by Anthology
“How do I smell now, asshole?” C’mon, say it…mercy!” I shouted, laughing.
“Mercy, you nasty fucker!” He managed to yell loud enough for me and everyone else to hear. I let him up, his brown hair stuck out in every direction. He started backing away, and pointed a finger in my direction. “Don’t forget, payback’s a bitch!” He wiped his face with the back of his hand. “You just wait. You gotta sleep sometime.”
I smirked. “Yeah, and so do you.” I flipped him off and went to shower.
Tank top, board shorts, and fedora. Shaved, showered, and ready to go.
“Alright, let’s go, bitches!” I called out, keys in hand. “Spring break awaits!”
“Oh damn, woman!” Layla stomped her gladiator sandal. “Of course, you look like a wet dream, you don’t even have to try.”
“Stop. I’m seriously rethinking that dress, girl. You look like a goddess! Surely someone’s going to get arrested with you looking like that.” I praised my friend. “That color is perfect on you, too.” I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, “Where to?”
Layla grabbed the car keys and tucked them into her clutch. “The Fitzgerald, duh.”
“But I thought—” I started to interrupt. Layla placed a finger over my lips. “Shhh. Just go with it.” She whispered. “Ew, your lips are dry.” She dipped back into her bag, “Here, use some of this since you refuse lipstick unlike the rest of the girl world.”
I took her Chapstick and smoothed it over my lips. “Thanks.”
“There’s a concert at the hotel this afternoon. I heard about it on the radio as I was getting ready, thought we’d check it out.” She turned and headed for the door. So much for a low-key day.
“Welcome to the Fitzgerald, ladies.” The valet opened the door and greeted us under the large awning of the hotel. “Are you checking in?”
“Oh, no. We’re just here for the day.” I slipped him a five-dollar bill and a smile as his hand guided me out of the car.
“Of course, miss. Enjoy your time.” He took the keys and hopped into the driver’s seat. Layla wrapped her arm around mine as we headed into the lobby.
“I love this place.” Layla sighed. Rustic lake-lodge décor with tumbled marble floors, wood ceilings and beams, and a huge stone fireplace anchored one side of the lobby, while other side opened into a lounge already filled with people getting their drink on. The massive staircase led us down to the main lawns and the lake, where the concert was being held. We meandered around for a moment, taking in the splendor of the Fitzgerald. It really was a gorgeous place—reminiscent of that hotel in Dirty Dancing. A modern-day Kellermans.
“Me too.” I replied. “Let’s go downstairs to check out what’s going on outside. You got me out, so let’s go out.”
The air had warmed substantially, the sun high over the water which shimmered and glittered, inviting guests to take a refreshing dip before the festivities really started. My dress was welcomed attire, and Layla was right. I looked hot.
I turned my face skyward and closed my eyes. A deep breath of fresh Georgia air laced with barbeque smoke and sunscreen. It was perfect.
We took the path toward Abby’s, the café on the water to grab something fruity to drink while we scoped out where we would sit for the concert. Layla had remembered to bring a blanket, it was neatly rolled in my bag though, since she liked to carry pillboxes for purses.
People were already milling about, close to the pavilion the stage was set up under. There were tables scattered around the lawn with reserved signs and a few rows of chairs for guests of the hotel.
“Let’s put our blanket down now to save a spot.” Layla grabbed the throw from my bag and headed toward the lawn area where other blankets laid out like patchwork quilts painted into the grass. Instead of following, I took out my phone and waited for her to set up shop and snapped a picture to mark our place. I then turned the camera and checked my hair and makeup.
Makeup was fine. My hair was an entirely different story. The Georgia humidity has claimed another victim. I did my best to smooth wayward tresses when a familiar face whispered past the screen of my front camera.
I turned around, thinking my mind was playing tricks when I heard his voice.
Charleston Reed was standing about five feet away with a group of guys wearing various Greek Insignia and our school colors. I looked around to see if I recognized anyone else amongst them.
