Chapter Six #2
While we wait for the orders, Holly launches into a Stevie Nicks song that also has a male part, but instead of Xander singing, Rafe takes over, his voice perfect for the rendition.
I happen to glance over at Stacy and find her focused on the drummer, swaying to the music.
Smiling, I look back at Xander and receive another wink.
The gorgeous man is in an olive-green t-shirt stretching across his massive muscles as well as faded jeans encasing his equally impressive rear and legs.
Makes me wonder if he ever wears shorts.
I suppose when he’s surfing. And why does it matter as long as he’s comfortable. Besides, I’ve already seen him naked.
I chuckle to myself at that thought. Oh boy have I seen him naked. His body is truly a work of art, and I cannot wait to get my hands on him again.
Those thoughts are interrupted as our food and drinks arrive, so Stacy and I dig in.
The band finishes with a few more songs before taking a break and Xander wastes no time in hopping off the stage and making his way toward me.
He looks like a man on a mission with hunger in his eyes as his gaze locks on mine.
I barely have time to clear my mouth and take a swallow of water before he’s dropping to one knee, wrapping a hand around my neck, and pulling me in for a kiss.
It’s deep and demanding, making my insides burn hotter than the Florida sun.
Those around us along with the ambient noise fade away as everything narrows down to only the two of us.
I hear myself moan as Xander’s tongue sweeps inside my mouth, thoroughly consuming me.
All too soon he’s easing up and pulling back, resting his forehead against mine.
“Hi,” he whispers while grinning. “I missed you.”
I stare into his dazzling eyes. “I missed you too,” I say softly. Funny how I forgot all about freshening up after the walk, suddenly not caring if my makeup isn’t perfect or that my hair is limp.
“All right, all right, let the woman breathe. Some of us want to eat around here.”
I look up at the sound of Rafe’s teasing voice to see him standing behind and off to the side of Stacy, grinning like a loon. He pulls out the chair next to Stacy and plops down, turning to her.
“Hi, I’m Rafe, the sexy band member.” He wiggles his eyebrows, earning a laugh from my friend.
I look back to Xander and we share a knowing nod. Well, hopeful, maybe. Hopeful that Stacy will actually enjoy some flirty fun with Rafe.
Xander stands and moves to the chair next to me just as Dani and Dom join us, and introductions are made.
Holly and Willie stop by for a moment to say hello and exchange a few words before they scoot off, informing us they’re going to say hi to family that showed up.
Vikki then swoops in to take orders before flitting away in her ever-efficient manner.
“Aren’t you playing another set?” I ask curiously of Xander since he ordered a meal.
He sets down the water, the glass already half drained. “Yeah, we’re going to play again after a thirty-minute break. Thought we’d get some food and enjoy your company before we do another hour up there.”
I smile and lean forward to give him a sweet kiss. Only he wants to take it a step further, and I have no problem indulging. It doesn’t take long before the sound of a clearing throat has us pulling apart. We grin at each other before Xander turns a mock scowl toward Rafe.
“Always spoilin’ the mood.”
“Save your mood for later, lover boy,” Rafe says.
Dani busts out with a laugh, earning a curious stare from Xander. I just shake my head and giggle. Picking up the paper lotus, I thank Xander for it.
“Vikki made it,” he says. “I asked and she was happy to do it. She has some great creations.”
“I’ll say. It’s lovely.” I set it down and pick up the oil, waving it playfully. “What happened to the gallon size?”
He grins. “The store only had it in eight-ounce bottles. But I haven’t looked online yet.”
I laugh. “Don’t bother. Sixteen ounces is the biggest size I’ve found.”
“Good to know.”
I open the bottle and drop some oil on my finger, dabbing it on the beads. I then rub my finger on my neck below my ear. Xander leans toward me, inhaling deeply. “You’re right. Invigorating.”
I smile, ready to kiss him when the conversation around us picks up and Dom asks Xander about musical requests.
The group makes small talk before Vikki returns with meals for Xander and Rafe along with drinks for everyone.
