Modern Girl's Guide To Vacation Flings

by DRAYER, GINA

  "It's fine." And it really was, now that Beth understood what was going on. Hell, she could relate. More often than not, she was the only woman at many of the sites. It hadn't been the words that shocked her, more that she wasn't sure the appropriate social response. "Trust me I get it. While I don't have the brothers, working in the field is a lot like being on the Lord of the Flies Island. With the number of dirty jokes and sex stories I've heard over camp fires, I could be an editor at Playboy. I'm just not use to women being so… open. It's nice. Besides that, I have no idea who made my dress. My sister picked it out. I know fuck all about fashion."

  Holly laughed at that, and Beth started to relax. She liked Holly. On the surface they seemed like complete opposites. Holly was a corporate, business suit and briefcase type of woman, while Beth spent her days laboring in the mud, working in places that didn't have running water. But they were actually a lot alike. Especially when it came to proving that being a woman didn't make you less of a person.

  And just like that, she forgot all about her current troubles and spent the next hour exchanging war stories with Holly. It felt good. Beth went back to just being herself, not the fake girlfriend or the impassioned lover. Holly talked to her like they were old friends.

  "You can't be serious," Beth said, totally shocked after one of Holly's outrageous stories.

  "Yep. When we decided to move the corporate offices, we found the box in the bathroom. Ten butt plugs. No one at the company said a word, but I did hear a rumor that the former CEO had some kinky sex thing with his secretary. I don't think it ended well. His wife divorced him and took half of his assets. It explains why he sold without much of a fight and moved to Florida. I'm just glad he left before the buyout was final and I didn't have to see that kinky bastard when we found the box. It's not so much the idea; as it was the quantity. Really, why would you need that many butt plugs?"

  "Well you never know. I was asked something similar by a TSA agent who was convinced I was a prostitute. They searched my bags and found the Costco size box of a hundred condoms I was bringing to Haiti."

  "A hundred condoms? So, why DID you have that many condoms?" Holly asked.

  "I always bring a supply when I start a project. They were for my crew," Beth tried to explain. "The projects I manage are hard work and filled with stress. When we're on site, our work day can run as long as fourteen to sixteen hours a day. Most of these kids aren't prepared to deal with the isolation from technology or the lack of modern entertainment options. Sex is bound to happen. I'm not these kids' mother. I won't tell them not to screw everything with skirt, but I'm really insistent they stay safe. Before every project, I sit my crew down, have the safe sex talk, and pass out condoms. There's no use pretending it's not going to happen and I don't need to delay a project because half the team has gonorrhea."

  "You're different than I expected," Holly said out of the blue. "You're not at all the type of woman I would have picked for my brother."

  Beth's insecurities came flooding back and she couldn't help but feel judged. They may have just spent the last hour talking candidly about sex and commiserating about holding on to a relationship when you have a demanding job, but Holly was still Matt's sister. Beth could only imagine how her opinion had changed over the last hour. There was no doubt that some of Beth's stories could have been featured in an Aid Workers Gone Wild video.

  "You know, all of that was before Matt was in the picture," she hurried to explain.

  "That's not what I meant. I'm not one to judge. Mike and I have our fair share of stories. When we first met…" She closed her eyes, as if remembering that day, and a warm blush spread across her cheeks. "It has nothing to do with you. My brother is a nice guy and—"

  "I get that I'm not the type of women you would have fixed him up with. But don't think for a second I don't know what a great guy he is," Beth said, not letting her finish. She could feel her hackles rise and wasn't about to let Holly tell her that she wasn't worthy. The moment of camaraderie they'd shared was over. She stood up and started to collect her thing. "He told me that his mother and Bridget have been trying to fix him up with Kitty. That might be the type of woman you all think is best for him. But you'd be wrong. I might not be perfect for him, but you have to know that she'd make him miserable. Matt's a grown man, and he has the right to make his own choices."

