Heartless: Episode 3

I wasn’t sure what that meant for Daniel’s current business, but I could tell he wasn’t worried about it. When I’d asked him once what would happen to everyone he employed, he’d assured me that they would all get at least a year’s worth salary if he closed the doors and that he would try to find them jobs elsewhere, if not with him in his new venture. It pleased me to no end to hear how well he treated his employees. Good character was important to me, and Daniel Alexander was filled with it.

He tugged at my side. “I need a break. Can we go for a walk?”

“Want to have a drink and watch the sun set?” I offered, knowing the perfect spot.

“Sounds perfect.”

We walked hand in hand along the sandy concrete path splitting the buildings on the street from the actual beach. I watched as Daniel looked around at the brightly lit pier rides and back at the people doing tricks on the metal rings and bars that were bolted into the sand.

“Is it always like this? Guys flipping around on rings and climbing ropes for no reason.”

I laughed. “No reason? How else can they show off those muscles if they don’t randomly start climbing that rope or balance themselves between a set of metal rings?”

“They could go to a gym.”

“Oh, they do. It’s down the street—outside in Venice.”

His eyes widened as he took in my words. “Muscle Beach, right?”

“Exactly. You’re a regular already.” I leaned my body against him as he continued to walk.

“Almost there. It’s up ahead,” I said.

“Is it a bar?” He craned his neck to see where I was looking.

“It’s actually a hotel, but the bar is amazing. They have a large terrace overlooking the beach, and gorgeous fire features. You’ll love it.”

When the enormous gray-and-white building came into view, Daniel’s whole face lit up with his smile. “Is this where we’re going?”

I nodded, squeezing his hand a little tighter. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“It’s like the perfect beach house. I mean, if you wanted to house, like, three hundred of your closest friends. Yeah, it’s gorgeous.”

I pointed to the level above the ground. “We’re going up there to drink our cares away.”

“Everything I care about is right here in my arms,” he said before tenderly kissing my lips.

Once we were seated outdoors, we each had an ice-cold beer in one hand and a menu in the other.

Putting our menus down, he brought my hand to his lips. “I can’t believe we live together.” He winked.

“I can’t believe I get to have my way with you anytime I want.” I leaned my head against his shoulder.

“Check, please!” he yelled.

“We haven’t even eaten yet!” I laughed.

“You’re the one who brought up sex, not me! I can’t be expected to think about food after that. I’m only so strong, Elizabeth.”

“You need your energy, so eat some dinner, Mr. Alexander. We can work it all off later.”

“You’ll be the death

of me, woman.”

“And you’ll like it.” I smiled.

“I’ll love it. I love you.” He pressed a kiss to my temple.