Page 20 of Burn With Me

I knew they’d be glowing a bright pink. I wasn’t one of those cute blondes that lived in a tropical area that could tan until it looked like they’d been dipped in honey. Nope, I had the type of skin that liked to burn and go cherry tomato red before peeling. Blushing easily in the fire academy had not done me any favors in the teasing department.

Asher nudged my shoulder, and when I looked up, the quick pang of insecurity evaporated. The smile he was giving me was confident with a hint of sweetness. Even though he didn’t say it, I could tell that he hadn’t made a comment to be condescending. There was something about him that was calming, even with all of his arrogance and sharp wit. I liked that.

He guided the way toward the long gangplank, which was decorated like the rest of the ship. Little white lights lined the railing everywhere like they were guiding our way. It wasn’t quite dark enough yet to appreciate them, but an hour from now, they would twinkle as if the stars had been plucked from the sky as decoration. We stepped aboard the tall ship, and I stared out at the ocean. The view was incredible.

Asher walked confidently. His stride was long but not enough that I felt pressured to move faster. I was impressed with how he managed to seem so in control but still completely mindful. He was definitely unlike any man I’d met.

“Mr. West, it is good to see you. Come right this way,” the Maître’d said, as we stepped up to the small desk area. She paused and settled her eyes on me. “If you get chilled, there is a gift shop on the top deck that sells shawls.”

“Oh, thank you.” I looked up to where the elegant woman pointed.

This place was stunning. The tables were swathed in black tablecloths and a matching nautical theme everywhere else. I especially loved the black and white sheers that hung from the rods that ran the length of the sitting area. It was as if the designer had taken the theme and turned it on its head so that it had a high end elegant flare, just like the woman seating us.

We had a lantern on the table shaped like an anchor, and I couldn’t help but stare at the little glowing light.

“Flames are hypnotic, aren’t they?” Asher nodded at the candle.

I turned my gaze away from the flame to look at him. He, too, was staring at the dancing orange light, a glazed look in his eyes as the flame reflected back at me.

“Sometimes they can feel that way, and sometimes flames are just horrifying,” I said. “Is there anything on the menu you’d recommend?”

“Anything, it’s all amazing,” Asher said. “But if you’d like to try a little of everything, then I’d definitely go for the ‘surf and turf’ platter. You won’t find better anywhere else.”

“Now, that is what I like to hear every customer say.” A petite woman with her hair done up in a bun and wearing the standard clothes of a head chef walked toward the table. Everything about her announced that she was in charge. “Asher, as always, it’s good to see you.”

Asher stood and gave the woman a brief hug, his face softening and I could clearly see a different side to the man that wore a mask of indifference.

“Violet, this is my cousin Monique.”

“Nice to meet you, Violet.” I held out my hand for the woman to shake, and it was shocking how strong her grip was as she reciprocated the gesture.

“Likewise, Monique, but please call me Vi. You have a great spot here.” Monique released my hand and looked around at the stunning deck that had been transformed into a magical getaway experience.

“Thanks. It took a lot of hard work, but it’s paid off.” We all cringed at the sound of glass shattering in the kitchen area. “Well, that’s my cue to go and make sure they don’t destroy anything else. I know you will love the meal, Vi. Ash, it’s on the house,” Monique called out, already walking away.

“She seems great,” I said and took a sip of the water that had been delivered.

“She really is. She’s my step cousin or I guess foster cousin.” Asher picked up the wine menu. “She is the daughter of my step-mother’s sister, but when her mother passed away she came to liv with us too. Wow I made that complicated.”

He smiled and I giggled. At least I wasn’t the only one that did that.

“So you prefer to be called Vi?”

“By my friends, yes,” I said.

His eyes lifted from the menu. “And what would you consider me?”

“I’m not sure yet. You did call me crazy,” I smirked as he chuckled.

“So I did. Alright, I’ll take back crazy and say that you were one terrible decision away from never investigating again.”

“I’m pretty sure that is not any better, but I see your point.” I looked out over the water and the calm waves rolling toward the shore. “I just couldn’t stand there and watch her die.”

I could feel Asher’s eyes on me, but I didn’t feel like getting into my story right now.

“Fine, you can call me Vi.” My eyes returned to his. “Anything good on the wine menu?”

“Do you prefer sweet or dry, white or red?”