"I appreciate that," he said, glancing at me over his shoulder. His eyes were so warm and kind, and hot.
I nodded and smiled sweetly in response to his striking smile and kind heart.
"Honestly. It sure beats being seen with my buddy groping me over there," he added, pointing to his klutzy friend.
Is that what I was doing? Groping?
"Again, I apologize," he said.
"That's really not necessary," I replied. "You totally saved me." I smiled at Aliah subtly, but kept his eyes on me for her entertainment. I held my stomach tight and arched my back to accentuate my curves, as I lightly brushed the sand from my white string bikini. He was trying to be polite but, nevertheless, I caught his eyes drifting over my body.
"Yeah. No thanks to my buddy," he finally admitted. "He's really the one that owes you an apology."
Aliah cocked an intrigued brow and I knew what she was thinking. "Maybe he should come on over then," Aliah whispered to me naughtily.
"His fault?" Maddie interrupted. "It looked pretty damn intentional to me."
I flashed Maddie the look of death, suggesting that she shut her big mouth, but subtlety was never her thing.
"What?" she squawked.
I turned back to my hero and smiled at him, then patiently waited for him to invite his friend over. No intro seemed forthcoming, so I took things into my own hands. "And what do they call you?" You sexy freak of nature. I continued to ignore Maddie as the other cutie jogged toward us.
"Tanner. Tanner Bradshaw." He reached for my hand and gave it a friendly shake. "And this is my friend Jay." He pointed at his friend, who was less bulky than Tanner, but built with long, sleek muscles, he was still very attractive. Jay lifted his hand for a pleasant wave and a nod.
"This is Abigail," Tanner explained, as he unhooked his shirt from his shorts and covered his amazing body.
"Wow. Abigail. That's a beautiful name," Jay said.
Tanner looked to the sand and chuckled realizing that I must get that a lot. Aliah rolled her eyes and cleared her throat, quietly requesting a proper introduction.
"Thanks," I replied modestly. "Oh and this is my friend Ally. And Maddie," I added pointing to Maddison, who rolled her eyes on cue.
"My pleasure," Jay said with a wave to Maddie, then took Aliah's dainty hand for a shake.
"The pleasure is all mine," Aliah replied.
Jay seemed a bit uncomfortable with Aliah's directness. "Okay then. I was actually coming to see if any of you ladies wanted to play a game of beach volleyball. You up for it?” It was rather obvious that Jay was taking full advantage of the instigated opportunity.
Aliah shook her head no. So much for her making Hunter jealous. I should probably stop while I'm ahead too. I shrugged my shoulders with indecision. Oh, but I love to play.
"I see you have a volleyball there. You must know how to play," Tanner challenged.
I glanced at Aliah and she shook her head again, suggesting I lie. Never. "Yeah. I play," I confessed. "Maddie, what do you think?"
"Oh it's on," she cheered. "You’re going down."
To refrain from smiling was futile. "I'll take it that's a yes," I said, then let out a giggle. No more playing the girly-girl, time to kick some seriously sexy ass.
"I'm a good spectator," Aliah offered. She hopped up and threw her towel over her shoulder.
Leaving my stuff where it was, I picked up my ball and headed toward the net after Tanner.
He turned back and flashed me his dangerously sexy smile. "Two on two then?" he asked.
"Girls against boys, so we can show them who's boss!" Maddie shouted, jogging to catch up.
"Actually I was hoping we could split up. That way Abigail can play with me," Tanner said. Where was his modesty now?
"Actually, that's not a bad idea. I wanted big mouth on my team anyway," Jay teased. "She seems pretty frisky. I'd bet she's good for a win."
"The name's Maddie. Get it right," she growled.
"Yes ma'am," Jay saluted her, incredibly sarcastic, but loving it.
"Oh, yeah, I see we'll get along just fine," Maddie said smiling.
"You're mine," he replied, pointing at her.
She couldn't help but widen her smile. Maybe this would work out after all. With Maddie off Hunter's back, Aliah could swoop in for the kill.
