by Debra Kayn
Whether he wanted to or not, Hank would see this job done. But, this was the last time he was going to save Drake’s ass.
Chapter Eleven
The bright pink and orange reflections played off the surface of the water on the horizon. Ava closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The wind blew her hair behind her and relaxed her shoulder muscles better than a massage. Most days she took living on the Pacific coast for granted, but witnessing the sun setting on a warm summer day always humbled her.
The size of the ocean surpassed everything in her life. She sat on one of the benches lining the boardwalk. Out here in the open with tourists walking behind her, noise from the casino down the wharf, and families playing on the beach, she settled down to take it all in. No one was really alone when visiting Seaside. She only had to look out at the spectacular views to know there was something larger and more brilliant in control of life. It was her sign to take the night off and forget about work.
Mr. Holland had given her a reprieve and she’d use it to indulge in being lazy. The fresh sea air would rejuvenate her soul. No work. No responsibilities. Just her and what she missed enjoying.
A seagull cried. She shaded her eyes and gazed up into the sky. Even the birds played and forgot about scavenging for food as if they too had decided to take time off from working.
A sand hopper flittered at her feet, stopped, and cocked its little head, searching for a snack. She laughed and stuck her toe into the sand. “I don’t have any treats. You’ll have to go ask someone else.”
The bird flew away as if understanding her. She leaned back. Two hands landed on her shoulders. She tipped her head and looked up, smiling.
“Do you always talk to birds?” Hank smiled.
She laughed. “They’re smarter than you realize. Why do you think they’re so fat and friendly?”
“You’ve probably got that right.” He moved around the seat and nodded. “Mind if I sit?”
“No.” She scooted over. “You missed the best part of the sunset though.”
“Ah…I don’t see many of those on the ranch. Too many trees block my view.” He stretched his legs out. “I’ve heard if you make a wish when the sun drops below the water, it’ll come true.”
“Don’t tell me you’re a poetic cowboy,” she laughed softly. “You’ll blow your tough guy persona.”
“Hell, no,” he grinned. “And, don’t be telling the other guys, or I’d never hear the end of it, darlin’.”
They lapsed into silence. Ava peered out at the ocean, enthralled with how Hank’s sudden appearance pleased her. Around him, she gained self-confidence, which explained why his attention meant so much to her. Even though she should keep her distance, she wanted to talk with him.
She pushed her hair behind her ear. “Are you enjoying the conference?”
“Yeah.” He put his arm across the back of the bench. “This is the sixth year I’ve taken my dad’s place in the organization. Ranching is a lonely business, and it’s nice to get together once a year and learn what’s working and not working for everyone. It’s one career where we all feel like family and battle the same problems, even though we might live states apart.”
“Your dad’s a rancher too?”
“Yep,” he nodded. “When I came back from college, he announced his plan to retire. I stepped into his role and bought the ranch from him. In return, he’s built himself a cottage on the property and oversees the workers when I have to be away. I think he enjoys bossing the other cowboys around while I’m gone.”
“The arrangement works well for you both,” she smiled. “It must be nice to know your father is proud of you for continuing the ranching business.”
“It is,” he sighed.
She glanced at him, hearing a doubt in his answer. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head and stood. “How about a walk along the boardwalk?”
“I shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“You’re a guest. It’s against the rules.” She shrugged. “You go on though. It’s a beautiful night.”
“Screw the rules for once, Ava.” He held out his hand. “All the employees at the hotel are inside working. Nobody’s going to complain about you taking a walk with me on your free time.”
“I can’t chance it, Hank.” She stood. “In a few days, I’ll know if I’ve earned the job. Until then, I don’t want to do anything to ruin my chances.”
He tilted his head, studying her.
She wiped her mouth, afraid the saltwater taffy she ate earlier in the evening had left a spot. "What?"
“Put your hair up.”
“What?” she laughed.
“Wind it up.” He twirled his finger beside his head. “Do that thing you women do.”
“Why?”
“I’ll show you,” he smiled. “Hold it all to the back.”
She rolled her eyes, but gathered her hair high on the back of her head, and twisted the strands around. “There.”
“Perfect.” He held her hair for her. “Let go.” Then he took off his hat and settled it on her head. “No one will recognize you now with all your hair covered.”
Her stomach flipped and warmth filled her cheeks. “I don’t think a hat will hide me.”
He stepped back, raised his brows, and gazed the full length of her. She bit down on her bottom lip. Her nipples peaked, and she had the craziest urge to throw herself into his arms and ask him to take her away, somewhere no one would find them together.
He nodded. “You’re right.”
For a second, she thought he knew what she was wishing. “About what?”
“Your outfit. It’s all wrong.”
She gazed down at the pair of jeans and shirt she’d put on before coming outside. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? It’s casual.”
“Right. We need you to look like a tourist.” He bent down on one knee. “I’ll have you fixed up in a minute. No one will even glance at you. They’ll think you’re from out of town and here to enjoy the Oregon coast.”
