by N. R. Walker
“It’s good. I’d like to do it again.”
He smiled, easy and carefree. “I suppose I could make myself walk it again. A group of buddies and me would meet and play basketball, nothing serious, but it was always good for cardio and a laugh. We haven’t done that in a while. I should call them.”
I picked up, a little belatedly, that he mentioned school here. “You went to school here?”
“Yep. Maroochydore, born and bred. Mum and Dad moved to Caloundra a few years ago, but I stayed. My brother’s at uni in Brisbane.”
“Did you go? To uni?”
He shook his head. “Nah. Not really the academic type, but I’ve done courses since. Went straight into retail out of school, then started with Telstra when I was twenty and went from there. I’ve done Business Management and that kind of stuff. What about you?”
“Not university, but I’ve got a hospitality degree. It was subsidised by the hotel I worked for in Brisbane.”
“You like working in hotels and resorts?”
“I love it. It’s not for everyone, but I’m good at it. Not having weekends off takes some getting used to.”
“Tell me about it. I have Mondays and Tuesdays off.”
“Me too!”
“Really?”
“Yep, hospitality industry curse.”
“Same with retail.”
“My ex had normal weekends and mine were Monday and Tuesday, and it wasn’t easy.”
“Yeah, tell me about it. But that’s good that you have the same weekends as me.”
“Oh really?”
If he blushed or if it was the setting sun that painted his cheeks, I wasn’t sure. He shrugged and changed the subject. “Guess you must be good at it, given you’re, what, twenty-four and in management?”
I shrugged. “Not full management. Only second-tier, but good enough.”
He gave me a look that told me he liked my modesty. It was half a smile and he squinted one eye against the setting sun.
God, help me. He’s not just handsome. He’s really cute too.
We walked until the people on the beach were just small dots behind us. Wicket was happy to run ahead, into the water, up onto the dry sand, chasing tiny crabs, and digging random holes until he was bored, then running ahead again.
We somehow ended up playing twenty questions. Favourite movies, bands, songs, colours, books. Though we kept getting sidetracked and talked about a whole bunch of nothing too. By the time we got to the end of the beach, he was telling me a funny horror story of the time he and his mates went to Bali and did what everyone told them not to do. They had eaten at a street food stand and proceeded to spend the rest of their holiday on the toilet. “It wasn’t pretty. God, I’ve never felt so sick. Needless to say, we didn’t get any surfing done.”
“You surf?”
“Not as often as I’d like. Actually, I haven’t for years. You know, work and adulting.”
I snorted. “I was thinking of taking lessons,” I admitted. “Don’t know if I’ll be any good at it, but I can’t move to the Sunshine Coast and not at least try.”
We’d stopped walking and I hadn’t even noticed, but the sun was almost gone. The sky was a vivid purplish-pink, and suddenly the crashing waves sounded loud. Or maybe it was my blood in my ears because I realised we were really alone.
“How about we head back?” he said, turning to walk back the way we came.
“Yeah, okay.”
Wicket now stayed at our feet, probably tired after running in every direction for the entire walk. I wasn’t sure if I imagined Dane walking a little closer to me or if it was wishful thinking. “I can teach you,” Dane said.
“Huh? Teach me what?”
“To surf?”
Oh. I almost laughed. “Oh. Yeah, that’d be great.”
“What did you think I meant?”
I snorted out a laugh and gave him a side look. “I wasn’t sure.”
He laughed at that. “I can’t promise I’ll be a good teacher.”
“I can’t promise I’ll be a good student. Actually, there’s a very good chance I won’t even be able to stand up on a board. I have an old boogie board but it’s not much good for anything. Wicket can stand on it though. Thought it was great fun.”
I decided halfway back to the clubhouse that Dane’s smile was even better against the sunset.
I must have been staring at him for too long. He shot me an amused but puzzled look. “What?”
“Oh nothing. Just that your photo didn’t really do you justice.”