“Who are you looking for?” Layla questioned from behind.
I flinched and swore under my breath, my eyes huge with the guilt of being caught. I took a quick breath, fixed my expression and stated coolly, “I think they might go to school with us.” I pointed over my shoulder, trying to avoid further probing from my best friend. No such luck.
Layla grabbed my shoulders and popped onto her toes. She looked like a demented ballerina the way she bobbled around me to catch a glimpse of who I was talking about. I almost laughed until she nearly yanked me over, causing us both to stumble a little.
“Ooh.” She whistled as she righted her footing and let me go. “UNC colors and Frat guys. We may have hit the jackpot.”
“No. We didn’t.” I rolled my eyes. “I know them.”
Layla leaned around me again to get another peek. Her raven hair cascaded over her shoulder, grazing the ground as her eyes widened with curiosity.
“What do you mean, you know them?” She squinted her eyes against the sun as she tried to identify the group of guys behind us. I, on the other hand, hoped the ground would swallow me whole to avoid bumping into a cheating ex-boyfriend I just knew would be with them.
I started to walk away, confrontation was not my thing.
“Wait!” Layla yelled after me, turning on her heel and rushing to catch up. “What. Is. Your. Deal?” Her dress swished around us as she stopped in front of me.
I sighed. “I don’t know-know them, per say…” I bit the corner of my lip, bouncing on my hip. I knew the next words out of my mouth were going to piss her off but the look on her face said she was already well on her way to that state. “They’re in the same fraternity as Tony. I didn’t…”
Layla held up her hand to stop me. “Don’t even say it, Sav.” She shook her head, “Don’t even tell me that asshat is here because I’ll lose my shit.”
My shoulders slumped, “No. I didn’t see him. Just his friend, Charleston—Charlie.” I corrected. That earned me her signature eyebrow quirk.
“Charlie, huh?” Layla’s position mirrored mine before she popped onto her toes to sneak another peek. A smirk followed her assessment, that glint back in her eyes. “Which one is he?”
“Oh no! Don’t even think about it, Lay.” I pulled her away from the group of guys who were no doubt staring in our direction by now. “I’m not bouncing back with one of Tony’s friends.” My head shook with absolution. “There are plenty of other guys,” I pointed behind me, “just not them.”
“Oh yes, this is so happening!” Layla denied me with a quick jerk of her hand and a flirty giggle. “What better way to get over one guy than to get under another one, right? Especially someone that cheating dickface knows!” With that, she marched straight into the center of cheesy catcalls and sloppy high-fives, the whisper of her dress as it flowed behind her promised sin and seduction.
I fidgeted with my necklace as I watched her smile and laugh, unsure if I could go through with this. Oh, fuck it. It’s Spring Break and I’m single. Why the hell not?
I stood motionless as a very forward and flirtatious woman strong-armed her petite frame into the center of our group while we debated on where to catch the best view of the show.
“Hey guys, seems as though we might know each other.” She twirled a strand of dark hair around her finger and flicked her chin back toward her friend before pinning me with her light blue stare. “I’m Layla and that’s Savannah. Wanna sit with us for the concert?”
I closed my eyes and faced the heavens in silent thanks
, I had hit the spring break jackpot. My lips lifted into a half grin, “Well, that depends.”
Layla winked and tilted her head as her tongue slid across her teeth. “On what?”
I glanced over her shoulder to where Savannah stood. About five feet away, a dubious expression on her face like she was split between joining her friend or running the other direction.
I pointed. “On her.”
“Oh, that’s Savvy.” Layla chirped as she motioned for her friend to join us. The other guys smirked and signaled as Savannah’s eyes grew wide. I lifted a single hand in greeting and waited.
C’mon Savannah, let your hair down. I silently pled.
I saw the moment her mind was made up and I gave myself a mental high-five. Resolution in her eyes and her step made my heart flip with anticipation.
I was that much closer to making Savannah Porterdale forget all about her cheating ex-boyfriend.
