Page 2 of Escape to the Sun

“It’s like, I need to find Mick.” Heather crossed her arms, which only made Surfer Boy laugh again.

“Don’t get all twisted up, sugar.” He pointed behind him. “You’ll find him behind the bar.”

Heather twisted to look past the golden muscles in front of her. “This is a bar?”

“Of course. And a hostel. And…” His mouth twisted up in that damned sexy grin again. “Let’s just say, this place lives up to its name.”

“Its name?” She glanced around but didn’t see any other sign telling her where she was.

“The Bitter End.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s just like it sounds.” Surfer Boy swallowed his laugh so hard he looked as if he might choke. “It’s also a nautical term.”

She didn’t respond, unsure of what any of that meant. What any of it meant.

She didn’t realize she was staring at him until he winked at her, flashed a smile that could only mean he came from money, and said, “Mick’s inside.”

“Right.” She shook her head, embarrassed that he probably thought she was checking him out. It wasn’t entirely untrue, but even if there was truth to it, she certainly didn’t need him thinking that. Heather pulled herself together and squeezed past him through the doorway, careful to avoid both the dog, who’d returned to sleeping, and Surfer Boy, who made no effort to move out of her way.

He smelled like salt, suntan lotion, and sex. She couldn’t help but inhale his scent, holding her breath to keep it in just long enough to push out the stench of the street but not long enough for her body to register the effect he had on her.

Too late.

* * *

He waiteduntil she finally moved past him to let out his own breath. Damn, he didn’t usually go for the fresh-off-the-plane backpacker type. Too young. Too idealistic. Too needy.

But that woman was different. Sure, she had a backpack, and yes, he hadn’t seen her around. Bocas Town was a small place, and Ash knew everyone, including—no, especially—the ladies. The woman was obviously new to Bocas, she wasn’t new to traveling. That much was clear by the slight wear of her clothes, as if they’d been kissed by the sea a few too many times, the scuffs of her pack, and the tan on her skin. He was willing to bet that tan probably didn’t have a whole lotta lines if he looked close enough.

And he would be happy to investigate closer.

On any other day, that’s exactly what he would be doing.

But not today. “Damn. Hey, Paco?” The dog lifted his head before tucking down again.

Ash shook his head to clear himself of the sight of her long, dark braid, and toned, tanned legs. It didn’t totally work.

No. Not today.

He didn’t get into town very often these days, and he’dfelt the loss of companionship in his arms, as well as his balls. His dick twitched, needing attention. With one more look behind him at the now closed door, Ash shook his head. “Maybe later,” he assured himself.

His trips to Bocas Town didn’t come as frequently anymore, and although he usually had time to fool around and play for a bit, today he didn’t. He’d promised Sherri he’d pick up all her packages, including the new caretaker of her jungle bed-and-breakfast.

He’d somehow become the self-appointed caretaker of Sherri’s bed-and-breakfast, and more importantly, of the older woman. She was like an eccentric old aunt who’d taken him in when he was new to Bocas and as lost as anyone else in what could only be described as the Land of the Misfit Toys. She’d recognized something in him that he couldn’t even see himself. At least, not at the time. Sherri probably didn’t even know it, but she’d saved him with the unconditional love she’d had no reason to give him. No reason beyond the fact that Sherri’s heart was too big for her own good.

He’d do anything for her. Including missing a primo surf day to take the boat into Bocas Town to pick up anything she needed.

And that’s just what he was going to do.

His flip-flops provided a thin barrier protecting him from the street. He hardly noticed anymore. Not that he noticed it much when he’d first come to Bocas four years earlier. The contrast between his ordered, all too clean life back in the States and the tousled mess of Bocas was exactly what he’d been looking for when he’d arrived. After time, as he slowly woke to his new life, the disorder and chaos around him, the pure opposition of his surroundings to his past, gave him comfort. He’d craved something different. Anything.

“Ash. Ash. Señor Ash!” The familiar high-pitched shriek Ash had come to know would be followed by Miguel’s toothy grin, made him grin and was just about enough of a distraction for him to forget about the long-legged beauty. Just about.

“Hey, kiddo.” Ash turned just in time to catch the small boy before he crashed into his legs. Miguel had the ability to pop out of nowhere and if Ash wasn’t careful, he’d take him out. It’d happened before. But only once. As soon as he untangled the kid from his legs, he reached into the pocket of his cargo shorts and handed Miguel the peppermint he’d stashed there.

“Gracias.” He unwrapped the candy; it disappeared in an instant. “Help today, Señor Ash?”

---