by Tina Rose
CHAPTER SEVEN
The phone rang and a tall slender lady with platinum blonde hair entered the room from the back. Her hair was shoulder length and she had very light blue eyes, wearing brown slacks with a burnt orange colored blouse and jewelry that matched the colors in her clothes. She was very professional looking.
“I’ll be right with you sir,” she smiled, holding up her index finger indicating for him to give her a minute while she answered the phone.
Gathering from the phone call, the caller had somehow managed to get locked out on the balcony. They must be drunk or complete idiots, or both.
“I’m sorry,” she said hanging up the phone, “I’m Penny, how can I help you today?”
Penny? Aunt Penny? Alana’s Aunt Penny? He’d better tread lightly with this conversation. He sure didn’t want to get Alana in trouble with her aunt and uncle. She certainly wouldn’t want to have dinner with him. Although, he thought she was a grown woman for Pete’s sake. Whether he was a guest or not, she had the right to make her own decisions.
“Yes Ma’am, I was hoping you may have the scoop on some of the local businesses that offer intimate dinner arrangements?”
“Oh,” Penny batted her pretty blue eyes with long dark eyelashes, “well, let me think for a minute. Chef Armondi’s can deliver a nice dinner to your room. Their food is Italian and is always delicious. He’ll set up a nice candlelit dinner table for you.”
“That sounds nice, except I’m sharing a room with a friend who has his own agenda for tonight. Would you have their number? I’d be indebted to you forever if you also had a room just for the night with an ocean view?”
She smiled a very heartwarming smile, “I’ll check on that for you. Give me just a minute,” she exited to the back room.
“Ahem,” someone walked in the room and startled him. He recognized the man as Alana’s Uncle James.
“Someone assisting you?” he asked with furrowed brows.
“Yes sir, she just stepped in the back.”
“You have enough towels?” he asked sarcastically.
“Yes sir, thanks for asking,” Logan awkwardly smiled. He felt like such a kid, a cowardly child.
James just grunted and casually walked past Logan to take the seat behind the front desk.
“Military?”
“Excuse me?” Logan suddenly felt uncomfortable.
“Are you military?” James repeated, slowly enunciating each syllable.
“Yes sir, Army Staff Sergeant.”
“Mmhmm,” James was eyeing Logan with a suspicious glare.
He sure wished Penny would hurry and return to his rescue. He hated feeling like he was under fire and couldn’t retaliate. But he wanted to make a good impression on James Carpenter, for Alana’s sake.
“Staff Sergeant, huh? You spend a lot of time stateside?”
“Not usually sir, I’ve been stateside for the past year due to an injury. I’m awaiting my next assignment.”
“Yeah, I respect what you boys do and admire you. Must get lonely though. Can’t be easy on any pretty lady you get involved with either?”
Could it be James was trying to tell Logan something? Was he aware of Logan’s involvement with Alana? Dammit. He knew he shouldn’t have come in the office. He had a feeling James was trying to make a point. A point he had already considered and was trying very hard to put out of his mind, far out of his mind.
“Yes sir, I imagine it’s very difficult, although I wouldn’t personally know. I haven’t been lucky enough to find a pretty lady to put up with me yet.”
“Is that right? So, this fancy dinner you’re trying to set up, that’s not for someone special?” James had his stare locked on Logan. He knew right then that, this was personal for James Carpenter and he knew he’d better have the right answer.
“Yes sir, she’s very special. I’m not sure yet if she’s going to be the one who puts up with me or not though. I had to work really hard to get her to agree to have dinner with me tonight. That’s why I’m trying so hard, everything has to be perfect. I’d like to make sure she’ll say yes again.” Logan never lost eye contact while he spoke.
“And does this particular young lady know your situation? That you’re awaiting a new assignment to leave?”
Logan thought for a minute. Had he told Alana he would be leaving the states again. He knew he had told her he had been stationed in Georgia.
“You know, sir, I’m not sure I’ve made that clear. That’s certainly something we should discuss.”
“Well,” James said, sounding somewhat more relaxed for some reason, “my Alana is a smart girl. She wouldn’t have given you a second chance if she didn’t think there was something to be seen in you.”
And there it was. He had known all along. Logan dropped his head and smiled.
“Yes sir, she is a very smart girl. And very special to me.”
“You know, finding someone you share an instant spark with is rare. Sometimes, it’s the only way you even know you’ve been breathing.” Wise words from the older gentleman. “I guess the question for you is, son, how long you plan on enjoying the air?”
Logan pondered on that question. Alana had made him feel so alive these past few days. She had ignited a spark in him, that was a certainty. He knew he had chosen his path and long ago accepted that he may live alone for the rest of his life. That was until he looked into those shimmering aqua blue eyes of hers. It was like he had awakened from a coma and was seeing life for the first time through new eyes. He wasn’t sure he could go on without her now. But what did he do about it? That was his life and she had hers. How did they combine the two paths? Hell, maybe after dinner tonight they would realize that they never wanted to see each other again anyway.
