Playing Pretend

by Juliana Haygert

  Sand kicked up nearby as someone raced after a soccer ball. I straightened my back, opening my mouth to complain, but the dude on my right was faster.

  “What the hell?” he yelled.

  I grabbed the rolling ball as a boy no older than ten ran our way, in search of his toy.

  “Can I have my ball back, please?” the boy said, pointing to my arms.

  “Sure,” I said, handing him the toy.

  “Wait, what?” the guy on the side said, reaching for the ball. From his crossed eyes and jerky movements, he was probably tipsy. “No. This kid will just throw it again. Don’t give it to him.”

  I pulled the boy to the side, out of reach from the guy. “Here. Just be more careful.”

  “Will do.” The boy smiled, hugging his ball tight. “Thanks.”

  I nodded. The boy ran away and the drunken guy turned to me. “If I get more sand all over me, it’s on you.”

  My fists clenched. I turned to the guy. Charlotte’s hand on my arm sent a shock—a good shock—through my system and I took a deep breath. This guy wasn’t worth my irritation.

  I gave him my back and faced the beautiful girl lying beside me.

  A smile adorned her face.

  “What?”

  “You. Being kind to the kid. I like it.”

  I shook my head. Well, I had almost complained too, but he was just a kid. It wasn’t his fault. I knew he hadn’t thrown the ball at us on purpose.

  A few moments later, Charlotte’s friends Liana, MaryAnn, and Rebecca joined us.

  It was odd to be the only male among four beautiful girls, but if it meant I could spend a few extra hours with Charlotte, then I would put up with their girlie conversation.

  Liana and Becca took the chairs, and MaryAnn sat on the edge of the towel.

  “So,” Becca said, her gaze scanning the crowd, “how many hot guys do we have here?”

  Liana grabbed a beer out of the cooler. “Too many. The way I like it.”

  I groaned. Every guy had a limit. “Could you girls not talk about guys right now?”

  Charlotte laughed, her eyes closed.

  “Why?” MaryAnn smiled at me. “I bet that you talk about girls all the time with your friends, and the words you use are not appropriate for the general public.”

  I took a sip of my beer. “Yeah, well, I’m not with my friends. I would appreciate it if you refrained from speaking about guys at all while I’m here.”

  Liana laughed. “Oh my God, those big words. Appreciate? Refrained?”

  MaryAnn winked. “He’s trying to impress our gal.”

  “I think she’s already impressed,” Becca said.

  “Leave me out of this,” Charlotte protested without opening her eyes. She seemed so at peace, savoring the sun’s rays on her shining skin. I wanted to roll over her and lick h—

  “What are we gonna talk about, then?” Liana asked.

  MaryAnn finished her beer in one long gulp and stood. “I know what we’re gonna do.” She beckoned the other girls to stand. “Hot guys at four o’clock, and I think they’re alone. Let’s go over there.”

  “What?” Becca eyed the group. “Just go and introduce ourselves?”

  MaryAnn smiled. “Well, I was thinking more along the lines of standing close, making eye contact, and letting them come to us.”

  Liana jumped up. “I’m in.”

  And just like that, they weaved their way to the group—their victims for the night.

  I shook my head.

  “What are you smiling about?”

  I turned to Charlotte and found her spying on me, her hand over her eyes, a smile of her own.

  “Just amused,” I answered.

  She rolled to the side. “They are quite the handful, but I love them. They are my real friends, the ones who truly get and accept me.”

  Real friends. What did that mean? I didn’t ask, because I knew she wouldn’t answer. Still, I couldn’t stay quiet.

  I lay down on the towel, my body turned to her. “And who is the true you?”

  She rolled her eyes. “A girl. Period.” She sighed. “I’m not gonna talk about that again, and I really want to have a good last night with you, okay?”

  Charlotte glided her index finger over my bare chest, stopping at the waist of my shorts.

  I shivered. “Only if you let me take you back to your hotel room right now.” I reached for her, placing my hand on her neck, and leaned in. I brushed my lips over hers, and suppressed a moan. Christ.

  She chuckled against my mouth. “But we just got here.”

