by Jen Greyson
He leaned forward and his fingers slowly encircled my knees. “That’s why you bowled us over. A beautiful, intelligent woman who actually could hold her own about cars? You were heaven-sent, baby.”
My heart pounded against my ribcage and my stomach shook like a top-fueler idling at the start line. Fireworks shot in every direction from his fingers up and down my legs. His chaste touch was nothing more than a way to get my attention, but it was doing things to me—crazy things.
“We—We’re not talking about me.”
He squeezed gently, then leaned back, sliding his fingers across my skin. A breeze tickled the spot, cooling his warm fingerprints. Wow. A thousand emotions rocketed to the surface like bubbles. Was I such a sucker that one compliment made me squishy and responsive? He’d said nice things on the fancy dinner night... I squirmed and ate an asparagus spear. That hadn’t been me though, he’d complimented someone else.
“We should be talking about you,” he whispered. His soft gaze caressed my lips like a kiss, then he tugged a wayward lock of hair, and smoothed my cheek. I wasn’t ready to tell him why I’d freaked out. This was nothing but a game.
One I couldn’t win.
“I worried about you last night. I came down to check on you a couple times, but chickened-out. I didn’t want to make it worse, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how bad I freaked you out.”
Oh crap, had he heard me crying? I wanted to evaporate into the sea mist. My voice cracked. “I thought you were at dinner with the girls.”
His dark eyes bore into mine. “I was.”
I swallowed. He’d actually left dinner to come check on me? “That can’t have gone over well.”
“It didn’t.”
What was he trying to tell me? Part of me was glad he hadn’t gone through with knocking, but that unsettled spot inside my heart wouldn’t have minded some comfort. My entire body was at war. I worked hard to keep people away so they couldn’t hurt me, and yet... I liked being around him.
I switched my legs to one side, then slumped lower in the chair until I could rest my head against the back. His shorts brushed the side of my thigh. I trembled, but forced myself not to move away. I wanted—needed—to figure out how to let people touch me.
And he seemed like a willing candidate.
We were practically prone and lying side-by-side. His arm lifted and extended over my legs. The tremble became a tremor, but I held still. He scanned my face. I’m sure my eyes looked humongous and fearful. He lowered his arm across my thighs and held them against his with just enough pressure to be comforting, but loose enough that I didn’t freak out.
My back relaxed and the breath I’d been holding seeped out.
Mateo sighed.
“We’re still just friends.” I needed him to know this didn’t change anything. though he had just changed everything. I’d never sat entwined with a guy while we chatted. There’d never been a reason to. Or a guy worth doing it with. My heart lurched. This was going to end badly.
His thumb brushed across my skin, making it hard to concentrate. “Just friends.”
My head didn’t believe him, but my heart did a weird swoony thing. I needed my head to get back in charge. I leaned over and stole another piece of asparagus. “Okay, so I get that you don’t have time to find someone, but why keep your money a secret. I’d think that would make it easier.”
He swayed his beer bottle back and forth. “It gets old. Girls know I can buy them anything, take them anywhere... They’re usually not shy about asking me for things.”
“You could say no.”
He chuckled. “Not worth it. I’ve tried that in the past and girls can be... mean.”
I laughed. “Yeah, very. Okay, so you don’t want anyone knowing who you are.” I squinted. “I’m assuming so they’ll fall for the real you. But you have to tell them eventually.”
The curved side lifted in a playful smirk. “You really think they’re going to mind?”
“Yes. You lied. That’s a big deal.”
He scowled. “I hadn’t thought of it like that.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re killing me.”
His thumb switched to small circles and I jumped. His arm held me softly until I relaxed again. “Okay, so I’m going to need your help on that one.”
I thumped my knee against his thigh playfully, surprising both of us. “You’re on your own.”
I jerked upright and lifted my plate with shaky fingers. My appetite waned and tears burned the back of my eyes. I’d pushed myself too far and felt frayed... unbalanced. “I need to go. Stuart wanted—“
Mateo sat up and cradled my jaw. I pulled back, but he held me. “Don’t retreat on me, Sangria. Stay.”
