Page 12 of Acadia Falls

“Oh, crap.”

“What’s the matter?” I whispered.

Alex waited until we sat down before she answered. “The bartender? That’s Daisy.”

“Daisy…? Oh. Daisy.” I checked out the young woman, who had auburn hair and very perky breasts beneath her tank top. She didn’t glance in our direction. She just kept chatting and serving her customers.

One of whom was Jack.

“Oh, crap.” I ducked my head, hoping he hadn’t seen me.

Alex perked up. “What’s the matter with you?”

“Nothing.” I couldn’t order my watermelon margarita fast enough.

I stared at the menu, which was surprisingly sophisticated for a little restaurant on an island in the middle of nowhere. When I ordered a Caesar salad as my entree—the cheapest item on the expensive menu—Alex gave me a dirty look.

“We’ll also have a dozen oysters, please. And two more margaritas. Keep them coming.” When the server left, Alex grimaced. “Hopefully, Daisy doesn’t spit in mine.”

“What’re you going to do about that?” I glanced at the bartender’s back, careful not to let my gaze travel to Jack.

Alex shrugged. “I’ll probably fight her. After I have about three more margaritas.”

“Nice.” I thought she was kidding. I hoped she was kidding.

“Ladies.” Suddenly, a tall, strapping, biceps-of-the-gods form was looming over our table.

“Hey, Jack.” Alex smiled at him. “Didn’t we do shots together last night?”

He scrubbed a hand across his face, and I tried not to ogle the veins in his muscle-y forearms. What the hell? Since when had a man’s forearms gotten me hot?

“I think so.” He smiled sheepishly. “Pretty sure.”

“Jack Brennan, this is my friend, Maran Riley.” Alex motioned between us. “Maran, this is Jack.”

“Hey, Jack.” My cheeks burned. “Nice to see you.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Nice to see you, too.”

Alex looked perplexed for a moment. Then she said, “Hey, Jack? Do you think you can take me over to McKinley’s this week? My Dad said the boat was ready to get picked up, and I never know how to talk to those guys.”

“Sure.” He glanced at me, and I stared at his square jaw and full lips. Mmm. “You coming, Maran? I can show you around the island. I know you’re an Acadia virgin and all.”

The shit-eating grin on his face! I might smack him!

“I’d love to.” I smiled back. Acadia virgin, indeed.

“Then it’s a date. I’ll pick you ladies up tomorrow after we weigh in.”

He sauntered off, and I refused to look at his ass. Even though it killed me.

“He’s pretty, huh?” Alex waggled her eyebrows at me.

“He’s something, all right.” I immediately started planning my outfit for the following afternoon.

Not that I would ever admit it… even to myself.

Chapter Four