Chapter One #3
That’s when I heard the heavy crunch of boots on gravel approaching from behind.
I straightened, suddenly aware of how isolated this small beach was, tucked away from the main cabin area.
I’d been so consumed with my kayak battle I hadn’t considered who might be out walking this early.
Also, I could admit I’d been seduced by their revelry the night before and didn’t consider the guys a threat even though I really knew very little about them.
I turned, my body tensing instinctively.
He was tall, over six feet, with broad shoulders that strained against a faded black T-shirt.
A leather vest hung open over his shirt, patches clearly visible.
“Kiss of Death MC” arched over a skull smoking a spark-plug as a cigar, with “Nashville” beneath it.
His dark blond hair was pulled back in a messy bun that somehow looked deliberate rather than haphazard like mine.
A full beard, well-groomed, framed lips curled into an amused smile.
His startling blue eyes stood out against tanned skin, crinkled at the corners as they assessed me and my predicament.
“That’s quite the fight you’re having with that boat,” he said, his voice deep with a slight but distinct German accent.
I straightened, suddenly conscious of my sweat-dampened tank top and disheveled hair. “I’m managing fine.”
His amused laugh rolled gently from his chest. “Ja, I can see that. The kayak is clearly surrendering.”
Despite myself, my lips twitched. I glanced back at the stubbornly beached kayak, then to the man again.
Up close, I could see a small scar bisecting his right eyebrow and the weathered quality of his skin, not from age but from a life lived outdoors.
His forearms displayed intricate tattoos with Germanic designs and text I couldn’t read.
“I’m Oktober,” he said, stepping closer. “Though you can call me ‘that annoying biker’ if you prefer.” His smile widened, revealing surprisingly straight teeth.
“Mia,” I replied, not even trying to hide my smile.
“So, Mia,” he said, my name sounding exotic in his accent, “would you like some help, or would you prefer to continue your war with this innocent kayak?”
I hesitated. Every stranger-danger warning from childhood to college orientation buzzed in my head. Yet something about his open expression and the absurdity of my situation made me relax slightly.
“Help would be… appreciated,” I admitted.
Oktober nodded and moved past me, his presence reassuring instead of intimidating. He gripped the kayak with one hand -- one freaking hand! -- and dragged it effortlessly into knee-deep water, positioning it perfectly for launch.
“There,” he said, turning back to me with water lapping around his boots. He didn’t seem to care that they were getting wet. “She’s ready for you.”
I approached cautiously, both grateful and embarrassed. “Thank you.”
“First time kayaking?” he asked, holding the craft steady as I neared.
“First time alone,” I corrected, then wished I hadn’t when his eyebrows raised slightly.
“Ah. Vacation gone wrong?” His perception was unsettling.
“Something like that.” I reached the water’s edge, the cold lapping at my ankles through my water shoes.
Oktober extended his hand to help me into the kayak. I hesitated only briefly before taking it. His palm was calloused and warm, engulfing my smaller hand completely.
“Careful now,” he murmured, steadying the kayak as I lowered myself into the seat. He didn’t grope or let his touch linger places it shouldn’t. He steadied me in a protective way, but I felt the heat of his touch, innocent though it was.
Once I was settled, paddle in hand, he gave the kayak a gentle push, sending me gliding into deeper water. “Enjoy your paddle, Mia. The north side of the lake has a small waterfall. Worth seeing if you have the time.”
I nodded my thanks, oddly speechless as I dipped my paddle into the clear water and pulled away from shore.
Only when I was a good thirty yards out did I look back.
Oktober still stood at the water’s edge, watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read.
He raised a hand in casual salute before turning to walk back up the shore, his confident stride marking him as a man comfortable in his own skin.
I pointed the kayak toward the center of the lake, my arms finding rhythm with the paddle.
The physical effort felt good. I knew I would pay for it later, but I decided I liked the physical exercise and promised myself I would do more.
Probably. The morning sun warmed my shoulders as I glided across the water’s surface.
Throughout the day, I explored the lake’s perimeter, eventually finding the small waterfall Oktober had mentioned on the north shore.
It cascaded down moss-covered rocks, creating a peaceful soundtrack as I floated nearby, eating the sandwich I’d packed.
The beauty should have been soothing, but my mind kept returning to the biker with the blue eyes.
The irony of the situation was that finding this little waterfall should have been something I’d done with Eric.
Or, at least, with someone in a romantic context.