I didn’t think he was talking about in my chair, but I’d already retreated from where he’d drawn me out today. Like a turtle, my reflexes were genetically coded to hide deep inside my shell at the first hint of discomfort.
His thumb swished across my jaw and I didn’t have a reference for his gentleness. There was nothing in my history to compare it to.
I dropped my gaze and stared at his lips, noticing for the first time the puckered scar that ran down the middle and into his chin. A warmth pooled in my belly, solid, strong sure. I pulled from his grasp and he dropped his hands. “I have to go.” I took a step away and hesitated. I was scared, but I didn’t want to lose the tiny bit of friendship we’d gained today. “I’ll see you later?”
He nodded and his eyes were sad.
CHAPTER
THE BOAT BUMPED up against the pier, knocking my pen out of my hand. It slid across the desk and onto the floor. I seriously considered hiding under my desk until dark.
Stuart’s visit hadn’t helped. We talked about the tapes—which hadn’t revealed much more than what Mateo told me. Kat was aggressive, and pissed every time he left to check on me. Every time he’d excused himself my heart did a bizarre flip-flop. The camera followed his trek to my room, zoomed in on his turmoil as he raised his hand each time, then documented his retreat and heavy movements back to the table.
Rinnae and Mandy did their best to engage him¸ but his gaze darted to the stairs every few minutes, no matter who he talked to. Eventually they gave up and chatted with each other. Except for Kat. She pressed Mateo into conversation spanning every possible topic.
After watching the tapes, I wasn’t sure if that was what Stuart had wanted me to see. Nothing made sense. If it was, I didn’t see how that was anything new—she’d always been aggressive. Unless he was playing at something else.
Now he wanted me on shore with everyone for details about the upcoming Treasure Hunt. Why they couldn’t just record a bunch of girls and Mateo frolicking around a beach was beyond me. That’s what the viewers wanted anyway.
I took a deep breath and stood, bracing myself for the upcoming circus. They were going to ply us with more drinks on the beach while we learned details of what promised to be the world’s most bizarre event, then more chit chat, and finally some food. I took a final wistful look around, then went to my cramped room and scanned the closet.
I’d forgotten to ask Stuart about the dress code for tonight. Leaning closer, I noticed small tags on the hanger of each item. Some time since they’d delivered everything, the Three had labeled each piece. I scanned the labels and found today’s date and time. Stuart left nothing to chance.
No wonder Kat messing up his works.
I pulled a lime green pair of shorts and cream tank from the correct section and slipped them on. Leather sandals completed the ensemble and I let my hair down, then twisted it back up in a tight bun.
Knuckles wrapped against my door and I took one final glance in the mirror. It would just have to do.
I squeezed my eyes shut, hoped for some courage, and pulled the door open. Rinnae leaned against the frame, looking fit and glamorous and ready for whatever Stuart came up with. “Ready?”
Her grin seemed genuine, and I could use an ally for the next few hours. I s
miled back, infusing it with a confidence I didn’t feel. “Ready.”
Above deck, the bright sun warmed my skin and puffy wisps of clouds made a lazy tour of the sky. We’d docked in a postcard. Brilliant blue water stretched from the boat to white sand beaches, deserted except for our group beneath a bamboo-thatch bar. Trees lined the far edge of the beach, probably cordoned off on the other side with police tape and frothing crowds. Everyone knew we were taping here today, and I’d assumed we’d have the same public display.
I’d anticipated those for every venture onto land... Was Stuart changing the playbook? I stepped over the hull onto the steep dock. More likely Stuart was just giving the crowd time to amp up to nuclear.
A breeze glanced off the rolling waves, whipping strands loose from my bun. I shoved them back into place and caught bits of music and giggling from behind the trees. I cringed and steadied myself as a giant wave bumped the boat, making the dock wobble.
