7. Aaron

7

AARON

It takes me more than a few minutes to compose myself after Jack leaves my hotel room. It was that good. Fuck, the way he used my mouth to get what he wanted. I’d be a slut for him any day. My hand automatically finds the tender area on my shoulder where he bit me. It aches, but it’s the good kind of ache and might even leave a bruise.

I put myself back together, literally and figuratively, then drag out my laptop. I halfheartedly check in with some of our property managers and look at some specs Rocco sent regarding new acquisitions.

Rocco would tell me not to stress about stuff while here, and I try to take that sentiment to heart. We made a deal when we went into business together that we would not allow the other to work ourselves to death. That we could take time away and live more carefree than we had in the past.

But I’m too antsy to sit idle. So I slide on my shorts and a tee, slather on sunscreen, and head to the beach. By the time I get as far as the service station, the sun feels hot as it beats down on my skin, so I wipe my brow with my beach towel.

I figure I’ll be close enough to pick my car up when it’s ready. I bypass the garage, telling myself not to look in the direction of the counter, and head to the pedestrian crossing to the beach. I almost forgot how breathtaking the view is from this stretch of highway as I carefully traverse the towpath leading to the sand. As soon as my feet sink into the softness, I sigh.

It’s a gorgeous day, if on the warm side, so maybe I’ll even take a dip in the ocean to cool off my heated skin. For now, I’ll just soak my feet in the salty water. They’re tired from all the walking I’m doing on this trip. Still, beats the treadmill. It’s silly, honestly. San Jose is only about an hour’s drive from the nearest beach and even less from good hiking trails. But just like any other city dweller, I get lost in the daily grind, and heading to the gym feels much more manageable.

I head toward the shoreline to dip my toes in the foamy surf. I take a swig from my water bottle while I watch kids splash each other farther out.

Properly hydrated, I lay out my blanket, then remove my shirt to soak in the sun. It lulls me into the twilight of sleep, and damn, it feels good. But also hot. And now I want nothing more than to head straight into the waves. I sit up to check my surroundings before jogging toward the water. It’s colder than I thought it would be, and I pop up with a curse, my wet hair dripping down my face. But it has the desired effect of cooling me off. I swim for a bit while watching the surfers, noting that one of them looks vaguely familiar. Is he a McCoy?

Afterward, I walk along the coastline. I spy the surf shop June mentioned, which is more like a tiny shack, and then happen upon a sandcastle contest. I’m mesmerized by an amazing display of the Eiffel Tower and ask the artist all about it.

“You’re a hard man to reach.” I straighten at Jack’s voice behind me. When I turn to look at him, his gaze takes in my bare chest and swim trunks. “I left you a message.”

I pull out my cell and find there is indeed a message.

“Sorry, must’ve set my phone to silent mode.” I flip on the volume switch. “I would’ve gotten your message eventually.”

“It’s time-sensitive,” he replies, looking flustered. “Frank wants to know if we should include a tire rotation and brake pad replacement with your service.”

Has he really tracked me down on the beach for that?

“That would be great. How did you know where I was?”

“I didn’t, not exactly.” He flips a thumb over his shoulder. “But earlier, you walked right by our station to the beach entrance.”

“I wondered if you were watching me,” I tease.

He arches a brow. “Arrogant much?”

“Confident is more like it.”

He rolls his eyes before focusing on the sand structures as if noticing them for the first time. Or maybe he’s seen one too many over the course of his life. He can’t deny the talent or coolness factor of most of them.

“How often do they hold these contests?”

“A couple of times a year. Amazing, right?”

“Yeah. It’s too bad all their hard work gets washed away by the high tide.”

“I don’t think they see it that way. I know one of the artists.” He motions toward the sandcastle that looks like a celebrity mansion on a cliff. “Gibson told me he welcomes his creation being eroded by the elements. Apparently, it allows for an opportunity to start fresh.”

“That’s a cool way of looking at it.” I meet his gaze. “Sometimes you have to let things go in order to discover something better.”

“Why do I feel like you’re buttering me up again?” he quips.

“Because you’re suspicious of everything? Don’t worry. I won’t ask you again to sell your business. I see how much it means to you.”

I detect some doubt in his irises but ignore it.

“Though you could expand it with the right capital. Include a car wash, maybe a convenience store—to bring in more for the community, of course.”

“You just won’t quit, will you?”

“I’m a businessman at heart,” I reply, which isn’t totally true. My love of design and refurbishing has only fallen by the wayside. “But I don’t think you are.”

“Oh, I see. You let me fuck you, and now you know all about me?”

I kick at a shell on the sand. “No, but I’d like to.”

“Why? You’ll be leaving soon.”

I pump my eyebrows. “Then why not have fun while I’m here?”

Pain passes through his irises before it vanishes. There’s definitely a story there.

I lean toward him and lower my voice. “You’ve gotten your heart broken, haven’t you?”

“Okay, I’m done.” He shakes his head. “I’ll let Frank know you’re cool with the tire and brake work.”

“Wait,” I call as he shows me his back. “Have dinner with me.”

“I don’t do the whole dating thing,” he throws over his shoulder.

I sigh. “It’s only food.”

Turned away, I can’t read his expression, but his voice is full of mirth. “You’re not going to leave me alone about this either, are you?”

“It’s better to just give in.” I’ve honestly never flirted this hard with a man before. But maybe I just haven’t met one as stubborn as Jack McCoy.

“Fine.” He glances back at me. “I’ll be at my brother’s bar tonight. If you happen to be there to grab some dinner, then so be it.”

I watch as he walks off in a huff, pretending to be annoyed with me, but I don’t think he really is. I think he enjoys our banter. Why else would he volunteer where he’ll be tonight?

I grin the whole way back to my blanket. Why does this man intrigue me so much? Maybe I like getting under his skin. Maybe I like how he fucks me. Or maybe this sleepy beachside town is growing on me.