For the next twenty minutes we enjoy stories and friendly banter, and we learn all the diving photos inside are indeed Dina and Jerald on scuba trips.
They haven’t started taking their kids yet, but that’s on the horizon for the near future.
As we continue to talk, I notice more patrons filling up the area.
“I was surprised to see the bar wasn’t packed when we arrived,” I say to Xander.
“Afternoon performances don’t usually draw a crowd like the nighttime ones.
” He finishes his last bite, washing it down with water and wiping his hands with his napkin.
“Besides, lots of activities going on due to the holiday, so more to choose from. But I’m glad we already agreed to keep our night free.
” He leans in closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and caressing my bare skin. “Means I can devote my time to you.”
“I’m looking forward to that.”
He fingers a strand of my hair before tickling the back of my neck, sending chills along my skin. “You look sexy as hell,” he says, his voice raspy. “How do you expect me to control myself?”
I place my hand on his thigh, massaging up and down while playfully batting my eyelashes at him. “You’ll just have to use that herculean discipline I’m sure you possess.”
He barks with laughter. “I think you just liked using the word herculean.”
I laugh along with him. “You’re right, I did.”
He nuzzles my neck while his hand finds its way under the table and onto my thigh. He now teases me with tender strokes below the hem of my dress, wandering dangerously close to the ache building between my legs. “I’ll show you discipline.”
I turn my face into his shoulder attempting to stifle the moan bubbling in my throat. I can feel my nipples tightening and a pool of warmth settling in my core. “Xander,” I whisper against him.
A loud clap startles me and my head swivels to see Rafe standing. Xander practically growls when his friend grins at him.
“Okay, boys and girls, time for us rockstars to get back to it.” He looks pointedly at Xander.
“Yeah, yeah,” Xander grumbles.
I chuckle and give him a quick kiss. “Go on, rockstar, entertain us.”
He whispers against my lips, “I’ll entertain you, all right.” After another quick peck he’s on his feet, following Rafe to the stage. Holly and Willie return, and once they’re all set, their wonderful music resumes.
The space is filling with even more people, and as Dani and Dom scoot closer to me and Stacy, they offer the other two chairs to another couple. Stacy leans close and whispers in my ear.
“Rafe is hilarious.” She pauses as if considering her next words carefully. “And cute.”
I pull back and grin at her. “I agree. On both accounts.”
“He says he’s also going to the comedy show tonight.”
I nod, loving the broad smile on her face. It’s been too long since she’s shown it.
“What are we doing between now and when the show starts? Seems we’ll have an hour or two, right?”
“Other than hanging out here or walking the beach, I hadn’t really made plans for anything else. Something you have in mind?”
“No, no,” she answers rather quickly. “Just wondering.”
“Why don’t we play it by ear and see what the consensus is?”
“Sure.”
When she turns away, her attention returning to Rafe, I smile to myself, thinking she’s already into him. That makes me smile too.
As the band plays on, I focus on Xander, delighting in all the looks he’s giving me. Their set consists of all new covers than those they played last night, including another original song which is just as amazing as anything I’ve heard.
Vikki’s made her way to us, getting fresh drinks, and I thank her for the origami lotus.
“You’re so welcome. Nice to see Xander with someone great.” Before I can comment, she’s off, making the rounds.
I lean toward Stacy. “You wouldn’t happen to have a safety pin in your bag, would you?”
She picks up her purse. “Let me check.” After rummaging through what seems like a bottomless well, she pulls her hand out with one safety pin between her fingers. “Voilà.”
I grin as I take the pin and fashion the lotus to my bodice. The orange looks striking against the blue. When I look up and meet Xander’s gaze, his smile rivals that of Stacy’s a moment ago. I blow him a kiss then laugh as he does that catching motion with his hand as if he’s caught the kiss.
For the next little while, I simply sit back and enjoy the show while being surrounded by wonderful friends.
And believe me, it’s no hardship watching a sexy man playing guitar and piano, singing better than most rockstars today.
Even better is sharing flirty smiles and focused stares, knowing the evening is only going to get better from here.