  "See. That's what I'm talking about," Holly said in all seriousness. "All I was trying to say is that I wouldn't have picked you out, because I didn't realize you're exactly the type of woman he needs. Matt is a nice guy, and women, especially women in our social circles, take advantage of that. Mom thinks he needs a woman who can help him navigate society. I always thought he needed a girlfriend more like him, quiet and introspective." She stood up too and grabbed her hat. "I think we were both wrong. Please, you stay here. I'm going to follow Matt's other suggestion and find my husband for some alone time. And Beth," she said grabbing Beth's arm, "I am glad you're here."

  Matt was losing it. His actions over the past few hours fell somewhere between peeping tom and stalker. He should have been willing to give Beth the space she'd obviously wanted. But instead of going back to his stateroom or even hunting down his brother and grabbing a beer, Matt found himself seated at the lounge that overlooked the pool watching her. It wasn't his intention to end up there. It just sort of happened.

  And so there he was, watching her from a distance, and trying like hell to figure out what was going on. Beth was an enigma. She was passionate and fearless. And during sex… Christ, she threw everything into it, but the second it was over, he could actually see her pull away from him. How she compartmentalized her emotions with such ease was a mystery to him. She seemed to be able to switch them off at will. It was jarring, and honestly, he getting tired of the rejection.

  Holly had been right. All Beth wanted was a fuck buddy. And when they started this, he wanted the same thing. A no strings, vacation hook-up with a sexy as fuck woman. He'd have to be dead not to want a piece of that.

  But now? Now, he wasn't sure if that was enough.

  It wasn't just the way she melted in his arms every time he touched her. He kept catching flashes of vulnerability behind the walls she erected. That fragile side that made him want to hold on tighter, despite all his misgivings. It showed up in all kinds of ways. Her vulnerability on the plane. The sweet way she stepped in to help strangers without question. The way she'd spent hours playing with a young boy at the pool, so his mother could have a break. She had depth, and Matt couldn't help but get sucked in.

  When she'd shut down after the shower, he thought it was best to let her go. She could retreat for now. After all, she wasn't the only one who needed the distance. He needed to get his head on straight and stop thinking with his dick. He needed to figure out if sex alone was the only thing he wanted from her.

  But instead of thinking, he was watching her chat with his sister. Beth had pulled out her special brand of charm and won over his normally guarded sister. Holly didn't hang out with other woman. As far as he knew, she didn't even have female friend. But there she was chatting up Beth as if they were sorority sisters.

  Fuck, if Holly decided to get involved with his "relationship," he was trouble. His mom liking Beth was one thing, but with Holly on Team Beth, he'd never hear the end of it when he told his family they broke up after the cruise.

  "Is that Holly with your girlfriend?" Jason asked as he approached the little cafe table. "Shit, is she laughing? I'm pretty sure that's one of the signs of the apocalypse."

  "They've been talking like that for over an hour," Matt said, not looking away from the scene.

  "And Beth isn't crying? No bloodshed? That's amazing. Bridget only agreed to marry me if I promised never to leave her alone with Holly."

  Jason ordered a beer and made himself at home. So much for stalking Beth unnoticed.

  "Speaking of marriage, Mom asked the captain if he could perform weddings at sea in case you and Beth wanted to get hitch
ed."

  Matt choked on his water. It was a few seconds before he stopped coughing long enough to question his brother. "You've got to be fucking joking? She didn't say anything to Beth did she?"

  "Relax. She wasn't serious. At least, I don't think so." He sat back and took a few swigs of his beer, watching the women below. "So, what's up with you two?"

  "What do you mean, what's up?" Matt wasn't in the mood to have this conversation with Jason. Especially since he still hadn't figured out what to do about her. "She's my girlfriend. I thought that was clear by now."

  "Trust me, it's clear. You know my room is right next to yours and the walls aren't that thick. Beth's a bit of a screamer and she really likes it when you—"

  "Enough!" Matt shouted. A few people turned their direction, and Matt looked down to make sure Beth hadn't heard him. She was standing now, looking down at Holly. Her posture was rigid and the smile from earlier was gone. "Why the fuck can't you guys just leave well enough alone? If I wanted relationship advice, you and Holly would be the last people I'd turn to."

