Hot Nights, page 7
“Oh no, what happened?” Mom asks. Neither of them is aware I’m here. In the middle of the day, we’re pretty empty on a weekday. When Kelsey texted me and asked to meet at the marina, I instantly called her. My day wasn’t booked with charters, and no way I’d be waiting the ten or so minutes it’d take her to get here.
“Lack of funding, being the youngest man on the totem pole. Honestly, it’s a blessing in disguise. Still, I’m going to have to find another job, and I refuse to move. Your son is adamant that I do whatever it takes to chase my dreams. Well, my dreams are here in Cedar Key, with him. I’m not willing for us to move, and yes, he tried to offer. But our future will begin and end here.” Kelsey’s tone goes an octave higher. She means business, foot out to the side, hip cocked, and her hands are in the air.
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. I can put you on the schedule more to help. Whatever you need, you have it. I’d keep you here forever if I could.” Mom taps at her chin with the tips of her fingers, a sure sign she’s cooking up something in that brain of hers. “You could also put a display case up. You’ve been painting for so long, I bet you’d sell out within the first week. The tourists love to buy from locally-owned businesses; they’d do the same for artists.” Hmm, seems my siren has been keeping a secret from me. I’d say it’s about time to make my presence known and to take this conversation to the office.
“I’ve been kicking around the idea of opening an online store, too, except they take fifteen percent if you do one of those boutique-styles websites, or I’d need to hire a website designer and pay out of pocket. Between you and my friend Karol, the idea is there and simmering, a lot.” Kelsey doesn’t let on what she’s talking about, but if my woman needs help, she’ll get it.
“Start here, get a little bit of buildup. There’s no fee here. Maybe talk to that son of mine, though. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t know the half of what you’re capable of.” Mom holds Kelsey’s shoulders for a moment, then brings her in for a hug before she sets off to sit behind the counter at the cash register.
“Talon.” Kels keeps her back to me. I saw the deep inhale and exhale she took, relaxing for a moment. There’s no reason for my woman to take the weight of the world on her shoulders when I can help carry the burden.
“Yeah, siren, I’m here.” I wrap my arms around her chest, much like we do every morning on the dock. The back of her head drops, landing on my chest. I’m going to need to move this to the office and quick. What I’ve got to say isn’t going to be said in front of my mom the first time.
“I take it you heard all of that?” She tips her head to side, eyes meeting mine.
“Yep.” This time, it’s me looking over my shoulder at my mom. “You good for a while?”
“Get out of here with that talk. You act like Grandad isn’t right outside the doors, ready to whoop someone’s ass if you’re not around.” She sounds exasperated. Mom is also the one who would slap me upside the head had I not asked.
“I hear ya.” We share a smile while Kels moves to my side. I keep my arm around her shoulder, and we start our walk to the office together.
“This can wait. You don’t have to baby me.” I shake my head. The last thing I’m going to do is baby her when what she really needs is to hear exactly what she means to me.
“Siren.” A handful of steps later, we're in the office, my foot catches the door, and it closes.
“Really, Talon. I’m okay. Money will be tight, but I’m frugal, and I can pick up extra hours here and there. Your mom and my friend are right. I have a knack for painting oyster shells. Everyone loves them, or at least that’s what they say, and Grandpa Scott puts the bigger ones aside for me. Those I’d like to try and use as spoon rests or bigger trinkets.” She is pacing back and forth in front of me. I let her while she keeps at it.
“Take a breath, Kels. I’m not worried about a job. That’s the least of my concerns. I’m not with you for your work ethic. Fuck that. You want to work at Captain T’s right alongside me, game on. You want to paint oyster shells and make a living on that, I’m more than happy for you. I’ve given you the truth. Find a job wherever you want, and I’ll follow. It’s clear to me that we’ve gone hot and heavy, from zero to sixty miles per hour, and it’s time I lay shit on the line.” I cup her neck, thumbs sweeping over her pretty skin.