All she could do was stand there, and let him roll her jeans to above her knees. She grinned at the way he struggled to get his large hands to cooperate. Once he deemed her bottom half touristy enough, he untucked her shirt and tugged on the hem.
He leaned down and whispered, “I know there’s a way for you girls to tie your shirt up and turn it into a fancy lookin’ top, but I’m afraid if I tried it might earn me a slap.”
She laughed. His adventurous spirit caught on, and she gazed up into his eyes. “I think I can manage that part by myself…being a girl and all.”
With a tug on her shirt, she undid the bottom few buttons and quickly tied the ends of the material under her breasts and created a half shirt. “Something like this?”
“Mmm.” He quirked his brow. “That’s perfect.”
“I look like a dork.” She crossed her arms, covering up her bare stomach.
“No, darlin’.” He undid her arms and held her hand. “Now we walk. We’re just two strangers in town, out to enjoy the evening. Nobody will know who we are, and you can relax.”
Hank’s playfulness caught on. She tugged the cowboy hat down to keep it from blowing off in the breeze, grabbed her shoes she'd taken off earlier to stroll in the sand, and walked barefooted beside Hank. She looked over at him and smiled.
“You’re beautiful.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of her fingers. “You’ve made this week special for me.”
She grinned. “That’s me…constant entertainment. Where else would you be stuck in an elevator, pushed into a pool fully clothed, and get to rescue a woman attacked by chairs?”
“You are unique.” He swung her arm. “I’m serious, Ava. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I’d love to take you out…”
“I can’t.” She stopped. “I don’t mean to lead you on. That was never my intent.”
"Is it because you're unsure of our age difference?" He tilted his head. "I’ll admit, I was
reluctant to press you but I have to say, you're more mature than most women my age. We can go slow…"
She smiled as her stomach flipped. "I don't even think about our ages, Hank. That's not the problem."
"Then what's stopping you?" He hooked his finger under her chin and raised her gaze. “Tell me you don’t feel the attraction between us.”
“I can’t, because I do. Hank, you’re....” She swallowed at the look that came across his face, the intent gaze, the lazy smile, the heated closeness.
“Can I kiss you?”
She closed her eyes and nodded. He slipped his hand behind her neck and pulled her to him. He sealed her lips with his mouth. Every muscle in her body tightened, then relaxed, only to constrict once again in pleasure. She stood on her toes, dropping her shoes to the ground. Her hands went to his chest. She fisted his shirt, and held on as he deepened the kiss until she melted.
He tasted sweet, intoxicating, and a little dangerous. She brought her arms down, and trailed her hands along the side of his ribs. He growled as she pressed her full breasts against his chest, and that excited her. Her fingers burned with the heat coming off his body and the intoxicating rush made her daring.
With one hand guiding her head, and his other hand pressed against the bare skin on her lower back, she gave herself permission to kiss him back. The shock of his mouth opening turned to delight at the first swipe of his tongue. She trembled in his arms, meeting him kiss for kiss.
He kissed her hungrily, yet she could tell he was holding back. She moaned and pressed close against him, pleading, begging for more, but not sure how to show him or where he was taking her, only that she’d never wanted anything more than to keep the pleasure flowing. He shifted, his leg parting both of hers. Yes.
He pulled back. “Jesus…Ava.”
He cupped her head, holding her face against his chest. His heart raced beside her ear, and she understood because the same thing was happening to her. Her legs shook, and she was thankful he was holding her, because she wasn’t sure she’d be able to stand on her own. Her body cried out for the denied pleasure.
“Give me a moment.” He stroked her back. “You had me forgetting we’re out here in front of everyone.”
“Me too,” she sighed. “That was…wow.”
His chest rumbled underneath her cheek. “You got that right, darlin’.”
Eventually, she stepped away. The memory of his kiss would last a lifetime. She touched her lips. He’d branded her. More than anything, she wanted to find out what he’d do with the rest of her body if she let him. Could it get any better?
“Ava!” George called behind her.
She turned, woodenly, not ready to go back to the real world where Hank went back to being a guest and she followed all the rules. She glanced at Hank, pleading with him not to say anything.
He winked. “It’s okay. Our secret is safe with me.”
“Ava.” George stopped in front of her. “I’ve been looking for you. There’s a delivery at the hotel. You need to sign for it.”
“George, any one of the staff can sign the papers.” She pressed her hand to her stomach, realized she’d tied her shirt up under her breasts, and quickly pulled the knot out. “Go ahead and take whatever it is to the office. I’ll deal with it in the morning.”
“I’m sorry, but he said only you could accept the packages. It’s from a…Thompson Brothers.” George nodded his head. “He’s waiting for you to approve the delivery.”
“Oh!” She turned to Hank, while she slipped into her shoes. “That’s the place you used to order the branded gloves for the gift baskets. You should come too, and make sure they’re what you were wanting.”
“Okay.” He followed her and George back to the hotel.
The leather gloves turned out to be nicer than either one of them expected. She stood back and let a couple of the men on the staff carry the boxes to one of the smaller conference rooms. When they were gone, she grabbed Hank’s hand and dragged him around the corner where she could talk to him in private.
