Many members were deep-sea fishing enthusiasts and entered competitions regularly. Kyle was one of them. Unfortunately, he would miss the annual Blue Marlin Tournament this June. It was great fun and he was disappointed that Finn would miss out as well. He had thought that this year he was old enough to really enjoy the competition. They could still hang out and see the catches of the day being judged. The club had lots of activities for its members and their families so there would be plenty to do. Hopefully he’d be up for some of it.
A loud wolf whistle pierced the crowd as Pete, Kyle’s law partner, unsteadily made his way over. “What the fuck man! You caught the most beautiful mermaid in the sea!”
“Have you met Ella? Ella Palmer meet Pete Simon, my college friend and partner in crime.”
Pete, obviously having imbibed too much alcohol, was laying it on thick as he bowed dramatically, kissing the back of her hand. Rather than releasing it, he held on, eyes burning with interest. “What are you doing hanging around with this low life when we could be dining together on his yacht?”
Ella laughed, going with the flow as she tried, unsuccessfully, to withdraw her hand from his grip.
Kyle glared at Pete and with steel in his voice said, “Down boy, this ismydate.”
“Only because she hasn’t met me yet,” he grinned wolfishly.
“Wine?” Kyle asked her.
“Yes please.”
“It appears you’re set, am I right Pete?”
“Sure partner. I’ll keep yourdate,” he said, winking at Ella, “company while you get the drinks.”
“I’ll go with Kyle, but thanks.” Ella finally escaped his grasp. She hooked her hand through Kyle’s arm and walked with him to the bar. He had intentionally left his cane in the limo and so far, hadn’t needed it. Ella would be his prop for the evening. Pete trailed along.
“When are you returning to the office? There are some important matters that need your attention.”
“I get this damn cast off Monday and I’m heading in straight from the doctor’s appointment.”
Kyle ordered quickly, keeping an eye on Pete in the mirror behind the bar. Pete wasn’t shy about ogling Ella—Kyle wouldn’t have been at all surprised to see drool escape from his lips. Kyle turned with their drinks and Pete immediately lifted his gaze from her cleavage. Ella rolled her eyes to no one in particular.
Kyle was aware that he was with the most beautiful woman in the club. She had caught everyone’s interest, in part because she was a knockout, but also because she was new to the club and people were always curious about his love life. As everyone’s eyes kept straying to her, Pete seemed to become increasingly competitive for her attention. He reached out and ran his fingers down her slim arm as he complimented her on her outfit. “This dress looks like it was designed with you in mind.”
“There you are!” An irritated female voice interrupted Pete.
“Andrea, look who I ran into.”
“Kyle! So great to see you." Andrea stood on her tip toes to plant a light kiss on Kyle’s cheek.
“Andrea, you look stunning as usual. This is Ella.”
Andrea smiled warmly, “Hi, I’m with this guy,” nodding her head toward Pete. “Nice to meet you.”
“My pleasure.”
“I hope Pete isn’t being too naughty; since I’m the designated driver he’s been hitting the martinis since happy hour.” Pete looked annoyed but didn’t respond to her comment.
Ella looked relieved to have Andrea near. “It happens to the best of us.”
Kyle draped his arm across Ella’s shoulders and said, “Let’s go grab our table. I’m afraid I’ll get pulled into work if I hang around this guy any longer.”
“Sounds good to me, I’m famished.”
“See you Monday, Pete. Andrea, pleasure as always.”
“Kyle, can I have a minute before you go?” Peter asked. Kyle reluctantly agreed, stepping away from Ella.
“Did I call it or what? Spill it, I’ll give you one minute because I’m dying to get my date off in an intimate corner and have her all to myself.”
Ella missed the warmth of Kyle’s body next to hers. He appeared to be listening intently to Peter, but his eyes never strayed from Ella.