Modern Girl's Guide To Vacation Flings

by DRAYER, GINA

  Despite her best efforts to focus on her book, her mind kept going back to Matt. She wondered how he'd spent his evening. Did he decide to have dinner with his family after all? Or did he use the excuse of their date to stay in? Was he working or enjoying his time off?

  Was he thinking about her?

  "Beth?" a voice came from behind her. Holly, Matt's sister, approached, carrying her son.

  She hadn't said much during lunch, so Beth wasn't sure if Holly was happy she was here or was firmly in Bridget's camp and saw her as an interloper. Beth decided her best option was the friendly approach.

  "Hi, Holly. Care to join me? You look like you could take a load off."

  "If I stop moving, he'll start to fuss." The alert toddler in her arms made a grunting noise as Holly continued to sway back and forth. "Evidently, cruising isn't his thing. He hasn't slept well since we left Chicago, and surprise, surprise, neither have I. If I walk with him enough, I can get him to go down."

  Matt hadn't mentioned the twin's age, but the little boy looked big. Bigger than his sister. He'd obviously inherited the male Carver genes and was likely to dwarf his mother by his teens.

  "Do you mind if I try something?" Beth asked.

  "Sure, but I'm not sure there's much you can do."

  "Hold on." Beth hopped up and tied two strong knots into her blanket and wrapped it around her body. "This is something I learned in Africa. The moms would make a sling to keep their hands free." Beth carefully transferred the child from Holly's shoulder to hers. Then pushed the fabric up around his body. The little boy started to protest, but once she secured the knots tighter he relaxed and snuggled into her chest without further protest. "He still feels like you're holding him, but you get a little more freedom and the fabric wraps around them like a hug. If you don't mind, I'll hold him for a while."

  "Knock yourself out. With twins, I learned quick that you never to turn down help." Holly sagged with obvious relief into the deck chair, but continued to watch her with an assessing eye. "So, Africa? That must have been an adventure."

  Beth shrugged and started to bounce a little. "It didn't seem like it at the time. It was just my life." She could feel the boy settling against her and it wouldn't be long before he'd be asleep. "It wasn't until we moved back to the states that I felt like I was on an adventure. My first day of high school in the states was scarier than wading into croc infested waters."

  "I'll give you that," Holly said with a laugh. "What high school did you go to?"

  "I went to school in St. Louis," Beth said, knowing that Holly probably wouldn't know the small public school she'd attended.

  "Sophia is your sister, right? Kitty said she attended Lake Forest Academy."

  "Sophia is six years younger than me. I only had two more years of high school when my parents divorced. When my mom moved back to Chicago, I decided to stay in St. Louis with Dad. Sophia went with Mom."

  "How awful," Holly said. A pained expression crossed her face, as if the thought alone hurt. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by that. It's just, I can't imagine how hard that was for you to have your family separated like that."

  Beth really didn't want to get into her parents' divorce. It wasn't pretty. Especially since she'd taken sides. Even after fourteen years, her mom still felt betrayed.

  "It was better for me that way. I was on my way to early admission to Washington University. Moving to a new school would have complicated things. It was my choice," she said, hoping this answer would stop further questions. "On the other hand, LFA was good for Sophia. She really blossomed there."

  "I don't think I could stand being separated from either of my brothers like that. They may be a pain in my ass, but we've always been tight. Matt and I especially. We used to be really close until the twins came along. The nanny only has the kids while Mike and I are working. I hardly have time for myself, let alone my brothers. I hate to admit it, but they have totally taken over my life." Holly let out a sigh and smiled. Shaking her head, she looked back at Beth and narrowed her eyes. "Even though we don't talk every week like we use to, I was shocked that Matt mentioned you."

  So they'd finally come around to what was really on Holly's mind. She had thought maybe Holly had been too focused on caring for the twins during lunch to care about Beth's arrival, but now she'd guess that Holly had just been waiting to reserve judgment until she had more information. Beth was rocking back and forth, stroking Stephen's back, buying more time to form the best response.

