Hot Nights, page 4
“Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday.” There’s a wistfulness in her tone. Next weekend, I’m going to pull some strings to where Kelsey gets hours either earlier in the morning or later in the day. I’m going to take her out on my boat, do a little fishing, and watch her prance around in one of her barely-there bikinis.
“Only one thing can top the day out on the boat, and that’s any time I’m with you.” Kelsey spins around. Now my cock is pressed against her front. The palms of my hands are itching to do a whole lot more. Mainly lift her up by the backs of her thighs before I tell her to pull my shorts down and feel everything I heard last night. Kelsey’s soft moans, husky pleas, and wet sounds that carried through the phone.
“Talon.” Her eyes close, and her cheeks flush, a tell of hers when she’s turned on.
“Fuck, get your ass outta here, siren, or I’m gonna take you in the house and fuck you all day long.” I step back, losing her warmth.
“Promises, promises.” Her voice is full of laughter.
“That’s a guarantee.” I take another step back. “Do me a favor, don’t wear shorts like yesterday.” She’s already making her way back to her place.
“Don’t worry. I saved those for you,” she tosses over her shoulder.
“You’re a minx, woman, plain and simple.” I’m half tempted to chase her down, kiss her laughter away until she’s left panting. Except I know neither of us has time for that. Next time, definitely next time.
7
KELSEY
“Hey, Kelsey.” I look up from the cash register to see Mariah. Today, she’s alone but has her hands full of snacks and a six-pack of her usual. I’m beginning to think she’s a weekend drinker, not that I’m judging. To each their own and all of that. Plus, it keeps Captain T’s flush full of money. There’s a major mark-up in price for convenience, and customers are willing to pay it in order to save a trip into town.
“Hey, Mariah, off to the island today?” I ask, covering up a yawn with the back of my hand. Between yesterday and staying up entirely too late, I’m dragging ass. Even Tara looked at me this morning and told me to go home. That wasn’t happening. My work ethic wouldn’t allow me to leave her without help. At least I’m not opening or closing today, my shift is on the short side, and I may even be able to get in a small nap once I’m off.
“Yeah, you should come.” I go to say maybe to appease her when she keeps going. “It’s a celebration of sorts, you see. Spencer asked me to marry him!” She squeals happily. Damn it, I’m a horrible friend. I should be over the moon for her, and yet here I am, knowing there’s no way I’ll be able to get out of her party now.
“That’s great! I’m so happy for you.” A hug is a necessity at this point, plus I need to see her ring up close and personal.
“You see, you have to come.” Before I make it to Mariah, she’s holding out her hand and showing me an impressive rock.
“Wow, it’s beautiful, Mariah. Spencer did a great job.” I take her hand in mine, holding it this way and that, watching as the light beams through the diamond.
“Didn’t he? We’re going to have a small wedding and ceremony. I’m thinking the end of summer. We’re not sure where it’ll be held, though.” I go over the logistics in my head. Maybe her and Spencer’s get-together will be early. I can go over to the island, stay for an hour or so, then head back home. But there’s also a part of me that's being a completely unsupportive friend because I want to hang out with Talon before our work week gets hectic again.
I nod my head. Mariah is going over how he proposed last night on the island in front of everyone. It was everything she hoped and dreamed it would be from her high school sweetheart turned fiancé.
“That’s so sweet, Mariah. Spencer really does love you.” I notice more people walking into the store, which means I need to wrap this conversation up. While I get a lot of leeway between Grandpa Scott and Tara, there’s no way I’d take advantage of them either.
“Please say you’ll come. We can pick you up and bring you back if you don’t want to drive your dad’s boat.” My dad may love me, but he doesn’t love me that much to let me take his boat out at night. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been out on it alone during the day. There’s a reason why I have a paddle board and kayak. Dad’s boat is his pride and joy, the son he never had. He’s worked hard for what he has and I can’t say that I blame him
“I’ll take the ride, if you don’t mind. I do have to be at work by seven o’clock in the morning, though. Is it possible to be home decently early?” God, I’m going to murder my future self. She’s going to be a raging lunatic, dead on her feet, and ready to punch herself square in the eye.
