mind working earlier than scheduled?”
“Not at all,” Izzy said before grabbing Johnny’s wrist and pulling him forward. “Brian, this is my friend Johnny. He’s staying with me for a portion of time, and I was wondering if he could work here for a while. He’s a quick learner and knows a lot about alcohol. Plus, with a face like that, he’s sure to rake in a lot of tips.”
“You like my face, love?” Johnny asked, looking down at her. He was somewhat surprised at her casual omission, but pleased nonetheless.
“English, too?” Brian asked, looking him with squinted blue eyes before fixating his gaze back on his employee. “You know who he reminds me of?”
“Yes, Bry, I think I do,” Izzy said with a knowing grin. “But I can guarantee you that he is absolutely not that person. His name is Johnny Clover, and uh…well, he’s staying with me.”
“What does Zach think about that?” Brian asked.
“Zach and I broke up,” Izzy said. “But before you ask anything Brian, yes, I am all right, and no, you don’t have to fire Zach. If anything, I would appreciate it if you could give Johnny a job so he could help me with rent and whatnot.” She pushed her brow up as her eyes widened slightly. “Please?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Brian said after a moment. “Sure. He can be a busboy. I need you to get on tables and help Brittany out. I’ll train the kid.”
“I am not a kid,” Johnny put in firmly.
“You got it,” Izzy said with a grin before looking back up at Johnny. “It’s an expression, Johnny. No need to get offended. Now Brian is going to be helping you learn what you’re going to do, okay? I’ll be waiting tables, if you have any questions.”
With that, she headed into the back, leaving Johnny alone with Brian. Suddenly uncomfortable, Johnny slipped what he hoped to be a very charming smile at his new employer, but Brian didn’t seem as moved by it as women usually were.
&nb
sp; “I don’t know how you know Isabelle,” Brian began, his blue eyes hard as diamonds. “I don’t really want to know. I’m not exactly sure why she and Zach broke up. Again, I really don’t want to know. I never liked the kid; only hired him because Izzy liked him. Now listen, and you listen good.” As he said this, he stuck out a threatening index finger, and waved it in front of Johnny, his eyes pointedly intimidating. “I’m not sure what relationship you and Izzy are in, if you’re even in a relationship. I don’t know why she’s letting you stay with her. Again, none of my business. What I do know is that if you hurt her in any way, if you break her heart, I will break your neck. You got that?”
Though Johnny was a good half a head taller than Brian, and was no doubt stronger than the old man, Johnny was definitely (and rightfully) intimidated by him. “Yes, sir,” he said in a breathy manner. He swallowed, and then smiled once again.
“Good.” Brian’s nod was curt, and he glanced down at the bar before nodding at Johnny. “All right, c’mon back here, kid. Izzy said you knew a lot about alcohol. Before we get into your official duties, why don’t you come over here and show me what you know, hmm?”
12
Johnny’s eyes followed Izzy as she interacted with the customers and as she served them the oddest (albeit very delicious smelling) food he had ever seen. She had the brightest smile he had ever encountered because it was so genuine. The lasses back in his day were known for their deceptive nature, their guarded eyes, their tight smiles. To give them credit, he knew that there were times when people needed to be that way; he usually was.
But this woman was so different from that. He had no idea about her life, save for the fact that she lived on what was known as Balboa Island, recently broke up with her ex-boyfriend, and went to school. That, and she looked absolutely radiant in her pink underclothing.
Johnny smiled at the memory of her, sitting there so expectantly in barely anything at all. With her wild hair falling down her back much like an untamable waterfall, and those brown orbs of hers filled with brimming sexuality, she had to be one of the most alluring women he had ever laid eyes on. Freckles were scattered across her cheeks and the bridge of her small, upturned nose, but she made no move to cover them. He found that he liked it; it was natural and refreshing. Her body was definitely something to brag about. She had a graceful neck, feminine shoulders, and the curves of an hourglass. Her breasts were quite impressive, her stomach was flat but curvy, and her legs were long for her five foot five frame; strong as well.
God, she was beautiful, more so than she even knew. He found this quite surprising because he was obviously good-looking, and used his charm, wit, and attractiveness to get what he wanted. Again, she was different in this respect because instead of wearing clothes that enhanced those curves he had seen on their first meeting, she hid them quite purposefully. Her beautiful golden hair was pulled back quite casually into a high ponytail, with errant strands falling all over and framing her heart-shaped face. She wore a tunic (T-shirt?) that was slightly formfitting, but was far from low-cut. The denim pants she wore, however, were cut low and fit her wonderfully, revealing the wonderful curve of her backside. She may not have known just how gorgeous she was, but he could tell she knew how to move her body. With every step, those hips of hers swayed to the side, and…
“It’s easy to fall in love with her, isn’t it?” a voice asked from beside him.
“Yeah,” Johnny replied absentmindedly, before furrowing his brow and glancing at the bar manager. “Wait, what? Love? Forgive me for saying, mate, but love is not exactly the word I would use.”
“Oh yeah?” Brian asked, pushing his brows up. “You’re not a fan of the emotion?”
It had been an hour, give or take, since Izzy had brought him here, and as she had told Brian, he was definitely a fast learner. He was successfully helping Brian serve drinks at the bar, and yes, he had been asked if he was Johnny Depp, the movie star. Of course he wasn’t. And here he thought it was so bloody obvious.