“Hey,” Savannah murmured as she approached. Her eyes were downcast, and she tucked a strand of chocolate hair behind her ear, exposing the slight blush in her cheek. She was even more beautiful up close…and that dress. Holy shit. Red hot was an understatement.
“Sav,” Layla grabbed Savannah’s hand and pulled her into the center of our circle. She pointed to each guy and introduced them by name.
How the hell did she know all our names already?
When she got to me, I held out my hand in greeting. “Charlie.”
Her slender fingers grazed mine as our palms connected and she looked me square in the eye. “I know who you are.” Her tone was soured, it matched the crease in her brow and purse of her lips.
“Well, that saves us some time then.” I smirked, brushing off her aloof acknowledgement. She tilted her head and stepped closer. Her hand was still in mine as her scent surrounded me. Soft and clean, like rain. I inhaled slow and deep.
“Yes?” I raised an eyebrow in question.
Coffee-colored eyes drifted from my face down, assessing. The small smile that bloomed caused a tightening in my stomach, drifting lower as I waited for her gaze to return to mine.
“Where are you staying?” Savannah whispered, leaning further into my space. The lofty trepidation disappeared, replaced with a trembling seduction in her raspy voice.
I closed the remainder of the distance between us, testing her reaction. I wanted her; but with her recent break-up, I wasn’t trying to take advantage. I wasn’t that guy. She’d have to make the move, and God, I hoped she did.
I kept a smooth grip on her hand and bowed my head closer, my lips against her ear, “We’re staying right next door.” Her fingers tensed in my hold, her breathing stuttered, and I could’ve sworn she purred. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but the pure dumb luck of being here at the same time as Savannah was too good to be true and I had to take a chance.
I couldn’t place the sudden feeling of desire that pulsed through my body as Charlie whispered in my ear. It felt as foreign as my hand in his. Yet, the fluttering in my belly and his sandalwood scent begged for me to get closer. Everything around us seemed to disappear as multiple scenarios ran through my overactive mind.
I never gave Charleston Reed a thought because I was so wrapped up in Tony. But looking at him now, I couldn’t deny the mounting attraction between us. Crystal blue eyes, dark shaggy hair, and damn, his jawline, my fingers tingled with temptation to touch him.
A featherlight caress floated down my arm and his lips tilted into a lopsided grin. Dark lashes framed his smoldering observation of my features, and goosebumps peppered my flesh from his touch.
I steeled myself and bit my lip, “Then you should probably keep it down.” I hummed, “I heard the neighbors could be real assholes—complain about everything.”
“Is that right?”
I nodded, “Mmhmm,” as I watched his face for a reaction. I was rewarded with bright white teeth and a hand wrapped around my waist.
“I guess we’ll have to invite them over, then.” His voice was low and sexy, laced with dirty promises. “Interested?”
His palm felt warm on my back and the growing hardness against my front flushed my skin. A short exhale and a nod was all I could muster being so close. My body’s reaction to Charlie was unexpected but not unwelcomed. After all, this is what a rebound while on vacation was all about. And I was determined to make the most of it.
She melted against me, unaffected by my growing erection between us. Just like that, Savannah Porterdale was mine for the taking.
Best. Spring. Break. Ever.
Mitch and I followed the girls to their spot on the grass, the other guys off to chase some other hotties in bikinis as they sauntered by. Mitchell was completely enamored with Layla, so I knew he wasn’t leaving anytime soon. The mystery of who was next door to where the girls stayed was solved, saving the introductions and possible threats to call security, so we made plans to hang out over the next few days at the house, out of public eye. Savannah was more into low-key while Layla seemed keen to party no matter the time of day.
I would have no problem keeping Savannah company while Layla explored the mouths of every other guy staying in our house. She wasted no time getting to know Mitch.
A server stopped by and took our drink orders, fruity concoctions for the girls and beer for Mitch and me. I started to pull out my wallet, but Layla beat us all to it with a quick nod and four-digit number. “Charge it!” She sang, “And keep them coming!”