“Thanks for not saying anything to George,” she whispered.
“It’s none of his business what happens between us.” He kissed her quickly. “When can I see you again?”
She gazed at him, her own wants and desires reflected back in his eyes.
“You can’t.” She placed her hand on his chest. “I’m sorry.”
“Screw the job. No one will know. You can sneak into my suite,” he said.
“I’ll know,” she whispered. “This job is too important for me to lose. I have something more important riding on the outcome than my own security.”
He stiffened and backed away. “Well, you know where to find me, darlin’, if you change your mind.”
She stood and watched him walk away. When the elevator doors closed, she leaned against the wall. Two more days, and she’d know if she was getting the job. This was the longest week of her life. She rubbed her forehead, knocking the hat off her head. She gasped and covered her mouth. When George found her, she’d forgotten all about wearing Hank’s cowboy hat. At least ten people witnessed her in the lobby moments ago. It wouldn’t be hard to put two and two together, and come up with her fooling around with Hank.
Chapter Twelve
Sunday night came and so did the rain. Ava flipped through the phone book. Only in Oregon, in the middle of July, would a rainstorm from hell wash out any plans for the bonfire barbeque on the beach. The men’s social event of the week was going to flop.
She couldn’t expect the men to stand around in the drizzling rain, swapping stories, waiting for a half a beef to finish cooking on the spit in a downpour. They expected comfort and class.
“Having any luck?” Sally appeared at her side, and put her arm around her shoulders.
She shook her head. “No, unless you have a direct line to Mother Nature, this party is a bust. I can’t believe Mr. Holland planned an outside event in Oregon.”
Sally laughed. “Considering it’s the one month out of the year where we usually don’t have more than a sprinkle, you can’t really blame the boss.”
“I know. I’m letting my frustrations get the best of me.” Ava closed the book. “This week has had one problem after another, and I don’t know what to do. I thought the job would be easier than this, but I don’t know…I’m starting to think I’m not cut out for the managerial position.”
“Don’t give up.” Sally nudged her. “There’s George. He’s good about helping with any problem we have, you should ask him.”
Ava turned around and motioned for George. “We need someone who can save the day.”
“Sure.” George smiled. “What can I do?”
“In a half hour, all the men are supposed to hang out on the beach and partake in the social event of the convention. We can’t expect them to go out there in this kind of weather. The crew is already drenched from trying to keep the fires lit.” Ava stuck out her lower lip, and blew the tendrils of hair that had fallen out of her bun. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Have it at the lounge?” George frowned. “No, that won’t work. They won’t have any extra workers willing to come in on short notice.”
She crossed her arms. “This is a huge mess. It’s going to ruin the men’s social.”
“Can any of us sing?” Sally looked around at the handful of employees.
“There’s a difference between singing in front of a crowd, and jammin’ in the shower,” Ava groaned. “What we need is somewhere to throw a huge party indoors. A free-for-all. Let them serve their own drinks, blast some music, and let them feel like they’re home, throwing a barn party, or whatever ranchers do.”
George jerked to attention. “I’ll be right back.”
He hurried out of the lobby. Ava looked at Sally and shrugged. It didn’t matter if George found a spare country western band in the laundry room, for the men who’d paid good money to attend the once a year event, the lack of a party would be a huge disappointment.
“I’d better break the bad news.” Ava glanced at Sally. “If they kill me, it’s been really nice knowing you.”
Sally hugged her. “It’ll be okay.”
She gave Sally one more desperate look, and then walked around the desk. “Gentleman? If I could have your attention for a moment.”
Each one turned and moved closer. She held her ground. Never had a group of men appeared so big and bulky. God, I hope they don’t tear this place apart.
“I’m sorry to tell you that—“
“What’s everyone hanging around for? It’s time to hit the beach.” Hank walked down the stairs, followed quickly by George carrying two baskets.
She frowned, wondering if he’d lost his mind. He winked as he walked past her. “Never fear, darlin’, I got your back.”
He held up a football. “Who’s up for a game of football before we get this party started?”
The men shouted their approval. A few removed their shirts, and sat down and started tugging on their boots. Ava stepped back until she pressed against the counter, staring in shock.
“My God, look at them.” Sally reached out and grabbed Ava’s arm. “They’re getting naked.”
She couldn’t reply. She couldn’t look away. Hank removed his shirt, boots, and socks, and stood with his Levi’s hanging low on his hips. George passed out baskets for the cowboys to put their clothes in. She closed her mouth, only to have her jaw drop open again when Hank shot her a grin.
What was he doing? The other ranchers weren’t going to enjoy playing football in the wet sand. Even if the clouds broke up, the mist coming off the water dampened everything in town.
“They’re really not going to go out and play football in this weather, are they?” She ran her hands down the front of her skirt.
“Sure looks like it.” Sally laughed. “It’s brilliant. They’re all just grownup boys at heart. Toss them a ball and it’s game on.”
