by Susan Hatler
I stared at her impatiently, then gestured to the various guys here with us tonight. “You know, the group of bartenders who’ve been hanging out with us. They’re here on a getaway since they lost one of their own.”
She threw me a weird look. “Yeah, in a fire, because they’re all firefighters. Sad, isn’t it?”
A chill ran up my spine and my belly squeezed. Brody Mitchell was a firefighter? As if he knew I was talking about him, I could feel his eyes on me before I turned and met his gaze. At seeing him standing twenty feet away, a shiver raced down my spine, and I chastised myself for the joy-filled reaction when I should’ve just felt compassion. Why hadn’t he told me he was a firefighter? Was he playing some kind of game with me, making me think he was a bartender when he wasn’t? I didn’t understand, but then I did. He was guarded. I knew what being guarded felt like, so I could totally relate.
“Yes, very sad,” I said, wondering who had died, and if he and Brody had been close. “Well, I’m going to go ‘bring forth fire’,” I joked, through my confusion.
I left Janine, so I could ponder my thoughts alone. Along the edge of the beach I found a clump of semi-dry driftwood that everyone else had overlooked. Dragging it back, I created a fire pit, pulled out the fire starter, dropped it in the sand, and just stared at it. I felt like such a chump thinking Brody and his friends were on a bartender retreat. Maybe he and Ms. Blonde Bikini laughed about how gullible I was. Or maybe they had bigger problems than I had, and they were keeping things from me in the same way I kept things from Greta.
Across the circle of fire pits, someone cried out, and I saw Charlie staring at her hand in dismay. I shot to my feet to go help, but then saw one of the firefighters walk over and check out her hand. He pulled something out of his pocket, then began rubbing her palm. My eyes grew large at the small smile that appeared on her face.
With Charlie okay—more than okay, considering that smile—I glanced all around me where the others were exclaiming in delight as they got their fires going. And yet, even as the leader, I still had no idea what to do with my fire starter. Ugh.
“No luck, huh?” came a playful voice behind me.
I glanced up to find Brody standing next to me, bending down with his hands on his thighs. I huffed. “I’m sure I can figure it out on my own,” I snapped, hoping he’d go away.
“It’s okay to be disillusioned, Olivia. It’s also okay to make a mistake and take time to figure things out. You don’t have to get everything perfectly the first time around.”
“I-I’m just making sure the others are successful.”
“How about I make sure you are?” Brody said, dropping down on the sand beside me. He leaned back on his palms, giving me a look of encouragement. “I’m sure you can do it, but I’m here if you need me.”
With my chin suddenly quivering, I bowed my head and picked up the flint and steel in my hand, then tossed them back in the sand. Who cared if I could start a fire without a match? I wasn’t planning on having to survive in the wild anytime soon. I glanced down the beach at all the guys—make that firefighters—who were helping our group make the giant bonfire.
“You seem a little down,” he said, his tone sounding like he might be forcing his voice to remain light when he was actually concerned. “Everything all right?”
“No,” I said, wanting to ask him why he didn’t mention he was a firefighter, and why he wouldn’t straight out tell me why he’d been tending bar that night at Scotty’s. But mostly, why he seemed to care about me when I’d given him little reason to care. I kept those thoughts to myself, though, and instead said the other thing that was bothering me. “My parents might be getting divorced,” I blurted, feeling a hot burn behind my eyes. “My mom left my dad, and she’s been hanging out with her old high school boyfriend. They reconnected online because I’d encouraged her to create the online account and go after her independence. It’s my fault they separated.” His warm hand landed on my knee.
“That’s rough,” Brody said softly. Then he dropped his hand and adjusted one of the rocks in the ring of my tiny fire pit. “Do you really think you have the power to break up a married couple just by helping your mom open one account? I know you said I’m the one with the big ego . . .”
Power? I couldn’t even land a fish or make a spark. Brody had a point. I had to suppress a smile. “I see what you’re saying, but it still makes me feel bad that I had anything to do with their separation. Mom said Dad only paid attention to his job, but that seems unfair. He was working to make money for the family, while she stayed home to raise me.”
