by Elsa Kurt
Clint finished chewing his salad and took a drink. “Man, I want to kiss you. But first, I’m old at the age of twenty-seven. I live where the job is, but my base is in Olympia. Last name is Jackson, and the company’s my dad’s. CC Construction—redo or new. And your last name?” He got up and stood in front of Sandy.
Oh boy. Why is he standing in front of me? “Taylor.” Like a magnet, she felt pulled to her feet. “Sandy Taylor and I like old men.”
He put his hands on her checks. “Can I have my kiss now?”
Sandy closed her eyes and let Clint press his lips to hers. It was a short kiss, but enough for her to want more. He ended and gave her a tight hug. “You feel good.”
“Can I have one more?” Crap, did I just ask that? Sandy felt like slapping herself.
Another short kiss and Clint backed off. “I hope I didn’t scare you off. Ready for dessert?”
I thought the kiss was dessert. “Sure. What is it?” Sandy remarked.
“Ice cream sandwiches.” He went back to a small freezer by the cooler and showed two different flavors. “Chocolate or vanilla?”
“Vanilla, please.”
“Not a chocolate fanatic?” Clint handed the bar to her.
“Don’t get me wrong. I love chocolate, especially if it covers nuts.” Oh, holy crap. Sounds like I’m only after one thing. “Peanuts, of course, but walnuts, cashews, pecans…”
“You like something to crunch on. I get it.” His grin showed he understood her embarrassment.
I need to change the topic fast. “So, tell me what you do. You run around making sure the building is going okay? Do you do any construction?” She glanced at Clint and turned back to watch a ferry slow down to dock.
“All the above, plus paperwork, phone calls, design, and corrections.” He stepped closer to Sandy.
She ignored the closeness. “Sounds like you need to cut yourself in thirds to get it all done.” She took another bite of the ice cream and some melted on her chin. Gosh darn it. More food on my face. I bet he thinks I’m doing it on purpose. Total embarrassment. Sandy went to wipe it, but Clint beat her to it as he licked it off and gave a quick peck on her lips.
“Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
“I feel like I need to slap or knee you to defend myself, but I don’t want to.”
“I like your last thought the best.” He threw away their dinner plates and dessert wrappings before they went back to the penthouse. “Now for the surprise.” Between the kitchen and the living room, there was a staircase Sandy didn’t see earlier.
“You’re not taking me up on unsecured floor beams, are you?”
“Not quite. The upstairs is done and secure. No falling allowed.” Sandy saw his facial expression change to a sad look as he placed his hands together and popped his knuckles. At the top of the stairs, there was a small sitting area with a bar and another door to go out on another deck wrapping around the covered room. Clint pointed out to the right. “You can see the Space Needle. One of Seattle’s best observation spots and food.”
Sandy remembered going to the Space Needle once with her parents when she was ten. It scared her some because of how tall it was, 605 feet and 138 feet wide. It looked like a needle that would easily fall if a strong wind blew. But it was built to handle high winds and earthquakes.
She recalled moving in a complete circle in forty-seven minutes when they ate looking down out the window. Again, she thought they would tip over. It didn’t happen and she never went up to the top again.
Sandy laughed. “You’d make a great salesman selling Space Needle tickets,” she observed a new look at the surroundings. She’d seen Seattle at night and its beauty, but on a private deck with a gorgeous man, it was breathtaking. “No words can explain the awesomeness.”
“I agree. A perfect place to see the Space Needle’s fireworks on the fourth of July.”
“If the wind is blowing in the right position and the sky is clear, I can imagine the breathtaking view.” Sandy got an itch and scratched her shoulder.
Clint went more in the middle of her back to help scratch. “I like my view now.”
Sandy saw the hungry look in Clint’s eyes but knew it wasn’t all for sex. “I’m not sure what’s going on at the moment.” She paused.
“I don’t either. I’m not one to ask a stranger out, but when I first saw you, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Sandy bit her lower lip. “Me either.”
