Twelve Nights Of Temptation

“I really don’t think dinner and dancing or persistence was the problem,” Matt said.

“How would you know that?” TJ asked.

Caleb’s expression took a speculative turn. “You have a problem with TJ asking Tasha out?”

“No,” Matt responded to Caleb. Then he reconsidered his answer. “Yes.”

TJ leaned an elbow on the rail, a grin forming on his face. “Oh, this is interesting.”

“It’s not interesting,” Matt said.

“Is something going on between you two?” Caleb asked.

“No. Nothing is going on.”

“But you like her.” TJ’s grin was full-on now.

“I kissed her. She kissed me. We kissed.” Matt wasn’t proud that it sounded like he was bragging. “She’s a nice woman. And I like her. But nothing has happened.”

“Are you telling me to back off?” TJ asked.

“That’s pretty loud and clear,” Caleb said.

TJ held up his hands in mock surrender. “Backing off.”

“She said she was meeting a guy tonight?” Caleb raised a brow.

Matt narrowed his gaze. “She said guys, plural. They’re probably just friends of hers.”

“Probably,” said TJ with exaggerated skepticism, still clearly amused at Matt’s expense.

“It took you long enough,” Caleb said.

“There is no it,” Matt responded. It had taken him too long to notice her. He’d own that.

“Have you asked her out?”

“We’re a little busy at the moment. You know, distracted by criminal activity.”

“That’s a no,” TJ said. “At least I took the plunge.”

“You got shot down,” Caleb reminded TJ.

“No risk, no reward.”

“She’s gun-shy,” Matt said. He didn’t know what made her that way, but it was obvious she was wary of dating.

“So, what are you going to do?” Caleb asked.

“Nothing.”

“That’s a mistake.”

“I’m not going to force anything.” The last thing Matt wanted to do was make Tasha feel uncomfortable working at the marina.

He wanted her to stay. For all kinds of different reasons, both personal and professional, but he definitely wanted her to stay.

* * *

The Edge Bar and Grill in the town of Whiskey Bay was a popular hangout for the marina staff. It also drew in the working class from the local service and supply businesses. The artsy crowd preferred the Blue Badger on Third Avenue. While those who were looking for something high-end and refined could choose the Ocean View Lounge across the highway. While the Crab Shack was becoming popular, drawing people from the surrounding towns and even as far away as Olympia.

Tasha liked the Edge. The decor was particularly attractive tonight, decked out for the season with a tree, lights and miles of evergreen garlands. A huge wreath over the bar was covered in gold balls and poinsettia flowers.

As was usual, the music had a rock-and-country flare. The menu was unpretentious. They had good beer on tap, and soda refills were free. She was driving her and Alex home tonight, so she’d gone with cola.

“Have you heard of anybody having any unexpected engine problems lately?” she asked Henry Schneider, who was sitting across the table.

Henry was a marine mechanic at Shutters Corner ten miles down the highway near the public wharf.

“Unexpected how?” he asked.

“We had some water in the fuel with no apparent cause.”

“Loose cap?”

“Checked that, along with the fuel source. The water separator was full.”

“There’s your problem.”

“I swapped it out, but I couldn’t figure out how it got that way.”

Henry gave a shrug. “It happens.”

Alex returned from the small dance floor with another mechanic, James Hamilton, in tow.

“So, no reports of anything strange?” Tasha asked Henry.

“Strange?” James asked, helping Alex onto the high stool.

“Unexplained mechanical failures in the area.”

“There’s always an explanation,” James said. “Sometimes you just have to keep looking.”

“You want to dance?” Alex asked Henry.

“Who says I was through dancing?” James asked her.

“Dance with Tasha.” Alex motioned for Henry to come with her.