“Talon, we are not moving. I’ve got money. I’m a worry wart, that’s all. I’m not used to having two full-time jobs,” Kelsey interrupts.
“I’m going to give this to you straight. I love you, siren. You, not what you bring to the table. I’d love nothing more than for your head to be on my pillow every fucking night, your shit meshed with mine instead of you going home every morning. And soon, you’re going to have my name. I love you.” I lick my lips, ready to kiss her until she’s trembling with need.
“God, Talon. I love you, too, so much that I’m worried I’ll wake up one day and this will all be a dream.”
“Oh, it is, Kels. We’re just two lucky people to have found our dream together.” This time, I don’t let her respond. Instead, my head dips, and I kiss her, long, hard, and deep. By the time we leave this office, it’s going to be to head to my place, where I can show her exactly how much I love my siren.
EPILOGUE
KELSEY
Two years later
“You good, siren?” Talon asks me from the front of his boat. We’re both off today, and I asked if we could go fishing. Of course, he said yes, and I’ve already caught two keepers to his zero. I’m not going to rub that tidbit of information in his face, though.
“Never better. I’m on the boat with my husband, the sun is shining, and we both have a day off work.” I watch as Talon’s eyes zero in on my ring. A matching gold band but thicker sits on his own. Anytime his hand is in mine, he slides it around in a circle. Half of the time, I don’t think he realizes what he’s doing.
“Damn straight, except my wife caught dinner. Don’t tell Grandad. He’ll never let me live it down,” he replies. It’s damn hard to keep my hands to myself these days. Especially when Talon has his baseball hat on, specifically when he’s working on a boat, and he spins it around until it’s backward. Dear god, the man has me ready to jump him, and he damn well knows it. Today, he’s wearing the same hat, no shirt, and a pair of swim trunks. Which is why I choose to wear my white bikini every chance I get.
“Who do you think showed me all the tips and tricks?” I reel my line in, ready to take a break and grab a drink. Even on the water, the humidity can get to you, and the last thing I want is to be sick from being dehydrated. Once my fishing pole is in the rod holder, I make my way toward the T-Top. This boat is smaller than the one Talon captains for charters. We can still go out in the deeper waters, but at least the fuel won’t suck us dry for a fun afternoon.
“That shithead. I should have known.” Talon puts his pole in the holder before walking toward me. I no longer work for a marine biology research lab; instead, I volunteer when there’s an urge. Karol, Tara, Talon, and my mom were right—painting oyster shells has taken off. In fact, orders are coming through left and right, plus we can’t keep Captain T’s stocked. When customers realize I’m the artist who also happens to work there, they get even more excited. Plus, I’ve expanded in what I make now. Small pearl oyster necklaces, earrings, tropical inspired wall décor such as pineapples, flamingos, and starfish. I’ll even take custom orders, though a deposit is required and those are few and far between.
“Don’t you dare. I know what you’re after, Talon Scott. I’m not going swimming today.” I back up as my finger points at him. I’m sunk, literally, the minute he takes his hat off and throws it toward bench. I spin on my heel, take a step up, and jump off the front of the boat. We’re in about ten feet of water, away from the oyster bars and other people. The water sluices over my body, and when I come up for air, two strong arms wrap around me from behind.
“Did you think I wasn’t going to get you in the water at some point?” my husband whispers in my ear, causing my body to shiver in return. We could have gone to the island today, but it was busy with families, and that’s another thing that’s changed around here. Talon, Grandad, and my father had enough of Spencer and his friends' shit, especially when they tried to sell poached fish at the marina. I felt bad for Mariah at first, but apparently, she knew what was happening. Needless to say, Spencer and his friends were arrested, and they’ve made themselves scarce ever since.
“I had no doubt.” I spin around in Talon’s arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. He treads water for the both of us easily.
“Is that so?” He pulls me closer.
“Yep. Want to know a secret?” My question causes his eyebrow to arch.