He moved two lounge chairs together and restated how clear the sky was. “The stars are bright tonight.” He then sat.
Sandy followed suit. “I feel like I’m in heaven. I don’t want to leave.” Her first sight was the outline of Aries. She loved astrology when she was a kid and still had a few magazines covering the constellations. “See the Big and Little Dipper?”
“You know the stars.” He looked at Sandy as the moonbeams shined down on her. “Your hair has golden sparkles like the sand…by chance is that why your parents named you Sandy?”
She scrunched her nose. “Sandy happens to be my middle name, and my mom loved the beach and hoped I’d grow up to be a sandy blonde. She was a blonde and my dad had black hair.”
“Why didn’t they make it your first name?”
“Beats me, but I do like Sandy more than my first name.”
“And?”
“Not everyone knows and it embarrasses me.”
“Why? I’ll tell you my middle name if you tell me your first name.” Clint raised his eyebrows.
“I feel like we’re playing ten-year-old truth or dare games. It doesn’t even flow, my name. Clara Sandy Taylor. It was my grandma’s first name and sooo old-fashioned.”
“It’s a nice name.”
“Stop being nice on purpose.”
“I’m serious. You ready for my middle name?
“Bring it on.”
“Clint Chet Jackson. Chet’s my dad’s name and he wants to carry it on, so he did a swap. His full name is Chet Clint and I’m Clint Chet.”
“Hmm. Interesting. You could go by C.C.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “It flows better.”
Sandy felt Clint shrug as they sat in silence and watched the night grew darker as the clouds rolled in. “You want another ice cream or a drink?” Clint held her hand.
“No thanks. I’m fine.”
“I know you are.”
“Nice. Okay, I have a feeling I should feel uncomfortable, but I’m not.” She peered at Clint. “Do I need to be worried?”
Without hesitation, he answered with a calm voice, “No. I will treat you like a lady if you let me.”
She smiled, recalling Aaron mentioning several times that he’d treat her like a young lady. He did in a bossy way but treated her nice enough for Sandy to deal with him.
Sandy went out with a few guys on and off the past few years who also tried to treat her like a lady, only at the end- it was to lure her in for sex. Sandy hated feeling like a hooker and decided to stay low until she felt it was the right time to get serious, like tonight. Her emotions overpowered her common sense.
To clear her mind, Sandy tried to outline another constellation in the light clouds. The night went on, with them talking about their personal lives. She found out Clint was into sports but also liked to hike and go hunting. Sandy shared her life, as not much action after her parents died, but she liked to go for walks and loved nature too.
They continued to talk about the crazy things happening at work, as Sandy pointed out some customers were so picky about their food. “They threw a fit if it wasn’t placed in the exact spot on the table they wanted, or there wasn’t enough ice in their cups.”
Clint said overall there were no off the wall happenings at his job except dropping tools by accident when the worker was on top of the ladder.
After a couple minutes of silence, Clint softly squeezed Sandy’s hand. “You like nights?”
“As long as it’s not pouring rain. A drizzle is fine. Why?”
“How about a boat ride on the Sound?”
“A ferry ride? Sure.”
The clouds thickened, the temperature dropped, and the moisture mixed with the light wind in the last hour set a chill on Sandy. Clint saw the shiver and took off his plaid shirt. “Sit up for a minute. I can tell you’re cold. Want to go inside?” He placed the shirt over her shoulders and Sandy put her arms inside.
“No, I’m enjoying myself here. Where are we going on the ride?”
“It’s not on the ferry. The company has a boat and we like to take it out at times. It’s an early Fourth of July party; lots of food, music, and our own fireworks. I’d like you to be my date.”
Sandy felt a little relieved at not being stranded on a boat with Clint in the middle of the Sound. “Sure. When?” Maybe this is the reason he wanted to meet me. A quick date to show he’s a man to his working friends, and next, dump me.
