Page 9 of The Last Bachelor Dragon (Mysteries of Dragon’s Island #8)
CHAPTER 8
***MAX***
M ax stood on the dock watching as the boat cut across the crystal blue water of the harbor, the warm sunshine almost making him forget that he had a heap of trouble on his hands. It hadn’t been that long since he’d seen all his friends, but it had been years since they’d all be together, and he was sure that the coming weeks would be interesting as they all got to know each other all over again. He wondered if they would all slip back into the same roles they’d had back when they were in college or if they’d all changed so much everything would be different.
Thinking back over the time his friends had all spent on the island, he couldn’t decide which one of them had changed the most. They’d all found women who supported and loved them; they’d all faced obstacles that made them stronger men, and he was the only one left still waiting. He couldn’t help but wonder what it was he was supposed to change, what in him was lacking that a woman in his life could make up for. Not that he thought he was perfect, he knew he had his faults.
Realizing that his thoughts were going down a tricky path, he looked out at the water, pleased to see the boat was almost to the dock. He spotted Simon first, holding the baby on his lap, a huge smile on his face as she laughed and bounced around, clearly loving the ride. Kira was sitting next to them, her head tilted back to let the breeze flow through her hair, her face relaxed, and he felt a moment of gratitude that he had friends who cared enough to drop everything to help him.
When the boat got closer, he spotted Cameron and Kennedy sitting on the other side of the deck. Pleased that they’d connected with Simon and Kira, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and fired off a message to Nora. He waited anxiously for the boat to pull into the slip, grabbed the dock line when Montgomery threw it to him, and secured the vessel to the dock.
“Look who I found waiting around at the marina for me,” Montgomery said, a delighted smile on his face. “Now I won’t have to make that second trip back over to Bermuda.”
“Anything we can do to help,” Cameron said, guiding Kennedy up the dock. “I’ve got a hungry pregnant woman on my hands here. I hope breakfast is next on the agenda.”
“Cameron…stop that…I’m not that hungry,” Kennedy said, then turned to Max. “We managed to get an earlier flight, I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. I’m relieved to see you. Everyone else will be here this afternoon,” he said, giving Kennedy a hug. How are you feeling?”
“Other than being hungry all the time, I feel just fine,” Kennedy said. “But it’s still early yet. I’m sure there’s still lots of fun to come.”
He turned to Kira. "It's a good thing you’ve got someone who knows what it’s all about,” he said. How are you, Kira?”
“No complaints from me either, compared to Kiley, this has been an easy baby,” Kira said. “It was sweet of you to ask. ”
“We’re family, I worry about you all,” Max said. “And I think now I should feed you all.”
“Trust me when I tell you that’s a very good idea,” Simon said. “Letting these two get hungry would be a huge mistake.”
“Hey, watch yourself, mister,” Kira said. “You’ll be sleeping on the couch if you’re not careful.”
“Yes, my love,” he said, planting a big kiss on her cheek. “Anything you say.”
“That’s better,” Kira said, making everyone laugh. “Now, did you say something about food?”
“Coming right up,” he said. I’ve reserved the small banquet room for us. Breakfast and lunch will be available for everyone there every day. Dinners will be up to you, but you’ve all been here, so you know what’s available.”
As soon as they left the dock, Cameron fell into step beside him. “Do we know what Adaloni has planned?” he asked. “The clan has pledged their help; all you have to do is ask.”
He looked over at Cameron, surprised by the offer. “Things have changed,” his friend said, shrugging his shoulders. If I’m going to rule the clan, I’m going to do it my way. Your problems are our problems.”
“Thanks, that means a lot,” he said. “But I think the eight of us can handle one little drug dealer, don’t you?”
Cameron grinned. “Sounds like fun to me,” he said. “And who knows, the island may give us a little help.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said with a groan. “Let’s just hope it’s the kind of help we need.”
“Speaking about the island helping people,” Cameron said, a smile on his face. “Has she gotten here yet?”
“No, she hasn’t, and maybe she never will; maybe I’m the one of the eight of us who is supposed to stay single,” he said. “Did anyone ever think of that?”
“Hmm…that’s an interesting idea, but I don’t think that’s it , she’s going to show up any day,” Cameron said, a grin on his face. “I’m hoping I’ll be here to watch it. I can’t wait to see you just give in. That is what you said you were going to do, wasn’tit?”
“My love life is not important right now, we have Adaloni to worry about,” he said. “Even if the perfect woman gets off a boat tomorrow, defending this island is more important. Love will just have to wait.”