  "Matt and I met a while ago. But it's not like our relationship is serious enough to warrant a meet and greet with the family," she started. "When I'm in town, we try to see each other. But I'm gone so often, I never count on him being available when I'm back. We've kept things casual. There's nothing more to it than that." She did a little bounce on her toes and patted the now sleeping boy gently. "You obviously have your hands full, and I'm sure Matt didn't think what we had was worth mentioning."

  "Fair enough," Holly said, on a sigh. Beth couldn't tell if it was from exhaustion or disbelief. Either way, Holly rose from the chair and came over to collect her son. "I should get back."

  They did a transfer, looping the fabric of the blanket over Holly's head. After adjusting Stephen in the sling, she stared at Beth intensely for a few beats.

  "I like you, Beth, but I'm worried you're going to hurt my brother. Matt isn't like the rest of the family. He's not rash and he doesn't just jump into things. If he invited you on this trip, even if he knew you couldn't come, that means something. I know it, and so does everyone else in the family. He's never introduced a woman as his girlfriend to us. Never."

  Beth was taken aback by her proclamation. God, she was going to kill Matt. It was one thing to pretend to have a fake girlfriend, but to be the only woman he'd ever brought home to meet the family was too much. No wonder he was nervous and kept changing his mind. He knew exactly what they'd think once he introduced her.

  What had he been thinking? This house of cards they'd built was going to come tumbling down around them. She just hoped no one got hurt when it collapsed.

  Matt was restless all evening. He had tried to do some work. He'd even tried to lose himself in one of his favorite computer games, but he couldn't concentrate.

  He couldn't stop thinking about Beth. It wasn't any of his business. She had gone out of her way to help him. But he was desperate to know what she had planned for tonight. He'd almost called her stateroom half a dozen times. And, of course, there was the key. There was nothing stopping him from going down to see her. Nothing, except for the fact she hadn't invited him.

  By the time ten rolled around, Matt decided to call it a night. But just as he was shutting down his computer, there was a pounding on his stateroom door. For just a second, he thought it might be Beth, until he heard Jason's voice bellow from behind the door.

  "Open up, God dammit."

  Matt pulled open the door and frowned at his brother. "I don't care what you have planned, I'm not going. I'm tired and not in the mood to hang out."

  "Well tough shit," Jason said, pushing past him. "I'm your bunk mate for the night, and it's your fucking fault. I hope Beth wasn't planning any late night visits. And if she is, you two need to go to her cabin."

  "What's going on?" Matt asked as he watched his brother yank a pillow off the bed and flop onto the sofa. Then, without acknowledging him, Jason yanked off his shirt and started to take his shoes off. "Why does it look like you're getting ready to sleep on my sofa?"

  "Because that's what's happening," Jason said, as if that explained everything. He picked up the phone beside the sofa and looked up. "I'm calling down for some beers. You need anything?"

  "Jason, why are you sleeping on my couch? And what do you mean it's my fault?"

  "Bridget's pissed about this Beth thing and Kitty has been fanning the flames all night." Jason slid a hand through his hair and started to rub the back of his neck. "Bridget is convinced that I knew all about Beth and was just keeping it fr
om her. You know how she gets."

  Matt knew alright. Bridget was high strung at the best of times, but since taking on a major role in planning the reception with Holly, she'd taken her crazy to a whole new level. The woman got on his last nerve. What Jason saw in her, he'd never know.

  "But that still doesn't explain why you're here."

  "You know how it is. Bridget is having a meltdown and Kitty is there to placate her. Whether it's helping her calm down or helping her stay pissed, I don't really know. I'm just staying out of their way. Hence the impromptu slumber party." He waved the phone, still clutched in his hand. "So, do you want me to order you a couple beers too?"

  Why the hell not? It wasn't as if he had any plans. "Sure. It wouldn't be a real Carver party without some booze."