Vintage rock songs echoed through the trees, but it hardly registered. My mind was completely overrun with fantasy images of Savannah in nothing but a bikini…or less. I had to get a handle on my thoughts or there was no way I’d be able to get up. My board shorts were already suffocating.
Just when I didn’t think I could take one more second, Savannah leaned into me. Obviously tipsy, her breath sweet and hot against my neck. “Hey, wanna dance?”
I leaned back on my hands away from her to get a better look into glossy eyes and open smile.
“Yeah, but not here.” I affirmed. I stood and offered her my hand. “C’mon.”
She accepted, and I pulled her into my embrace. The semi I was sporting evident, but I couldn’t care less. I walked us closer to the tree line where other people were dancing and wrapped my arms around her. She turned her back to my front, so she could still see the show, but swayed her hips and laced her fingers with mine across her chest. Her head fell back onto my shoulder and I watched as her eyelashes touched her cheeks. Sultry notes drifted through the air, Savannah hummed along with the Beatles cover band. She was lost in the music and haze of sunshine and alcohol when I was simply lost in her.
The song ended too soon when the tempo shifted to something more upbeat, but I didn’t let go. I continued the unhurried pace of our sway, her ass ground into my dick with every movement. It was heaven and hell, but I would welcome whatever she was willing to give for as long as I could. This was her show, I was just along for the ride.
I let my hands glide down her body, our fingers still interlaced and felt the fabric of her lace panties through the silhouette of her dress. I dug into her hips and steadied her movement, a soft groan rolled past my lips, “You gotta stop, Sav.” I warned. The agony of her body so close to mine would be my undoing if she kept up.
“Mmmm, why?” She whimpered, “I like the way you feel.”
My head dropped back, my restraint waning. “That makes two of us, sweetheart.” I swallowed hard. “But I can’t take much more,” I confessed, “and there are too many people around for me to act on it. Besides, you’re beyond tipsy and I would never take advantage of you like that.”
I tried to stay chivalrous, but Savannah turned and nestled closer to my body. “What if I want you to take advantage of me?”
Fuck.
All I could think about was the man wrapped around me, his hard to my soft. The faint sandalwood scent of him mixed with the aromas of our surroundings. I wanted his lips on mine, his h
ands in my hair, and every doubt about leading him on erased from my mind. I wanted this to be the fling to end all flings with a guy I knew would make sure Tony knew I wasn’t wallowing over the loss of him.
Fuck Tony. Fuck the tramp—what did he call her—Tessa or whatever, that he cheated on me with. I was better than that. The man in front of me struggling to keep his composure was proof.
I giggled. I knew all I had to do was say the word and he’d be all over me. Hell, he was already hard. I could just reach— “Whoa, Sav. Not here, not like this.” Charlie halted my descent into his shorts, his voice strained. I glanced into his cloudless eyes and licked my lips.
“Why not? I know you want this, I can feel you.” I swiveled my hips against him and was rewarded with another groan. “Do you have a car here?” I let him pull my wrist between us, his other hand on the small of my back, fingers flexed and probing the lower part of my spine above my panty line.
He leaned into the crease of my neck and inhaled. I felt his chest expand and hold.
“Don’t think about it.” I murmured.
Rough exhale and warmth against my already feverish skin. “Yeah.” Came his response, before his lips pressed into the pulse point hammering in my throat.
Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the season…but in that moment, I was ready to start something new. Even if it was only for the week.
“I’m going to tell Layla we’re leaving. Meet me at valet.” I turned and sashayed away.
It took a second to register what was happening.
Dancing with the sexiest woman I’ve laid eyes on, her blatant proposition, the look in her eyes when I tried to stop her sensual assault, and rush of breath when I kissed her neck. The two beers I had since we got here did nothing to calm the nerves that surged my system as she walked away. Oh no, I was perfectly sober for this. And before we went further, I was making sure Savannah was, too.