“Saturday night. Dress is casual. What you have on now is perfect.” A few drops of rain landed on the deck. The two talked a bit more until Sandy needed to leave at ten. “I’m sorry for the short night, but I’m opening in the morning and need to be up by five a.m.” She got up to take off Clint’s shirt.
He stopped her. “Keep it till we meet again. I don’t want you getting cold or wet.” The sky dropped a couple more drops as a warning for a big dump. The walk to Sandy’s backdoor was silence. “You’ve been quiet. You okay?”
She looked at the lips she wanted to taste. “I’m past okay. I’m in my own personal heaven.” She touched Clint’s lips with her thumb.
He gave a hard but pleasant kiss. “The rest of the week will be busy, so I doubt you’ll see me. Don’t worry; I’ll be back at our meeting place Saturday at four p.m.” He gave her one last peck and left.
“Night, C.C.,” Sandy whispered, and thought Heather’s idea about the story to write, Romance in the Alley, might come true.
Chapter 3
Since her visit Monday night with Clint, Sandy fought the same feelings she had when she first met Aaron, and it scared her. However, thinking about Clint made the feelings stronger. On a daily basis, Sandy numbed Heather’s ears, repeating the same thing each time. “He’s too good for me.”
“You might be right. I did some digging into his dad’s construction company. They fix up old buildings beside building new ones, and rent out the building space for government, insurance companies, hospitals, and businesses.”
“They keep busy.”
“Come on, deadhead. Clint’s a billionaire. I’m sure he has his own mansion in Olympia. He could be a zillionaire for all we know.”
“He said he lives on the job. Heck, Clint could have a small bedroom in his parents’ house.”
“I doubt it.” Heather jabbed.
“Maybe he was desperate for a date and hopes I don’t take advantage of his money. Do you think he knows I know he’s rich?”
“I’m not a mind reader, Sandy. If what you told me he said the other night is true, you don’t have to worry. Be yourself and all will be fine. Did you see him yesterday?”
“No. I saw him Tuesday morning when I was in the kitchen. He looked at the window but didn’t see me and I didn’t want to run out and say hi. The truck left and I haven’t seen him or any workers since. Maybe the contract canceled and he’s gone for good. At least I got to meet him.” Sandy took a deep breath. “Heck, he didn’t ask for my number or give me his. Not good.”
“Slow down. You got more than a look. You kissed him.”
“I’ll dream about it forever. Maybe he’ll invite me to watch the fireworks on the deck he’s working on.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But remember, the next Mister Gorgeous can come along; there’s more fish in the sea. I keep telling my cousin the same thing.”
“Cousin?”
“I forgot to tell you the news. A while ago, Layla went with her BFF to Vegas. Turned out she flirted with none other than the owner of de’Scala Resort, Maxwell Scala, and spent the night with him. She won’t tell me anything more.”
“No way.”
“Yes way.”
“Crazy. I hope this doesn’t turn into a one or two nighter. Maybe it’s only for an ego boost on Saturday, but I will take it in.” Sandy visualized Heather shaking her head at how crazy she was. “I’ve got to go help Laura do Saturday brunch. We need to meet soon at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue for some teriyaki.”
“Sounds like a plan. I haven’t eaten there for a while.”
The conversation ended. Sandy checked herself in the mirror and went down to the café’s kitchen to help cook.
Laura ran around like a madman. “People only want biscuits and gravy today. I don’t have enough biscuits.”
“Go out with Beth and I’ll take care of it,” Sandy demanded. Beth Davidson, a fifty-year-old lady who lived in the adjoining apartment, helped out when needed. She didn’t want a salary, so Laura gave her gift cards to stores.
Sandy finished adding all the mixtures to the big bowl and blended it to perfection. She had four trays out, scooped the dough, and brushed butter on top before putting the trays in the oven. While waiting she checked the order slip and fried up eggs and hash browns.
With the biscuits done, Sandy took out the plate to table number four. She stopped midway to see Clint drinking a cup of coffee. She felt like strangling Laura for not telling her. Sandy moved her shoulders back and continued her walk.
