hope of getting the ice.
“So which one are you with?” she asked.
I sighed. Even though it was none of her business, I figured the quicker I satiated her curiosity, the quicker I could get my ice. “Daniel,” I admitted.
“Figures,” she said, but didn’t elaborate.
Now she had my curiosity piqued. “Why do you say that?”
“He usually doesn’t do hook-ups.”
I didn’t like that she used the word usually. I would have preferred the word never in its place.
She continued staring at me. “I can see why he likes you,” she said after what seemed like an uncomfortable eternity. “You’re cute and classy.”
I took it as a compliment. “Thanks.”
“I’m Cyndee, by the way,” she said pointing to her name tag.
“I’m Lexie.”
“Cool name.” She bit the side of her mouth as if she was thinking about something. “Would you mind doing me a favor?”
“What is it?” I asked hesitantly. My thoughts were spinning with all of the things I could imagine Cyndee may want me to do for her.
She swallowed. “Would you mention to Eddie that I get off work at six? Maybe he could stop by and say hi?” I’m sure that wasn’t the only reason she wanted him to stop by.
“Sure,” I said. “No problem.”
Cyndee’s face lit up. “Thanks, I owe you one.”
“Can I get my ice now?” I asked as nicely as possible.
“It’s on the house,” she replied.
***
When I carried the ice bags over to our campsite, the guys cheered and hooted. I noticed the tents were all up and the guys looked like they were readying their kite surfing gear. I placed the ice in coolers with the beer.
Daniel came over to me and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Lexie.”
“No problem,” I said as I handed him his money back. “Ice was on the house.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
“Apparently the attendant is a big fan of Eddie’s,” I said loud enough to get his and the other guy’s attention. All eyes were on me. “Do you know a blonde named Cyndee?” I asked. “With a y and two ees?”
Eddie actually looked a bit uncomfortable, but he played it off. “Names I’m not too good with, but I usually remember a face and I always remember a body.”
Joey-G and Ricky laughed. Daniel glanced at me. I sensed he was trying to gauge my reaction. I continued. “Cyndee wanted me to let you know she gets off work at six and she wants you to stop by and say hi.”
“I’m sure she wants more than just a hello,” Ricky said.
“Eddie will make sure she gets off,” Joey-G added.
I could tell it was going to be a very long weekend.
***
I crawled into Daniel’s tent to change into my bikini. It had been quite a while since I put on a swimsuit, but I thought I looked decent in it. I wasn’t expecting the reactions I got when I stepped out of the tent.
Joey-G, Ricky and Eddie were all eyeing me. I suddenly felt like a sizzling steak set down in front of three hungry men. Before I knew what was happening, Daniel threw a beach towel over my shoulders.
I turned to face him, not sure what to say. Daniel gulped. “Do you have a tee shirt and shorts?” he stammered. “Something to wear over your bathing suit?”
“But we’re on the beach. I’d like to get some sun. You’re the one who said I looked pale, remember?”
“I know, but…” He seemed to be at a loss for words. “That bikini is…you’re so…” He rubbed his temple as he searched for the right words.
I put my hands on my hips. “I’m so what?”
Eddie looked at Daniel and then to me. “What Daniel is trying to say is that you’re smokin’ hot in that bikini and he doesn’t want every guy on the beach checking you out.”
I glared at Eddie and he just smirked. I turned to Daniel. “Will it make you feel better if I put on my shorts with the bikini top?”
“I guess so,” he said, but I didn’t think he was convinced. I had the feeling he wouldn’t be happy until I was fully clothed.
I let out an exasperated sigh and crawled back into the tent. When I reappeared, I was in my shorts and my bikini top. I handed Daniel back his beach towel and he nodded. “Thanks,” he muttered.
I kissed his cheek then whispered in his ear. “I only changed to make you happy.”
That got a small smile out of him.
The guys all grabbed their gear. I grabbed my beach towel, sunscreen and