Landon was definitely the kind of guy who could over deliver on a single night of fun, if that was what I wanted. “You know I’m not capable of picking fun over sensible, and you’re friends with me anyway. You have to put up with me.”
August groaned and slid off the counter. “Just enjoy your last day of freedom. A kiss with Landon might take the edge off the thought of all that hard work that the season has in store for us.”
August had struck my Achilles’ heel. I loved a good kiss, and with my no-man rule firmly in place I couldn’t remember the last kiss I’d had. Landon’s full lips and defined cupid’s bow probably meant he would be one of the best kissers I’d ever met.
Another reason not to go near him.
“You clearly don’t want to pee. Let’s go,” I said.
August shrugged and followed me out, circling her arms around Harvey’s neck when we arrived back at our table. “Have you missed me?” she asked as we both sat.
“No.” Harvey laughed. “Drink your drink.”
“Anyone want to go for some food?” Landon asked as August began to kiss Harvey’s neck and paw at his clothes. “August seems hungry.”
“Not for food,” August said, turning to Harvey. “Take me to bed or lose me forever, you big stud.”
“If she’s going to quote Top Gun, she could at least get it right.” I shook my head.
Landon’s eyes lit up. “Right?”
I smiled and patted him on the leg, instantly regretting it as I caught his scent as soon as I touched him—clean and masculine—and his thigh? It was like I was hitting the trunk of a tree. I wondered if the rest of his body was that hard.
I glanced up at him and found him staring at my mouth.
“You wanna grab some dinner?” he asked. “I’m hungry and don’t like eating alone. I’ll pay if it tips the balance.”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t need a man to pay for dinner.”
“Let’s get out of here and you can explain what you do need a man for.”
Was I really going to agree to breaking bread with a perfect stranger? It wasn’t as if I had anything else to do. It was the last night before what would be a back-breaking season, and I was in no rush to go back to my hotel room.
“Sure. Why not.”
I leaned over to August. “We’re going to go.”
August’s eyes lit up. “That was a fast change of heart, but I’m happy.”
“We’re just getting something to eat.” As I said it, I wondered if it was the truth. Landon was good looking and attracted to me. I was playing with fire.
We said our goodbyes and headed out into cool, May air. In just a few hours, August and I would be in uniforms, cleaning, serving, and blending into the background. At least this year we were on a private yacht so although the client would no doubt invite their friends aboard, there would be less variation, which would make it easier to learn likes and dislikes and give the client what they wanted.
Occasionally I let myself fantasize about what life would be like to have my every whim anticipated. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be able to spend an entire summer aboard a yacht as a guest, worrying about nothing but tan lines and whether my pedicure had chipped.
I wasn’t sure it would suit me.
“So you must know Saint Tropez pretty well,” Landon said as we walked along the waterfront.
“I guess. I’ve been yachting for . . . eight years now, so yes, that’s seven summers that have started here.” I glanced up at him, his strong profile highlighted by the streetlights, the scruff of his beard darker and more masculine outside the bar. “You’ve never been here before? I would have thought clients who can afford security would have Saint Tropez on their itinerary.”
He caught me staring up at him and held my gaze. “If I’d known what I’d discover here, maybe I’d have made it part of my itinerary a little sooner.” He grinned.
I couldn’t decide whether I should roll my eyes at him or just relax and enjoy the compliment. I’d always vowed to avoid spending any time with men who were attractive because I didn’t want to be attracted to them.
“But then I guess I still wouldn’t be meeting your criteria,” he said, nudging me with his elbow.
“Exactly right,” I said, pulling my gaze away from him and concentrating on the cobbled street.