His eyes widened, like he couldn’t believe I’d just said that out loud. Again, I couldn’t tell if he blushed or if the pink sky made his cheeks look like that… “Well, I could say the same for you.” He shrugged. “Except you’re taller than I thought.”
“How tall did you think I was?”
“I don’t know. Your photo didn’t have height markers.”
“Neither did yours.”
“I thought maybe six foot. How tall are you?”
“My driver’s licence says six one.”
“Mine says five eleven, but I think they gave me half an inch.”
I chuckled, then realised Wicket wasn’t walking with us. I stopped and turned. “Wicket!”
Dane froze, then searched. “Wicket!”
A little white blur came running toward us from up near the brush, smiling, tail wagging. Dane scooped him up. “No more running off, mister. No more heart attacks. I’m too young to die, and then who would look after you?”
“I would,” I volunteered.
“Don’t tempt him,” Dane said with a smile. “I think he enjoyed his stay with you more than me.”
“Nah. I’m like the fun dad who gets the kids on weekends. You’re the real dad who has to discipline and make the kids clean their rooms. Not as much fun, but if he skins his knee, you’re the one he’ll run to.”
Dane laughed. “Maybe.”
“Maybe? Did you see how excited he was to see you?”
“Yeah, I did.” He gave me a smile that felt like a touch. He ruffled Wicket’s forehead and put him back down and we watched as he trotted ahead of us. We started walking again and Wicket stayed close this time.
When we got to the surf club, we found a table on the patio where dogs were allowed. “Gimme one sec,” I said. “Be right back.” I darted to my car and grabbed the bag of the things I’d bought for Wicket and put it on the table. I pulled out the empty water dish and the leash I’d bought for him. “Here. We can fill that in case he’s thirsty and the leash in case it’s a requirement. Some places are weird about dogs off leashes.”
Dane looked up at me. “Did you really buy all this stuff for him?”
“Well, yeah. Of course I did…” I looked down at the other things still in the bag. “I didn’t have anything for a dog, so I had to get some things. It’s just from the supermarket, nothing fancy.”
Dane stood up, and I wondered for a brief moment if I’d crossed some line. I mean, did he want me to feed Wicket off a dinner plate? “I can’t believe you paid for all this,” he said softly. Then he took out his wallet. “Let me give you some money—”
I put my hand on his, stopping him. “No, it’s fine. Like I said, it was my pleasure.”
He stared at me and I stared right back. “Then I’m definitely paying for dinner, and I owe you all the surfing lessons you want.”
I smiled, then we both realised at the same time I still had my hand on his. Neither one of us moved for a long second, and my heart felt far too big for my chest. He swallowed visibly. “I’ll go fill the water bowl,” he whispered.
“Okay.” I think I managed to nod. I was surprised I managed that. There was definitely some kind of chemistry between us. I couldn’t have imagined that just now. Wicket’s whining caught my attention. He was near my feet, his ears up as he watched Dane walk away, and he did a little uncertainty dance like he was getting ready to run after him.
“Hey,” I said gently, pu
tting my hand on him. “He’s not going far.”
Wicket looked up at me, so I sat down at the table and picked him up. His little heart was hammering, and he strained his neck to see his owner. Dane soon came back carrying a full bowl of water. “See, here he is.”
Wicket started to wiggle again, and Dane put the bowl by the table and gave him a pat. “Did he think I was leaving him again?”
“I think so.”
He took his dog, gave him a bit of a cuddle, then put him down so he could have a drink. He clipped the leash onto Wicket’s collar and slid the handle around his seat. Wicket seemed to realise Dane wasn’t going anywhere without him, and he settled by his feet and was soon sound asleep.
We’d barely had time to look at the menu when a waitress came out to take our order, but Dane ordered the fish and I settled on the veggie nachos. The waitress wrote it down but then looked at me. “Would you like any sides? Beans? Sour cream?”
“No thanks.”
“Avocado?”
Did I want to pull the safe word? Avocado was the word one of us had to say to walk away. I looked at Dane and he looked at me, both of us smiled slowly. “No thanks,” I said, trying not to grin. “Definitely no avocado.”