"I guess you're with me then," Tanner said softly, too soft for a man of his size. He smiled, all shyness resurfacing. But even that was hot.
Needing to break my ridiculous fascination for this man, I tore my eyes from his arms. "Let's do this," I shouted. "I have to warn you though: I'm pretty competitive, so you better not suck."
Tanner pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. "I'm game," he said confidently.
I nearly gasped when I saw his core, disturbed by my carnal attraction to him. He was total man candy. Aliah couldn't seem to pick up her jaw from the ground either. The man is ripped. Tanner reached his hand out and, after giving him a tag, I forced myself to look away from his tanned flesh, suddenly feeling incredibly guilty.
I dug my toes deep into the hot sand and then tip-toed to the back of the sandy court and exposed my bug eyes to Aliah. “Oh. My. Gawd,” I mouthed to her secretively.
“I know,” she mouthed back, amused.
I looped around when I found the mark. "You ready?" I called to Jay and Maddie.
“Bring it on beoch,” Maddie chimed.
When Jay waved in acknowledgement, I threw the ball high in the air. I jumped and hit the ball hard and fast. Time seemed to stand still.
"Ace!" I hollered, as it hit the ground right in between Jay and Maddie. Neither of them had even moved their feet, frozen like statues.
Tanner laughed and pointed at Jay, who was staring at Maddie with flirty blame-filled eyes.
"Don't look at me," she shouted. "That was all you."
Jay glanced back to me and shook his head side to side. "Okay. Now that I see how it is, I'm ready," he hollered to me.
"Go, Abby!" Aliah roared, making sure no one forgot she was there.
Tanner picked up the ball, handed it to me, and reached his hand out for another tag. I slapped his hand, so there was no awkward touching and headed back for the service line. I tossed the ball back in the air and slammed it a little lighter, skipping the showy jump. It was heading right for Maddie, but Jay was not going to let this one go. He stamped in front of her and took the pass. Though Maddie looked pissed, they managed to get it back to us in three hits.
Tanner passed the ball to me and I set him up for a kill. His agile, chiseled frame leapt from the ground and floated in the bright blue sky before his hand swiftly met the ball, and slammed it to the ground. Jay dove in the sand, but fell just short.
"Impressive," I told him, as I slapped his hand.
I meant the kill…but his bod is pretty damn impressive too. Dammit. Why does this guy have me fumbling around like a fool? Oh, it can't be because he's godly. Shit! I am so going to pay for this.
The other two got more aggressive as the game went on, but they couldn't compete with Tanner and I. That mostly had something to do with the fact that Jay was more concerned with Maddie's ass than playing the game. After a few more fun, but sweaty rallies, I had had enough.
"I think I'm ready to call it quits," I said, now soaked with sweat.
"Yeah, it's been fun, but it's ridiculously hot," Maddie said.
Tanner wiped his forehead with his hand and smeared it across his long swim shorts. "Well. It was nice meeting you Abigail," he said smiling.
Dammit. His body is glistening again. Stop! Focus. "You too. Good game," I said, with an unrestrained smile. I walked away from the Greek god of the sand and took my towel from Aliah to dab the sweat from my chest and face.
"What are you doing?" she whispered, and I knew exactly what she was getting at.
"It's harmless," I replied quietly, knowing it was too late now.
"I was thinking," Jay said, then kicked his toe in the sand ba
shfully. "Since we don't have any other plans for the afternoon, I thought maybe we could go get ice cream. It's on me." He raised his eyebrows hoping Maddie would take the bait. If he only knew Maddie better. She couldn't turn up a free turnip, if you offered it to her nicely.
"Sweet!" Maddie squealed. She put her arm over Jay's sweaty shoulder. "I'm liking you more and more by the minute."
"Abigail? Are you coming?" Jay asked, as they started to head out.
"It's harmless," Aliah mocked quietly.
"Sure why not," I replied, flashing a quick glance at Aliah.
"I'm sure Edwin won't mind at all if you do," Aliah said. Her quiet sarcasm was really starting to piss me off. "God I hate being the fifth wheel," she said, too loud.
