Page 47 of Nights at Seaside
“I know my career isn’t something you necessarily like or understand, but that’s only one part of me, Sky. And I’m hoping that as you get to know me better, you’ll come to likeallof me and maybe even accept my career.”
“You’re not upset with me about this?”
“Upset? Sky, I’ve dated plenty of fans, and the truth is, I’d much rather you like who I am and accept what I do for a living than like meformy career. Speaking of which, I’d better get back inside before Tanner takes off, but I’ll see you at six at Inky Skies?”
“Yes, and, Sawyer, I’m sorry if I took up too much of your training time. Please apologize to Roach and your sparring partner, too.”
That was another thing he admired about her. Even though she was obviously having a hard time with what he did for a living, she was still considerate of him and the others.
“I will, but you can have as much of my time as you want.”
He pressed his lips to hers, and as he drew back,shedeepened the kiss. She was a walking contradiction, and he couldn’t get enough of her. He tugged her in closer and kissed her with all the passion he’d been holding back. When they finally drew apart, she was breathless—and he was aroused.
She climbed into the car, and he kissed her again. He needed to stop kissing her if he had any chance of regaining control, but she was too delicious to stop. Through the window, Sky wound her arms around his neck and kissed him again.
“Sky,” he warned.
“I can’t help it,” she answered. “You’re standing there in nothing but a silky pair of shorts.”
He clenched his jaw to stifle his smile. “This is totally fun for you, isn’t it?”
She flashed a cheesy grin that made him laugh.
“You’re the one who keeps kissingme,” she said as she gripped the steering wheel.
“I’m the…Okay, you little tease. Get your cute little butt out of here before Roach comes looking for me and finds me like this.” He kissed her again through the window, then watched her drive away, turning his thoughts to his father’s looming medical expenses and the renovations he was working on—anything to lessen the heat soaring through him.
Chapter Twelve
“WELL, IF IT isn’t the queen of ink! You look cute as a button up there on that ladder, giving the world a Skyful of your butt.”
Sky laughed as she turned to greet the only person on earth who would come up with aSkyfulof her butt other than Bella.
“I see we’re Maxine tonight?” She climbed down the ladder and hugged Marcus, who was in full makeup and dressed in a skintight green dress that was open nearly to his navel, revealing thick chest hair. His black high heels were higher than Sky could wear without falling. His hair was styled even more beautifully than half the women in Provincetown, making Marcus the perfect drag queen.
“Honey, I’ve got a show to put on.” Marcus hugged her and air-kissed her cheeks, then gazed up at the sign she’d been painting on the front window. “I love how you paintedInky Skies. It’s so fresh and so you!”
“Thanks. Do you think the design is okay, ortoome?”
He stepped in closer and lowered his voice. “Honey, if there’s one thing I know about this world, it’s that all we’ve got is who we are. So don’t you ever stop beingtooyou.”
All we’ve got is who we are.Her mind shifted to Sawyer, and even with conflicting thoughts about his fighting and the rest of who he was, thinking of him brought a smile to her face. “Yeah, you know what? I think you’re right.”
“You stick with Maxine. I’ll never lead you astray.” He gazed up at the sign Sky had painted. “I think Howie would have loved the swooping birds and the clouds you painted aroundInky Skies.”
“Are you missing him more lately?” She reached for his hand, and Marcus blinked several times, then drew in a sharp breath.
“Not a day passes that I don’t miss that big pain in my…” He smiled and winked. “No pun intended.”
Sky laughed as she gathered her paints. “I have a date in a few minutes.”
“By any chance is it with a strappingly handsome, wide-shouldered man with the darkest eyes I’ve ever seen and a mouth I’d like to see around my—”
“Hey!” Sky bumped Marcus’s shoulder. “That’s enough, playboy.” She followed his gaze to Sawyer walking toward them in a pair of jeans and a white linen shirt. Excitement skittered through her chest. “Geez, Marcus…Sorry, Maxine. How did I get so lucky?”
“Sugar, he’s the lucky one. You’re one heck of a catch.”
Sawyer’s smile widened as he came to Sky’s side and bent to kiss her cheek. “Hi. The building looks great.” He extended a hand to Marcus. “Hi, I’m Sawyer.”
