* * *
Miami is absolutely gorgeous. The closest I’ve ever been is watching reruns ofCSI: Miami.Walking outside to catch a cab, we are hit by the pleasant weather. Sliding the coat off from around my shoulders, I follow as Alex carries our suitcases to the curb. He’s booked us a room on the water with a balcony.
I’m standing outside admiring the view when I feel his arms wrap around me, pulling me into his chest. “How aboot we get changed, find something tae eat, then hit the beach for a couple hours before we have tae come get changed for tonight?”
“That sounds perfect.” Turning in his arms, I stand on my toes, pulling him down to kiss me. “Everything is perfect,” I say, pulling him back down into a deeper kiss. When we break, he spins me around, gently shoving me back inside.
“Keep that up, we willnae make lunch or the beach today. I, for one, have been looking forward tae watching yer arse as it turns pink in the sun.” I giggle, grabbing one of my swimsuits out of the bag before walking into the bathroom.
When I come back out, Alex has his suit on along with a T-shirt. I pull on a pair of shorts and one of the covers for my top. Grabbing our beach bag, we head out in search of lunch.
8
Alex
Idon’t know which I like better, a belly full of Cuban sandwich or Claire’s ass turned up to the sun in the lounge chair. She turns over, resettling on the chair. Christ! Turns out I definitely prefer her tits barely contained in that top. She’s already turning a nice golden shade of brown. Me? I’m from Northern Scotland, we just burn.
“Mo ghaol?” She moans at me in response. “I’m gaun tae get in the ocean. Are ye good here?” She moans at me again, so I stand up. I’m not sure how James Bond made out in these swimsuits, but they don’t leave much room for the boys. I’m sure staring at Claire half the afternoon hasn’t helped.
“You are the sexiest man I have ever seen in that suit,” Claire says with a smile on her lips. So I guess I’m keeping the stupid suit. “I’m going to keep my eyes open so I can see you come out of the surf all wet. Be sure to run your hands through your hair to get the water out. You’re going to be the stuff of dreams.”
“Shite Claire, now I have tae go get in the water. Pray it’s cold or I’ll be oot there for a while.” She laughs before settling back onto her lounger.
The water feels amazing. I swim out until it reaches my chest before diving under. I either have to keep my hair wet or put it up to keep it out of my face. I need to consider a new haircut. I float in the waves for a few minutes before starting the trek back to the beach, passing several women who try to talk to me. I nod politely but I’m only interested in one woman on this beach.
“I don’t blame them, you know,” she says when I reach her. I shake my hair at her before slicking it back. She lets out a yelp when the water hits her.
“Dinnae blame who for whit?” I ask.
“You were quite the show coming out of the water. I know there were quite a few of us enjoying that performance.” She smiles at me wickedly.
“Baby, I’m only interested in performing for the woman in front of me.” I kneel at the end of her lounger. Lowering myself so I’m barely hovering above her, I place a soft kiss on her lips, laughing when she pushes me up, complaining about getting wet.
“When I’m dried off, we need tae go change. We need tae leave for the party in a couple of hours but I intend tae get ye much wetter before we head oot.” I roll over onto my lounger, closing my eyes.
“Excuse me, sir.” I open my eyes a few minutes later to find what looks like a middle school boy standing over me.
“Dae ye want something?” I ask, watching him glance over at Claire before settling back on me.
“We were kicking the ball around over there,” he says, motioning vaguely behind him. “My friend said you were Xander Ross, so I was wondering if you would sign my ball. I think my mom has a pen in her bag.” He is hopping from one foot to another, waiting for my response like he’s going to bolt. I know how intimidating it can be to approach someone for an autograph, not knowing how they’ll react.
“Ye okay here, lovely?” I ask, looking over at Claire. She nods before I turn back to the boy. “Ye were kicking the ball around, yeah? Dae you mind if I join ye for a wee bit until I’m dry. I’ll sign the ball before we head oot. Deal?”
“Oh my God! I mean, yes sir!” He takes off screaming at his friends in excitement. I stand up from my lounge. Leaning over, I give Claire a quick kiss before walking down the beach to kick the ball around with a growing group of kids.
By the time Claire walks up to me, I’m completely dry. We have a crowd around us as I laugh with the kids. This is the best part of my job, better than all the awards.
“My ride’s here, gentlemen. I have tae go.” I laugh at the honest groans of the kids.
“Grab yer pen so I can sign yer ball before I leave.” The boy runs over to his mother who has been cheering us on. She hands him a pen then asks if she can get a picture. “Absolutely,” I say, posing several times while she and Claire snap pictures. I slap high fives as we walk out of the crowd toward the hotel.
“You're amazing, you know that?” Claire asks as we walk into the lobby.
“Whit dae ye mean?”
“You didn’t have to go play with those kids. They will remember the day the soccer superstar played in the sand with them forever. You made fans for life. You’re so good with kids too.” I feel myself turning red. She slides her hands around my waist, hugging me close as we wait in the elevator.
“Well, Mam used tae tell us it’s just as easy tae be nice. I like kids. I think it’s important tae be a good role model when ye’re in the public eye.” I shrug. I’ve never thought about it being a big deal. I’ve kicked the ball around with kids all over the world, in airports, beaches, anywhere I’m asked.