“Of course, you know there are a ton of us. We’ll get you home. I’m so excited you’re coming. It’s been so long!” Her voice goes up an octave. I wrap my arms around her, giving her another hug.
“I really am happy for you and hate to push this along, but customers are starting to get antsy.”
“Oh yeah, whoops, my bad. I should have waited till you were off work. My excitement couldn’t be contained.” I head back to stand behind the register as she places her items on the counter.
“Honestly, I’m not sure I would be able to either.” My thoughts go to Talon. My head is filled with thoughts of him. It has been for a while now, and all we’ve done is kiss with a side of phone sex. Then tell me why I’m wondering how he would propose to me? I’d like to think he’d know me well enough that I don’t need anything flashy or a big production out of a proposal. A gold wedding band, a sunset on his boat, and I’d be happier than ever. I guess that’s the difference between two people. Whereas there’s nothing wrong with what Mariah received, it’s the last thing I’d like.
“Your total is thirty-three dollars and twenty-six cents.” Mariah swipes her card while I bag her items.
“Thanks, Kelsey. We’ll pick you up around seven?”
“That works. I’ll meet you at the house two doors down. They don’t have a boat, so it’ll be easier to get in and out.” Our neighbors are snowbirds and dry store their boat at another marina in town during the summer months. They tell everyone in our area to please use not only their dock but also parking spots.
“Perfect. I’ll text you when we’re pulling up.” Mariah takes the bag off the counter.
“See you soon.” She’s already on her way toward the door. My line is two deep, and I go through the motions of checking them out. Thankfully, there aren't any more, or I’d have to call for backup, an action I’ve never had to take. Unless they’re looking for a certain item or bait, which is a different story entirely.
“Thank you. Enjoy your day,” I tell the last customer. I’m on autopilot, cussing myself out for agreeing to go out tonight. Who goes out on a Sunday to celebrate? Brunch I can see, but in the evening? Yikes. I’m going to be paying for it tomorrow.
“You too, Kels,” a regular says. Once the coast is clear, I pull out my phone. Captain T’s isn’t strict on rules. They only ask that when we have customers to keep our devices away. Seeing as how the coast is clear, I bend down and grab it from the cubby I keep it in when I’m not on the floor. My thumb slides over the lock screen, hitting the buttons to access it without my phone being in my face. I smile when I find a couple of missed texts from the man himself.
Talon: Don’t forget to eat something besides a protein bar.
Talon: Had to run and get a part for the boat. I’ll be home late tonight. I’ll call you when I get in.
A little bit of the guilt subsides. This way, I can be a supportive friend and make time for Talon whenever we both have a free moment. My shift at the biology center tomorrow should make it easier to see Talon, if he doesn’t have a long charter to run.
Me: I’m about to take a break now. You’ll be happy to know I packed a sandwich, fruit, and chips. No protein bar today.
I don’t have to wait long for a response. Just as my thumbs were hovering over the screen, another text comes through.
Talon: Good. Tomorrow after work. You and me at my place.
Me: I guess that answers if I’ll be seeing you tonight. Bummer. But I get it.
Talon: Yeah, fuckin’ blows. I’ll call you when I get back in.
Me: Sounds good. Be safe. Talk soon.
Talon: Later, siren.
“Hey, Kels, you ready to take your break?” Tara walks in right as our conversation ends.
“Hiya, yep. I won’t be too long.” I woke up this morning to my lunch already packed. I’d like to know what kind of superpower my mom has to roll in past midnight, prepare my lunch, and leave with Dad before I wake up.
“Take your time, honey. I appreciate you coming in after yesterday’s fiasco.” I’m pretty sure she’s going to feel guilt for leaving Talon and me here, when in all honesty, I’d pull a double any day of the week if I received yesterday’s result.
“Seriously, it wasn’t that bad, promise.” Tara lifts an eyebrow at me. She doesn’t believe me, not for a single second. I’d say it’s probably the shoes clueing her in. Gone are my cute sneakers, and in their place are my work sneakers. They have a cushioned sole and lots of support, along with making my feet happy.