“Yeah, I used to think work and money were all I needed,” James went on to say, pulling Logan out of deep thought, “then I realized, that damn alarm clock screaming at me every morning would never wake me with a kiss and a good morning smile.” The old man seemed to read Logan’s thoughts.
“Oh, I know Alana has painted this picture of me as a mean ole bastard, only caring about this hotel, but the only reason I give two shits about this place is because it’s been in our family for three generations. I’d like to pass it on to Alana one day, if she wants it. She and Penny are all the family I have left and I have to make sure they are taken care of.”
“Oh, you crazy old coot,” Penny came around through door from the back room, “you trying to get in good with me? What did you do this time?” She smiled lovingly at him, ran her hand down the side of his face, and squeezed his shoulders. James became a different man in her presence, a gentler man, a man at peace with the world.
“Alana has been through a lot in her life. My sister didn’t always make the best decisions, especially when it came to men. Alana sometimes lets life pass her by because she’s so afraid she’ll make some of those same mistakes. We’ve loved her as our own and done our best to give her a happy stable life. We don’t want to see her get hurt, but we do want to see her live life to the fullest.” James’ eyes met Penny’s and she gave him a nod in approval.
“Sometimes, taking a chance is what makes us realize we’re human. So, if you think you can show her that there’s more to life than work, and that sometimes life is worth taking that risk, then you have our blessing. But,” James raised to the edge of his seat, placed both hands on the desk, and began to slightly raise himself up, “if you’re just out for a fun time and mean to hurt her, no army will protect you from me!”
“Oh, James, stop it!” Penny huffed.
The tension in the room suddenly got lighter and they all chuckled, although Logan knew Uncle James meant business. And he was right, Alana deserved some happiness. Now Logan worried if he could bring her that happiness, or if he’
d be one of those decisions she would regret.
“I think I have an idea that will work for you tonight Logan, if you want to hear it?” Penny smiled.
“Any help you can give is appreciated, Ma’am.”
* * * * * * * *
The day could not pass fast enough for Alana. She really couldn’t believe she was allowing herself this guilty pleasure, not letting herself worry about tomorrow, not this time. She wanted this. If this one night was all that God was granting her, then she was graciously accepting. Even though she knew she would want more.
Uncle James was right, shutting Logan out without giving him a chance was just another hasty decision. Getting to know him better would help her make a smart decision. Resisting his charms before caving in to her own desires was the problem, and oh did she have desires. Heat rushed up her neck and face just thinking about the way Logan touched her and how much she wanted more.
Fortunately, it was a smooth day in the Critical Care Unit. Two of her three patients were well enough to transfer to other floors, and the new patients didn’t arrive until shift change. After giving her reports to the next shift nurse, she headed out the door.
“What’s put the smile on your face and pep in your step?” asked Jennifer, another friend and fellow nurse.
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe it’s the new guy I met and have a date with tonight.”
“Shit, girl. Spill it! I want details,” she squealed.
Alana explained how she met Logan, all about their beach encounter and how turned on she had gotten every time he touched her.
“Well hell, no wonder you can’t wipe the grin off your face. I’d be smiling too if I had a hot date with a gorgeous man,” she patted Alana on the back. “Don’t do nothing I wouldn’t do.”
“That doesn’t leave much out, now does it?” Alana laughed.
“You’ve got that right.”
It was a thirty minute drive from the hospital to the hotel and Alana swore she hit every red light along the way. Anticipation of seeing Logan had her body humming as hard as the car she was driving.
Since they would probably never see each other again after this week, she planned on making the very best of the time they had together. She would always have the memories to relive any time she wanted, and no one could take them away from her, ever. Her decision was made. After thinking long and hard about what she wanted, what she needed and what she longed for, her decision was made. It was Logan.
Alana reached the four-story Beach Hotel in record time. A neon “Beach Hotel” sign illuminated at night, and could be seen from a mile away. She had to admit the place had a nostalgic appeal. A sense of pride washed over her when she saw the “No Vacancy” light flashing. The old place was holding its own against the massive condos going up everywhere. Each room had a balcony that faced the beautiful sugar white beaches with emerald shades of water. Boardwalks led from the pool down to the beach, and everyone always seemed to enjoy time spent there.
Parking her car in her usual space marked “Staff Parking Only” that Uncle James insisted she have, she ran to her apartment. She fought him on taking the spot from potential guests, but he won the battle and she was now glad he had persisted.
What she was going to wear had been on her mind all day. She didn’t have a wide variety of outfits, but there was still a dress from her nursing school graduation hanging in the back of her closet. It was a sexy little blue sundress made of crepe chiffon with a ribbon drawstring at the waist and raw edges on the hem. She thought Logan would like the dress a lot.
