Page 11 of Play For Me
“It sure does, but in the best way possible,” she smiles at our daughters’ newly found friendship.
“I couldn’t agree more.”
We finish our coffee and chat a few more minutes before saying our goodbyes and promising the girls they will see each other again at the party.
After running some errands and putting away the groceries, I walk over to Miss Beth’s house to drop Bee off, so I can go to my appointment with my new client.
Someone in town had told me about the new bar opening next month and had given me the owner's number. I immediately texted him, asking him if we could meet, and he got back to me right away. From what we’ve gone over, it sounds like the perfect opportunity to get with a business from the ground up, and I’m excited to see this new place that everyone keeps talking about.
It’s a short drive and just outside of town, as I turn on the gravel road that leads up the hill to where my GPS is leading me. I park and peer through the windshield at the building before me. It’s a good-sized bar, and you can tell it’s recently been sanded and stained. A huge deck wraps around the building, and from the looks of it, it’s being repaired. Tools are laid out in various areas with saws, and the smell of fresh wood is in the air.
I get out of the jeep and walk up the wide steps, stopping to take in the view. It’s a beautiful sight overlooking the blue ocean. The salty breeze ruffles my blonde hair, and I smile when I see a sailboat way out on the horizon. This place is going to make a killing during the summer with the tourists, not to mention how much the locals will love sitting out here and seeing the boats go by.
Walking to the front door, I open it and step inside. It takes a minute for my eyes to adjust before they go wide when I see what’s been done to the place. There’s still a lot of work in progress, but the vision is there with the gleaming rustic wood and the black industrial iron accents. Whoever designed theplace is doing an amazing job. It makes you feel like you are in an upscale setting but with the laid-back comfort of home.
Movement toward the back catches my eye, and I head toward the stage. I can make out someone in the corner securing the wooden plank floors. When I step closer, my breath catches in my throat. I met him only once, but I’ve been replaying that day over and over in my mind. Even with his back to me, I would know him anywhere.
He’s wearing similar dark pants as before with his laced-up work boots, but what I can’t stop staring at is the fact that he’s shirtless. His back is golden from the sun and broad like I remember. Every movement makes his muscles flex and strain. Just like I thought, he has more tattoos. They cover both shoulder blades, expanding across his back before winding down his arms. I would love to take my time and study every single detail. I’m sure each one has a story to tell. I notice curls have formed at the nape of his neck from being sweaty. I find myself wanting to lick the salt from his skin and see how he would taste.
Jesus, I have to get a grip.
I'm here for work…nothing more.
Shaking my head, I try to compose myself. I have a meeting I need to do as soon as I find the bar owner. I glance around and see the place empty. He must be around here somewhere.
I clear my throat, and he looks over his shoulder in my direction. Surprise crosses his face before he grins broadly.
Damn.
I was hoping he wasn’t as gorgeous as I remembered. Standing up, he turns, and every little bit of me that’s struggling to keep it together is fighting a raging battle now. Black ink swirls across his chest in different designs and patterns. His abs look like someone chiseled him from stone, putting all the other Greek gods to shame.
He hops down from the stage and walks over to me.
“We meet again,” he says when he’s standing in front of me.
“It appears that way.” I meet his grey eyes and suddenly feel like there isn’t enough air in the room.
“Did you finally come to your senses and decide to ask me out?”
“What? No…I didn’t know you would be here.” He raises his eyes playfully, and I can tell he likes it when I’m a rambling mess in front of him. I take a deep breath and force myself to keep it together. “I have a meeting with the owner. Do you know where he is?”
“You’re the wine girl?” He asks, surprised.
“You mean the wine distributor…yes. Now, if you will point me in the direction of your boss, I’ll let you get back to work.”
He starts chuckling and runs a hand through his hair. “All this time, I’ve been trying to find you, and I’ve been texting you this whole time.”
“Wait…you’re the owner?”
“I am. Why does that surprise you?” He laughs.
“I don’t know. You just don’t seem like the type to lay down roots and take on so much responsibility.”
“Wow. Tell me how you really feel,” he frowns, doing his best to look upset. “To be honest, though, you would have been right a few years ago, but living on the road for the past ten years isn’t what I want anymore.”
“Let me guess…comedian?”
“I’m glad you think I’m funny enough to have my own show.” His eyes shine with amusement.