  “I don’t care about here.” I slid my lips along her jaw, and whispered in her ear, “I want you.”

  Charlotte pulled my face to hers and kissed me. Her lips were soft against mine, and her taste addicting. Her tongue teased me, and I thought I would lose it, right here, in the middle of a crowded beach.

  “Hey, Mason.”

  Groaning, I pulled back from Charlotte, and turned to my brother. “Hey, Matt. You remember Charlotte, right?”

  They had met on the second night, when Matt had come to the bar.

  “Yeah. Hey.”

  Charlotte waved. “Hi.”

  I sat up. “What are you up to?”

  “Just hanging.” Matt ran his hand through his hair. We looked alike, though Matt was two years younger and less built. For now. My little brother went to the gym almost seven days a week to, as he said, beef up. “Saw you and came to say hi.”

  “Mason!” Brody appeared from behind Matt. “Man, haven’t seen you in days.” His gaze shifted to Charlotte and his eyes widened. “Okay, I see why and I’d say you’re definitely forgiven.”

  “Hey, Brody, this is Charlotte.” I held her hand in mine. “Charlotte, this is Brody, my friend.”

  “His best friend,” Brody said with a large grin.

  “Hi, nice to meet you.” Her tone wasn’t as laid back as usual.

  “You too.” Brody shook her hand, and then turned to me. “Hey, there’s going to be a party tonight at Connor’s house. They will set up a bonfire and hula dancers. Are you guys coming?”

  I looked at Charlotte. I’d go if she wanted, but preferred to avoid such places, knowing who would probably be there. Besides, I wanted to take advantage of every second of my last hours with her.

  “Your call. Want to go?”

  She leaned close and whispered in my ear, “I think we have other plans in my hotel room.”

  Smiling, I planted a quick peck on her lips. “Agreed.” I turned to the guys. “We’ll pass.”

  “I see.” Brody frowned. “Good call. Tamara is probably gonna be there and I know you’ve been avoi—”

  I tensed and Matt smacked Brody’s stomach with his arm. “Shut up,” my brother hissed.

  Brody’s face fell. “Oh, sorry.”

  Matt put his arm over Brody’s shoulders. “We’ll leave you two in peace. Later.”

  They rushed away, but the damage was done. My mood had taken a sharp turn.

  Charlotte’s hand rested on my arm. “It’s okay.”

  I dared a peek at her, and was surprised by how gentle her expression was.

  “You have a past. Everyone does. But, if you’re cheating on her with me, please don’t tell me, okay? I really don’t want to know if I’m being used like that.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “No, I’m not cheating. We broke up a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Oh, okay.” Charlotte scooted closer, resting her chin on my shoulder. “Let’s forget about it. I didn’t hear anything.” She pulled back. “Unless … you’re too upset now, to … you know, be with me ag—”

  I cupped her cheek and kissed her. I was upset, yes, but nothing could keep me away from her during these last few hours. I wanted her. I needed her. I showed her just how much when I deepened the kiss, threatening to break unspoken social rules of how to behave in public.

  Charlotte pulled back, out of breath. “I think my bed is calling us.”

  I stood and o
ffered her my hand.

  With a smile, Charlotte took it.

  In that moment, it seemed she would agree to go anywhere with me, and that filled my chest with a sensation I thought I’d forgotten.

  ***

  Charlotte

  The only things I knew about Mason were that he was born and raised in this cute beach town, that he still lived with his parents, though he wanted to move out, and that I had met his brother.

  In turn, Mason was about to find out one thing about me.

  Seated on a wooden bench, I took off my sandals and put on my roller skates under Mason’s curious gaze. After we had sex—twice—we had dinner with the girls. At the restaurant, I asked him to take us to a small park where the pavement was smooth, and a little private.

  So far, the place looked great. Far from the beach, which meant most students wouldn’t be here at this hour of the night, with an even walkway and several lamps that illuminated just enough.

  I stood and straightened my pink tank top. It matched the rhinestones on my jean skirt, and the laces of my colorful skates.

