by Lily Danes
One Last Fling
Lily Danes
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Epilogue
Go back to Camp Firefly Falls
Author’s Note
About the Author
1
He would not look at the black-haired woman.
Josh repeated the words as he lined up his next shot. Normally, he could beat Max in two or three turns, but tonight it was taking him twice that long to get to the eight ball.
Sunday nights at Boone’s were pretty quiet. The stage was empty, and the regulars were looking for a mellow night before the work week began. Josh had known most of the people his whole life. Briarsted was too small to allow for many strangers.
The two women sitting at a corner table were definitely strangers. The blonde had the kind of polished big-city look rarely seen in Boone’s. She was tall, slim, and gorgeous. She could have been a runway model who’d gotten lost on her way to Fifth Avenue. More than a few patrons were giving her surreptitious, admiring glances.
But it was the dark-haired, dark-eyed woman who drew Josh’s attention. He was starting to think he kept missing shots so he’d have an excuse to stare at her when Max took his turn.
It was time to end this game. Once he beat Max, he could wander over to the women. Say hello. Welcome them to town. It was the neighborly thing to do. He wasn’t much for picking up women in bars, but sometimes you had to work with whatever the universe gave you.
“Seven ball in the corner,” he called. It sank with a satisfying thunk, and he left himself so pretty on the eight ball that it would only take a nudge to coax it into the center pocket.
Josh indicated the destination, lined up the shot, and glanced up to see Max’s reaction.
The women stood and pushed in their chairs.
Crap. He drew back the cue, needing to hurry before he lost his chance.
The black-haired woman turned toward the door, and Josh forgot where he was and what he was doing. The most perfect ass he’d ever seen was walking out of the bar.
The eight ball slammed into the bank, then launched itself into the opposite pocket.
Max’s laugh was incredulous. “Damn. I knew you were hard up, but I didn’t know it had gotten that bad. Is that all it takes to throw you off your game these days?”
Josh had missed his chance. It was one thing to introduce himself in a bar and something else altogether to chase a couple of strange women into the parking lot. Josh was pretty sure that would move him into the creeper category.
He threw his friend a dark look and tossed a crumpled twenty on the table. “Again.”
Max hung up his cue. “No way. I’m quitting while I’m ahead. If I stop now, I can boast all next week that I beat you at pool.”
Josh claimed one of the stools surrounding the table and took a long pull of his beer, fighting the urge to race out the door. “You won’t be here for a week? Did they change your schedule?”
Max worked up the road at Camp Firefly Falls, but he had the day shift. He swore he preferred it—fewer late-night skinny-dipping sessions or panty raids to interrupt.
“No, I’m still on days. Regular security is fine for the yoga weeks and corporate team-building, but this is the end-of-summer bash. It’ll be a twenty-four-hour job to keep a bunch of drunk fools from burning the place to the ground or drowning themselves in the lake. Hardest week of the summer, but I don’t mind. I could use a bit of overtime before camp closes for the year.”
Josh nodded in silent understanding. Max didn’t have a job lined up for the winter. That was the downside to seasonal employment.
Max stopped with the bottle halfway to his mouth. “It’s a tough week for the employees, but the guests often say it’s the best week of their lives…the parts they remember, at least.”
“A bunch of pretty young people with no responsibilities and an open bar have a good time? I’m shocked.”
Max shrugged. “It’s more than that. They have hiking, canoeing, swimming. Heather’s done a great job of taking the parts of summer camp people loved from their childhood and giving them a grownup spin. Her version of arts and crafts involves edible underwear.”
“A candy thong doesn’t sound like my idea of a good time.”
“It’s pretty great, actually. A chance to relax.” Max took a drink and studied Josh over the bottle. “It’s the kind of thing a hard-working guy like yourself might enjoy. You should come.”
Josh snorted. “Maybe if I worked hard enough to afford the place. A camp like that must charge a grand a week.” Hard work wasn’t the issue, and they both knew it. For the last five years, Josh had done little except work. It was the only way he could keep the store going after his father passed. “You know that’s not my scene.”
“I forgot. You don’t like fun anymore.”
“Right. That’s it.”
“Come on. It’s not like you have other plans this week.”
“I’ve got plans. I’m finally getting my dad’s Airstream ready to sell, then I’m finishing the kitchen. I found some great replica tiles last week.”
Max raised both eyebrows. “The store’s closed for an entire week, and you’re using the time to do more work?”
The closure was unexpected—hard to plan for a mid-September lightning storm that blew the hardware store’s electrical grid—so there hadn’t been time to arrange something more exciting. Even if he’d had that time, the idea of life beyond the store was foreign to him.
But for one week… Max was right. Josh could do what he wanted. It would be a shame to waste that chance, even if he did tense at the thought of being away from the store for so long.
“Maybe I’ll head out of town on Tuesday,” he said. “Do some fishing. Will that shut you up?”
