Thank you, @kenjisato for editing and offering feedback when you can. And also thank you to the readers that reached out and encouraged me--I promise not to continue waiting as long. As always, any feedback is welcome and appreciated. Please note this is a flashback chapter with no spice/smut.
Noah Lee of Black Reef
THEN
The docks of Black Reef came into view as the choppy waters jostled the boat closer to the shore. Black Reef and its marina sat in between two mountain ranges. Protected by the elements, but it wasn't protected by the insidious creatures and lore that floated down from the mountains. It was known for its treacherous waters, cryptic legends and a colorful history from being one of the oldest fishing harbors.
Noah and his crew-mates were returning from a three month long successful fishing trip. He looked over the side of the boat as they headed back to the town dock. The rhythmic ebbs and flows of the waves against the boat were hypnotic as he watched. Memories came flowing back to him.
He removed his dingy baseball hat to let the cool air comb through his overgrown chestnut blonde locks. The marina was now within earshot. A deep cleansing breath left his mouth before he returned his attention back to his work. Now ashore and paid, his plan was to head to his new apartment. Another fisherman that lived across from him was also getting back from the docks, so Noah asked him for a ride back to town.
The door swung open as he clumsily walked across the threshold, dropping his bags in the process. His rain boots tossed on top of his duffel bag as he headed back to the bathroom. He started the shower while he was focused on the new view in the mirror. His cheekbones were now defined along with his jawline. His once bright blue eyes were now tired, dull and had dark circles underneath them.
He looked like he felt.
A soft plop echoed in the small bathroom as his wet layers of clothing dropped onto the cool white tile of the bathroom floor. The consistent pain that radiated through his body elicited a hiss from him when, but he internally rejoiced as he felt the prickly warm water cascade down his bruised and tired skin. Noah lingered under the spray of the shower, hoping the diligent scrubs were washing away the grit and smell of the ship.
Noah wanted to stay in the shower for longer, but the water was growing cooler by the minute. He stepped out, wiped the condensation from the mirror and finished grooming. He was finally feeling like himself again after the shower and change of clothes. He noticed that his clothes were looser than he remembered. The dark jeans that used to cling to his legs, now gaped at his hips. There was a joke amongst fishermen that if you ever wanted to get into the best shape of your life, then all you had to do was fish for one season.
A hoppy wheat craving settled in on the back of his tongue, driving him to his next goal. Unable to resist the temptation, he grabs a hat and heads out into the autumn scenery. He entered a local bar, Tidal Taproom. Tidal was reserved for the reclusive fishermen who didn't have any family that were happy to celebrate their return. It was a place that had become his bar of comfort, and familiarity. especially when he returned from several months of sea to be welcomed back by one one. His eyes quickly scanned the room and noticed a few other fishermen and locals but the bar was mostly empty. The majority of the fishermen and locals went to a bar which was closer to the dock. It was a hot spot for captains, fishermen and their families to celebrate ships' arrivals into town.
The smell of the foaming beverage wafted toward him. The bartender took his order before promptly returning with a cold beer. That beer would be the best part of his back to land celebration, closely followed by his shower. As his blue eyes scanned the seats for the umpteenth time, his gaze landed on a woman sitting a few seats down, nursing a vibrant drink.
The air of the bar now had a trace of femininity that was attracting every warm blood male to her; but it was her nubile curves beneath her dress that caught his attention. The woman was dainty, soft, cherubic even. His eyes continued to linger until their eyes met. His gaze quickly shifted back to his hand on the beer in front of him as he felt the beginnings of panic arise in him.
The bartender came back with his food, but before he could leave Noah curled his finger toward him. The bartender leaned in close to hear him over the televisions overhead.
"That girl down there, she new?" He asked.
The bartender turned to briefly look in her direction and then turned back to Noah.
"Said she is visiting family from a town nearby but is staying in town. She's pretty quiet and has turned down every guy that has tried to talk to her, so approach with caution." The bartender said before he walked away.
Noah's luck with women ran thin. And even when he did manage to find a woman that was interested in him, the relationship usually ended the second he stepped back on a fishing boat. The taste of beer on his saturated palette convinced him that he was better than all of the misfits in that bar, even for just a second His gaze drifted back to the stranger only to see an older man trying to talk to her. His erratic pulse thrummed in his throat.
The other gentleman was clearly invading her personal space, to which she grabbed her drink and attempted to move to another seat. Yet before she could get too far, he grabbed her elbow and slurred some unknown words to her. Instinctively, Noah jumped to his feet, but before he could make it to them, she snatched her arm out of his grasp, grabbed his shirt to pull him closer before she said something to him. The man's face turned ghostly white before he abruptly left. The mystery woman sat back down, looking unfazed.
He raised eyebrows, and this mystery woman continued to pique his interest.
Feeling emboldened by the empty beer bottles that were around him, he chose to send a drink over to her to try and show her that not all men in town were going to accost her.
Why would I send that?
His internal world was clouded by insecurity and doubt to the point that he almost didn't hear her sweet and smoky voice.
"Thanks for the drink and for being ready to help me." She smiled and a dimple peeked out at him.
Noah turned toward the soft sultry voice with a mouth full of beer.There she was, sitting next to him, more beautiful up close than from across the bar.
There was a noticeable lump in his throat as he tried to think of a normal response to her.
"You're welcome. Some of the guys here haven't seen a pretty lady in a while, so keep your head on a swivel."
Her doe brown eyes, flawless copper toned skin and soft supple pink lips made it nearly impossible for him to look away from her. He could understand why she was the center of everyone's attention; it felt like she was the only light in the dim room.
His gaze regrettably turned back to his beer and the television overhead--fully expecting her to return back to her seat.
"I'm Marigold or Goldie, I'm visiting family nearby."
Black Reef was a small tight knit community where everyone knew everyone. Surnames carried more weight than money there and the nearest town was at least forty minutes away by car. On the tip of his tongue was the question that I'm sure everyone in that bar had.
'What are you really doing here?'
"I'm Noah," he said in between sips of beer, doing his best to avoid her siren-like gaze.
His back blistered under the gaze of the various men that all wished they could exchange places with him.
I shouldn't be talking to her.
