Someone Else's Ocean

I could not have Ian Kemp, it didn’t matter if I wanted to love him or not.

The next morning, I was up at the crack of dawn. I slipped out of the house only to be met by Ian on the beach. Soaked with sweat, he was doing sit-ups as Disco ran between his legs. He saw me right away and flashed me a panty-soaking smile, “Morning.”

His spare tire was now a flat and his muscular arms glistened next to the sparkling water. He shined, God how he shined.

“Hey. Did you have a good trip?” I was already taking small steps toward my Jeep.

With furrowed brows, he watched me fail at a sneaky retreat. “Yeah, it was really good. Off to work so early?” He glanced at his sports watch. “It’s six thirty.”

“Yeah, busy day. So, you had a good trip, that’s good then. You can have your house back, she left last night. I’ll, uh, come back and make sure you get a schedule of the days we need the house. You are free to take the room when it’s booked, of course.”

“Okay.”

“Have a good day.” Disco was at my feet and even when Ian whistled for her, she refused to come.

“Go on, you little shit. I’m trying to make a clean getaway here.” The dunce refused to cooperate and instead growled at the tassels hanging off my sandals. Hesitantly, I picked her up as Ian met me halfway. “I’ll get her a leash,” I said without looking at him because my resolve had already slipped tenfold by the mere sight of him.

“Probably a good idea.” He plucked the puppy out of my arms. “Unless you want to finally take ownership of your dog.”

“No, no. She’s all yours.”

I didn’t bother to look for his reaction as I all but ran to my Jeep. Turning the ignition, I screamed out a little when The Beastie Boys blasted through my speakers. I turned it down and was out of breath as Ian approached, his forearms on my door. I buckled my seat belt. He looked me over before he spoke.

“Well I was hoping things wouldn?

??t be awkward after the night we had, but apparently that’s going to be impossible.”

I snorted. “Don’t get a big head, Ian. It was incredible, don’t get me wrong but I’m having an off morning.”

You are a total basket case.

“Okay, so if this isn’t about the other night, then what’s going on? Are you having a moment?”

I looked at him, crossly. “A moment? No, Ian, I’m not having a moment,” I grit out.

Well, not that kind of moment.

“This is not an attack, then?” I hated how proper he sounded with his distant tongue and exceptional manners.

“Yes, I’m in hysterics, can’t you tell?” I deadpanned.

“Well, you’re acting strangely.”

His face darkened slightly as he looked back at my house. “What’s with the blush? Did you entertain last night?”

His jaw ticked as he glanced my way with prodding eyes. I had to suppress the slight satisfaction I got from his question.

“No, why would you think that?”

“I’m at a loss here,” he said, resigned. “Have a good day.”

He was only feet away when I barked at his back. “Hey, you, you know what assuming makes you, right?”

He belted out a laugh as he turned back to stand in front of me. “An asshole?”

“Exactly. And for your information, I’ve only had a few attacks since I got here, and I don’t sleep around.”

He winced. “I’m sorry. That was horrible of me.”