Click (A Night Fire Novel Book 2) (2 page)

Chapter Two

It was lunch time and Monique had insisted that we eat at the restaurant attached to the hotel so that we could inspect the male wildlife. She mulled over the tables much to the waiters contempt, then selecting one that overlooked the pool. The view was certainly wonderful, the men in this place chose to wear board shorts for which I was grateful. I could not stand those other things. Blech. The only time men should wear them is when they are competing. Otherwise it was board shorts.

Of course Monique had a differing opinion, stating that togs offered a better view of their junk. I always laughed when she referred to them as having junk. As liberal as she was, she could not say the word without going pink. She managed to find any word she could to avoid it and I teased her ruthlessly, jumping around the room, whispering in her ear, writing it in lipstick on her mirror. Oh and I drew one too.

Her face was hidden behind the menu, occasionally it would drop and I could see her eyes were cast out the window. She hummed appreciatively and lowered the menu, looking at me with a wicked glint. Bright blue eyes fluttered with cheek.

“I have made a decision Ab, I am going to set you a challenge.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. We are going to write a list. You are going to find someone and you are going to ride that cowboy until the sun comes up. You've got until the end of the holiday.”

She beckoned for the waiter who bustled his way over.

“I'll have the fish of the day thank you and a glass of white.”

“Same.” I muttered and passed the menu back.

He took them and scurried away, I turned back to see Monique rummaging through her bag. She pulled out a pen and a notebook.

“Okay, tell me what you want in a guy.”

I shrugged. “A good personality, not bad on the eye.”

“Yawn Ab. Let's try a different route. List all of the things that you don't want in a guy.”

I frowned at her, wondering if there was anything that I could list that wouldn't make me seem superficial. Monique stared at me, the pen tapping against the book.

“Today Ab.”

I shrugged again, adjusting the cutlery.

“Okay, so maybe list the things that would give your parents a coronary.” She gasped, a devilish smirk washed over her face. “Tattoos, I know your mother is so anti tattoos it's not funny.

Her tongue poked out the edge of her mouth as she scribbled it onto the notebook.

“Piercings, motorbike, foul mouthed, long hair.” She giggled. “Musician, dead end job, no home.”

“Oh come on Monique, be realistic please.”

She rolled her eyes and scratched out the last one. “No fixed address?”

Her eyes darted around the room. “Maybe we could find one of the staff, that would cover it. Wouldn't it?”

I shrugged. “Technically I think they would have an address, it would be here or maybe there is a housing estate for the workers.”

“Oh good angle, Ab. Your parents will hate it.”

She tapped the pen against the notebook again, looking around at the waiters. They were all immaculately dressed, short hair and no visible piercings or tattoos. In simple terms, they were almost perfect for taking home to meet my parents. Not ideal in Monique's opinion.

The waiter arrived ten minutes later with our lunch, Monique stopped him to engage in conversation as to where we might find somewhere for the fun night ahead. He had several suggestions, being that the island was now being aimed at our age group. There was a few nightclubs in the center of town, a bus would be here at around eight o'clock and would return us at midnight. If we wanted a less restrictive night, we could venture to the pub that was only a short walk down the road.

“So, what do you think?”

I felt something sharp in my mouth, pulling it out I found a tiny bone.

“I think I found a bone.” I groaned.

“Not the right one.” She grinned madly.

“How old are you?”

She rolled her eyes and tapped on the notebook sitting beside her plate.

“The list, anything you want to add?”

“No but how about we do a challenge for you as well?”

Her face dropped as she looked me, a look of shock slowly creeping across.

“Every time I catch you rolling your eyes at me, you have to say penis.”

“Are you insane?” She hissed. “I can't say that!”

I shrugged and continued my search for little bones in my meal. This restaurant was going to get a frowny face on my review.

“We could change it if you like.”

Her eyes narrowed at me, waiting for the other option. It was worse.

“Every time you want to say oh god during sex and don't tell me that you don't because I've heard you, you have to yell oh pe...”

“Stop.” She interrupted. “I'll take the eye rolling thanks.”

I chuckled and picked out a bone. Damn this restaurant.