They hadn’t discussed what time he would pick her up, just that she got off work at seven. It was seven forty, which meant she had twenty minutes tops to pull herself together. She ran through the shower and fixed her hair. Tonight she wore a little more eye makeup than usual, added her lip gloss and grabbed her strappy faux leather cork wedges just in time for the knock at the door.
Opening the door, she found Logan standing there with one hand behind his back, and one hand propped on the doorframe. He looked delectable with his tight dark blue True Religion denim jeans and black button up shirt with black and silver edged buttons. He left the top three buttons undone and she could see that the sun had kissed his skin. He smelled of soap and spice and oh so nice. Leaning into the door for support, she became weak at the knees.
Logan’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw her. The heart shaped button bib top accentuated her tan breasts, pushing them up into plump mounds. The hem of the dress hit right at her mid-thigh, showing off her shapely tan legs. She looked mouthwateringly good. He couldn’t help lick his lips in appreciation.
“Hey beautiful,” he said, pulling a single stemmed red rose out from behind his back. “I hope I’m not too early. I really couldn’t wait any longer, but you are well worth the wait.”
Alana blushed at the smoldering look he gave her. “You clean up pretty nice yourself, Sergeant.”
“I have one request before we leave,” he reached into his back pocket.
“Just one?”
“I need you to wear this blindfold until we get to where we’re going.”
“A blindfold? Really?” she laughed. “That’s so cliché.”
“I know, but humor me, will you?”
“Okay, okay,” she shook her head in amusement.
Logan stepped closer, the heat radiating from his body. Touching her shoulder, he turned her around to position the blindfold. His brawny arms engulfed her and she swallowed hard. After tying the blindfold, he slowly dropped his hands to her bare shoulders, leisurely stoking her arms as he moved his hands down them. Moisture pooled between her thighs and her panties were already moist. It all felt so erotic, a feeling Alana had only read about.
“I’ve got you where I want you now Miss Parsons,” he whispered close to her ear. He could smell the coconut shampoo in her caramel colored hair, and his cock twitched.
“Umm…” finding it hard to manage any words, she said, “Pretty sure of ourselves aren’t we?”
“Well, in my line of work,” he slowly moved, “we learn to read body language pretty well, and anticipate the other person’s next move.” He was still whispering in her ear.
“Well, Sergeant, seems you have me at an unfair advantage, don’t you? What do you anticipate my next move to be?”
Spinning her around slowly, Logan took her wrists in his hands and raised them up to place around his neck. Slowly sliding his hands down her arms, he wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her close him to him.
“I anticipate a kiss.”
He covered her lips with his mouth, gently at first, searching for her approval. He intensified the kiss with a magnitude of heat, pulling her closer until she could feel the massive bulge beneath the zipper of his jeans. Massaging her back down to her bottom, he continued to kiss her until they were both panting.
“I think I need to let you go,” he pulled away from her, “for now.”
“I think…that’s probably…a good idea,” she said breathlessly.
Giving her one more squeeze and a kiss on the forehead, he grabbed her hands and began leading her to the elevator. Alana heard the ding of the elevators and the swish of the doors opening and closing again once they entered.
“I guess there’s no use in asking where we’re going, huh?” she finally asked.
“Nope, you’ll see,” he kept his hands on her shoulders, the heat from his hands made her body hum all over.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Logan guided her in the elevator where the familiar scents of ocean salt water and suntan oil filled the tiny space. The elevators were old, with no air conditioning, which intensified the aromas. He rubbed her shoulders as they waited for the doors to open again.
“I think you’re going to like what I’ve planned,” he c
ontinued to speak in a low voice close to ear. Did he know he was sending electrifying jolts through her body?
“I may have some plans of my own,” she murmured softly.
“What was that?” he grinned.
“Oh, nothing.”
The doors opened and she immediately felt the ocean breeze on her face, blowing her dress around. She could hear the waves crashing on the shore.
“Logan, are we…?”
He removed the blindfold before she could finish the question.
“Well?” he asked, searching for her expression.
Alana blinked in disbelief. They were on the hotel rooftop. Clear lights were strung around the railing and soft romantic music played in the background. Two candles were lit on a small round table with a white linen table cloth and two dinner settings. How could he have known that this was her most favorite place in the world? And how had he gotten up here without a key to the door?
“But how…”
Logan chuckled. “Funny thing happened today.”
“Yeah? Apparently,” she looked totally confused.
“I don’t know what I was thinking, but I decided to go into the office to ask someone to help me with a romantic dinner for you. Someplace where I had you all to myself,” he was guiding her toward the table as he was talking. “It happened to be your aunt, and then your Uncle James came in.”
Alana’s eyes became huge with concern.
He laughed out loud, “I know right? I about shit my pants. Anyway, after he let me know that he knew about us, he and your Aunt Penny told me this was your favorite place to come for peace and serenity.”
“I guess they know more of my secrets then I ever imagined.” She sat down in one of the chairs.