The last to disembark, I slowed and bought myself a few minutes. Rinnae raced ahead, kicking up sand. A jealous pinch twisted my belly. I wanted to be that girl—carefree, laughing, untainted.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. When had I gotten so confused about what I wanted for my life?
Kemmerie yelled my name and I looked up. Another wave hit the boat as I stepped off the dock.
My foot twisted in the sand, buckling my knee. Pain raced up my leg and my toes lit on fire. I rolled at the last minute and shoved my hand out to brace my fall. More pain shot up through my shoulder.
“Sangria!”
Stuart and a boat hand ran down the dock and I gripped my ankle, rolling back and forth on the warm sand. Grains shifted beneath my waistband but I didn’t care. Stuart knelt by my head. “Are you okay?”
I grimaced. He sounded almost genuine. I’m sure this was screwing up ratings.
“Sorry. No. It hurts.”
The other guy tried to help me stand, but I waved him off. “I’m fine.”
The medic raced over, bag in hand. He knelt beside me and gently probed my joints, from my knee to my ankle. I stiffened beneath his fingers, but relaxed as he asked me questions. He eased up and flashed a light in my eyes. “Doesn’t feel like you have a break. Probably just a bad strain.”
I grimaced.
“No signs of concussion.”
Stuart sighed heavily. “Does she need to go to the hospital?”
The medic dropped his flashlight back in his bag. “If it’s not broken there’s not much they can do. I can wrap it for her, and we can send someone into port for crutches.”
Mateo and the girls hurried over, standing over me. I looked away. He bent down and encircled my toes with his fingers. “Are you okay?”
Tears stung my eyes. I was not going to cry. Not in front of everyone. I sat up and pushed myself.
“Easy.” The medic put a hand on my forearm. I needed to get out of there before their concern smothered me.
Mateo leaned forward, scooped me up, and stood. “I got her.”
I squirmed. “Let me go. Put me down.” Not a trace of panic layered my voice. I avoided everyone’s stares and strained against Mateo’s grip.
“Where do you want her, doc?”
“This way.”
They ignored my protests. Stuart guided the girls back to the bar, saying something about Mateo coming right back. Kat glared and didn’t move until Mateo stepped back on the boat and rounded the corner to the medical station. I glanced back just in time to see Rinnae pull Kemmerie and Mandy aside.
Probably planning my demise. I groaned and buried my head against Mateo’s chest before I realized what I was doing.
He settled me onto the short bench inside a sterile and brightly lit room, one level below deck and aft. There were a million rooms on this boat that I hadn’t know about. Mateo held my hand while the medic wrapped my ankle.
I tried shaking him off twice, but finally gave up. “I’m fine. You don’t have to stay.”
The medic glanced up. “Yeah, I can carry her back out when we’re done.”
I stiffened. I hadn’t thought of that part. Mateo might push me and my carefully constructed barriers, but he was the only person I could handle touching me. And that was a stretch.
He squeezed my hand. “I’ll wait.”
I relaxed and a smile curved his lips. Before I could chastise him, the medic finished. “Stay off it for at least the next 24 hours. Elevate it as much as possible.” He winked at Mateo. “Lying prone will help.”
I rolled my eyes. “Thanks.”
Mateo picked me up and curled me against his chest. “Pain meds?”
“I’ll grab some from the pharmacy with a set of crutches. I have Advil?” I nodded and he shook out a few and handed me water. Mateo took my cup and threw it in the trash. “Thanks, doc.”
He picked me up and carried me topside. “Where to?”
I glanced out across the beautiful scenery. I didn’t want to be stuck in my room, but this was going to be so awkward. A breeze tickled my nose and I inhaled Mateo’s spicy scent. Today he smelled like coconuts and aftershave. I fidgeted.
“I’d like you to come hang out with us. If you think you can handle it.”
I frowned. “What do you think I am? A complete wimp? Take me to the beach.”
He grinned and bounded across the sand. Kat sat by herself, glowering on a stool while the other girls chatted and laughed. Rinnae saw us first and stiffened, then the entire conversation twittered to a halt.