The waitress left us and Dane looked out across the ocean. It was dark now, though the moon was out, and the sound of the waves and some people laughing on the beach was the perfect distraction. When he turned back to face me, he chewed on his bottom lip. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you turned down the avocado.”
“Well,” I said, trying to ignore the way my heart was trying to claw its way out of my throat. “You might want to wait until your first surfing lesson before you call avocado.”
He chuckled. “We’ll see.”
Our food and drinks arrived and while we ate, I told Dane about how my third day went at my new job.
“You seem to be settling in okay,” he said. “Don’t miss home too much?”
“Not really. Not yet, anyway. I mean, I moved out of home when I was eighteen, and a once-a-week phone call to my mum doesn’t make much difference if I’m ten minutes down the road or two hours.”
“Friends?” Then he chewed on his bottom lip some more. “Boyfriends?”
I sipped my Coke. “Friends, yes. Boyfriends, no. Ex-boyfriend, yes. But no current or even all that recent.”
Dane let out a breath and grinned for just a second before he cleared his throat. “I’m not either,” he said. “Um, seeing anyone, that is. Not for a while.”
“Well, that’s good to know. I mean, I’m sure if you did have a boyfriend, he’d be a nice guy and all, but I don’t share particularly well.”
He smirked. “No?”
I chuckled. “Well, popcorn at the movies, yes. Fries, maybe. Guys, no.”
He sipped his drink. “Duly noted. Fries are a maybe.”
“Fries are a maybe.”
“Now, I don’t mind sharing my fries, and I’ll even share my Pringles on a good day. But I um, I don’t share my boyfriend. If I had one, that is. Not with anyone.”
“Not even if Joe Jonas offered?”
Dane laughed. “Not even then.”
We talked long after the waitress collected our plates, and after she’d asked us, twice, if we wanted anything else to drink, we knew it was time to leave.
Dane collected Wicket’s leash. “Come on, little buddy, let’s get you home.”
I took the bag and dumped the water from the bowl into the garden, and together we walked to the car park. I slipped the bowl into the bag and handed it to Dane, then nodded to my car. “This is me.”
Dane slowed his walk until he came to a stop, Wicket looked up at me. “Well, then,” he stalled. “Thanks again, for everything.” He rocked on his heels. “I guess that’s it then. Um, that is, unless you want to meet again?”
“I would.”
His smile was immediate. “Okay then. Sounds good.”
The incredible buzz of anticipation sent the butterflies in my stomach into a flurry. “Okay then.” I pressed the unlock button on my car key, and Dane started to walk to his car, but then Wicket whined and refused to take another step. He pulled back toward me.
It made my heart hurt.
Dane frowned but scooped Wicket up into his arm and walked him back to me. “He wants to say goodbye.”
I patted Wicket’s head. “See ya, little fella. Thanks for keeping me company on my first week here.” Wicket wiggled and panted, his tongue hung out the side of his mouth. “I’ll miss you too.”
Without turning around, Dane took a step backwards, but Wicket whined again. Dane stepped closer again and Wicket was quiet. “I think he likes it when we’re close.”
My heartrate broke staccato. “I think so too.”
He was standing far too close that any passers-by might think us just friends. The car park was dark, not that anyone was paying us any attention. All I could hear was the sound of the waves crashing and far-off laughter. And the sound of my thumping heart.
I put my hand to Wicket’s little face but couldn’t take my eyes off Dane’s. He watched my mouth, then licked his lips. He murmured, “How close do you think he wants us?”
Still with a hand on Wicket, I slid my other hand along Dane’s jaw, gauging his reaction, waiting for hesitation, rejection. I was going to kiss him. He knew it, and I knew it. His eyes met mine and they were dark, inviting.
“Closer,” I whispered. Whether I was answering his question or urging myself on, I wasn’t sure.
Then I leaned down and pressed my lips to his. Soft and warm, and slow at first, I kissed him. And, like he savoured the moment, he hummed and let me lead until I pulled his bottom lip between mine. Then he lifted his free hand to my neck and deepened the kiss.