“Makes sense,” he said, studying me intently with a look that said he understood my feelings and that he sympathized with my situation. The jerk. I wanted to stay mad at him for not telling me he was a firefighter—and for whatever was going on with Ms. Blonde Bikini—but with his hand back on my knee, he was making that very hard. Sigh.
I shook my head and pulled my leg to the side, crossing them. “My dad keeps trying to win her back, too. Yesterday he brought her flowers, but he ended up hurt because that guy was at my mom’s house. I want to tell my dad not to bother, that it’s too little too late. You know?”
His gaze softened and he tilted his head. “Take it from me, better late than never in my book,” he said, picking up a handful of sand and scattering it into the wind. Then his eyes clouded, and his voice thickened as he said, “My mom left when I was a baby. I never even knew her. But in the unlikely event she ever came back . . . I suppose I’d have to give her a chance. Better to mend a fence, if your dad can do that.”
The breath flew out of me and my tummy felt like I’d been punched in the gut. His mom had deserted him? Our eyes locked, and I could see the deep hurt in his blue eyes. At least I had both of my parents. Neither of them was acting the way I wanted, but I knew they were there for me—that they’d always be there for me. I couldn’t imagine what he must feel like to have been abandoned by the person who was supposed to take care of him.
Impulsively, I put my hand over Brody’s, and squeezed. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry about you losing your comrade, too.”
“Thanks.” He gave a slight tilt of his chin, as if to shrug it off. His hand remained still beneath mine, and his eyes skimmed my face as if memorizing my features in the darkening moonlight. Above us a sea gull squawked, and moments later cheers went up from the bonfire where everyone else seemed to be.
He bent his head in their direction, and grinned. “Sounds like the party’s getting started. I guess you should hurry up and get that fire going. I’m freezing over here.”
The grin on his face lightened the mood, but I could still see the lingering sadness, which made my heart squeeze. It also suddenly occurred to me that after all the jokes and games, he’d just shared something very personal with me. Sitting here at The Date Escape, I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
I picked up the flint and steel again and hit them together. Nothing happened. I struck them together again and again, but still nothing happened. Ugh. “How did everyone else start a fire except for me?” I asked in frustration.
“I think I might have a solution.” He came up behind me and slipped his arms around my waist, clasping my hands with his own. “Like this,” he said, as he helped me light my fire. “Voilà,” he said, as the spark flourished, and he placed his cheek against mine. “Sometimes it just takes a little teamwork,” he whispered.
Tingles skittered down my belly, as his warm breath brushed my cheek. With his arms around me, I wanted to snuggle back into him, but instead remained perfectly still. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re a firefighter?” I asked.
He inhaled slowly, then rubbed his nose against my jaw before answering. “I didn’t think you cared to know,” he said, simply.
And suddenly we were looking into each other’s eyes, our mouths centimeters apart. Rising above the sound of the waves, I could hear the inhale and exhale of our breaths. Electricity danced between us, and I won
dered if he was going to kiss me or if I was going to kiss him. I longed to tell him I’d wanted to know about him, but I was scared of having that rug pulled out from under me again. Instead, I stood silent, trapped behind fear.
His blue eyes peered into mine, and we remained that way for several seconds until hysterical laughter drifted toward us, drawing our attention to the rest of the group.
Brody raised his brows as if to ask if I wanted to join the bonfire, but in that moment, I just didn’t care about work. So I shook my head. All I cared about was the way Brody’s eyes crinkled as he smiled at me, and that I had the courage to smile back at him.
Chapter Nine
I gripped my bed sheets, buried my face into the pillow, and tried to hold on to the fading dream. I was still on the beach with Brody and we’d actually kissed—instead of eventually joining the group at the bonfire. In my hazy dream, our small fire burned low and he slipped his arm around me as he pressed his mouth to mine in the most perfect kiss I’d ever known. Then, I rested my head against his chest, listening to his heart beating steady and true. I sighed with contentment until the beating turned into vibrating.