  I spun once, in place, and then smiled at Mason. He was still seated on the bench, his eyes narrowed, suspicious, his arms crossed over his green shirt. It was impossible not to notice how well that color went with his hazel eyes, tanned skin, and black hair. It also hugged his powerful shoulders and biceps. He probably worked out a lot or played sports to maintain his physique.

  It didn’t matter what he did to look this hot. The next day, I would be gone and nothing would matter anymore. Shaking my head, I put some distance between us.

  “So,” Mason said, and I turned to him. He nodded to the skates on my feet. “I’m adding a hobby to the list of things I know about you.”

  With her own roller skates on, Liana shot up from the other bench. “It’s cute how you’re trying to figure her out, Mason.”

  Mason grinned. “Am I succeeding?”

  MaryAnn stood beside Liana. “Not even close.” She shot past us, gaining speed with each step.

  Becca yelled, “Wait,” and then skated after MaryAnn.

  “Ah, they won’t beat me,” Liana said, flashing a wicked smile.

  She rushed past me, trying to catch up with the other two.

  Meanwhile, I observed Mason. With the little frown between his brows, he looked intrigued, and sexy.

  Mason stood and, with his hands inside his pockets, strolled toward me. “You skate a lot?”

  “Not as much as I would like,” I said, surprising myself with the truth.

  He halted less than a foot away, looming over me, even though I wore skates. “Busy?”

  “Something like that,” I said.

  His frown deepened.

  “What is it?”

  His eyes met mine and he shrugged. “I won’t force anything out of you, but I don’t understand why you don’t want to tell me more about you. Even if you’re a spy or daughter of a mob boss, I don’t care.”

  My heart squeezed. Liana was right. It was cute how he tried to figure me out. He was cute. No, he was way more than cute. He was handsome, hot, intelligent, kind. And hot. And hotter.

  I stepped closer, snaked my arms around his neck, tipped my head, and kissed his chin. Sighing, he closed his eyes and placed his hands on my waist.

  “Thank you for respecting me.” I trailed kisses from his chin to the sensitive spot under his ear. His arms tightened around me and he groaned, placing a smile on my lips. I loved making him lose his cool. I loved when he put his big hands on me, grabbed me with need and want, and kissed me as if I was his life energy.

  Damn, I would miss him.

  Mason tilted his head to me and I closed my mouth over his. His lips were warm and soft, moving in synchrony with mine. One of his hands slid under my shirt, and I moaned when he dug his fingers into my skin. His other hand traveled up and fisted my hair, pulling my head back as his tongue left a blazing trail from my mouth to my shoulder.

  I scooted closer, placing one of my legs between his, and rubbed my hips against his. I could feel his hardness against me and I moaned again.

  God, if we didn’t stop now, I would let him take me right here, right now.

  Reluctantly, I stepped away from him.

  He reached for me. “Come here.”

  Smiling, I skated away. “Come and get me.”

  A full on smile took over Mason’s lips. “You’re on.” He jogged toward me, but when I giggled and increased my speed, he ran after me. “Hey, what do I get if I catch you?”

  Without turning or slowing, I yelled, “Me.”

  He groaned behind me and I dashed away, but not as fast as I could go.

  Chapter Three

  Charlotte

  In the end, the girls convinced us to go to the bonfire party at Connor’s beach house after only thirty minutes of skating.

  We dropped the skates at the hotel and headed to the beach on foot. I could feel Mason’s tension beside me. Was he worried he would meet Tamara—whoever that girl was—at the party, or that she would see me? I didn’t know, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out.

  At this time of night, the party was in full swing. Burning fire, loud music, empty beer bottles spread on the sand, guys backing girls into the dark.

  Liana, MaryAnn, and Becca found some girls they had met on a previous night the moment we stepped onto the sand, and joined them beside the bonfire. Within seconds, they were laughing, dancing, and drinking.

  These were my friends. They didn’t care what others thought and they were completely crazy. Because of the life I led, I unfortunately didn’t spend much time with them. However, they knew they were important to me. To my sanity.

  With a smile, I shook my head.

  Mason slipped his hand in mine. “You have that look again,” he said, staring at me.

