by Tina Martin
Preston looked up, directly at the peephole as if he could feel her staring. She gasped and took a step back.
“Okay,” she whispered to herself, then blew a breath. “Time to go.”
Pulling in another long breath, she opened the door. Looking at him, she asked, “You ready?”
“Yep. Do you want me to drive?”
“No. We can drive separately.”
“Then I’ll follow you,” he said, deciding not to press the issue even though it made no logical sense, especially considering they would leave the lighthouse tour and go straight to dinner. But he knew her reasons for not wanting to be alone with him or any man.
* * *
Once they arrived at the lighthouse, Tamera got out of the car with her tote bag. With her camera around her neck, she walked over to Preston.
“Sure you’re ready for this?” he asked.
“Yeah. I’m ready. You should be, too. It’s time to work off all the junk we ate today,” she said while doing something that was normally out of her comfort zone – reaching out and patting his stomach. But there was no flubber. All she felt was rock hard abs that blew her mind. She didn’t know men’s abs could be so toned. Maybe she’d get a glimpse of those steel abs on the beach this evening.
At the back of the group, they listened while the tour guide explained that climbing the black and white spiral, concrete structure was well over two-hundred steps – the equivalent of hiking the stairs in a ten-story building.
A soft gasp went over the crowd that shifted into laughter.
“Looks like you’re not the only one who’s not ready,” Preston whispered near Tamera’s ear.
She smiled. “We’ll see about that.”
The tour guide went on to explain how they would stop on several landings to take short breaks while he talked about the history of the lighthouse. On their first landing stop, he explained the purpose of the lighthouse – that it served as a warning to mariners about the sandbars.
Heading up to another landing, the tour guide talked about how the first keepers of the lighthouse had to regularly bring oil up to the top just to keep the light on. Said the light beamed nineteen miles off shore. Then he spoke about how, in 1871, the lighthouse was reconstructed and moved further north.
“Did you know any of this?” Preston asked, looking at Tamera.
“No,” she said, breathless. “I’ve never toured this lighthouse, which is crazy, especially considering…” She took a breath. “Considering my brother lives in the Outer Banks.”
“I can almost guarantee you the people who live here don’t take advantage of these beautiful beaches and rich culture the Outer Banks has to offer.”
“Probably not. Sometimes you take for granted something that’s close to you. It’s only when you don’t have the convenient access to it that you realize its value.”
Preston looked at her, sweat drizzling down the side of her face. Was she still talking about the Outer Banks or…?
Finally, they reached the top. The crowd gasped at the astonishing panoramic views. Taking the stairs up this high was a challenge, but the reward of the view was well worth the ascent. The beautiful crystal blue waters, sand, lush green trees and cloud-decorated sky – amazing.
Tamera took photos.
Preston snapped a few with his phone.
“This is…wow,” she said. “I’m at a loss for words.”
“It’s beautiful,” Preston said, and when he had said it, he wasn’t looking at the view. He was looking at her.
* * *
“You would think going down would be a lot easier than coming up,” Tamera huffed. They were at the back of the line again since Tamera lingered, taking pictures while the rest of the group had already started heading downstairs again and had made it to the first landing.
“I think it’s the narrowness of the stairs,” Preston said. “It almost gives you a dizzying effect.”
“Tell me about it,” she panted.
“We’re not even halfway there yet, Tamera. You think you’ll make it.”
Tamera didn’t say a word. She kept on holding on to the railings as tight as she could. Heat pummeled her body from all angles and she’d forgotten to bring water.
“Tamera?”
“Yes?”
“Wait,” he said, gripping her by the forearm. “Are you okay?”
She looked up at him. “Ye-yeah. Just feel a little dizzy. It’s probably nothing. Just the heat.”
“Okay, hop on my back.”
“I’m fine, Preston.”
“Hop on my back,” he said, taking a step down to give her clearance to do so. “Come on, Tamera. They’re leaving us.”
“Okay, okay,” she panted, reluctant to accept his offer but she was exhausted. Beads of sweat formed at her temples and her scalp steamed with perspiration. Her tank top was clingy and sticky, but at the moment, she couldn’t think about how disgusted she felt. All she could focus on was the fact that she was on Preston’s back, holding on to him, while he carried her to the bottom – seven more stories. With sore feet from walking all morning, the thought of taking another step was just that – a thought. She’d need to find some remedy to soothe her tired feet and body – maybe a soak in the hot tub would do her body some good. Or maybe the warmth from Preston’s body would soothe her temporarily. With her arms hanging over his broad shoulders, she rested her head at the nape of his neck.
How could he smell so good? He hadn’t showered after the festival, but still smelled of soap and cologne. Even his sweat-covered neck smelled yummy.
With each step down, she felt like a baby being cared for and rocked to sleep. Exhausted from a long day, she could go to sleep right here. Right on his back with her warm body touching the calming warmness of his body.