"Ally, cut it out. You're not the fifth wheel, because I'm not with Tanner," I argued, as we collected up our things.
"I'm sure Edwin will see it that way too," Aliah snapped.
What is her problem all of a sudden? Jealous much?
Jay folded up Maddie’s towel. "Ready to go?" he asked, tucking it in her bag.
"Absolutely," Aliah replied. And, when she didn't get Jay's attention, she stomped off ahead of us like a child. She was clearly mad that she wasn’t centre of everyone's universe. I hustled up behind her in a hurry to reach the wooden boardwalk.
"There’s a shop up at the main lodge. We can walk there together," Jay said.
"I'm gonna drop my things off at the cabin first then. Here I'll take your bag," I said to Maddie. "There's no reason for us to carry all this stuff with us. Besides our place isn't very far out of the way."
Maddie handed me her things. "Thanks Abby."
"You'll meet us there then?" Tanner asked, all too concerned.
"Why don't you go with her?" Jay pressured, tossing him my volleyball. "Looks like she could use a hand."
"Naw. I don't think she wants me tagging along with her." Tanner handed my ball to me and smiled sweetly, though my hands were nearly full with our things.
"No. It's okay. I mean, if you want," I flushed, pushing the ball back in his hands.
Aliah's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. I didn't know what the hell I was doing either.
"Alright. Cool. We'll meet you all there then," Tanner said to Jay.
"Be careful," Jay said, already chuckling as he flashed a look at Tanner. "You know what I always say. Girls are like roads: the more curves they got, the more dangerous they are."
Maddie slapped him for me and I flushed redder yet.
"You're sure you don't want me to come with you too?" Aliah asked, hinting that I should take her up on her offer.
"What are you gonna do, carry my bag for me?" I teased, trying to be reasonable.
"Suit yourself beoch, but don't say I didn't try." Aliah slung her pink bag on Tanner's big, strong shoulder and winked at him. "Oh yeah, that's hot," she said, her scowl finally replaced with a smile.
He smiled back and didn’t seem at all embarrassed about having a pink bag hooked on his arm. He must be more secure with himself than he lets on. And why wouldn’t he be when he looks like that?
The others walked off, so I led Tanner directly to my cabin. Tanner walked a step behind me, his shoulders easily carrying the load. I slowed up a step, so he would walk next to me. I didn’t need him gawking at my butt.
After an awkward moment of silence, "What was that all about?" Tanner asked, obviously having picked up on Aliah’s latest intimations.
Telling him about Edwin sooner, rather than later, would prevent any natural disasters from occurring. I sighed. "I think she's hinting that I've taken things with you a little too far."
"What do you mean exactly?" he asked, soft and hesitant.
"I have a boyfriend," I blurted. "It's kind of new, but I think we're pretty serious."
"And?"
"And... she thinks I've given you the wrong impression."
He smirked at me. "It's harmless."
Oh shit! How embarrassing. "You heard that did you?"
"It's okay. I didn't have any expectations for this weekend either. Just looking for a little fun."
"I really have to watch my mouth," I said, scorning myself.
"Oh stop. You really haven't done anything wrong. That is unless being beautiful is a crime," he said, breaking out that incredibly dangerous smile.
"Mr. Bradshaw are you hitting on me?"
"I'm just saying that you can't help it. With that body, you’re gonna get men’s attention," he said, his eyes rolling over my bare skin like hot coals.
I blushed crimson, though he probably didn't notice, since my cheeks were still flushed from the game. "You're one to talk."
"Miss. Abigail are you hitting on me? And with a boyfriend. Tisk, tisk, tisk."
I had to smile. "You can call me Abby."
"Sorry, I don't think I caught your last name."
"That's because I didn't tell you. It's Jenkins," I admitted, but wanted to redirect the attention from me and put him back in the hot seat.
"So these men giving me all this attention. Are we talking about all men in general or just you?" I teased.
"I'm sorry. That was out of line,” he said, his embarrassment pliable. “I guess knowing you already have a man does put a slight twist on things."
"Yeah, especially when he owns a gun," I said.