Something flickered in Max’s eyes. It looked a lot like sadness. “Or you can take a couple days to let off steam first. You know, with other people around. You don’t even need to stay the whole week if you’re not having fun.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“It’ll be a bunch of rich kids from the city.”
“A few, yeah, but you’d be surprised. You get all sorts, all ages. Not everyone wants an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. Some people prefer trees and lakes, and they’d rather go mountain biking or canoeing than hang out on a beach. Just try it. Have a bit of fun before you evolve into your father.”
Josh gave an inward wince. Whether by accident or design, Max had hit on the fear that gnawed at him. His dad was the best man Josh had ever known, but that didn’t mean he wanted to be him.
“It costs too much,” Josh said. His protest sounded weak.
“I’m the damn head of security. If I can’t abuse my power and sneak in a friend once or twice, what’s the point?”
Josh was running out of excuses, but he hesitated. “I won’t know anyone.”
“Exactly. You’ll meet new people. New women. Get laid, so you stop embarrassing yourself at pool. The place is filled with gorgeous people hoping to hook up. It’ll be like shooting horny fish in a barrel.”
“Thanks for that image.” The rest didn’t sound so bad, he had to admit. It was hard dating in a small town where he’d known most of the women his whole life. Quick flings were a bad idea when he was guaranteed to run into the
woman at the local grocery store.
Max’s smile held a bit of the devil. “What do you think that woman you were drooling over was doing here? Only one reason a pretty stranger shows up the day before the party kicks off.”
The image flashed in his head, of a perfect heart-shaped ass beneath a mane of black hair. Josh’s dick stirred. It was in favor of Max’s idea.
The more he thought about it, the more he was too. He’d go for a day, see what camp was all about, then get back to his to-do list.
Still, no reason to make it easy for Max. “Make you a deal,” Josh said, picking up his cue. “Give me a chance to win my money back, and I’ll show up tomorrow and braid all the lanyards you want.”
* * *
In grade school, Ruby went to a YMCA camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. Though she had fond memories of playing in the redwoods, she also remembered a creaky metal cot inside a beat-up canvas tent and an outhouse that made her wish she only had four senses.
Emma had assured her Camp Firefly Falls was different, but Ruby had braced for a week spent roughing it, only this time with more booze.
Nope. If the YMCA camp had been a Motel 6, Firefly Falls was the Four Seasons. They arrived around noon—they were both moving slowly that morning, thanks to the strong drinks at Boone’s the night before—but they were two of the first people to arrive. The shuttles from the city and the airport would arrive in a few hours, but until the other campers descended, the place was downright peaceful.
Instead of a Dutch oven and a fire pit, the main lodge contained a five-star restaurant. Ruby glanced at her stomach and regretted that she couldn’t take full advantage of that. She was done attempting to starve herself back into a record contract, but she still wanted to lose what she thought of as her depression weight. Another fifteen pounds, and Ruby would erase all outward signs of the months she spent hiding from the cameras. Fifteen more pounds, and she wouldn’t need to worry about those cameras at all.
At least camp was filled with lots of ways to exercise—or maybe she would just book an appointment with a masseuse to work her muscles for her. There were lots of ways to earn that spun sugar dessert Ruby spotted on the menu.
Ruby had signed up for camp under duress, but seeing the small, luxurious touches, she thought this might be a good place to avoid reality for a week. She deliberately avoided looking at the small elevated stage in the corner that held a piano and guitar.
Heather Tully, the camp owner, greeted them personally. The woman exuded both utter competence and total peace, like she was exactly where she was meant to be and doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing.
Once, Ruby had felt the same way. It had been nice while it lasted.
“Welcome,” Heather said. She handed them an orientation packet. “Your wristbands are inside. Make sure you wear them everywhere. It’s how we know you’re a guest and not a camp crasher looking for free booze. The schedule for the week is also included. We like to keep this week a little flexible, but there are events scheduled every day—and night.” The woman’s smile grew a little mischievous. “Remember, whatever happens at camp stays at camp, at least this week.”
Ruby’s stomach dropped. Emma had explained that this was a big, relaxed party. She hadn’t said it was Vegas in the Berkshires.
Before Ruby could ask more questions—or run for the car and hope Emma didn’t catch her—Heather summoned a counselor to show them to their cabin.
Their cabin was in Glowworm Ridge on the west side of camp. It was rustic and small, with two twin beds covered in plaid blankets, but everything was clean and comfortable. Most importantly, there was indoor plumbing.
Also, unlike YMCA camp, there was a carafe of orange juice and a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket.
“I love camp,” Emma announced. She found two glasses and started mixing mimosas before Ruby even set down her bags.
Once they were alone, Ruby dumped the contents of the small bag Heather had given them onto the mattress. Several bottles of Gatorade fell out, along with a full box of condoms. “Did you forget to tell me that we were going to a Roman orgy by way of Dirty Dancing?”
Emma handed her a drink. “Don’t be so dramatic. I haven’t seen a single toga.”
