Page 14 of Hot for the Lifeguard
"I do. I work in the lifeguard headquarters as an administrator," he explains.
"Well, Gael, how can I help you?" I ask him. I'm sure he didn't come here just to introduce himself.
"I just wanted to give you some friendly advice," he says.
"And what is that?" I snap at him while crossing my arms over chest.
"Just be careful with Luca. He's softer than he looks," he mumbles, looking down at his feet.
I relax a little with his words, because Gael is just trying to be a good friend to Luca and protect him the best way he knows how.If I was in his position with Jessica or Jade, I would do the same. "Are you trying to warn me away from him?" I whisper.
He shakes his head. "No. I'm not saying anything like that. I want you to spend time together. Luca is a great guy. You guys will enjoy being together. I'm just saying be careful with him. He comes off as a tough guy, but he's really a softie. Loyal to the end which is what makes him so great."
"I'll take what you are saying under advisement," I tell him, leaning back. His words are what I was worried about in the first place. I don't want to be someone who hurts another person. Maybe we can just do things together, but I'll just make sure to keep it as friends?
"Great. While you're here, you should have Luca take you on a tour of the desert on his ATV. It's a lot of fun," he says, standing up from the lounger.
"That does sound fun. I'll ask him. Thanks."
"No problem. Well, I hope to see you again before you leave, but if not, enjoy your visit."
"Thanks."
Once Gael is out of sight, I pull up my messages and see Luca's contact name, making me laugh.
Me: Gael just stopped by.
The Hot Lifeguard: And what did he say?
Me: He wanted me to be nice to you and to tell you to take me on your ATV around the desert.
The Hot Lifeguard: Ignore whatever he said on the first part and yes to the second part. Dinner tonight. Desert tomorrow?
Me: Sounds like a plan.
The Hot Lifeguard: See you at 6 then.
Me: See you then.
Chapter 11
Luca
After I received that text from Diana, I was on a high. The day went by fast and I was itching to get to dinner with her. Maybe she would be willing to go out to a restaurant in town, but if not, the little cantina in the resort is pretty good.
When two p.m. rolls around, my shift ends and it's time for me to pack it up. I head over to the headquarters to clock out. Opening the door, I see Gael sitting at his desk. I know she told me that Gael came to talk with her, but it must not have been too bad since she's agreed to go to dinner with me. Not being able to help myself, I walk over, trying to look as mad as I can. He must believe it because when he sees me coming, his eyes go wide.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I lower my voice when I get close to him. "Diana told me that you talked with her. What did you say?"
I watch as Gael gulps. He knows he crossed a line but doesn't realize I'm not really upset yet. My lips twitch wanting to smile at how uncomfortable he is, but I hold it back. Besides, he deserves this for sticking his nose in somewhere it doesn't belong.
"Uh, yeah, I did. But I didn't say anything bad," he mutters. We both stare at each other, neither of us saying anything as if we are in a standoff. Him probably trying to figure out how he can resolve this and me relishing in him worrying about me being mad. Gael breaks the silence first when he whispers, "How mad are you?"
"Why?" I ask, but don't answer his question about whether I'm mad or not.
"I just wanted to let her know how great of a guy you are," he says as he looks me over.
I can tell he feels bad and wants to right the situation. Since I'm not mad, I decide to have mercy on him and let him off the hook. I can't help but laugh when I smack him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, man. She told me but still wants to have dinner with me."