“Your secrets are my secrets, Kels.” One thing about Talon, he doesn’t use my full name unless he’s being serious, and even then, it’s rare.
“I want to start trying for a baby.” We’ve held off for a while. We both wanted to enjoy one another, travel a little, and go out on the boat a lot. Before we were married, we talked about what we want in life. Talon being Talon only said as long as I was in his life, nothing else mattered. Of course, I loved his words more than anything, but I needed to be sure we were on the same page. Kids, life, and goals were the top three. We decided to wait on children, but lately, I’ve felt the urge to start our family.
“Fuck, yeah. Christ, but I love you, Kelsey Rae Scott.” My name on his lips, it’s the sweetest sound to my ears.
“I love you, Talon Scott.” I lift myself up, mouth meeting his, and we kiss in the ocean beneath the sun. And someday soon, it’ll be us out here with children of our own. I can’t wait.
I hope you enjoyed Talon and Kelsey’s story and will consider leaving a review.
Coming next is His to Claim, JW and Maeve’s book and releases July 14th!
Amazon
Prologue
Maeve
One Month Earlier
“What did I get myself into now?” I mumble the words under my breath as the hostess leads me to the table. I’m on a date, I can’t believe I pulled the trigger. An online dating app lured me in late one night after hearing what JW had to say to his brothers. Yeah, let’s just say it set tonight in motion. I never thought dropping off cinnamon rolls to the big lug along with a few other sweet treats to the Johnson ladies would result in me leaving the ranch as fast as my feet could take me.
“Here’s your table, can I get you a drink while you wait?” I pull my chair out. The palm of my hands are slick with sweat and I rub them down the fabric of my high waisted wide leg turquoise pants. I paired the outfit with a pair of woven straw wedges and a floral thin strapped blouse. The best part of these pants is you can dress them up or down. A band tee with a pair of chucks and you’re good to go.
“Yes, an Aperol Sprits. Please and thank you,” I take my seat. The steakhouse here in Arrowleaf is excellent, they have great food and great drinks. They also have amazing desserts if I do say so myself. Whisked Away supplies them with desserts on a daily basis. Yesterday it was chocolate cake, chocolate on chocolate stored in the fridge because there is nothing better than a cold piece of cake on a hot summer day. Today’s special is cheesecake, three flavors, cherry, chocolate marble, and of course plain.
“You’re welcome, would you like a water as well too?” I nod in response, my thoughts a million miles away from where they should be. Replaying the reason I’m here in the first place. His words have set in my stomach like a lead weight, making me feel like all of the random orders, slight touches, or looks that had me flushing from my cheeks to my chest. One sentence took it all away, “She’s pretty, makes great cinnamon rolls, but she’s too innocent for me.” All of my hopes and dreams of being JW Johnson’s went out like a light. I left the cinnamon rolls and other pastries on the counter and quietly left the ranch. That was two weeks ago and also when I took the plunge to create an online dating profile.
You see, Tully, Birdie, and Juni may know how I feel about him, but they don’t know how JW feels about me. I didn’t say a word, girl code is one thing. Family is another entirely. Believe me, I understand the concept entirely. I’m close to my parents and siblings, we have Sunday dinners, have a massive group text where we all check-in daily. My two older sisters worry more than our mom and dad do. They’re currently tracking my location and are making sure I send them a text right away if the vibe feels off. I’m what you call an oops baby, Michelle is thirteen years older than me, and Madison is fifteen years older than me. They know what’s going on, our parents do not. My sisters may be protective, dad is next level, and mom has no problem showing her claws when necessary.
“Hello there, you must be Maeve. I’m Clayton,” my date says, drawing me out of my stupor. I stand up to greet him, my chair pushing back and only by sheer luck does it not slide back into another table. While I once thought it was cool the chairs were on rollers, I’m now second guessing the idea entirely with my almost mishap.
