Sandcastle Kisses (The Kisses 5)

“Get upstairs.” Noah's voice held a threat I knew Paul didn't want to test. He scampered to his feet and hurtled up the stairs with Robbie tailing after him.

“Nice shot, Noah. I'll make sure he gets to a bathroom, or Owen will throw a fit.” Robbie turned. “I'll come find you at the bar to pay up, Izzy.”

“Are you okay?” Noah asked. His voice was low and soft as he put his hands on my shoulders. I could feel myself trembling against him. I wasn't quite sure why; I dealt with drunks on a regular basis at the bar, but I guessed it was just the suddenness of it all that had shaken me.

“Yeah,” I said, giving him a wobbly smile. “Not the first time I've been hit on at a bar. Remind me to stay on your good side. How'd you hit him so fast anyway?”

One side of Noah's mouth went up in a small half-smile as he bent down to look me in the eyes. His blue eyes held nothing but concern, the edges of a flame still there but not directed at me. I felt giddy this close to him, his hands warm on my shoulders. If I leaned forward just a little, I could've kissed him.

“I used to box. Never professionally or anything. I just liked the exercise.” His lips curved into a stronger smile as he looked at me. I could see now where he got those beautifully sculpted arms and chest. He was so close I could practically taste his kiss. A kiss from him sounded wonderful. It would certainly make me feel better.

“Where's Paul?” Owen asked, breaking the tension between us. His eyes flashed daggers, and anger filled his voice. Dean was one step behind him, looking deadly. I almost felt sorry for Paul.

“Upstairs. Robbie's with him.” Noah straightened and dropped one of his hands, but thankfully left one on my shoulder.

“Are you okay?” Owen asked, turning to me. “That poor catering girl is pretty shaken up.”

“I'm fine. I deal with drunks all the time. He just surprised me is all.” I gave him a stronger smile. “I should go check on Lana.”

“I'll go with her,” Noah volunteered. “You and Dean go make sure Robbie doesn't give Paul a swirly.”

Owen nodded, heading up the stairs with Dean. Noah turned back to me, and together we went out to the front porch where Lana and the other caterer, her sister Rosie, were sitting on the porch. Night was deep and dark, but the porch light held them in a protective, warm, yellow light. Rosie had her arm over Lana's shoulder,

and as we came out she gave her a squeeze.

“You two okay?” I asked.

Rosie nodded. “I've got her, Izzy.. She's gonna be fine,” She squeezed Lana's slim shoulder again. “If it's okay, I'd like to take her home.”

“I'll let Rachel know, and I'll make sure you two get your full check,” Noah assured her. I knew he would too. There was something in his voice that told me he would pay it out of his own pocket if he had to.

“Thanks.” Rosie smiled and pulled Lana up. “Let's get you home.”

Lana stood and gave us both an appreciative smile. “Thanks. And thank that other guy for me too.”

Noah nodded and we followed them with our eyes as they headed into the parking lot before heading back downstairs ourselves.

I glanced at my watch as we headed back behind the bar. It was a little after two in the morning. Time had flown by. The Halo Tournament was over, and Owen had won. Jack met us at the bottom of the stairs, his brows drawn together.

“Is everything okay?”

Noah put a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah. Paul was just a dick. Like usual. Sorry about the bad ending to the party.”

“Not your fault. Besides, the party was mostly over anyway.” Jack shrugged and looked around the room. Glasses and food were everywhere. “It was still a great sendoff.”

“Sendoff?” I asked. “Are you getting married or something?”

Jack laughed. “I suppose you could say I'm getting married to my job. I'm taking over my dad's company in a week, and I won't get another day off until I'm seventy. I even got a nice little bed installed in my office.” He grimaced and shook his head as if to clear the thought. “Where's Ro—I mean, where's 'Sam'?”

“Robbie is upstairs helping,” I said, emphasizing the name.

Jack laughed. “So he lost the bet. Good job. I'll have Rachel put my part on your check. Don't let Robbie stiff you on his share.”

And with that he turned back to the TV and started another game of Halo.

Chapter 4

It wasn't long before Rachel came down the stairs into the 'Man Cave'. I didn't know how she did it, but she looked as fresh and ready as if it were two in the afternoon instead of the morning. Dean hung behind her in the shadow of the stairs, his eyes watching her move through the room. There was something in the way he looked at her, and how she was purposefully ignoring his glances, that made me think there was something between them.