More than a Fling (Billionaires on the Beach)

by Noble, Olivia

  Andreas gazed at Nicole for a moment, trying to analyze her intentions. He was impressed with how adamant and understanding she was being. She really did seem to be an excellent friend to Eva—regardless of her eccentricities. He nodded, sitting up and placing his palms against his knees. “I’ll see if we can bring some treats back for you, Nicole. I’m not sure I have anything left in me with Eva wearing me out for the past two days, but I do know a place that has wonderful cream-filled cupcakes.”

  “Oh, my,” the girls said in unison.

  Chapter Five

  “So,” Tyler said impatiently as he followed his brother around the house. “Start talking, Andreas! Are you going to tell me what happened, or do I have to keep guessing? Don’t keep me in the dark, man. I want the juicy details!” Tyler had been pestering Andreas ever since the older man had returned home.

  “I don’t kiss and tell,” Andreas said in a distracted voice as he began searching through his closet for an outfit to wear to dinner. He had so many expensive, custom-tailored suits, but not one seemed good enough for the occasion. He felt like it was his last chance to get Eva to seriously consider attempting something long-term with him. He gulped nervously as his hand skimmed over a row of silk ties. It was his last chance to show her who he really was, and show her his romantic side. He was also eager to get to know her a lot better. What did she study? What did she like to read? What was her political preference or religion? He knew nothing.

  The irony that he should have done all of this in the first place did not escape him. Guilt and shame clawed at his stomach. He felt like he had already failed at this relationship, and anything more he could try was a last-ditch effort.

  “Did you get laid again?” Tyler asked with excitement as he leaned against the closet doorframe. “Was it good?”

  “Mmm,” Andreas mumbled in response as he flipped through his blazers, examining each one with disapproval. He flicked dust and lint off the suits with annoyance as he searched for perfection.

  “Andreas?” Tyler said hesitantly. “Why are you ignoring me, man? Did I do something wrong?”

  Hearing the tone of hurt in his brother’s voice, Andreas immediately stopped his frantic hunt and turned back to the younger man. It was no secret that since they lost their parents, Tyler had needed a lot more attention from Andreas. It was understandable. The loss had forced them closer. Andreas even believed that the reason Tyler went through a constant stream of women was because he needed constant affection—even if it was fake and temporary.

  Moving forward, Andreas placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Tyler. I’m just a little anxious about this date. I really like this girl.”

  Tyler smiled and whacked Andreas in the arm playfully. “Pussy-whipped after less than 24 hours! When will you ever learn, big brother? You always fall too hard, too fast. This bitch is going to break your heart.”

  Andreas nodded glumly; he was already aware of this very real possibility. He reached out and tousled his brother’s hair roughly. “Don’t worry about me, kid. I’m Andreas Torres! When have I ever let a little heartbreak keep me down?”

  “Like, all the time?” Tyler pointed out. He sighed and reached up to comb his fingers through his hair where Andreas had destroyed his careful style. He moved to the closet mirror and began to rearrange the messy brown locks.

  “I suppose you’re right,” Andreas admitted.

  Tucking a few strands of hair perfectly behind his ear, Tyler let out a rather serious sounding sigh. “So, I was thinking about what you said earlier. About what this Eva chick said to you in the caves,” he explained.

  Andreas looked at him in surprise, eager to hear his thoughts. His brother said nothing for a moment and Andreas’ face turned into a grimace. “I don’t appreciate dramatic pauses.”

  Tyler shrugged at his brother’s annoyance. “Just making sure that you’re interested.”

  “Of course I’m interested. Now would you please get on with it?” Andreas asked in exasperation.

  “I think I figured out why she said it—and if I’m right it means you actually have a chance,” Tyler said in a positive and upbeat tone.

  Andreas paused for a moment. He was unsure whether he should take any advice from the younger man; it often got him into trouble. He pressed his hand against his forehead for a moment as he mulled the idea over in his head. “Alright, tell me,” he decided. In the end he knew that he needed all the help he could possibly get.

  Tyler’s face brightened to know that he had his brother’s full attention. “Well, earlier I told you that you got hit with the karma bullet. I think I discovered the reason: You presented yourself all wrong to the wrong type of woman,” he explained methodically.

  “Go on,” Andreas said with piqued curiosity. For once, his brother seemed to have given something some thought. He was beyond surprised that Tyler had done this to help him. Andreas braced himself, still expecting some kind of joke or snide comment at the end to invalidate this sudden maturity.

  Tyler nodded. “Well I sleep with a lot of women. A lot of women. Really. I couldn’t exactly put a number on it, but I think it must be at least...”

  “Just get to the point,” Andreas snapped.

  “Sorry,” Tyler said sheepishly. “It’s just that most of them want that special connection. You really should have found one of them, but they’re usually dumb—you’d have to be dumb to expect to meet the love of your life on vacation and think it was going to work out. You’d never go for that type of girl. She’s impulsive, doesn’t think about the future, doesn’t really worry about anything...”

  Andreas looked at his brother in bewilderment. Perhaps Tyler was actually onto something.

  “You like serious girls,” Tyler explained with a sage nod. “You see, there are two types of people that are out here to have fun. The smart and dumb ones. Dumb ones think that by simply fooling around they can manage to start a meaningful relationship. They think that by giving sex first they can get love later. Like you,” Tyler said with a broad smile. “But that’s okay, you’ve been out of the game for three years after getting your heart stomped on. You’re allowed to be stupid,” he quickly added to defend his brother.