“It has to be loud too.” I grinned from behind my wine glass. “No whispering, nice and loud so everyone can hear it.”

“Bitch.” She hissed.

“You know it, sweet cheeks.”

She poked her tongue at me and ordered another top up of our drinks. The waiter was to us in a few seconds, Monique the tart was sizing him up. She smiled and fluttered her eyes, being overly sugary with her gratitude.

“You know he's probably screwed dozens of women who have had their holidays here.”

Monique shrugged with a sly smile.

“I would have suggested him for you but he is far too nice. Mummy and daddy would approve so he's definitely not a candidate. Although having too many women in his bed might do well to annoy them. Maybe you should screw him. Maybe you should have one every night.”

“Is that even possible, is there that many mister wrongs on this island?”

“I don't know.” She frowned as she thought about it. “But we can certainly look.”

An hour later and the remnants of a bony fish filling my stomach, I lazed by the pool as Monique flirted with a couple of guys. She had been sitting on the edge, dangling her feet in the water when they started talking to her. After a few minutes she was in the water and they were playing volleyball, most likely hoping that her top would fall off. How little they knew, if they asked she would probably take it off for them.

“Abigail.”

I opened my eyes to the looming wet shadow, Brody stood beside my outdoor lounge with a big grin.

“Hey Brody.”

He sat down on the chair beside me, casting a glance to Monique and her little gathering.

“Not in the mood for a swim?”

“Nah, I think it would be a bit hard with them splashing water everywhere.”

Brody nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. Apprehension? Nervousness?

“Did you want to get that drink tonight? There's a bar down the road.”

“Monique and I were going there anyway. Though she was talking of going to one of the nightclubs.”

“You know what you do, it's a plan that everyone in this place does. Go to the bar, it opens at six. The bus comes along just after eight, catch it back to the bar at midnight. It stays open till two.”

I nodded a little shocked.

“Been here before?”

Brody nodded with his patented gleaming smile.

“Annual event. I come here to chill for a few days before going to a surf tournament.”

“I see.” I whispered.

He pointed to the villa that sat to the left of us, it was one of the two level units. Monique and I were stuck in one of the villas that was at the back of the complex. Ours was the bottom end of the scale when it came to affordability, his unit was at the other end. He had money, daddy would approve. Monique would scrub him of the potentials list instantly. Mister wrong had to be broke or nearly broke.

“If you and your friend want to start the party early, that's my place. Has great views.”

“I'm actually trying to escape a hangover but if you are looking for entertainment, Monique will certainly meet your needs. That is if you can pry her away from her admirers.”

Brody chuckled and looked over at Monique.

“That might be rather difficult. Everyone leaves here around ten to six, I'll be out the front waiting with a big smile filled with hope and anticipation.”

I grinned back at him, hoping that it seemed genuine. It wasn't.

“Good luck with that hangover.”

“Thanks.”

I closed my eyes and seconds later I could hear wet feet being slapped over the tiles. Another wet shadow loomed over me.

“What is wrong with you?” She hissed. “Don't think I didn't see him point to his villa.”

“Monique I have a headache. If I don't get rid of it I won't be going out tonight. Which would you prefer? Me having sex with a headache or resting for the big night ahead?”

“Laying in the sun isn't going to help you Ab. Go inside and drink some water.”

She stomped her way back to the pool as I got up, figuring that she was right. I wandered back to my room and laid on the bed, waiting for the headache to go away.

Ten minutes might have passed, I wouldn't know because I wasn't watching the time. But it was only a small amount of time before the main door to our villa opened, the sound of Monique giggling as she closed the door. I was about to get up and maybe sit with her in the lounge room when I heard the sound of two male voices. 
Oh dear.
 I pressed the pillow to my ears but there was no escaping the sounds. The walls were paper thin, I could hear everything.

There was no point in laying on the bed, my headache was never going to go away with the trio and their mating calls. I decided that a walk down to the beach might be more relaxing, I quickly dressed in more appropriate clothes for walking and packed a bag of essentials. Water, hat, camera and the all-important tablets which I had scheduled for the next half an hour.

