“I don’t remember this pool having a patrol crew.”
“It doesn’t.” At least I didn’t think so. “But you’re trespassing.”
“I’m not trespassing.” Again with the calm deep voice.
“Are you a member at the beach club?” Maybe the guy was lost or confused.
“No,” he answered hesitantly.
“Are you staying at Bays House?”
“Nope.”
“Well, then, please gather up your beer cans and leave before I call security.”
“Relax. It’s only one beer can, and I was just about to leave,” he said, slightly more irritated, as he stood. I was relieved to see him get up. And although he was still wearing his hood, he seemed less threatening standing up straight.
“Sure, I’ll relax. I walk into a private pool where I work at a quarter to midnight and see a bum hanging out and drinking, but hey, no, nothing to worry about.”
“You don’t have to call anyone.” He threw his backpack over his shoulder. “Look, I’m not trespassing, and don’t worry, I’m not a bum.” He started to circle around the pool, which made me a little nervous, and I hoped it didn’t show. He laughed. “I actually—”
“How would I know? I’m just calling it like I see it,” I said defiantly.
“Well, you call it what you will, then,” he said after a moment with a light shake of his head. He started making his way toward the gate, which was a few feet behind me.
As he moved closer toward me, I took a giant stride backward to give him all the room he needed to walk out of there. I’m not sure why I got so nervous. Actually, it was probably because he was still wearing that hood, and I couldn’t really see his face—just that he was in need of a shave. But in truth, he did look and sound less seedy than what I imagined when I saw him sitting there. Then again, what did I know? I’d been slightly sleep deprived and had had cookies and cream ice cream for dinner.
I stepped back again just as he was walking past me and lost control as the heel of my sandal was caught on the edge of the pool. My reflexes kicked in, and I started flapping my arms around like a madwoman to keep myself from falling backward into the pool. I let out a gasp and felt myself falling. Just as I was convinced I was about to hit the water, I felt a strong grip on my arm tugging me forward and then a gentle hand landing on my back, pulling me until I was safely on my feet.
Out of breath for what seemed like forever, I realized that this stranger, who not only had just saved me from an embarrassing and possibly dangerous fall, was still holding me.
At a loss for words that would resemble any kind of gratitude, I slipped out, “Pretty quick reflexes for someone who’s intoxicated.” Not exactly what I wanted to say, but it was too late now.
He stared at me for a moment, nodded to himself, and calmly replied. “You’re welcome.” He turned back toward the gate and started walking away. “See you around.” He called out without turning back to me.
CHAPTER 3
The next morning I woke up shortly after sunrise. For a first night in a new place far from home, I’d slept surprisingly well. It felt like ages since I’d indulged in my morning routine: a few stretches, a hot shower, a hair dryer. The kitchen was relatively small, but it was open with a small island, giving it a more spacious feel and separating it from the living room. The cabinets were a natural oakwood finish with a silver back-splash and a gas stove. I eyed the standard department-store coffee machine on the counter by the microwave and, against my better judgment, decided to give it a try. It wasn’t like me to consider a brew of Kanes Prime Beverage an acceptable cup of coffee—but it would have to do for now.
Especially since I wasn’t sure I was ready to get back out there. How often did this place have drunk guys lurking around their property? No, I needed to be fully recharged before I headed out. My thoughts strayed on the mystery man last night. Should I have alerted security about the man? Or Sarah?
I thought about his strong but surprisingly tender grip on my arm and back as he pulled me from what would have been a major disaster. I could live with getting a little wet, but how would I explain that to Sarah? I hadn’t even completed my application yet, and already I was causing a disturbance at the club grounds. And who was to say that I didn’t sneak that guy in with me? Technically, the mystery man was right: I didn’t belong there either.
I heard the last drops of my coffee brewing and reached for a mug from the overhead cabinet. I heard Rachel waking up and stretching just as I took my first sip. She sat up on her bed and narrowed her eyes at me.
“Blugh…ugh.” I cringed in disgust as I poured the remaining contents over the sink.
“Yeah, I know, I did that yesterday,” she said, getting out of bed. “Let’s go get some real breakfast.”
Within a few minutes, Rachel and I were walking down the boardwalk. Living right by the beach had its perks—one being there was no reason to spend much time getting dressed.
The beach club had a few restaurants. We chose to eat at Bays Grille, which was open for breakfast with optional outdoor seating. The place was trendy yet had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The walls and ceiling were constructed of mostly bamboo panels. Several colorful vellum-paper-made lights hung from the ceiling in a variety of heights and sizes. The indoor area was pretty empty, except for a few older couples. We were seated at a table outside near a closed-in white gate, a section closest to the beach. It was no mountain view, but the ocean was stunning and peaceful.
We ordered coffee right away and were handed a couple of menus. Rachel followed my gaze at the ocean.
“It’s nice, isn’t it?”
“Nice?” I echoed.
