More of that funky, retro music floated out on the lake. This time, it was a different singer, but one with the same rocker-almost country sound. The song was almost like a throwback to a classic like “Sweet Home Alabama”, but with more of a gritty guitar undertone.
I sat on my Triumph for a few more minutes and let the music sit in my bones. The scent of a bonfire teased the air. Not with smoke but with the crackling echoes of fall. It also smelled like maybe they put something a little extra in the fire.
Too bad it wasn’t the kind of thing that would chill me out. Not that I touched that stuff anymore. It was all well and good when I was young and dumb, but I was too busy for that shit now.
Regardless, it was spicy and soothing. The wind kicked up and laughter hitched a ride on the scent. Suddenly something extra hit my nose.
Food.
My stomach roared. I hadn’t had time for anything other than a questionable power bar I’d found in my desk. I could wash anything down with coffee and often did. Gage was forever trying to get me eat something healthy. I was pretty sure the bar of sawdust was his doing.
I rolled up to the top of my driveway and tucked my bike under the awning in case we got some rain. I could smell it on the air, but sometimes the clouds liked to hold onto it for a few days before giving it up.
The closer I walked, the more hints of citrus added onto the definite barbecue dinner that was brewing. When I rounded the back of the barn, I stopped dead in my tracks.
The beach I loved to distraction had been cleaned up, leaving the sand and smooth rocks glowing against the dying sun along the water. The bonfire sizzled with life, denting the cool air with a cozy heat. Adirondack chairs in muted blues and yellows were situated around the fire, but far enough away not to get roasted. Gage was chatting with some guy I didn’t recognize at the top of the rocky coastline. Probably the suit who’d hooked up with Ryan.
A grill and cooler were set up at the edge of the lawn with a sturdy folding table laden with food just beside it. A large metal tub filled with ice and cans anchored the table down against the wind that came up off the water.
The flames of the bonfire flickered high, fed by a few old pallets I’d seen earlier.
Two women with dark hair wearing almost identical clothing—dark hoodies and com
fy jeans—were standing in front of the fire with their hands held out for maximum warmth. They were laughing about something.
Luna, with her halo of bouncing curls, spotted me first.
“There you are.” She jogged over to me, a sparkly gray sweater fluttering behind her like starlight. “I didn’t think you were going to show up to your own party.”
“It’s not a party.”
She hooked her arm through mine and dragged me toward the beach. “Close enough. Lucky has been manning the grill. I had no idea he was so handy. Caleb didn’t tell me he could cook.”
“News to me.”
Lucky filled the space in front of the grill. A black pipe with something silver on the front peeked from one side of him. His long legs were encased in dark jeans and hugged his ass. I quickly dragged my gaze upward, and the rest of him wasn’t much better for my speeding heart rate. A faded charcoal thermal shirt hugged his shoulders and arms. It had seen so many washings that it clung to his body like—okay, enough of that thinking.
Since when did I get all freaking flowery?
He turned with a massive spatula in his hand. “Hey, you finally made it.” His hair was back in a tail, the curls still damp as if he’d just showered. “How do you like your hamburgers?”
“Medium.”
“That’s my girl.” He turned back to the grill. “What do you think?” he asked over his shoulder. “Looks pretty great, right?”
I swallowed hard. It really did. Exactly like I’d dreamed about when I first stepped onto the property. I knew I’d get it done eventually but having someone do the work made my chest tight. Heavy with…regret. No, not just regret. Some relief was stirred in there like sour mix in a whiskey sour.
Guilt floated on top of the mixture like an unwanted cherry. Man, evidently, I really wanted an adult beverage. It really had been a day and a half and it was only five o’clock.
Still, I hadn’t been there to help. I wasn’t used to anyone doing things for me unless I was there to oversee every step.
Luna patted my arm and warmth flowed through me. Surprised, I glanced at her.
“He did great,” she lowered her voice, “but he’s worried you won’t like it.”
This woman had some weird mojo I didn’t understand, but I was too tired to try to figure it out. She nudged me forward and I sighed. This polite thing was hard. He’d just done the job we agreed on—no big deal.
Lies.