“Not particularly, no,” Johnny replied airily, mixing another drink he wasn’t exactly sure the title of. They all had the most random names he had ever heard—a Cosmo-whatever, Sex on the Beach (now that, he would definitely be up for), a Screwdriver—he just didn’t understand. However, he was good at memorizing what alcohol, juice, and ice went where, and because of his quickness, he was rewarded with money. “Tips,” Izzy had called them.
“May I enquire as to why?” Brian asked, gathering some beer from the tap in a glass mug before shooting Johnny a sideways glance.
“Love is a commitment,” Johnny said, handing the drink to the waiting patron before starting on another one. “Love is depending on somebody for happiness. Love is monogamy.” He physically shuddered at such a thought and shook his head, causing his dark hair to move along with him. “Love is pain, anger, and at moments, passion. But passion can be found anywhere. You do not need love to have passion, and at this point in my life, passion is all I’m looking for.”
“I see,” Brian said after a moment, studying the man next to him. Johnny looked as though he actually meant every word he said, and Brian sighed, before patting his new employee on the back. “Well, Johnny, then I feel sorry for you.”
“Really?” Johnny asked, generally intrigued as he grabbed a glass mug from behind the bar before looking over at the older man with his dark gaze. “And why is that?”
“You look at love in the wrong way,” Brian told him, mixing another drink. “You see, love is just a word that describes all the feelings that we’re feeling when we strongly like a person. There is no definition to the word, except the one you give it. So if you truly believe that love is what you say, then it’s no wonder you stay away from it. But remember, you can always change the definition so you’re more open to it.”
“And what is love to you?” Johnny asked him, giving the man a pointed but polite stare.
Brian smiled at this, glancing down at his left hand where there was a single golden band on his ring finger. “Love is…” He paused as he furrowed his brow before tilting his head and then trying again. “Love is…”
“Love is money,” a voice interrupted, causing both men to look over at who had spoken. She was wearing the same T-shirt as Izzy was, except she had tightened it, and redesigned it, so the back wasn’t cloth at all; only lace that crisscrossed and held the shirt together occupied her long back. She had dark blue eyes and deep, burgundy hair. Her pants were tight leather, and she hand on some sort of boots. If Izzy was beautiful, then this woman exuded sexuality. “Love is sex.” She walked behind the bar and up to Johnny so that she was inches from his frame. “I’m Candace, but everyone here calls me Candy.”
“Johnny,” he replied, a tiny smirk tugging the corners of his lips as he placed his hand in hers. He immediately recognized the look her eyes were giving him. Apparently, she was just as fond of sex as he was. Her blue eyes were cool, much like glaciers, as she looked at him with such obvious interest.
“You do look like a Johnny,” Candace murmured in her velvet tone. She released his eyes, tilting her head to the side to give him a better view of her chest. Of course, Johnny being the man that he was, took this opportunity to study what was before him, and after a moment, frowned a bit. Though the woman seemed to know what she was doing sexually, her body lacked the feminine curves that Izzy had.
“Candace,” Brian said, the only one who didn’t address her as Candy. “I’m glad you’re here. I already trained Johnny, and he is a quick learner. But I need you to take over the bar while I go count receipts.”
“You got it, boss,” Candace said, giving him a mock-salute as Brian disappeared into the back. She smiled flirtatiously at Johnny. “So I guess it’s just you and me.”
Another couple of hours passed by, and Candace spent the majority of them shooting innuendos and sexual comments his way. Johnny flirted back, of course, and found himself enjoying her company…up to a point. He was a smart bloke, and knew, if anythi
ng, this woman was the female incarnate of himself. While he liked the qualities in her that he admired about himself, he found the conversation was lacking something, although he wasn’t quite sure as to what. And even though she seemed to get much attention from the patrons sitting at the bar, Johnny felt himself grow bored and his eyes began to search the bar for Izzy. He couldn’t quite explain it, but she was interesting to him, and she didn’t have to say anything. Currently, she was laughing at something one of the patrons said to her as she took their order, and he couldn’t help but allow a tiny smile to touch his lips.
At that moment, Zach appeared at her side, and Johnny felt his body tense and his dark eyes narrow of their own accord. He intricately watched as the two interacted, and for the first time that night, he noticed a clear, fake smile touch Izzy’s lips. It was obvious to see that she was trying to be cordial, but there was a pain that flashed in her eyes, and once again, Johnny felt himself frown. Oddly enough, it would seem that he really did not like to see the woman hurt.
Almost as though she knew he was watching her, Izzy lifted her eyes to Johnny, and when they met, she gave him a smile and an inquisitive look. He read it clearly—was he okay? He nodded and gave her a small smile in return, and nodded at her with the same questioning look—Are you? Izzy’s smile widened, touched that he took notice, but she nodded and then turned, heading back to take more orders.
So many emotions were swirling in the pirate; many he had never felt before and many he never wanted to feel. He couldn’t quite understand it. He had a willing, and very good-looking woman standing next to him, just waiting for him to say the word and she would give herself to him. And yet, he couldn’t get the other woman, the one he probably had no sexual chance with at all, out of his head and away from his thoughts.
To Believe a Buccaneer: A Scandalous Adventure at Seas Series Page 6