"What?" Tanner froze outside the cabin door as I unlocked it and let myself it.
"I'm only joking. I'm sorry. Too much too soon?"
He smiled and a hint of relief settled on his brow. He was still hesitant when he followed me into the living room, cautious eyes scanning over the room. He dropped the ladies things on the couch and stood there anxiously. It was obvious that I had made him nervous as hell.
Not making him suffer another minute, I headed back to the door, quickly returning to the hot afternoon sun. Tanner stood awkwardly outside the door waiting for me to lock it up, his eyes shooting around the grounds, as though he was looking out for danger.
"You can relax. Edwin's not staying here," I said.
"Edwin? So that's the lucky bastard's name."
"Quit it. You're making me blush," I said, swatting at him. Then, giving me another good reason to blush, Tanner removed his shirt. The hot, hot day just got hotter, and it was so hard not to stare. "You must work out a lot," I said, against my better judgment.
"Well I have a lot of time on my hands these days." He tossed his shirt over his shoulder and flashed me a smile without revealing any more information.
As we walked toward the lodge, being at a loss for hot topics, I decided to dig into his personal life. "You have a lot of time now? As opposed to before…" I pried.
"… before my wife left me for another man."
Oh shit. I didn't see that coming. "I am so sorry. I really have to learn to mind my own business."
"It's okay, I've come to terms with it I guess."
"So it must be pretty fresh then?" I said, hesitating. Did I really want to dig any further?
"It's been over a year now, but it doesn't make it any easier. My divorce was just finalized last month and Jay thought it would be a good idea if we came here to celebrate."
"It doesn't sound like an event worth celebrating, if you ask me," I said. “But that’s just my opinion.”
"I feel the same way, but I'd bet she's celebrating right about now. She certainly didn't waste any time moving on. I think the court case had been holding up her wedding plans. Now she can go ahead with them. I guess she wants to be married before the baby's born," he said, dropping yet another bomb.
"The baby?"
"Yeah, she's pregnant with his child. We were trying to get pregnant right before she left me, but things don't always work out the way you want. You give a woman everything she wants and…" Silence.
"I'm sorry.”
"I'm the sorry one. I shouldn’t have depressed you with my pitiful life."
"Take it easy on yourself. I don’t mind. I won't say I understand because I haven'
t been there, but I can see why you would be hesitant to move on.”
"And now you know why Jay's pushing me on you. I haven't exactly been dating since she left me.”
"You will, when you're ready." I rested my hand on his hulking arm and regretted it instantly. It was so hard, and hot.
He didn't seem to notice my squirming. "Jay keeps saying that this is the weekend. My weekend. He thinks if I mac-it-up with some random chick it will help me to get over her," Tanner said.
"He may have a point there.”
"Wait a minute, you're siding with Jay?" He flashed me a slanted smirk.
"I guess I am. Why should you be miserable for the rest of your life, just because this one woman wasted your time? Is she worth it to you?"
"I used to think so. Now, not so much. Do you know what it's like to hate someone that you're still in love with?" he asked, the pain returning to his soft brown eyes.
"Sounds pretty messed up to me. A word of advice? You should probably save that one for the second date," I teased.
He laughed, though it was half-hearted, but I couldn't blame him. "That's suggesting that I could get a girl to date this damaged property in the first place. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m even telling you all of this," he said.
"I'm sure you'll have no problem finding someone. I mean, I'd totally date you, if I didn't have a boyfriend." Shit! I totally should not have said that. But look at him. Damn!
"Thanks, that gives me hope," he said, a smile softening his frown.
"Happy to help." I smiled warmly at him and looked up the gravel road. I could see the others seated around the small picnic table, eating their ice cream. Maddie was conveniently attached to Jay's hip, her leg dangling over his.
"I see your friend has taken a liking to Jay," Tanner said, chuckling.
"Yeah, Maddie has no shame. We're friends of convenience. We work together," I said.
Maddie stole her eyes away from the lean, piece of meat, hooked beneath her. "What took you two so long?" she squealed, eyes narrowed at me.
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