What the . . .? Confused, my gaze latched onto Brody’s, trying to hold him there and keep him with me, but the vibrating only got louder. Closer. Stronger.
Suddenly, I shot up in bed, blinking sleepily in the soft, dim light of pre-dawn. I so wanted to slip back into my dream, but my phone kept buzzing on the nightstand beside me. I snatched the cell to avoid waking up Janine, who snuffled slightly in her sleep, turned over, then snored.
Squinting down at the sudden brightness of my screen, my stomach fluttered as I saw a text from Brody: Meet me at our spot on the beach in ten minutes. Urgent.
A burst of adrenaline rushed through me. Urgent? Was he hurt? Did he need me? What else could be so serious at . . . four forty-five in the morning? My mind raced with the possibilities as I tapped my fingers over the keyboard and replied: Coming!
I jumped out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweats, leaving my hair in its messy bun. My stomach bubbled with worry as I rushed to the bathroom and quickly brushed my teeth. Since I was in a hurry, I decided to forego makeup, and walked briskly to the back door.
I stepped out into the cool morning air, zipping my hooded sweatshirt all the way to the top. The anticipation of seeing Brody overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t imagine what was so important unless something was terribly wrong. It unnerved me that I was so worried, especially since it wasn’t like me to get so hot and bothered over someone I barely knew.
In the darkness, I made my way down the steps, glancing back up at the big, silent mansion, hoping no one would see me sneaking away. But in the moment, I didn’t care. Brody needed me. I didn’t want to admit that feeling needed felt good. Complete. I took one last look behind me then I burst into a run.
I arrived down on the beach, where the dark sky spread out over the water. I could make out the surf rolling onto the sand, the rocks silhouetted against the bluff, and a figure sitting on a blanket halfway down the beach.
“Over here, lovely lady,” he called out.
With my heart pounding, I trudged through the stiff sand as fast as I could then stopped in front of him. “What’s the urgency? Are you okay?” I asked with a winded voice.
He glanced down at the picnic basket and thermos, and then back up at me with a mischievous grin. “I couldn’t sleep. I thought you might enjoy seeing the sunrise with me this morning.”
It took a moment for my brain to grind out this was a set up. My internal desperation and jitters turned into a fire Brody couldn’t soon extinguish with his smooth voice. “Do you know what you did to me? I was worried. I risked being seen by Greta, who by the way is adamant I set a good example. So, there’s no emergency?”
“Forget Greta. What about what you want? The sunrise happens pretty quickly, so that can be construed as urgent,” he said, tugging on my hand until I dropped down on the blanket next to him. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear, his finger lingering against my skin. “Plus I wanted to see you again, which felt very urgent to me.”
I shivered, tingles racing down my neck from his touch and heat whirled inside my belly. “You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I said, replaying his words about wanting to see me, and watch the sunrise together, over and over in my head. I gazed around the beach. “Wait a second. We’re facing west . . .”
He grinned. “I’d hoped you wouldn’t notice that. The bluffs are blocking our view of the mountains, otherwise that would’ve been a sight to see. Not that I’m complaining.”
A thrill ran through me. “So, what did you bring?”
He poked around in the basket. “Leftover dinner rolls, grapes, and coffee. I’m afraid the guys don’t stock the house too well.”
A sinking feeling dropped in the pit of my stomach. His mention of the guys at his house reminded me of Ms. Blonde Bikini. Definitely not a guy. Was she staying with them? She’d acted territorial when she’d called him “handsome” right in front of me. Were they a thing? If so, then what was he doing here with me? Last thing I wanted was to fall for another cheater.
But there was only one way to find out. The fact that he’d invited me down here and admitted wanting to see me gave me a little courage. I opened my mouth to ask. “Br—”
“Who’s that?” he asked, squinting down the beach.
I closed my mouth and followed his gaze, immediately recognizing the figure jogging slowly up the beach. Her sleek dark bob, white running outfit and hot pink phone case attached to her side, made a nervous chill crawl up my spine and all the way into my scalp.