  After the beers arrived and Matt had put away his work, they sat talking, like they had when they were younger. They talked about work, sports, and family in that order. But when the conversation came around to women, the discussion turned serious.

  "I like Beth for you," his brother announced after his fourth beer. "When you were with her at lunch, you seemed like a different person."

  Matt was only on his second beer, but even so, he didn't think that Jason was so far into his cup that he'd start getting philosophical. "Different? What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Different! You were there today." Jason waved his hands through the air as if the gesture explained it all. "Man, you never seem like you're there with us anymore. I know Mom dotes on me because I'm the baby. Holly is always front and center, getting into everyone's business. You? You get lost. Everyone is always making decisions for you. I'm worried about you."

  Matt couldn't help but laugh. "You're worried about me? Have you met the woman you're married to? I'd bet you haven't made a decision since you started dating her."

  "The difference is, Bridget was my choice. I picked her knowing what I was getting. You, on the other hand, melt into the background, and I don't think it's by choice. But this afternoon with Beth, you were there. It was nice to have my brother back."

  Matt wasn't sure what to say to that. There was a long silence as Matt examined the labels on his beer, as though the answers to life were written there. Jason finally broke the uncomfortable silence.

  "Man, I feel like we just shot a Midol commercial. So, what do you think of the Cubs bullpen this year?"

  Whatever moment they'd shared was gone. But Matt was left with something to chew on. Matt did get lost in the family. He felt it all the time, but was today any different? Was it Beth or just the rest of the Carvers trying to make a good impression? It was just one more thing to add to the growing list of things about Beth he'd have to examine in more detail.

  Chapter 6

  Modern Girl Tip #2: Stand Out—Want to catch his eye? Make sure you stand out from the crowd. This is the time to dress to impress. Get your hair done, put on your sexiest outfit, and shine. When you look good, you feel good. And confidence is incredibly sexy.

  Matt and Jason woke up at ass-o'clock and disembarked. They were off to hunt down the guitarist that had bailed on the party. Luckily, it didn't take long, seeing as the guy listed his home address on his website. His roommates weren't at all surprised that they were banging on the door first thing in the morning. It turned out that blowing off a gig so he could go sailing and drink beer was a common occurrence for this douchebag guitarist.

  Matt wished he could have found another musician to cover for Jason, but this late in the game, the guitarist was their only option. So, they spent the morning chasing the guy down.

  "Thanks for helping me out," Jason said with a sigh when he slid into the taxi.

  "Not a problem. You know I've always got your back."

  "I'm just glad we were able to fix it. Maybe now Bridget will let me back into the room," he joked.

  As the middle child, Matt took on the role of the problem solver and mediator. As much as Holly tried to enforce the rules, Jason always sought to break the rules. Matt just tried to keep the peace between the two. He was used to helping Jason out of one bind or another. And on the scale of Jason problems, this one was an easy fix. Some monetary persuasion and an open bar was all it took to get the guitarist back on board.

  Matt directed the driver to the resort where the reception was being held and relaxed beside Jason. Bridget was something else. Matt didn't understand what his brother saw in the woman. "Not that it's any of my business, but Bridget kicking you out of the room for something as small as this doesn't bode well for your married life."

  "What can I say? She's hot blooded." Jason paused for a minute, waiting on Matt to catch his meaning and then repeated. "By that I mean, she's hot blooded. Trust me, all her trouble is worth it, dude."

  Matt wasn't convinced. He couldn't imagine putting up with anyone who treated him like that, no matter how great they were in bed. Bridget was exactly the type of woman Matt tried to avoid. She was all about appearances, and Jason never cared what people thought of him. From the outside, their marriage looked like a ticking time bomb.

  But then again, what the fuck did he know? He'd been sure that Holly's marriage to Mike wouldn't last. His sister was type A on steroids. Mike, on the other hand was entirely too laid back. Nothing fazed the man. Matt would have bet good money that they wouldn't have lasted a year. He was sure that Holly would have either driven him away or she would have left him by now. But they were well into their fourth year of marriage and seemed happy as ever.