Ruby took a healthy swallow of the mimosa. There was a good chance her liver wouldn’t survive the week. “You said summer camp. This isn’t what I signed up for. There’s no possible reason I need a box of condoms. I’m calling breach of contract.”
Emma raised one perfectly arched eyebrow. Everything about Emma was perfect. Her friend was a beauty vlogger with a huge YouTube following, so looking amazing all the time was literally a job requirement.
Ruby, on the other hand, didn’t plan to touch an eyebrow pencil all week. “You promised me hiking and swimming. Not…” She glanced at the schedule in her hand. “A Margaritaville party?”
“You can hike and party. At the same time even, if you go on the rainbow hike. And our deal holds. You wanted a job at my family’s studio. I didn’t want to come to camp alone. We both win.”
“You know, most friends don’t take advantage of each other’s desperate circumstances.”
Emma gave a solemn nod. “Good thing I have no morals, isn’t it?”
Ruby wrinkled her nose. They both knew that wasn’t true.
For the last three months, Emma had struggled to get Ruby to even go outside. Between Ruby’s comfortable bank account and the wonder of food delivery, she’d been able to hole up in their Silverlake apartment for weeks at a time. Bribery was Emma’s last-ditch effort to get Ruby to rejoin the world. She’d offered what Ruby so desperately wanted: a quiet job out of the spotlight. In return, all Ruby needed to do was have fun for a week—or at least try.
Ruby picked up a piece of paper that had fluttered to the mattress. Most of the camp rules were expected—don’t go off the trails, remain in sight of the lifeguards when swimming, put food away at night unless you want a bear for a roommate—but she was glad to see that, even during an anything goes week, Camp Firefly Falls had a policy about hookups. Short version: you could get shit-faced drunk or you could get laid, but not at the same time. Consent required the ability to walk in a straight line and speak without slurring. Anyone who didn’t understand the difference would have a long chat with the local police.
“Nice to see they care about safety.”
Emma didn’t respond. She was busy reading the camp information, her expression a little too gleeful. “Oooh, theme nights. I’ve been looking forward to those.”
Ruby groaned. “You didn’t say anything about theme nights.”
“Of course not. You would have run in terror if you heard there was a Saints and Sinners party. It’ll be fine. I packed outfits, and you’re letting me do your makeup.”
“Not happening.” Ruby studied her own schedule. In addition to the usual activities she’d expect at adult summer camp—yoga, guided hikes, rock painting, etc.—there was a party every night. She poked the paper in triumph. “Toga party! It says so right there.”
Emma made a face, likely because toga parties didn’t offer many opportunities for theme makeup. “The beach party should be fun. Margaritas make everything better.” Emma peered over her paper at Ruby. “It’s still summer camp, though. There’s a talent show the last night.”
Ruby snorted. “I assume it’s a drunk talent show.” Emma continued to watch her, and Ruby got a sinking feeling. “No.”
“Why not? It’s not like you’ve giving up singing altogether.”
No, not entirely. Just not where people could see her. Judge her. Take photos and send them to TMZ.
“Count me out.” Ruby opened her suitcase and began moving clothes into one of the dressers. If they were going to be there a week, she might as well make herself at home. “What’s on the schedule for today?”
“Welcome dinner at the lodge followed by a get-to-know-you mixer. They’re working up to the togas.”
It sounded safe enough. Ruby
grabbed her toiletries and took a few minutes to freshen up, then she tucked her empty suitcase under the bed.
She paused in the middle of the room, uncertain. This was it. She could either hide in the cabin or go explore the camp.
Ruby set down her drink without finishing it. Whatever Emma had planned for that week, Ruby hadn’t agreed to any of it. She’d come here to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, and that was what she would do. The rest of it was optional.
The drunken orgy could go on without her.
2
Over the course of the day, Josh changed his mind at least ten times.
Had it really come to this? Sneaking into summer camp to get drunk and hook up because he’d run out of other ways to have fun?
He should stay home, using the week to get caught up on projects around his house. No, it wasn’t exciting, but it was necessary.
Except…if, a year from now, someone asked what he’d done on his surprise vacation, he wouldn’t be able to remember.
In the end, that was what made his decision. Whatever he accomplished that week, it wouldn’t matter. He could work on his house anytime. The RV had already been waiting five years to be sold.
Memories, though—those might matter. The kind of memories he hadn’t made in a long time, of warm summer nights spent with a warmer woman underneath a clear sky lit with stars. A man needed to know he’d had his share of amazing moments that belonged to him alone. Once, Josh had believed his entire life would be full of such moments, but he’d since learned how rare they could be. He had to take them where he could.
That was why he now wore a “My name is…” sticker on his chest while he waited in line to pick up the required material for the night’s mixer. Only a few people stood behind him. Josh had been afraid to show up early. Better to wait until the party was already hopping, then do his best to blend in.
He was beginning to think his paranoia was unnecessary. Max had been good to his word. For the last hour, Josh had explored the camp, and no one challenged his right to be there. All it took was an official wristband and a confident walk.