“Hi, I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Blonde hair, brown eyes, a clean-shaven face, and a smile. Clayton is the exact opposite of JW in every way possible. Polo shirt to JW’s usual cotton shirt, khakis compared to jeans, and loafers whereas the object of my unwanted affection where’s boots. I’m already re-thinking this whole date thing when we shake hands.
No spark.
No tingling.
No clinching of my thighs together.
Nothing.
I take my hand back, slyly rubbing my hand on my pants yet again. Clayton isn’t giving off creep vibes. He’s just not doing anything for me.
“Hi, I’m Debbie and I’ll be your server tonight,” the waitress says as she places my water and Aperol Spritz on the table. Thankfully breaking the awkward silence between Clayton and myself.
“Thank you,” I say.
“What can I get for you?” She’s looking at Clayton, giving me ample time to drink some liquid courage. Michelle and Madison gave me a few pointers to keep the conversation flowing, each of them are married with kids yet living vicariously through their baby sisters. All their advice has gone out the window now that we’re face to face.
“A cosmo,” my eyes meet Debbie’s. She has a straight poker face meanwhile I’m having to swallow my sip of drink as fast as possible in fear I’ll choke. JW would never order a fruity type of drink, he’s a beer drinker through and through. The Johnson brothers have the same taste when it comes to alcohol. Only Trey likes to dabble in the hard stuff and pull the others in with him on a bet.
“Of course, I’ll be right back with your order. The menus are on the table, today’s chef special is mini crab cakes, cowboy lobster bisque, and bison flank steak.” My mouth waters at cowboy lobster bisque along with their wedge salad. I could also eat my weight in their warm bread lathered in butter.
“So, Maeve, tell me about yourself,” Clayton picks up the conversation once Debbie leaves the table. The only problem is, we’ve done the small talk via the dating app, he knows I’m a baker. I know he’s a real estate agent, lives a few towns over, and is looking for a wife to settle down with. Yep, the app is nothing if not thorough.
“You know I’m a baker, own a bakery, and enjoy coming up with new desserts. I have two older sisters and I’ve grown up here in Arrowleaf,” small talk is not my forte. I’m more of a sit back and observe type of person, a lot can be said with little to no words. It’s others that feel they need to disturb the comfortable quietness with talking.
“Any chance you’d be willing to move away?” I slide my drink toward me, something tells me I’m going to need more than one to get through this dinner.
“Nope, I’ll never leave Arrowleaf. This is my home, my business is here, and so is my family.” My lips wrap around the cute straw Prime Cuts uses with every drink. Their attention to detail, good food, and excellent service makes the restaurant one of the busiest in our town.
“Interesting,” Clayton says something else. I nod my head at appropriate times meanwhile my gaze is caught on the man who just walked through the door of Prime Cuts. Is Mercury in Gatorade or something? He’s tall, built from his time on the ranch and farriering horses. Arm muscles that are literal porn and my god his back. I’ve only seen him in a tight fitted cotton shirt, I can’t even imagine him without one. Okay, fine, I can, and I have. I’m sure it doesn’t do him any justice either.
Tonight, JW is wearing a pearl snap button down shirt, jeans, boots, and a black cowboy hat. A far cry from what the man who’s currently yammering about real estate booming around our state and how he’s selling more property than ever. Clayton doesn’t have my attention at all, my eyes are solely focused on a certain cowboy, and when our gazes clash, it’s not me that shies away this time, it’s none other than JW. I lose his deep sky-blue eyes and while I try to shut down what I’ve felt for the big jerk, the task seems impossible. It’s clear, Clayton won’t be the one to help keep my mind away from JW. I’m not sure anyone can.
“Excuse me Clayton, I’ll be right back. I’ve got to use the restroom,” I go to stand up, Clayton does similar. He has manners, seems like a nice guy, minus the fact he’s not JW, he’d be perfect for someone who isn’t me.
“Of course,” I grab my purse, knowing I’ll be making a phone call to my sisters. I’m going to need them to help me escape this farce of a date and these damn feelings I have for JW Johnson.