***Nora***
“You can set that last tray over here.” Nora said, looking up at the clock. “That’s perfect, now you’d better get out of here before they show up, Max doesn’t want anyone else in here. Thanks so much for your help.”
“No problem, just text me if you need anything else. I’m all yours for the entire day,” Peter said, grinning at her. “Carla said it was my job to make yours easier.”
“Oh, that’s great,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll take you up on that offer before the morning is over.”
When Peter was gone, she made one more circuit around the room, then took up her post in the corner to wait for Max and his friends to arrive. She tried not to be nervous as she waited. She’d done all she could to make herself invisible, hoping to fade into the background. She’d pulled her hair back in an unattractive knot, wore not a drop of makeup, and the dark uniform did nothing for her coloring. If she was lucky, no one would even notice her.
Only a second later, she heard someone call her name. Looking up, she saw Stella making her way across the room toward her, and she realized there was a flaw in her plan. “What are you doing here?” Stella asked.I thought you were working for Marie.”
“I am in the afternoon; I’m working here now, too,” she said. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but it’s just been so crazy. Max decided that since the cabin was so nice he should charge me rent, so here I am, wearing my keep.”
“You’re going to be waiting on us?” Stella asked, then started shaking her head. “That’s not right. Max has really done it this time. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”
She reached out and put her hand on Stella’s arm. “It’s okay, Stella, I don’t mind,” she said, not wanting any more attention than necessary. “It’s my job. It might feel a little funny, but I need the money; it’s the only way Max is going to let me off the island. This isn’t so bad. He wanted me to wash dishes for eight hours, but Carla stepped in, so don’t worry about me. I’ve got someone on my side.”
Stella studied her for a second, then let out a long sigh. “It just doesn’t seem right,” she finally said. “Someday I hope you make Max pay for the way he’s treated you.”
“Everything okay over here?” Keith asked, then saw her. “Nora, what are you doing working here?”
“We’ve just been over that, dear,” Stella said, taking his arm. “I’ll explain it all to you after we get some coffee, and today I’m having the real thing.”
A few minutes later, Max walked through the door carrying an adorable little girl, two couples trailing along behind him, and her heart lurched. Damn the man for being so incredibly handsome; if was just a little less good looking, she might be able to handle the attraction that kept creeping to the surface when she least expected it. Trying to catch her breath, she watched Max scan the room, taking in the seating area she’d created, the dining area right in front of the buffet, and the little area she’d set aside for a couple of travel cribs.
She’d been hoping to create a homey feeling in the huge room. If Max and his friends were going to be spending so much time here, she wanted them to be comfortable; it would make her job easier. Knowing that she couldn’t hide in the corner any longer, she took a deep breath and started toward the little group, a smile of welcome on her face, even though a part of her wanted to run.
“Hello, everyone. I hope your travels were uneventful,” she said. “Breakfast is ready if you’d like to take a seat. You’ll find coffee and juice on the table by the window. Help yourselves.”
Max raised his eyebrows at her, but she ignored him and turned to lead them over to the big table. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked, the heat of his stare warming her from the inside out, and she began to wonder how she was going to get through this meal, let alone countless more. But she strengthened her resolve. She was getting off the island, and if that meant playing nice with Max and his friends, then that’s what she’d do.
To her relief, no one recognized her as she quietly moved around the group, refilling coffee cups and taking away empty plates. It was impossible not to hear bits of their conversations, but it was clear that there was true friendship between the seven of them, and she felt a little envious of the obvious bonds between them. Reminding herself that she wasn’t aloneand that there were people on the island who cared about her, she started for the door, hoping for a chat with Carla would chase her sudden blues away.
Before she could make it out of the room, a voice she would never forget filled the air. “I hope we didn’t miss breakfast; I’m starving,” Harrison called. “Airplane food is the worst, and we didn’t have time to stop for anything on the way to the marina.”
Grabbing a couple of place settings, she rushed over and put them on the table. Then she looked up to find Juliet watching her, a confused look on her face. “Nora, is that you?” she asked, walking over to her.What are you doing here? ”
Before she could answer, Max got to his feet. “She’s doing her job,” he said. Welcome back, you two. Sit down and let Nora get you some breakfast.”
Juliet opened her mouth, but she sent a pleading look. “Can I get you some coffee?” she asked, gesturing to the two new places at the table. I’m sure I can talk Carla into making one more order, or the buffet is ready now.”
“The buffet will be fine,” Harrison said, a confused look on his face. “We’ll help ourselves if that’s okay.”
“Of course, anything you like,” she said, enjoying the looks on her new friends' faces. I’ll be right here if you need anything; please don’t hesitate to ask. “