“Tamera.”
“Huh?” she hummed.
He grinned. “Don’t tell me you’re going to sleep on me. Literally.”
A delicate smile touched her lips. “No, but I feel like it.”
“Well, when we get back to the hotel, why don’t you take a nap so you can be well-rested for dinner?”
“Thanks, daddy,” she teased. “I’ll be sure to do just that.”
When they reached the ground, he said, “Okay. We made it.”
Tamera didn’t respond. Was she sleeping?
“Tamera.”
“Yes?”
“We’re on the ground now. You can get down.”
“I know.”
A grin touched his lips. “You don’t want to get down?”
“No,” she responded honestly. “Can you take me to my car?”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. It’s only a few more steps. Can you handle it?”
“You already know I can.”
“Okay, then. Giddy up.”
Preston gripped her tighter and walked towards her car. When he got there, he lowered her to the ground, turned around and gazed into her tired eyes. “What time are we meeting for dinner?”
“Around seven.”
“You think that’ll give you enough time to rest?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t want you no-showing again. If you’re not coming, I prefer to know upfront.”
“I’ll be there, Preston. I told you I was reviewing the restaurant. Remember?”
“Right.”
She opened her car door. “I’ll see you tonight. Thanks for the lift.”
“No problem.”
Preston stood there, watching her as she started the car, shifted it into gear then drove away. He didn’t know what he would do if she didn’t show up for dinner. He couldn’t fathom going to dinner alone after spending the day with her. He wanted to spend the evening and night with her, too. And what about the beach? They had plans. He hoped she’d show up for them after her nap.
He took his cell phone from his pocket when he heard it buzzing.
“Serenity, what’s up?” he asked as if he really needed to.
He knew why she was calling.
“Anything yet?”
“Serenity, I told you I was handling it,” he said. “When I’m back in town, I’ll sit down with you and talk about it. Okay.”
“Are you sure, Preston? You’re probably in vacation mode now and not even thinking about my problems. You haven’t even read my email yet, have you?”
Preston disguised a sigh.
“See, that’s what I’m talking about. You haven’t,” Serenity said.
“I’ll see you when I get back. In the meantime, why don’t you try focusing on running your business?”
“I am focu—”
“Oh, and do me a favor,” he said cutting her off. “Order the braised chicken from your own restaurant tonight and tell me how you like it. And don’t let the cook know it’s for you.”
“Why?”
“Because you wanted me to take care of the situation, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Then I need you to do this.”
“Okay, fine,” she said testily.
“Good. I’ll see you later.”
Chapter 14
After she soaked in the tub for about thirty minutes, massaging life back into weary toes, she stretched out across the pillowy queen bed in her room. She glanced over at the clock on the nightstand. The time: 6:02 p.m. She wanted to call Tyson, but she needed a nap. She was meeting Preston for dinner at seven-ish and needed to be alert for notetaking at the restaurant. So, deciding to make a brief phone call to Tyson, she took her phone from the nightstand, dialed his number then waited.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Tyson.”
“What’s up, Tamera?”
“Did Gabrielle tell you I called a few days ago?”
“She did. Meant to call you back. My bad. Anyway, what’s up?”
“Nothing much…um…just calling to let you know I was here.”
“Here? As in Nags Head?”
“Yes.”
“When did you get in?” he asked, but thanks to Preston, he already knew.
“Yesterday.”
“Yesterday?”
“Yes.”
“Where did you stay last night?”
“At a hotel. Ocean Sands…”
He released a frustrated sigh. “My baby sister comes to town without telling me and stays at a hotel?”
“Where was I supposed to stay, Tyson?”
“Where you always stay when you come to the Outer Banks. With me.”
“You don’t have enough room for me anymore.”
“I have plenty of room.”
“No. What you have is a wife, two kids and a three-bedroom house.”
“You could always take the couch.”
“I didn’t want to sleep on a couch. I wanted to be comfortable for a change. No offense, I’m just…”
“I get it. You still could’ve told me you were here.”
“You’re right. I should have.”
“At least let me pick up the tab for your hotel.”
“No need, big brother. The company paid for it. I had to fill in for someone to cover the big food festival here this weekend. I was there this morning, sampling foods and taking pictures.”
“Alone?”
“Um…well, I was alone until Preston joined me.”
“Preston Michaels?”
“Yes. Apparently, he’s covering the festival for his magazine.”
“You sure that’s all he’s covering?”
Tamera’s mouth fell open. “Tyson…”
“What? I feel like I need to ask. Where’s he staying, Tamera?”
“Okay, what’s up with the overprotective role all of a sudden?”
“Where’s he staying?” Tyson asked again.
“He’s at my hotel, and before you ask, he has his own room.”
Tyson released a heavy sigh that burned through her ear.