“Good morning. Here’s your plate, sir. Anything else I can get you?” She added an extra napkin on the table. I’d rather sit by this drop-dead hunk and have him attack me. His smile kills me.
“Phone number.” He took a card out of his wallet and placed it in her hand. “Here’s mine.”
She put it in her apron pocket. “I thought the whole company left for good.”
“We had an emergency call to take care of in South America. The job’s done and we’re back for good until the building is finished.”
“South America?”
Clint nodded.
“You had me worried. I’ll grab a business card when I get a minute.” She heard the door ring as a new customer entered.
“I’ll be waiting.” He went back to drinking his coffee and reading the Seattle Times.
As Sandy went on her routine of taking orders, making breakfast, and cleaning tables, Clint sat patiently until the rush slowed down twenty minutes later. Sandy refilled his coffee and rested her hand on his arm. “I didn’t forget. I’ll deliver your request.”
“Busy place. I guess people like your cooking.”
“Laura’s the chef, but I don’t mind saying I make some pretty darn good biscuits.” She smiled and went to the cash register to get a card. She wrote her number on the back and drew a small heart under it.
“Here you go.” She put the card in the front pocket of Clint’s shirt. “Don’t lose it.”
He grabbed her hand. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t have to fight for me hard. Do you see a line of guys waiting their turn?” Like I’m sure you do with gals. She was going to ask Clint another question when the door opened and she heard her name.
“Sandy?”
She turned to see who said her name and froze. The color drained from her face. “Aaron?”
He closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Sandy, who was still right next to Clint’s table and kissed her on the cheek. She didn’t respond.
“I moved back the other day and had to come see you. You got a minute, or are you busy?” He kept his arm around Sandy as she went to an empty table on the other side of the café for Aaron to sit.
“Can I get you anything first?”
“Coffee, please.”
Sandy nodded and went back to the kitchen then remembered she needed to give Clint his bill. She saw Laura loading the dishwasher. “Holy cow drops. Guess who walked in?”
“Easter Bunny?”
“Aaron. Aaron’s here. He showed up out of nowhere when I was talking to Cli
nt. He hugged me. What am I supposed to do? Clint saw the whole show.” She leaned against the cupboards, holding her hair and wanting to pull it out. “I’m doomed.”
“First off, you’re not going out with Aaron, and you only met Clint once. You’re still a free woman with no commitments.”
“But I feel like I cheated on Clint.”
“Give Clint his bill and he’ll be out of here. You’re seeing him later tonight. You’ve been away from Aaron five years. He can’t expect you to jump into his arms the moment he comes back to America.”
Sandy finished Clint’s bill. “Easier said than done.” She shook her hands, grabbed Aaron’s coffee, and went to the dining area to deliver. “If you need more cream or sugar, let me know.” He nodded.
Next, she went to Clint’s table. “Here you go, darling—uh, I mean C.C. Clint.” Her voice raised an octave.
“Forgetting my name already? Darling doesn’t sound bad, though. Your boyfriend getting home from a business trip?” He stood. Not knowing what to expect, Sandy didn’t move and furrowed her brows. “Were your lips hungry for kisses like mine were? Do you want to make him jealous by doing this?” He leaned over and gave Sandy a better kiss than the night before.
She felt her knees weaken and had to back off. “I’m at work, silly goose. Now go so I can work.” She peeked at Aaron, who pretended to read the paper. “He’s an old friend from high school who I haven’t seen in years.”
Clint smiled. “You’re fun to tease.”
“Argh. Leave now.”
He looked at Aaron with powerful authority, sending a strong message, don’t mess with me or Sandy, before he left.
Right when Clint left, a young lady possibly a year or two younger than Sandy walked in, looking lost. Sandy figured she wanted to be discreet and had her sit in the back corner. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Sandy went to get one and when she came back, the girl had left. Sandy went and sat opposite of Aaron at his table. “Did you see the young lady leave?”
He nodded. “She looked nervous as hell.”
Sandy shook her head. “You gave me a surprise.”