When I stepped out of the front door I could see Brody on the other side of the pool. He was under a thatched hut chatting to some girls. They giggled and swooned and as I slipped along the edge of the villa to avoid detection, I realized that Brody was a man that was on the prowl. He was perfect for every woman in this place because I could guarantee he would be like a chameleon and change to what suited.

I had made it out of his sight without being seen, quickly scampering down the stairs that led to the bottom section of villas. They were the garden villas, Monique wanted pool side. I wanted ocean view but neither of us could afford that. I thought about Brody again, I didn't know why I was becoming increasingly anti-Brody. He was likely to be perfect in my parents eyes so that struck him off Monique's requirements for mister wrong but considering that he was after the one night stand, he was perfect.

I stopped and wondered what the hell was wrong with me. He had gone out of his way to approach me, ensuring I knew which unit he was in and confirming our drink tonight. I was stupid. Continuing to descend down past the garden villas, I shook off my anti-Brody thoughts and decided that tonight we would christen the toilets at the pub. Or maybe an alley if there was one.

The lush growth of the jungle lined the stairs as it made its final descent to the beach. I looked back at the enormous rock face that had ferns and large leaves hanging over the edge. My camera wasn't the greatest but it would do. If there was some nice photos I would have them printed to hang on my walls to remember the holiday of a lifetime. I continued down the steps, looking up at the cliff edge and the teetering wooden staircase that I had just walked down. Crazily, it looked like it would collapse at any minute.

As I stepped backwards I fell over something, with a yelp I fell onto the cool sand. I sat up from the sand and stared. 
Oh my god.

Chapter Three

I had tripped over a bag. The owner though, he was something else. Something magical, something incredible. He was gorgeous in a way that I didn't think was possible. I didn't think that I would ever find a guy with long hair to be this good looking. He had a bad boy vibe about him, something akin to the nineties rock gods that would send women into a blubbering mess of hormones. I stared. His mouth was moving but I could not hear the words. He frowned and turned his head, waving his hand in front of my face. I blinked hard.

“Anyone home?”

“Yes. Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going. I uh... I was taking photos of the cliff.”

“Oh yeah, it's pretty magnificent.”

He tucked a strand of long black hair behind his ear. It sat just at his shoulders, it was a little scruffy but it made it seem more perfect. Monique's words were whispering in my head, reminding me of the list. I started checking off her stupid requirements. Long hair, yep. Tattoos? I did a quick scan, he was wearing a long sleeve shirt that had the arms rolled up a few turns, nothing there. Jeans that were ripped and rolled up to his knees, nothing there either. Maybe there might be something under the clothes.

He had a piercing in his eyebrow, so there's another check. Boots sat beside a bag with a helmet.
Motorcycle
 my mind squealed with delight. He was sitting on a large rug with pencils and a large book, a drawing book. Struggling artist? My mind was salivating with anticipation.

“I'm Abigail.”

“Austin.”

“Are these yours?”

“Nah, I pinched them from a guy.”

I stared at him rather shocked until he laughed.

“Of course they're mine.”

The heat rose in my cheeks, I was an idiot. Of course they were his.

“So, are you staying at the hotel?”

Austin shook his head, gesturing to the curve of the land.

“My place is up that way. I came here for that.”

He gestured to the rock face that I had just photographed.

“Oh okay, well I'll let you get back to it then.”

I stood from the ground and wiped the sand off, picking up my bag.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, you too.”

As I turned away I bit my lip, that hadn't gone as I had hoped. Maybe he had someone. Maybe I needed to be a little more obvious. I turned back and watched as he packed away his pencils.

“Hey uh some of the people from the hotel are going to the pub up the road. Maybe I might see you there?”

Austin grinned with a slight nod of his head.

“Oh you'll see me alright. I will definitely be there.”

I grinned and turned back to my path, that was the ending that I needed. That was awesome.

My mood for the rest of the afternoon was at an all-time high. The headache was gone without the need for a third set of tablets, I had my selection for Monique's stupid list and I had some pretty sweet pictures. Austin was gone by the time I returned to the staircase but it didn't matter, he said that I would definitely see him at the pub. Monique's friends were gone and she was on the lounge watching television.