“Why are you so worried anyway, Tyson? I thought you knew Preston.”
“I do, but not well enough that I’m comfortable with you being alone with him.”
Tamera threaded her fingers through her short, thick hair. “Tyson Alexander, I need you to calm down a minute.”
“I am calm. Listen, Tamera…I may be overprotective and all but you know why I’m this way. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“I won’t. Besides, Preston’s not interested in me.”
“Are you sure about that?” Tyson asked, recalling how transparent Preston was about his intentions with Tamera.
“Yep,” Tamera answered, but she wasn’t sure if he was or not. He seemed to enjoy her company, but in the back of her mind, she thought he was only trying to befriend her so she would remove the review she’d written about his sister’s restaurant.
“You said he was with you today?”
“Yes, at the festival, and we toured the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.”
“What are your plans for tomorrow?” Tyson inquired.
“No plans as of yet.”
“Good. Come over for dinner. And bring Preston with you.”
“Um…come again,” Tamera said, frowning. She couldn’t have heard him right.
“I said, come to dinner. Bring Preston with you. Tomorrow. Six o’clock.”
“Tyson, I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to cause you a bunch of work. I can just grab some dinner at a restaurant.”
“You could, but I want you to come by. I was cooking anyway. You know me, baby girl. I stay cooking.”
“Okay, then. I’ll be there. Don’t know about Preston though.”
“Just ask him. I’m sure he’ll accept. He’s been dying to try one of my meals ever since he wrote that article on me.”
“Okay. I’ll ask,” Tamera said, but had no intentions on inviting Preston to her brother’s house for dinner. She’d never been that bold and forthcoming with a man before, but she’d also never rode a man’s back and held hands with a man after only knowing him for a week. Seemed Preston was the exception when it came to her comfortability level around men.
Chapter 15
Preston stood in the hallway. Tamera was due to come out any minute now. The time was already fifteen minutes after seven and they needed to leave now in order to eat dinner, return to the hotel and get to the beach by dusk.
He watched as she opened the door, looking her up and down. She had her toes out in a pair of pink flip-flops that matched the pink flowers on the white, knee-length summer dress she wore. In her ears, she rocked gold studs and something about her makeup made her face glow just as bright as her earrings. A blue and white striped bag hung from her shoulder.
“You look beautiful.”
Tamera smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She looked him over, thinking he looked gorgeous in the dark blue slacks and white Polo.
“Do you think we know each other well enough to ride together now?” he asked. “Surely if you can ride on my back, we can share a vehicle.”
“Sure. We can ride together.”
Satisfied, he looped his arm around hers and they began walking to his rental. Was she beginning to trust him now? Sure felt like it and he loved the feeling.
Opening the car door for her, he waited until she was secure, then closed the door. He walked around, got in and started the engine.
“Where to, Tamera?”
“Uh…” her hand trembled as she popped open the snap of her bag to search for a small notebook.
“Tamera…”
“Give me a second. I’m looking for it,” she said, fiddling around in her bag. “I wrote it down.”
Preston reached for her forearm and gripped her there. “Tamera, it’s okay.”
“What are you doing?” she asked, frowning, looking at the connection where his hand met her arm.
“You’re fidgeting. I’m trying to calm you down.”
“I am calm.”
“No, you’re not. Stop. Look at me.”
She looked at
him, still wearing a distinct frown.
“You know the name of the restaurant. You told me earlier. I just forgot. Think about it. There’s no need for you to be nervous around me.”
Tamera’s chest rose in and out. She wanted to reach for the door handle and run. What would Preston think if she ran? Would he think she was a flake? She did ride the man’s back down seven flights of stairs. Now, she was uptight and uneasy.
“Tamera…”
“You know what,” she said, reaching for the doorknob. “This was a bad idea.”
She got out of the car, intent on walking as fast as she could to her own car, but Preston stepped in front of her.
“Tamera, wait.”
“It’s fine,” she said. “I’ll drive. Just follow me.”
“No,” he said, frowning. “There’s no need for you to be nervous about being alone with me. I won’t do anything to hurt you.”
“That may be true, but—”
“No,” he said, gently holding her forearms.
She looked confused. “What?”
“I said, no. I’m not letting you drive.”
“Preston, please let go of me.”
“You should know that I wouldn’t hurt you, Tamera. Whatever you’re afraid of, it’s completely unjust to take it out on yourself and me.”
Her eyes glistened.
The sight of her sad eyes touched him. “Tamera, we had what I thought was a wonderful day and quite frankly, I don’t want it to end. I’m looking forward to eating dinner with you, laughing and having a good time with you. You were, too, so please come ride with me. If I do something to anger you or make you feel uncomfortable, I give you permission to slap me.”
She giggled, feeling the tenseness that had overtaken her body slowly drift away.