Instead, it had been the suggestion of a sexy stranger with a kind smile.
I paddled past where the Kiss of Death members were staying.
Several motorcycles gleamed in the sunlight, parked in a neat row outside.
Music drifted across the water. I caught glimpses of movement, men in various stages of relaxation -- drinking beer, working on bikes, one shirtless figure splitting wood with powerful swings of an axe.
Most of the men had a woman with them, but I noticed a couple who didn’t.
I found myself scanning the group, looking for Oktober’s distinctive height and blond hair.
He wasn’t among them, at least not visibly.
I paddled on quickly, embarrassed by my own interest. What was wrong with me?
My three-year relationship had imploded less than forty-eight hours ago, and here I was looking for a leather-clad biker?
Who probably had a woman of his own in that house?
The thought of Eric and Jade sent a fresh wave of anger through me. I absolutely would not let my need for self-validation make a fool out of me. I wouldn’t throw myself at him or stalk him or anything else. I was better than that.
By late afternoon, my shoulders burned from hours of paddling, and I reluctantly turned back toward my cabin.
The sun had begun its westward descent, casting long shadows across the water.
As I approached the small landing where I’d launched, I spotted a large figure seated on a boulder near the shore. Oktober?
My breath quickened and my heart hammered as I guided the kayak toward shore.
He stood as I approached, hands in pockets, his expression unreadable at this distance.
I felt suddenly self-conscious of my appearance.
Wisps of hair clung to my neck and temples, escaped from what had already been a very messy bun.
I could feel the heat radiating from my cheeks, a combination of hours under the sun and the workout my arms had gotten.
My tank top stuck to my skin in patches, a mix of honest sweat and the occasional splash from the lake.
The bow of the kayak crunched against the rocky shore. I set down my paddle, preparing to extract myself from the craft and drag it ashore. But before I could struggle to my feet, Oktober was there, his boots in the water, his hand extended once more.
“Good paddle?” he asked, his voice rumbling over the sound of lapping water.
I took his offered hand. “It was exactly what I needed.”
His smile suggested he understood more than I’d said. “I don’t want to sound creepy, but if you’re here alone, you’re welcome to join us while you’re here.”
I shook my head. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be. The old ladies love making friends.
When I tell them you’re here alone -- and there is no scenario where I don’t tell them -- the women will descend on you like a plague of sunshine and happiness and pull you into the fold.
” He smiled widely, completely unapologetic.
And so perfectly devastating I wanted to lean into him and beg him to kiss me.
Oktober tilted his head as he studied me.
His eyes darkened with the same spark of lust I felt inside me.
“I see an invitation in your gaze, sweet Mia. Wanna tell me where your man is?”
I felt like a bucket of ice water had been thrown at me. It wasn’t Oktober’s fault. But I suddenly realized I’d been about to do the very thing I’d promised myself I wouldn’t do.
“Yeah,” I said with a sigh. “Sorry.” I raised my hands in surrender. “It’s been a hell of a couple days and I’m being rude to you.”
Oktober’s eyes softened. “No need to apologize. I’ve seen that look before.
Wore it myself a few times. He hurt you physically?
” He dropped the question lightly but didn’t fool me into thinking it was a casual question.
The look on his face told me if I said Eric had hit me, Oktober would absolutely hunt him down.
“No. He didn’t abuse me mentally or physically.”
“Bad break up?”
“The worst kind,” I admitted, surprising myself with my honesty. “Walked in on my boyfriend with my best friend. Two days ago.”
Oktober let out a low whistle. “Double betrayal. That’s rough.” There was no pity in his voice, just simple acknowledgment of fact. I appreciated that more than I could say.
“Yeah, well. Lesson learned.” I brushed sand from my hands, acutely aware of his presence beside me. “Thanks again for the help with the kayak.”
“Anytime.” He hesitated, then added, “The offer still stands, you know. To join us. Nothing funny. Just good food, decent whiskey, and people who won’t ask too many questions unless you want to talk.”
I studied him for a moment. Part of me wanted to say yes and lose myself in the noise and the strangers and whatever distraction they offered.
I knew I’d give in, but before I did, I wanted to take a step back and make sure.
Give myself one more chance to play it safe before plunging into the darkness.
“I’ll think about it.”
He grinned. “Pop over any time, honey. Tell them you’re looking for me. Everyone’s nice and no one will bite. Unless you want them to.”
I was so fucked…