“It’s Greta . . .” My voice shook and I looked around for a place to duck out of sight. My gaze landed on an outcropping of large rocks behind us. “Quick, we have to hide. If she catches me, I’m so fired. Run for the rocks!”
He gave me a strange look, then we crab-walked and ducked behind a large stand of rocks, abandoning our picnic breakfast on the blanket. Shoot! Peering out from our hiding place, I grabbed onto his arm and Greta continued to come closer. “Do you think she saw me? She must’ve seen me or she wouldn’t be coming this way, right? She is totally going to can me.”
Memories of fish-scent circled my mind and I panicked. I couldn’t work at The Market forever. This was my big chance and I couldn’t blow this opportunity.
“I don’t think she sees you.” His voice was calm, and he glanced down at where my hand clutched his arm like a lifeline. “I’m liking the whole hiding together thing, but what makes you think you’d lose your job over sitting on the beach?”
I dropped down out of her view, and leaned back against the rock. “It’s not because I’m on the beach, but because I’m on the beach with you. This is a women’s retreat, where we focus on independence from men.”
He tucked his chin, letting out a confused sound. “But she sees us together all the time. You invite us on your retreat’s outings . . .”
“That’s different.” I peeked over the rock, catching sight of Greta, who continued to approach our spot with haughty steps. This was so not good. I sucked in a breath, knowing Brody deserved an explanation for my bizarre behavior. “On the outings, we invite you guys along as . . . temptation teasers.”
His brows shot up. “As what?”
“Temptation teasers,” I whispered, hoping that didn’t sound as bad to his ears as it did to mine. “Having you guys around and merely staying friends with you proves to Greta that we can resist the lure of a man and focus on our own independence.”
His brows furrowed. “When you invited me out on the boat, I thought you wanted to spend time with me. You’re just using me as a tool in your women’s retreat?”
“No . . . yes . . .” My head spun and to make matters worse, Greta came to a stop near the rocks. I cupped a hand over my mouth afraid she could hear my ragged breathing. She hadn’t seemed to notice the picnic, though, and I felt grateful for the low light of the morning.
I
glanced over at Brody, who wore a hurt look and avoided my gaze. I couldn’t speak or Greta would hear me, for sure. To prove I wasn’t just using him for the retreat, I slipped my hand under his and laced our fingers together even though his fingers felt stiff. My heart raced as I waited for Greta’s next move, and for Brody’s reaction. All was silent. Then, without warning, Brody’s fingers tightened around mine. I let out the breath I’d been holding, and peeked above the rock.
Greta turned toward the rocks, as if she knew we were there, then her cell phone rang. She’d changed the tone to a female empowerment pop song that always got stuck in my head. I’d be trying to shake the melody for the rest of the day. If my ears survived the lecture no doubt forming in Brody’s mind.
“Hello?” she said, greeting the person on the other end. “Yes, I’m working up to the offer, but this situation takes time to build trust. I’m confident I can persuade her before the retreat is over, though.” She paced in front of us, and I ducked down lower. “That’s the best I can do, darling. I’ll call you when I know more.” With that, she hung up quickly.
I couldn’t help being annoyed she’d called the person darling. Yeah, I knew the name was a phony term of endearment but hearing her use the nickname with someone else right in front of me stung a bit. I needed to grow a spine and put some distance between myself and this demanding woman, if only she weren’t the ticket to my big dream.
Brody’s arm slipped around me and I could feel the heat from his body radiating toward mine, making me feel light-headed. I held my breath until at long last Greta began jogging up the beach in the opposite direction. I stayed snuggled against Brody, even after she disappeared up the steps toward the mansion, and told myself that was just to be safe.
“I think the coast is clear,” I said, and we finally climbed out from behind the rocks. We sat back down on the picnic blanket. My stomach rumbled, so I picked up a dinner roll, and took a bite.
Brody groaned. “Temptation teasers? That’s terrible.”