  “What look?”

  “The mysterious one. The one that makes me want to find out more about you, even though I agreed I wouldn’t try.”

  I rolled my eyes and ignored his comment.

  “Hey, you two came,” Matt said, approaching us.

  “Yeah,” Mason said, still tense. “How is it going?”

  Matt looked around and shrugged. “It’s going. It’s a party. Drunk people everywhere.”

  I chuckled, but swallowed when Brody crisscrossed his way to us.

  “The king of the drunken approaches,” Mason said.

  “Hey!” Brody yelled. “You came! That’s great.” He halted in front of us, though he couldn’t stand still. He swayed to one side, then to another, his gaze unfocused. “Good thing too. This party is bombing and I didn’t want you to miss it just because you thought Tamara would be here. She isn’t—”

  Matt slapped Brody’s head. “Shut up, mutt.”

  By my side, Mason had stilled and his hand squeezed mine, but I didn’t think he noticed.

  “Oh, right.” Brody chuckled. “Sorry, Caroline.”

  “Charlotte,” Mason corrected. He frowned.

  “Yes, right. Charlotte. Sorry.”

  “That’s okay,” I muttered. Truth was, I didn’t know if it was okay. It was awkward to be among them, in their ambience and hometown and talking about an ex. I wouldn’t feel too bad if Mason was acting like his normal self.

  “Sorry about that,” Matt said, grabbing Brody’s arms. He pulled his friend away from us.

  I turned to Mason but he didn’t move. He stared at the bonfire, and I wondered if that was it, if our special night would end right now.

  “Hey,” I said, afraid of his answer.

  He took a deep breath. “Sorry about that.”

  “It’s okay,” I repeated. “Do you … do you want to leave? Or, I don’t know, you want me to leave?”

  I held my breath, waiting for his answer.

  Slowly, Mason turned to me. Upon fixing his eyes on mine, his expression softened. “Sorry. I don’t want to spoil our night. It’s just—”

  “You don’t have to explain,” I said quickly, afraid
that he would tell me he still had feelings for her. Which was ridiculous, because what did I care? I was going away tomorrow morning and I would never see him again. He could have feelings for whomever he wanted. I didn’t care.

  Or so I told myself.

  “It was a troubled breakup, but that is all.” Tugging at our entwined hands, he pulled me closer. “But it’s out of my mind now. I’m having a great time with you and I want it to be this way until you leave tomorrow.”

  My heart skipped a beat. Damn, how I wished spring break lasted for at least another week. “I’m having a great time too.” I squeezed his hand. “Come on.”

  We walked past the party until we were at the edge of the water. I let go of his hand, took off my shoes, and dipped my toes into the water.

  I closed my eyes and enjoyed the gentle breeze brushing my hair back.

  Mason stood behind me, close enough that the warmth of his body sent a thrilled shiver down my spine, but not touching.

  His fingertips grazed my neck and he swept my hair to the side. He leaned over me and placed a soft kiss on the sweet spot between my neck and my shoulder. I shivered again.

  Slowly, Mason wound his arms around me and pulled my flush to his chest. He kissed my neck, right under my ear, and I took a deep breath. I liked this. I liked being here, with my toes in the ocean, with a gorgeous man close to me, with my best friends somewhere nearby. It was simple. Uncomplicated. Almost perfect.

  The image of my parents in what they considered perfect flashed in mind. This wasn’t it.

  My shoulders sagged.

  “What is it?” Mason asked, whispering in my ear.

  I wouldn’t let what was across the country spoil my last night in this amazing place. I shut everything out of my mind, focusing on the here and now, and smiled.

  “Nothing,” I said, stepping out of his arms and farther into the ocean.

  I turned to Mason and bit my lower lip.

  His brows shot up. “Hmm, what’s with the naughty look?”

  I took another step into the ocean.

  “I know!” He offered me a smile of his own. “You’re a mermaid. That’s why you’re entering the water. Are you going to leave me now?”

  I laughed, and then kicked the water and showered him.

  Mason gasped, pretending to be shocked. “Oh, you’re going down.”