Dirty Game(35)

So I can hold you in my arms and kiss you deep



They say summer love comes and goes

Comes and goes

Like birds fling south

Tourists leaving town





The meaning of the words started to sink into my head as he looked directly into my eyes. For a moment, it felt like he could see deep into my soul, but surely that couldn’t be? Did he mention their swing in the song, and their nights on the beach? It felt personal and intimate. Almost as intimate as giving her body to him.

No guy had ever sung me a song, much less written one that hit me from all sides.

“He’s really good.” Emily interrupted my thoughts. “Can you believe he wrote it?”

I shook my head. “He mentioned he played open mic nights. But this? I had no idea.”





25





Blake





One full set and an encore later, I retired to the bar to enjoy a well-deserved beer. Or five.

“You were great tonight, man.” Cole slapped me on the back. “The girls were loving it.”

“Thanks.” I settled onto a bar stool and swigged the cool liquid.

“I think I have your two newest fans here. They might want autographs.”

“Seriously, Cole? Enough with the fan boy stuff.” I saw Sierra and Emily from high school approach from behind my tall cousin.

“You were amazing, Blake,” Emily exclaimed. She leaned in for a hug. I hadn’t seen her in a long time. I remembered she knew Sierra’s secret and had kept it. I didn’t know whether that made her a loyal friend or someone I should be wary of.

“Thanks. Good to see you.”

For some unexplainable reason, Sierra seemed a tad tongue-tied and nodded her head in my direction.

“Come here, darlin’.” I pulled her between my legs. “You look like you could use a drink.”

“No Long Island Ice Teas though.” She cracked a smile.

“What do you say we have one drink and hit the road?” I asked.

“If we can make it past your adoring fan club,” Sierra quipped. “You’re quite the local celebrity. Or national celebrity. I’m sort of confused right now.”

“Don’t get so testy, darlin’,” I battled back. “I just like to sing some songs every now and then. No big deal. I didn’t even know you were showing up.”

“I didn’t either. Emily suggested it.”

I nodded at her friend.

“Maybe I should head on back,” Emily piped in. “You can take care of this one?” She pointed to Sierra.

“Of course. I’ll take care of her.”

Emily stopped to hug Sierra before she left. I heard them exchange something about trying to keep in touch. I drank my beer and ordered Sierra a drink.

I placed the glass of wine in front of her.

“So are we ok, Blake?” She looked at me.

“Why wouldn’t we be?”

She took a sip. “Because of this morning.” She stared at me.

“Let’s have our drinks. Listen to some music.” I brushed the hair off her shoulder. “And then I’m going to take you home.”

“So we can finish having this talk?”

I laughed. “No, so I can fuck you properly. Now drink up.” I tapped at her wine glass. I was ready to get the hell out of here.

“Well, look at you.” I spun on my barstool and came eye to eye with my cousin Alex.

“Hey, man. How’s it going?” I slapped him on the back. “Ready for tomorrow?” I asked.

“Wait, is this Sierra Emory?” His eyes landed on her.

She blushed. “Hi, Alex. I haven’t seen you in a while. I think you were in middle school last time.”

“Yeah, and tomorrow I’m getting married.”

“Married?”

“That’s right. My little cousin is tying the knot.” I hadn’t thought much about the wedding. I had the invitation plastered to the fridge with a magnet so I wouldn’t forget it.

“Oh, wow. Congratulations. Who is the lucky girl?” Sierra asked.

“You wouldn’t know her. She’s not from the island. But she’s a sweetheart.”

“That’s good to know. I hope it’s a beautiful wedding.”

Alex grinned widely. “You’re taking her aren’t you, Blake?”

I balked in my seat. What the hell? “I didn’t think it was a date kind of thing.” Nothing on the island was fancy. Clam bakes at Shirley’s were as sophisticated as it got around here.

“Oh, no. That’s ok. Thanks, Alex. I’m sure your fiancé wouldn’t want to add a last minute guest like that,” Sierra hurriedly assured.

And with that subtle hint, I felt Sierra slipping back into her shell. Slipping back into that place that made her feel like she didn’t belonged here. That somehow she didn’t deserve this place and the people who lived here.