“Where did you run off to?”

“Down to the beach, I couldn't sleep with the noise that the wildlife was making.”

“Oh.” She said dryly. “Sorry. I guess I forgot about your hangover. I thought you had gone to the spa or something.”

Damn. The spa would have been really relaxing. But then again, I would not have discovered Austin at the spa.

“Well don't worry about it because I managed to find the perfect guy for your stupid challenge.”

She sat up on the lounge and looked at me with a devious grin.

“At the beach?”

“He was drawing. I'm thinking struggling artist. Had a helmet.”

Her eyes widened with delight.

“Piercing and long hair. No idea on the tattoos but I'll get you that answer real soon.”

Monique squealed with delight, excitedly clapping her hands.

“Oh you are amazing. Is he hot or not?”

“Hot.”

“Oh Ab you deviant.” Her eyes widened. “We have to get you ready. If you can land him tonight we can make a new list for tomorrow night. A different list for every night!”

She got off the lounge and grabbed my hands, dragging me all the way to the spa. I was lucky, the hotel wasn't full yet so they were able to accommodate me. Waxed to my very limit, hair primped and prepared and even though I thought it would slide off my face within an hour, Monique insisted that I have my makeup done.

We returned to the villa and I was made to wear one of her outfits, a silver shimmery top and three quarter black pants. It wasn't suitable for the random hook up in the alley or the bathroom but for this heat, it was perfect. Monique said she would find something to do while I entertained him in the bedroom, that is of course if I wanted to remove my pants completely. She over thought everything, analyzing every little detail and ensuring that all possible outcomes were accounted for.

Monique rounded me as she looked over my ensemble, she had found a pair of black strapped wedge heels that completed the outfit. She had put on a slinky green dress that sat half way up her thighs and exposed most of her back. It had been offered to me but I didn't dare wear something that revealing. I didn't think that I could maintain any form of dignity if I happened to get drunk tonight. Monique tried to convince me to wear it or something similar, stating that I had the perfect body for it. Small frame with ample breasts, perfect according to her. The shimmery top was enough, it was a v cut that ensured I showed the goods off.

“Well, I think you look pretty smoking girl. If he isn't all over you tonight then he has to be gay.”

“Or not into blondes?”

“Really?” She sneered. “Somehow I don't think that's an issue.”

She looked at her watch and gasped.

“Come on, the group will have left by now!”

Monique grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the villa. I didn't want to go with the group, I'd be happy to wait until they continued onto the nightclubs. But Monique had other plans.

We hadn't missed the group, there were a few stragglers that were yet to arrive. Brody sauntered out with a woman almost hanging off him. Monique turned away, taking me with her.

“Did I tell you what I saw after you left?”

“No.”

“You know I don't care who you have sex with so long as you are happy and safe but trust me, avoid him like the plague. He was all over them and they were all over him. They all went up to his little villa and I swear if he was really into you, he certainly didn't show it.”

I shrugged as we started to follow the line of people.

“I'm not looking for a husband Monique, no forevers just the right nows.”

She wrapped her arm around me as we awkwardly walked over the gravel path, the flickering light of the sign for the pub was within sight.

“Yeah but with a list of conquests that might be as long as his arm, who knows what diseases he might have.”

I chuckled wrapping my arm around her waist. “Yeah, he's probably got the works.”

As she laughed, I cast a sly glance back at him. He hadn't heard thankfully, he seemed rather engrossed in the dress, or rather the lack of dress his friend was wearing.

“So is mister wrong, is he staying at the hotel?”

“He said he has a place further along the island.”

The people ahead of us giggled and stumbled, almost like they had raided the mini bar and were drunk. As we approached the door to the pub I looked at the doorman, wondering if he would let the group ahead of us in. He looked at them but said nothing, letting them pass into the pub. The pub was a little grungy but still a reasonable place to drink for a few hours. As we walked across the wood floor I scanned the room looking for Austin. There was a group of people playing pool in the far corner, a mechanical bull was in the opposite corner but there was no Austin. Maybe he wasn't here yet.

