Merry with a Gambler (Love Beach Holiday Collection)

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

Boots

Flopping onto my back I stretch out in the king bed and snuggle the second pillow in my arms. I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.

My room at the boarding house was like having paper walls. The guy on my side of the hall snored. The girl across the hall would bring her johns home. And the way the old man next to her yelled at everyone, I’m pretty sure he’s paranoid schizophrenic. The guy below me was a drunk and he and his wife would fight.

Pressing my nose to the pillow I inhale. It smells fresh like lavender. Flowers, my favorite thing.

I’ve got another toy party coming up and I’m going to make bouquets again to give away. The florist shop at the store usually throws the older flowers out or lets me buy them for a fraction of the price. I need to get over there soon to see what I can salvage or barter. I also need to get to the Charity Shop for something to use as vases. Damn, I don’t have my bike.

I hear the shower come on. Oh shit, I hope he doesn’t take long because now I need to pee. Climbing out of bed, I glance down the hall and then go to the laundry room to grab my clothes. Before the flowers I need to find a place to live. Tears begin to well up. When am I going to catch a break?

No! I give myself a mental shake. Things are going great. I’m making better money at the bar now that I’m bartending and a little more with the sex toys.

My friend Tegan has started a business group. I may not have to spend money on all the business classes so that money can go to my start up fund. She’s also hired me to do the flowers for Rhone’s business party. Everything is good.

Nyla gives me every shift she can. But this time of year isn’t as busy as spring and summer with the volleyball leagues.

I’m so lucky to have found Nyla and Tegan. Soon, a few more months, maybe a year and I’ll be in business for myself. I’m sure of it. That’s no time at all in the big scheme of things.

Back in the bedroom, I fold my clothes and put them in a drawer then hang my blouses and work T-shirts. I hear the water shut off and the door open. Oh good, I really need to go. Rushing into the hall I see he’s left the door slightly closed behind him and push inside, coming to an immediate halt when I’m greeted by the naked backside of Stack. Standing with his back to me, he’s got one foot on the tub as he dries his leg. Glancing sideways, he meets my gaze in the mirror, totally unfazed by his state of undress. Damn, is he one of those guys who walks around naked when they’re home alone?

My tongue sweeps over my lips. I can’t take my eyes off his ass. His perfect ass and thick thighs. The muscles in his back ripple as he dries one leg then the other.

“One more sec and it’s all yours.” He glances over his shoulder.

I can’t help but notice the jagged scar on the back of his bicep and some bruising on his ribs. “Are you okay? You look like you were in a fight recently.”

“You should see the other guy,” he jokes and straightens.

My wayward gaze drops to what the towel is barely covering. Catching myself, I hold up my hands and step back. “Nope, don’t want to know. Just sorry you got hurt. Let me know when I can use the bathroom.”

Keeping his privates covered, he holds my gaze as he wraps the towel around his waist and grins. “It’s all yours, Boots. You just gotta ask.”

He brushes past me and heads to the room he used last night. My cheeks are burning. Was he talking about what I think he was talking about? The obvious interest pushing against his towel? Or did he mean the bathroom? Gah, I’m so immature sometimes.

Suddenly peeing isn’t the only relief I need.

Changing into jeans and a top, I follow the scent of coffee to the kitchen. Stack is at the stove flipping pancakes. He glances at me then nods to the coffee maker. “It just finished. Will you pour me a cup, too? There’s milk in the refrigerator if you need it or we can pick up cream later.”

“Milk is fine, how do you take yours?”

“Just black. Pancakes and eggs, okay? I want to go to the bank and get you a safety deposit box first, then we can hit the store and stock up on food and things you like to eat.”

“I’m not much of a cook. My go-to is usually yogurt, fruit and sometimes granola.”

“We can pick up some of that. But you need variety in your diet.”

“Stack, I need to find my own place. I won’t take advantage of your kindness.”

“There’s no rush to find you a place. We’ll start looking later. I’m not letting you go to another dump. The next place has to be safe.” He hands me a plate and we both sit at the counter, he’s on one side and I’m across from him.

“Stack, I can’t mooch off of you.”

“You’re not. Look, sometimes my job takes me out of town. When I’m working in town I’m not around much. It might actually be beneficial for me to have a roommate. Someone who can watch the place while I’m gone. But let’s see what we can find first. Then we’ll decide.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“Odds and ends.”

I clear my throat. “Are you a—a biker? Like one of those one-percenters on TV? You wear a cut, right? That’s what it’s called? And Stack is on your cut so is that your road name? Or your real name?

He chuckles. “I’m not what you’re thinking. Yes, I wear a cut, but it’s from my old unit. I retired from the military. I’m still close with most of my old team and sometimes we get together and ride. Stack is my call sign, like a nickname. I still go by it most of the time. My real name is Dax. I am not a one percenter. And don’t believe everything you see on TV—good or bad.”

I smile. “Then what do you do now?”

“I used to do construction with my—my friend but he moved and got married. I’ve been a bartender, a bouncer, and a security guard. I like working for myself and taking jobs that interest me when and where they’re offered. Because of my network of friends, someone’s always needing help.”

“Are you from Love Beach?”

“No. Came here for a couple of jobs, that’s all.”

I push the last couple bites around on my plate. “So, you never stay in one place for long.”

He shrugs. “I grew up on a farm. My military years were spent mostly in war zones. I’ve been retired for a little over a year. There’s a lot of country to see.”

Yeah, I’ve heard that before. My parents said the same thing as they dragged me back and forth across the country looking for their next big score. Been there, done that. Never again. I want roots.

“How about you,” he asks.

“I’m not that adventurous. I wasn’t born here, but Love Beach is my home.”

“You have family here?”

“No. My family is all gone.”