  He left without waiting for Jason to respond. If he said another word, things would get ugly. And right now, he needed to deal with his sister. Matt had this really bad feeling Holly had turned on Beth. She might not appreciate his interference, but knowing his sister, Beth probably needed it.

  He loved Holly, but he wouldn't wish her wrath on his worst enemy. And even if she hadn't insulted Beth, the last thing Matt needed was Holly's brand of help. God save him from his family.

  But by the time he reached the pool, they were both gone.

  Chapter 13

  Modern Girl Tip #16: It's Still a Relationship—Every relationship, even a short one, will be sprinkled with moments that are perfect, a lot that are okay, and a few that might even be bad. THAT'S LIFE. Don't toss in the towel the second things get complicated. Stop and reevaluate the situation. Is it time to move on or just shake things up?

  By the time he made it back down to his cabin, Beth had left a message with instructions for him to meet her back on deck at the main pool for their date. Her message was cryptic, but it's not like there were a lot of options on the boat. He figured they would hit the casual dining restaurant since she seemed dead set against going to Sonnas, as if stepping foot in romantic adults only restaurant would cause her to spontaneously combust.

  After milling around his cabin, trying, and failing, to get some work done, the time for dinner had finally arrived. As per his instructions, he dressed in casual clothes and headed to the deck.

  But what she had planned wasn't anything like he'd imagined. Out of all the scenarios he'd come up with, finding Beth sitting at a large double lounge chair, with pizza and a bucket of beer, hadn't even make the list.

  "Hope you don't mind," she said, waving to the spread. "They show movie on the deck at dusk, and it's so nice out, I thought we could eat right here."

  She looked unsure, as if he would walk away disgusted at her efforts. In truth, he loved the idea. Most of the other guests were down in the main dining rooms or watching whatever show the cruise was putting on in the main theater. They practically had the place to themselves.

  "I don't know. I reserve my judgment until I see the pizza. You know how we Chicagoans are about our pizza," he said, grabbing a beer and taking a seat next to her on the deck chair.

  When she saw he was okay with her choice, Beth visibly relaxed. "Well, it was the best I could do thousands of miles away from the Windy City. You should be happy to get pizza at all. I can't tell you how many times I fantasized about Chicago style pizza while I was in Brazil. When I come home from any project, I revert back to a college kid, eating nothing but pizza and drinking beer. It's kind of my thing. I made the mistake of ordering a slice on one of my trips to Rio. They actually used ketchup instead of pizza sauce."

  "Ketchup? Really?"

  "Well, not everywhere. Most places didn't even use sauce. And don't even get me started on the toppings. It should be a crime to put mashed potatoes on a pizza."

  Matt clutched his chest in mock horror. "And the pizza gods didn't strike them down?" He lifted the lid to the box and saw a fairly sub-par pizza, but at least it had real sauce and no root vegetables. "After hearing about that, I guess I can survive cruise ship pizza."

  He grabbed a slice and settled beside Beth. Even though he would have preferred a real date where they could sit across the table and talk, Matt was enjoying the feel of her pressed beside him as they waited for the staff to start the movie.

  "So what are they showing?" he asked.

  "Always a Bridesmaid. It a Romantic Comedy that came out last year."

  Beth took a big bite of pizza, and closed her eyes, savoring the flavor. She had a bit of sauce coating her lips and Matt had to fight the urge to bend over and lick it off. Who knew watching a woman eat would be so erotic?

  "You haven't seen it, have you?" she asked, breaking the spell.

  "Uhm, no. I haven't seen it." At least he didn't think he'd seen it. He'd been so wrapped up in watching her eat that damn pizza, Matt couldn't even remember what she'd said the name of the movie was. He wasn't a big chick flick fan, so it was a safe bet.

