Chapter Four

It wasn't long before Rachel came down the stairs into the 'Man Cave'. I didn't know how she did it, but she looked as fresh and ready as if it were two in the afternoon instead of the morning. Dean hung behind her in the shadow of the stairs, his eyes watching her move through the room. There was something in the way he looked at her, and how she was purposefully ignoring his glances, that made me think there was something between them.

“Thank you for your services, Ms. Baker,” Rachel said, handing me a check. The ink was still wet on the extra two-thousand dollars. I was almost afraid to put it in my pocket, as if it might smudge and the bank wouldn't accept it. “You're welcome to go home whenever you're ready.”

“The bar's still a disaster area, so I'll clean that up before I go,” I said, gesturing to the bar. Cups and bottles were everywhere. Rachel waved a hand dismissively.

“Don't worry about it. I hired a bartender, not a bar-cleaner. I already have custodians arranged to take care of everything in the morning. You've had a busy night. Go on home and get some rest.”

“Are you sure?” I asked her. I always took it as part of my job to clean up the bar. To get to go home early and have someone else take care of the part I hated doing was a gift.

Rachel nodded. “Go home. It looks like the boys had a good time, so you did your job well.”

“I'll walk you out,” Noah volunteered quickly. Rachel smiled at him and then went to go find Jack. He was busy setting up a rematch with Logan on some video game. I waved to the two of them as Noah led me up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs, we ran into Robbie and Owen.

“Here's your prize money,” Robbie said, handing over twenty one-hundred dollar bills. “I'll still throw in the date if you're interested, though.”

I laughed. “Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.” I paused in taking the money. It felt weird to take as much as he was offering, even though he seemed so nonchalant about it. Like it was nothing to hand over two thousand dollars on a stupid bet.

“Take the money,” Robbie said, closing my hand around it. “You won it.”

I stuffed the money into my pocket, feeling a little strange at holding that much cash. I wondered what he did that he even carried that much cash around. The island is a millionaire's play-place, I silently reminded myself. If he's here, he can afford it.

“Okay. Thanks.” I smiled up at Robbie. “You have a good night. You too, Owen.”

“You too. G'night, Noah,” Owen said. He took a sip of a drink and waved us out the door. Noah put his hand on the small of my back, guiding me out onto the yellow light of the porch. Insects sung to one another in the night, and I could hear the ocean keeping time for them. Stars peeked out of their dark blanket while the moon glided on silver wings. I loved nights on the island. They were always magical.

“I had a great time working with you,” Noah said quietly. I liked the way his hand felt on my back. I didn't take the step off the porch. I didn't want the night to end yet. Especially the part with Noah.

“Me too.” I turned and smiled up at him. He smiled back and offered me his arm.

“Can I walk you to your car?”

I took it, feeling the muscles flex. I felt embers deep in my stomach flare to life. I wanted to know what it would feel like to run my fingertips down those arms. How he would look without a shirt... his body pressed to mine...

Before I knew it, we were at my car. I wished I had walked slower, but I knew we had gone at a snail’s pace the whole way.

“Thank you. For everything,” I said slowly, digging in my pocket for my keys. I took my time.

Noah ran a hand through his short dark hair. The pale sliver of moon accented the lines of his jaw and sparkled in his eyes. “Um, I don't usually do this, but would you be interested in coming to my place for drinks?”

Liar, I thought. I'm sure you have girls over all the time. You're too handsome not to. Smooth, but not smooth enough. As gorgeous as he was, there was no way I was going to do anything while exhausted and covered in various liquors and whip cream. I shook my head no.

“Oh, okay then. Your place?”

I gave him a gentle shove. “Nice try. Nope. I am covered in sticky.”

“So am I...” he laughed. “There's a dirty joke in there, but I'll be the gentleman and not say it.”

I imagined myself getting sticky with him. It was a nice thought. A deliciously hot and sticky thought. But not one I was ready to do tonight. My body was just too tired.

I clicked the unlock button on the car and then smacked my forehead with my palm. “I forgot the tip jar!”

Noah grinned. “But I didn't. Here you go.” He handed me a neat roll of bills and one quarter.

“Noah...” I eyed the massive roll, seeing mostly fives and tens. “We have to split it. You did most of the work anyway with all the girly drinks.”

Noah laughed. The sound was light and floated on the night air like it had wings. “I don't need the money.”

“Why not?” I asked. Suddenly it dawned on me. “You're more than just a bartender, aren’t you?”

“Yes. But Jack paid me more than enough to tend bar again.” He smiled. “I want you to have it. Seriously. Use it for something fun.”

“You're sure?” I asked once more before taking the money. It seemed like everyone here was giving me crazy amounts of money tonight.

“Very sure.” He leaned forward and gave me a light kiss on the cheek. The touch of his lips fanned the embers in my stomach to an achy burn. I closed my eyes. I wanted to say yes to him, to go with him to his room and let those arms wrap around me, but I knew I should say no. I needed to stay strong. He was handsome, but I didn't need a one night stand.

“Thank you,” I whispered. He pulled back and opened the car door for me to get in. A true gentleman.

“Have a wonderful night, Izzy.”

I sat down on my imitation leather seats, and he closed the door. He gave me one last dazzling smile before turning and heading back to the house. I watched his figure outlined by the yellow light of the porch for a moment before starting the car.

The engine mumbled quietly as I pulled out and onto the empty road to get home. It was close enough that I could have walked, but I liked the ease of a car on these late night jobs. I turned onto the main road, my headlights bright against the dark night.

I could still feel his lips on my cheek. He had been funny and charming. No mention of a wife or a girlfriend or anything to give me warning. He had been protective. I nearly hit the brakes to turn around and go back. I wanted to feel those muscled arms encircling me. I wanted to feel those lips again.

No, I told myself firmly. He's just a tourist. You don't even know his last name. He's going to leave just like they all do. Best not to even get attached.

I nodded, proud of myself for staying resolute and ignoring the way my heart cried out that I should go back. My head, not my body, was who I needed to listen to. No matter how wonderful he had seemed.