Mateo set me on a chair beside Kemmerie. She smothered me in a huge hug. “Are you okay? I mean, of course you’re not, but we were so worried.” I grabbed onto the arms of the chair to keep from landing in her lap. Curls fluttered in my face and I tried not to sneeze. She let go and I patted her arm.
Mandy gave me a fruity looking something with an umbrella. “Figured you could use this.”
“Thanks.” I gripped it tightly and wished they’d back up a bit. I wasn’t sure if they were really that concerned, or if it was because Mateo was still hovering and they didn’t want to get too far from him.
“Alright, alright.” Stuart clapped Mateo on the shoulder. “Everybody grab a drink and let’s chat about what’s next for you lovebirds.”
Kat laughed at something the bartender said and slid off her stool. She worked her way around until she could press against Mateo. Surprise crossed his face, but he pulled a chair out for her and sat between us. Was he purposefully trying to paint a target on me? Bad enough Kat had it out for the contestants, I didn’t need her coming after me, too.
Everyone leaned forward toward Stuart, but I clamped my hands around the edge of the chair and held on. Stuart didn’t know how to do things simply or without a maximum advantage to ratings. Whatever he’d cooked up was going to be insane... and possibly life threatening.
Leon and another cameraman appeared from behind the bar. My eyes widened. Had they been there the entire time? If so, I’d be able to figure out what Rinnae and the girls had been cooking up when I reviewed the tapes later. I didn’t want them getting into trouble. Kat was an entirely different story. I couldn’t be rid of her fast enough.
Stuart cleared his throat and gave a thumbs up to Leon, who returned the signal. I assumed that meant we were rolling. “As you know, I’ve changed the plan a bit and we’re keeping you lovely ladies around for the duration.”
They giggled and twittered in their seats. I was surprised to see Mandy getting excited, but I guess if you’re trying to win a guy’s heart, you’d better play.
“The original plan included challenges and eliminations, but I’ve turned them on their heads, and now the winners of the challenges will earn extra time with Mateo.”
The girls turned simpering sighs to Mateo. Please someone kill me before I turn into that. I propped my foot on the table rung and inhaled as pain shot up my leg. That Advil needed to kick in before I passed out.
Mateo covered my hand and squeezed. “You okay?”
My gaze flew
to his, then the other girls. He picks now to check in, when they’re vying for his attention? Is he dense or playing hard to get? I tugged my hand away. “Fine.”
“Rewards range from individual dates to group dates for teams.”
“Teams?” Kat blurted.
Stuart clapped his hands together. “Yes. I thought this would be a great way for you to build your relationships.”
I’d chosen that moment to sip my drink. It caught in my throat and I coughed, spitting purple, icy clumps across my pants. Nice.
Rinnae laughed and I grabbed a napkin. By their sympathetic looks, they thought Stuart’s idea was awful too. Kemmerie raised her arm.
“Yes?.”
“When will we find out our teammates?”
“I can’t tell you that yet.” He paused for ridiculous suspense. The cameras kept me from rolling my eyes. “But I can tell you our first leg will start in the morning right here in Key West.”
Oh goody, wandering around an unfamiliar town with strangers.
“And what do we win?”
“Tomorrow’s winner earns a spot on Mateo’s boat when I split you up.”
They wiggled in their seats, eager to finally get him alone. Sometimes Stuart was pretty smart—offering up Mateo in private was serious bait.
Mateo thought so too. His distraught look made me want to laugh. I bit my lip to keep it contained.
Stuart gave Mateo the “wink and gun” then turned and headed to the bar. He ordered a beer then chatted with the cameramen while they filmed us. This was the first time I’d seen the actual guys. Until now, Stuart had relied on the hidden cameras. That seemed backward to me, why not put the cameras in their faces from the very beginning?
Mandy turned in her chair, angling an arm off the back. “How’s your leg?”
I scrunched my nose. “Hurts.”
She rubbed the side of my thigh. “Can I get you anything?”
I lifted my empty glass. “Maybe another one of these. Are we eating out here, or back on the ship?”