  "Good," she said and leaned back into the lounge chair, stretching her long tan legs out in front of her. "I don't get many opportunities to see movies because of my work. My sister tried to get me to see it last Christmas, but something came up and we never had the chance. She's been bugging me to see it. She has this vision that her wedding is going to be just like the one in this movie. Evidently, the bride is breathtaking and everyone has a good time. Whatever."

  "You don't sound very excited about the wedding. Actually, I'm surprised you're on vacation with your sister's wedding less than a month away. I thought you were close."

  Beth looked away and started picking at her pizza. "We are, or we were. A wedding should be about the bride. If I was there, too much focus would be on me. I didn't want that for her. And I didn't want that for me either."

  He was sure there was a story behind her statement and he wanted to ask, but he was distracted when she took off her shoes and stretched out beside him. He took a moment to admire the long lines and the toned flesh laid out before him.

  She'd changed out of the barely there bathing suit, that was sure to play a starring role in his wet dreams, into shorts and a tank top. She could have been wearing a burlap sack and he'd still be enamored. And maybe that was it. While he didn't know Sophia, he could imagine Beth being the center of attention anywhere she went.

  He hadn't realized they'd fallen into an unnatural silence while he'd imagined her at the wedding with her hair piled high, imagined her pretty gown on the floor of his apartment, imagined laying her out on his bed, until Beth finally spoke, breaking his concentration.

  "Beer, pizza, and a bad popular movie; it's almost like we're on a date."

  Realizing he'd just been caught leering at her, Matt stretched out beside her. "All we need is some inappropriate staring and awkward pauses in our conversation and we'd be all set."

  This was what he wanted, but calling it a date changed things. Suddenly, all easy banter and companionable silences they'd enjoyed were awkward and uncomfortable. Luckily, the movie started seconds later, eliminated the need for small talk.

  After the opening sequence, Beth started in on her commentary. Normally, he hated it when people talked through a movie, but she was by far more entertaining than the movie.

  "Come on. If she's best friends with the bride, how come she's never met the groom's brother? She's known the groom for three years? The brother lives in the same town, they go to the same gym, and somehow they've never met? Only in the movies would two people with lives so parallel just happen to meet at the wedding rehearsal."

  She sat there shaking her head and even guffawing at quippy dialog. It was really hilarious.

  "Give me a break," she growled at the screen. "Who even talks like that?"

  The female lead, some perky blonde H
ollywood starlet whom he should have known, was waxing on to her friend about the way the hunky lead made her feel. "What? I thought women shared that kind of stuff all the time."

  "Sure, about a longtime boyfriend or even a guy you've been dating. But one stolen kiss and suddenly she's madly in love?"

  Love? Maybe not, but he had to admit that after she'd kissed him shyly on the plane, he was intrigued. And then after she'd surprised him with that full on kiss in front of his brother, he was hooked. No, he wouldn't call it love, but Matt could definitely empathize with the whiny heroine. He was hopelessly addicted to Beth's lips.

  Deciding it best not to share his opinion on the matter, Matt sat and listened as Beth lambasted love at first sight for the next few minutes. But that wasn't her only complaint.

  In the movie the heroine woke the next morning, after a night of passionate lovemaking, and looked runway ready with hair and makeup done. Beth started in on another rant about unachievable beauty standards.

  He wanted to argue that even though the blonde was beautiful, he much preferred Beth's sweaty, sex mussed look to the Hollywood perfection. He imagined she'd look stunning the morning after. Maybe tonight would be the night she'd stay, and he could find out first hand.

  "And look at the apartment. Why does everyone live in upscale apartments that are never dirty? And they all look as if they were furnished and styled for a Better Homes and Garden spread."

  "His apartment isn't so different from mine."

  "You'd hate my place. Not only is it small, I have boxes piled everywhere." Fingering her necklace, she smiled. "I can't resist bringing back trinkets from the places I travel. Even though I'm not home much, I've thought about getting a bigger place just so I can display some of my stuff. I'll have to show you this fantastic macaw sculpture I got from a street vendor. It's almost the same shade as your eyes."