Our tongues touched and sparks exploded in my blood. He tasted sweet, his mouth warm and soft, his stubble rough. The contrast made my knees weak.
Then Wicket whined again and we broke apart.
“Did we squash him?” I ruffled his fur. “Sorry.”
“Oh, he’s fine,” Dane said. “I think he’s just excited.”
He’s not the only one.
“Well, I should probably go,” I said, letting out a nervous breath. I gave Wicket another pat. “If that’s okay with you.”
He wiggled in Dane’s arm. “I think he’s happier.”
“Me too.”
“Me too.” Dane grinned. “I’ll send you a photo when I get home. Of Wicket. So you can see that he’s happy.”
“Sounds good.”
We both stood there, neither of us making a move to actually leave. Dane took a step back with a grin. “I’m going now.”
“Yeah, me too. Bye.” I made myself open my car door, and after smiling at Dane some more, I had to make myself get in. My lips were still tingling from our kiss, my heart was still hammering, and the butterflies were gone, replaced by something much, much more pleasant.
Chapter Eight
Dane
I buckled Wicket into his harness and smiled all the way home. Okay, it was possibly a cheek-hurting grin, but wow… Griffin was kinda great. And the kiss? Well, that was kinda perfect.
I liked that he was taller than me, and I liked his long, lean fingers when he put them to my face. His touch, his lips, his taste… oh, yeah. Perfect.
I looked at Wicket sitting on the passenger seat. “Yeah, you knew exactly what you were doing when you found him, didn’t you?”
He panted happily, his tongue curling at the tip. Yep, he knew.
When I got him home, he trotted through the house, sniffing everything to make sure nothing was out of place. I gave him some kibble, and two minutes later he was sprawled on his bed in the living room, legs in the air, sound asleep.
I took a photo and sent it to my mum and brother, with the caption, Home, sweet home so they’d know all was well.
Then I sent the same photo to Griffin. I think someone’s tired.
Looks like someone missed his bed ;)
<
br /> He planted himself in it, stretched, rolled, and conked.
LOL He’s had a big day.
Thank you again so much. For everything. And for tonight. I had a great time.
Me too. Thank you for not being a weirdo.
LOL Same. Though I think Wicket knew exactly what he was doing when he found you.
And the whining until I kissed you… did you teach him that trick?
I laughed at that. Haha I’m not a dog whisperer. But I’m not complaining. I may have even promised him a treat for doing that though ;)
Give him one from me too.
I was still smiling. I didn’t think I’d stopped yet, but I was suddenly nervous. Can I see you again?
Yes.
Relief swooped through me. When?
Monday?
Okay. I’m sure I can survive until then.
LOL I’m sure you will. I better go to bed. Thanks for dinner tonight. Can’t remember if I said that.
You’re welcome. Though I’m sure I owe you more for all you spent on Wicket.
Another lunch or dinner?
Both?
Deal.
Thank God this wasn’t a video chat or he’d see the ludicrous grin on my face. Goodnight Griffin.
Night. Sleep well.
I wanted to tell him that I’d be going to bed thinking about that kiss but didn’t want to sound like a creeper. But I got ready for bed and pulled back my covers, got in, and man, I’d missed my bed. No matter how nice hotel beds were, there was nothing like your own bed. I sighed, every muscle relaxing into the familiar mattress, and my mind swimming with happy thoughts and, because all roads lead to Rome, went straight back to Griffin and that damn kiss.
I closed my eyes and could imagine the warmth of his body near mine, his hand on my cheek. His lips, his taste, his tongue.
Jesus.
A familiar warmth pooled low in my belly, my balls drew up, and my dick started to fill. Oh, I liked where this was going… I gave myself a squeeze and started to stroke, smearing precome over the head so I slid better in my grip.
Oh fuck, yeah. Just like that.
Then I imagined us back in the car park, Griffin leaning down to kiss me, the way he slid his fingers along my jaw, his lips on mine, his tongue in my mouth.
