Page 2 of Love in Unexpected Places

I snort. “No. Some things don’t need that kind of exposure. This could be a creature that is millions of years old and just wants to live its life. Imagine how it could be hunted if it’s caught on camera again and people know where to find it?” I shudder, thinking of the ramifications of its exposure. “Whatever it is might be harmed and who knows? The ecosystem could be ruined, depending on what this creature does for it.” I finish my drink and slide it over to him. “Can I have another, please?”

All while I was rambling, Dante stared at me with a slight smile. “You feel passionately about that, I see.” He moves around, fixing me another drink. When he places itin front of me, he says, “This is one of the drinks I designed myself. Tell me what you think.”

I take a sip, my eyes growing wide. “This is delicious! What’s in it?”

He winks. “Secret recipe. How long will you be here?”

“A week or so. Haven’t decided yet.”

“Don’t mean to pry, but how can you take a random vacation and not know when you’re going back to work? Won’t your boss need notice or something?”

It’s my turn to smile. “I work for myself.” He raises an eyebrow at me, and I chuckle. Pulling out my phone, I press a few buttons, then slide the phone to him.

On the screen is a YouTube video of a new R & B song being sung by an amazing new artist. Dante grins. “I love this song! This your channel?”

Shaking my head, I scroll up and point to the songwriter credit. “Nope.”

He bends to the phone, and I watch the slow smile spread across his face. “You wrote this?”

“I did.” I don’t say it in a smug way. I’m truly thankful every day that I wake up and I’m able to create songs that people love and enjoy. I have an okay voice, but nothing like what the artists I write for. They truly bring my words to life and give them meaning.

Nodding, he pulls out a fresh towel from God knows where and starts wiping a glass. “That’s really cool. You sing too?”

“Oh, no,” I tell him, laughing lightly. “I leave that to the professionals.”

“While you’re in town, sing for me?”

The way he says it and the glint in his eyes makes me want to. “Maybe. So?—”

A few beachgoers walk into the bar and slide onto stools. “Excuse me, hottie bartender,” a brunette girl saysto Dante with a salacious smile. “I’d like to order as soon as you’re done. No rush. The view is nice from here too.” Her and her friends giggle behind their hands at her shameless—and pretty terrible—flirting.

Giving me a look, he inclines his head to the newcomers. “Don’t leave. We need to plan our song date.” After a wink, he meanders over to the girls that are staring at him like they’re star struck. They must get the Jesse Williams vibe too.

My bartender is too handsome for words.

chapter two

DANTE

Asongwriter in my bar. With a number one hit song on the charts right now. It’s almost surreal. He may not be well known, but his words are. I want to pick his brain, learn his inspiration.

After I take and deliver the ladies’ drink orders—a few numbers pushed my way—I make my way back over to August. “Where were we?” I ask, hoping he hears the flirtation in my tone.

He blushes and I grin. I’m not sure he knows, but he’s been blushing since he sat down. Hopefully, that’s a good sign for what could happen in the future … maybe tonight.

He has the classically handsome vibe that I love. His green eyes seem to dance when he looks at me, his brown hair is pushed back from his face, though a few strands keep flopping over his forehead. His cute dimples and clean-shaven face gives me an unobstructed view of all of August’s handsomeness. The dad bod he’s rocking? Yeah, I’m all in.

“Umm …” He slides the napkin over to me and smiles.

Turning it around, I read the lyrics and feel my face and body heat.

A man shouldn’t have me feeling like this

But I can’t help what happens when we kiss

His body on mine, grinding on me

Stars won’t be the only thing I see

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