“I know what it’s like, Kelsey. It’s hard work. You don’t go unappreciated. Take your time, put your feet up and rest.” She’s giving me the stern mom voice, plus she’s pointing her finger at me. I’m unsure if I should laugh or say yes ma’am.
“Fine, I will. Maybe I’ll watch a soap opera, too?” I joke instead.
“Oh, god help us all.” We trade places. Tara moves behind the counter and I toward the break room. Maybe the weekend is catching up with me. Hunger isn’t even hitting me. A nap would be better at this point.
8
TALON
The day got away from me. My boat throwing a loophole while I worked on it wasn’t in the cards. That’s life, especially when you own a boat surrounded by salt water. Shit corrodes, and there are some things that can’t be repaired and have to be replaced. My downfall today came in the form of the parts store not having what I needed in stock. I knew better. I should have taken the time to work on my personal boat during the winter months before the rush. Too bad charters don’t take a break and can sometimes be busier than our summer months. It seems the Scott family has all the unfortunate luck this week when it comes to needing supplies.
“Damn,” I mutter under my breath as I make the short trek from my house to Ed’s. My back is currently protesting from being in all kinds of weird positions while working on my boat. Any other time, you would find me sitting on my couch, feet up on the coffee table, a beer in my hand while mindless TV entertains me. Except Kelsey called me on her way home from working at the marina to let me know a friend invited her to hang out for a little while. I could hear the tiredness in her tone as well as the reluctance. Clearly, she didn’t want to go or was too exhausted. I’m not sure who was more annoyed that our schedules we’re a shit show, me or her. The only good thing coming from today’s hectic pace is while Kels is out and about, I’m going to do what Grandad suggested—talk to her parents.
“Hey, Talon, this is a surprise,” Ed answers the door shortly after I made my way to his front porch and hit the doorbell.
“Hey, Ed, do you and Lisa have a few minutes to talk?”
“Of course. Is everything alright?” Fuck, the last thing I want is for him to worry.
“Oh yeah, this shouldn’t take too long. Sorry to cause any trouble.” I take a step back as he opens the storm door, holding it for me as I pass through. All damn night, I’ve been going back and forth on how to start this conversation.
“No trouble at all. Lisa is asleep. She can’t hang out two nights in a row with little to no sleep like she used to.” Ed lets out a chuckle. Maybe luck will finally be on my side tonight.
“Kelsey mentioned you two have been busier than usual lately.” I tip my hand to let him know that we talk more than he’s probably aware. I’ve stayed away from Kelsey since the Taylor family moved in a couple of years ago. The temptation was too damn strong for me to be around her and not want to do more than look. That all changed a few weeks ago when she touched me, and I knew it was going to be impossible to hold back much longer.
“Yeah, she’s got a taste of the empty nest syndrome, and no matter how much I try to keep Kelsey from saving up money to move out, it’s hard. She’s hell bent on spreading her wings to fly, which is a damn hard pill to swallow.” Kelsey didn’t relay all that, except it makes sense. Two jobs, one full-time, one part-time. I’m pretty sure her atrial fibrillation will kick in if she doesn’t take it easy. After the bomb she dropped, I did my own research. Alcohol, caffeine, high blood pressure. They're all contributing factors. Which means I’m going to do whatever I can to simplify her life.
“I bet.” I stand in the foyer waiting to see where this goes next.
“So, what did you want to talk about, Talon?” Fuck, this is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. He has every right to tell me to back the hell off. Kelsey is twenty-two to my thirty-six. She’s just starting her career, whereas I’m firmly settled at where I’ll stay until I’m as old as Grandad and can’t stand to captain a boat any longer. Considering Grandpa Scott hasn’t stopped yet, I’d say neither will I. He goes out every morning to set a couple of traps for whatever he’s feeling froggy for. Sometimes he’ll share his bounty of whatever he fishes. Other times he’ll tell me to shit or get off the pot and catch my own.
