Page 22 of Off the Hook

“Hey Coulter!” Alex called, waving me over.

“Hey man!” I hopped off the barstool and strolled over to the railing. “Long time no see.”

“No shit!” Alex came to the edge of the floating stage, smiling up at me. “How the hell have you been?”

“Not gonna lie, it’s been a rough year,” I said, drawing in a deep breath. “Good thing it’s almost over.”

“Fuck, dude,” Alex winced. “That’s right. Kylie. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, it sucks,” I said, nodding and hoping we could change the subject. “How’ve you guys been? Still rockin’ I see.”

“Hell yeah. Fucking Justin is stuck in traffic. We could use you on guitar until he gets here if you’re up for it?”

I grinned and took another sip of beer. “I might be a little rusty.”

“Rusty is better than nothin’, dude. We’re already late starting. I’d owe you one.”

“Alright, why not?” I turned to Kai and Luke and waved. “Hold my seat, will you?”

They nodded and I hopped down onto the floating stage. Picking up a guitar off its stand, I slipped the strap over my shoulder and strummed a few chords, grinning at Ryan while I tuned the six string. “What are you thinking?”

“Redneck anthem?” Ryan grinned before playing the first chords of “Free Bird.”

“Really? Already?” I said, away from the mic as I strummed along. Alex belted out the lyrics to the most overplayed song in the Keys that wasn’t Jimmy Buffet. As much as I hated it, the crowd loved it. Everyone chimed in to sing on the chorus. Atrocious as it was, for a few minutes, I lost myself in the music. I forgot about the first Christmas without mom. I forgot about the hole Kylie left in my heart. I forgot about the detectives trying to charge me with murder. It was a welcome escape.

As we wrapped up, and I strummed the last chord, I glanced towards the entrance and saw two stunning women walk in. One of them turned, flipping her dark curly hair back over her shoulder, and my heart skipped a beat. I almost didn’t recognize Faith out of uniform. In stiletto heels, and a sparkly, elegant dress that hugged her curves, she literally glowed. I couldn't help but linger on her curves which her uniform normally hid so well. When I forced my eyes upward, I was even more dumbfounded, captivated. Her hair was loose, dark chestnut curls cascading over her shoulders, gold hoop earrings dangling from her ears. I felt like I had just taken a punch to the gut, and for a moment I couldn’t breathe.

I looked down at my strings to focus on the music, but my gaze kept flitting toward Faith, hoping I’d catch her eye. I never did, though. She didn’t seem to notice me while we ran through three or four more songs. Justin arrived, rushing in out of breath, lugging another couple of guitars. I kept my eye on Faith and her friend out of the corner of my eye. She was stunning as she laughed and smiled, positively beaming with happiness. Nothing like the detective I’d known so far. It was a side of her I wanted to know.

After Justin made his way to the stage, I handed the guitar over to him and pulled him into a quick hug.

“Thanks man!” Justin shouted over the noise of the bar. “You saved my ass. Who knew New Year’s Eve traffic would be this bad? Took me forever to get down here from Miami.”

“Yeah, who would’ve thought?” I replied, clapping him on the back. Anyone with any sense knew holiday traffic was brutal. “Let me know if you want me to fill in again. That was fun.”

He nodded appreciatively, and I stepped off the stage, heading toward Faith’s table. As I approached, I noticed her friend laughing at something she had said. Faith’s blue eyes twinkled with amusement. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the unexpected nerves.

“Hey there,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Faith, I almost didn’t recognize you. You look… great.”

Faith looked up, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Oh, Coulter, hi. This is my friend Laura. I worked with her on the force in Miami.”

“Nice to meet you, Laura,” I said, extending a hand. “Are you visiting or moving down here like Faith did?”

“Just down here for a visit,” Laura said with a big smile, shaking my hand firmly. “Faith’s been showing me around this charming little town of yours.”

“That’s great,” I said, glancing at Faith. “Are you guys hanging out here for the midnight countdown?”

“Not really sure,” Faith said, noncommittal.

Laura added, “We’re playing it by ear, just enjoying the Keys vibe. We heard you playing. Why’d you stop?”

I grinned. “I was just helping out because the lead guitarist was late. I played with a couple of these guys back in high school, but nothing serious. Fishing doesn’t leave much time for band practice, so now I just mess around.”

“You sounded pretty good for just messing around,” Faith said, her voice warmer than before. “I didn’t know you played.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Detective.” I raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at my lips.

Laura laughed, patting the stool beside her at the bar. “You should join us, Coulter.”

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