  Maybe the old adage that opposites attract really did have some truth to it. He thought about Beth. She was definitely his opposite, and he couldn't deny his attraction. But was that all physical? Could it develop into something else?

  Fuck, he didn't know. One second the air around them sizzled and he could no more keep his hands off her than fail to take another breath. And then the next she was distant.

  Her invitation the other night couldn't have been clearer. But that was dangerous territory. Matt should keep his hands, and other parts of his anatomy, to himself. Their situation was already complicated and it would be easy to confuse their public ruse for something more. The safest option would be to keep it platonic.

  But Matt was kidding himself. If Beth made the offer again, he'd take her up on it. He spent the next few hours getting everything ready for the party and greeting guests, all the while thinking about her. As the morning dissolved into afternoon, he'd convinced himself that a no strings affair with Beth might be exactly what he needed to make this trip tolerable.

  But as the hours grew late, Matt began to worry Beth wouldn't show. Almost everyone had already arrived and lunch was about ready to start.

  He should have escorted her to the reception. After the wardrobe crisis yesterday, Matt could almost see her standing in her room, clad only in bra and panties, sifting through clothes.

  When he was about ready to say fuck it and head back to the ship, Beth walked through the door. He was in the back of the room, but he didn't miss her entrance. Hell, he wasn't sure how anyone could have missed her entrance. There was no doubt Beth was a beautiful woman, but the way she looked waking into the ballroom, Matt finally understood the term breathtaking.

  Beth was wearing a floor length strapless dress that seemed to be an extension of her body. The soft, sea blue material seemed to float effortlessly around her frame and clung to her every curve as if it was crafted to caress her body. And to top it off, her black hair was curled and pinned up in a calculated carelessness. Soft ringlets framed her face and Beth looked as though she might have just left a lover's bed and had to hurry to get ready.

  Altogether she looked enchanting, like the sirens of legend. She had him enthralled and he wanted to go to her. And like so many sailors before him, he'd risk death on the rocks if necessary to be near her.

  Matt watched as she greeted his mother and took her seat in the back of the room. Unfortunately, since her addition was last minute (as Bridget reminded him half a dozen times) there wasn
't room at the family's table for her. So other than a brief and stilted greeting before lunch was served, they didn't have the opportunity to talk.

  The seating arrangement caused its own problems. Matt was forced to watch as she entertained her small table all through lunch. And much to his irritation, he couldn't miss the fact that Bridget had put her at a table that seemed to be made up entirely of single men.

  After they finished eating and an unnecessarily long video was played documenting his parents' marriage, his mother and father made their way to the dance floor to recreate their first dance.

  After the last bars of the song played, Matt was finally free to go to her. But before he made it to the table, Hector, a new VP from his father's company was escorting Beth to the dance floor. He watched as they started dancing and couldn't help but notice how Hector's hands kept wandering to her ass. Every time his hand lowered, she'd reach down and gently re-adjust their position without breaking stride or losing that brilliant smile.

  "Fuck," Matt breathed and snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. He wanted to go out on the dance floor and break in, and that surprised him. Matt wasn't the alpha, possessive type, but as he watched them glide across the dance floor, Matt held a new appreciation for that approach.

  "She's a very pretty girl," his mom said, coming up beside him.

  "Hmmm." Matt tore his gaze away from the Beth and that asshole, and looked over to his mom. "I'm sorry, what?"

  "Beth. She's a very pretty young lady." She nodded her head back to the dance floor. "And special. I like her. "

  "You say that like I've never escorted a beautiful woman to a party."

  His mother sighed and looked up at him. "Dear, if you can't tell the difference between a woman who looks pretty and one who is pretty inside and out, then I've failed. Beth's not just a pretty face. She's a kind and caring woman. That makes her special."

  Glancing back to the dance floor he noticed that Hector was gone, but now Beth was dancing with some other guy from the table. Back at the table he noticed there were at least two other guys eying the dancing couple. He needed to pay closer attention.