Ed crosses his arms over his chest, waiting me out. “I’m not sure where to begin.” I keep my arms lose and at my sides. I’ll take whatever he dishes out when I finally grow a pair and admit to Ed that I’m pursuing his daughter.
“At the beginning would probably be a good idea.” Boy, he isn’t wrong.
“I’d like to date your daughter.” Jesus, I feel like I’m in high school picking up Talia for senior prom. Except this is ten times worse. What I feel for Kelsey is stronger than I ever thought possible. She’s fucking it for me.
“Not surprised. I’ve admired the way you’ve stayed away, let her do her college deal, get on her feet. I’ve seen the way my daughter looks at you.” Ed takes a deep breath. Yeah, hiding my feelings from not only Kelsey but her parents has been damn hard. I’d so much as catch a glimpse, scent, or hear her voice, and I had to excuse myself or start reciting tide charts to keep my cock in check. And when she touched me a few weeks ago, causing me to send her away, I walked my ass inside, pulled my shorts down, and wrapped my hand around my dick until I came. Not my proudest moment, but it kept me from going after her. “Kelsey is a lot like her mom. When they want something, they go after it. Hell, Lisa chased after me until I finally gave in,” Ed says.
“I can see that.” I no sooner state my reply than Kelsey’s dad's fist comes out of nowhere. I’ve barely got time to brace for impact before my jaw is clipped. It’s by sheer will and Grandad’s advice that I keep my feet planted.
“Jesus Christ, Edward Lewis Taylor. What have you done?” Lisa comes around the corner, wearing a house robe and hair sticking up every which way.
“We’re fine.” Ed holds his hand out for me to shake.
“Men are so weird. I swear I will never understand the lot of you. Where’s Kels?” Lisa doesn’t question why I’m here late at night.
“She’s not home yet. I was about to head to bed when Talon rang the doorbell.” He holds his hand out for Lisa, who immediately takes it.
“Kelsey said she’d be home by now,” she says worriedly.
“I’m sure she’s fine, honey. She’d call us or Talon if something were wrong.” Has he not met his daughter? She’s got an independent streak a mile long.
“Who is Kelsey with anyways?” I ask.
“Mariah and the girls picked her up a couple of hours ago,” Lisa replies.
“Where were they heading?” Lisa and Ed look from one another back to me.
“The island,” both respond at once.
“Fuck, I should have asked. I didn’t think to. I’ve gotta go. Those idiots get drunker than a skunk. I’ve seen a few of them almost hit pylon markers before.” In the dead of day and more than on one occasion have I seen a few of them fly through no wake zones, bottles in their hands, laughing without a care in the world. I’m not opposed to anyone having a few drinks, but when they endanger the woman I know without a single fucking doubt will be mine for-fucking-ever, that’s when I have an issue.
“Goddamn it. I should have offered her to take my boat. Kelsey didn’t even ask and I didn’t think anything of it. Let me go change, grab my keys, and I’ll head out with you.” Ed is beating himself up, but not nearly as much as I am.
“You can’t, Ed. Your boat has no gas,” Lisa states. Ed’s face is etched with concern as is Lisa’s.
“I’ll go. My boat is already in the water and has a full tank of gas. You all try to call her and then relay the message to me when you can.” It’d take Ed minutes to get dressed, nearly twenty to fuel up, and I’m not fucking around.
“Go. Go get our girl, Talon. Ed will call you if he finds anything out. Please do the same,” Lisa replies. Meanwhile, her husband is walking off. I have no doubt he’ll be behind me as soon as possible.
“I will.” I’m walking out the door the second those two words leave my lips. I’ve got a woman to go after.
9
KELSEY
“Come have a drink with me,” Mariah pleads drunkenly. She’s stumbling and having a good time, as she should, except for the fact she broke our agreement. The hours have ticked by while I’ve sat nursing my drink, non-alcoholic of course. I brought my own cup per my usual. No one knows there’s only vitamin water in it instead of the alcohol that’s flowing heavily through the crowds.