“What can I get you lovely ladies tonight?”

The dark drawl made my body tighten, the husky tone was so familiar. I turned and saw Austin standing behind the bar, a grin curled into the corner of his mouth. The view was beyond incredible. A leather vest that showed off arm muscles that looked like he bench pressed small cars. And yes, the man was tattooed. Monique looked from him to me and my stare gave me away.

“Two beers thanks.”

He smiled at her, one that wasn't as good as what I had been given. His eyes darted back to me as he turned to the refrigerator. Monique was looking at me in an instant, jutting her head with almost popped eyes. I nodded and she grinned one really crazy grin, mouthing 
oh my god
 to me. Austin turned back and put the beers onto the counter, taking the payment from Monique.

I took the beers and moved to the end of the bar, finding two stools at the end that were perfect. Prime position for the entire night that would ensure that I could always get his attention. Monique was frowning at the change in her hand as she walked to me.

“What's wrong?” I asked as she sat on the stool.

“I think he gave me change for the entire amount.”

I crinkled my nose at her with confusion.

“I gave him a ten dollar note and I have ten dollars in change.” She looked up at me with a little laugh. “He's giving us free beers on the sly. Oh Ab, have I ever told you how much I love you?”

“Not nearly enough.” I grinned, taking a sip.

Time passed quickly, the bar filled with people becoming a noisy place that was packed tight to the walls. I didn't see much of Austin during that time, he and the other two guys behind the bar were run off their feet. Once it came time for the bus to arrive, the place was quiet again. So quiet you could probably hear an ant sneeze. That is of course if they did, which I had no clue.

That drink that Brody had suggested that we have happened, he stood beside my stool rather close and when it came time for the bus, he suggested that we followed everyone to the town center. I declined, stating that my headache was still raging and that if it didn't go away soon, I would be returning to the hotel. With a shrug and an offer for another night, Brody was gone. Now it was Monique and I and what looked like a group of workers from the hotel.

“Did you notice him?” Monique whispered a conspiratorial smirk.

“Who?”

“The barman, your friend.”

I looked at Austin who was cleaning the bar at the other end. He was leaning over it to reach the counter top, it was covered in all sorts of liquid that people had spilled.

“The whole time Brody was here, he watched you. Well, that is when he wasn't serving but even then he would still be keeping a real good eye on you. Or maybe he was watching Brody. Sure he isn't gay?”

“Wouldn't have a clue. I didn't ask.”

She looked at me rather stunned, almost as if I should have asked.

“Well that's rather stupid Ab. You've planned on this list and him being the prime target. Don't you think you should have made sure he was the right man for the job?”

I shrugged as I upended the beer, we were at number four for the evening. Austin had served every single one of them and we hadn't paid for any of them.

“I am going to the ladies. When I come back I expect to hear that you've established his sexuality and that you've made plans to utilize the toilets while there is no one around.”

“Yeah sure.” I grumbled.

As soon as Monique had turned the corner to the back corridor that housed the toilets, Austin was in front of me. He took the empty bottles and put two fresh ones on the counter.

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” I grinned cheekily.

“Guilty as charged.”

He ran the dirty rag over the counter, pretending that he was actually cleaning it. I wasn't fooled.

“You never showed me the pictures.”

“You never showed me your drawings.”

Austin smiled slightly.

“How come you didn't go to the clubs?”

“I prefer the quiet bar to be honest.”

He nodded and continued his cleaning. The rag was so dirty the counter was probably better off the way it was.

“You should stay away from him.”

“Who?” I frowned slightly.

“The surfer.”

“Brody?”

He nodded and looked up as someone approached the bar. Three beers and what looked like some kind of dark spirit later, he was back at the counter.

“It's none of my business but you look like the kind of chick that could get hurt easily. He's the same every year. Comes here for a few days before and after the surf titles, drinks his ass off and screws anything that is female then goes home to his wife and kids.”

Oh snap
 my mind hissed. Well he would certainly make the list now, my parents would yell at me for months if they found out I slept with a married man. It didn't matter that I was twenty-three and old enough to make my own decisions, adultery was a big no-no to them.