  Andreas’ temple started twitching as a headache began to form. The most aggravating part of Tyler’s theory was how reasonable it seemed to be. Sadly, he knew his brother was right; he had been dumb.

  “The second type are the smart ones. They don’t try to turn flings into something they’re not meant to be. Maybe they want a special connection someday, but not today. They just want a good time, good sex, whatever. Like me, except I never want to settle down. Fuck that noise,” he said the last bit with disgust. The idea of marriage to him was physically repulsive.

  “You’re a model specimen of humanity, Tyler,” Andreas said drolly.

  “Thanks bro,” Tyler said without missing a beat. “Anyway, I think your girl wants a special connection at some point in her life. You, however, botched your introduction and presented yourself as someone that just wanted fun.” He was quite proud of himself for figuring all of this out; he was never the one who was able to give advice or a lecture.

  Andreas looked at his brother with a curious expression. “Fuck. You’re right,” he finally said. All of this hadn’t quite occurred to him—suddenly, his daunting plan didn’t seem so daunting.

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself because I’m not finished,” Tyler said quickly. He knew when it came to matters of the heart, his brother was always stupid. It didn’t matter how good of a businessman he was.

  Andreas nodded and urged his brother to continue.

  “Okay, so you presented yourself as a guy that just wanted fun. Which was cool with her. You were probably both drunk, because there is no way you’d think about a one night stand without several shots in you,” Tyler said with a smirk.

  With a guilty nod, Andreas nodded. He was impressed with how well his brother knew him and how well he was dissecting the e
vening. He made a motion for Tyler to carry on.

  “So, that’s what she expected, because that’s what you presented. She expected a warm piece of man-meat, and not much more. However, after you gave her your actual cock... you whipped out your romance erection,” Tyler said, making a face.

  Andreas coughed uncomfortably at the description and asked contemptibly, “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Bro. You whipped out this giant, hard, and throbbing romance erection. You basically asked her to take all of it in one go—but she can’t do that! No one can. Just look at the size of it!” he exclaimed with an accusing finger.

  Andreas put his head into his palm and released a heavy sigh. “I’m not sure if you’re the smartest person in the world right now, or the dumbest,” he said as he sardonically laughed at himself.

  “The smartest, of course. Anyway, but here is where you can start being hopeful. She’s letting you take her out to dinner, even though you messed up and sprang your giant romance erection on her. To me, that means that she likes it—and might want to take it all. You just need to ease it into her,” Tyler explained carefully.

  Andreas tilted his head and surprised himself by nodding in agreement. His brother’s words were reassuring; Eva was willing to see him in a romantic setting, even after their wild sexual adventures. That had to mean something. “I think you’re having a moment of wisdom, little bro. It must mean the apocalypse is coming.” He couldn’t miss a chance to make fun of Tyler just a little, though he was extremely appreciative of the encouraging words.

  “Bro, don’t even joke that like. If the apocalypse is coming, it’s going to be a huge load. Like, enough to flood the world,” Tyler said with a worried expression on his face.

  Andreas just shook his head and went back to picking out an outfit. He settled on a three piece navy blue pinstripe suit. He put it on and appraised himself in the mirror before turning to look at his brother, who still looked like he was contemplating the load of the apocalypse.

  “How do I look?” he asked somewhat nervous.

  Tyler looked up from his serious thoughts and offered his brother a confident grin. “Like a damn stud. Knock her dead, but remember: Don’t rape her with your romance boner.” He shook his head sternly. “Keep that thing locked down! Just take it slow Casanova. She’ll either hop on for the ride or not.”

  Andreas couldn’t help but smile at his brother’s antics. “You’re right.”

  Chapter Six

  Eva paced back and forth nervously. She was chewing on a nail without actually piercing it, but it helped ease her anxiety.

  “What’s up?” Nicole asked with concern.

  “Just a bad feeling, that’s all,” Eva said as she let out a relaxing sigh. She pinched her cheeks to give the some color, and crouched down to rummage through her suitcase to find something suitable to wear for dinner.

  “Afraid that lover boy won’t keep exceeding expectations?” Nicole teased lightly as she lounged on the bed.

  “No. Andreas is great. Besides, it’s just a fling,” Eva said defensively. She pulled out a long cream colored dress that she’d never gotten a chance to wear before. She smiled to herself and went to go change. She hated picking out clothes and going on dates, but when she did she always made sure to do it right. She appraised herself in the mirror and loved the way the fabric hugged her curves and showed off her breasts. “I’m going to give you a hard time, Andreas,” she whispered into the mirror. “Literally.”

  She walked back out into the room and received a whistle of approval from Nicole.

  “Damn, if I hadn’t already dyked out with you. I’d be tempted to now!” Nicole said proudly.

  “Thanks,” Eva said with a smile. She was thankful that even though their relationship had grown so sexual lately, Nicole treated her exactly the same. Neither of them had behaved awkwardly afterward, and things returned to normal once their clothes were put back on. Eva smoothed her hands over her dress happily. “Do you think Andreas will like it?”

  “I know he will,” Nicole said confidently. She couldn’t fathom him not wanting to rip the clothes off Eva the moment he saw her. She looked unbelievably elegant and tempting all at the same time. Nicole felt a small urge to coax her friend out of her dress herself.

  “Good. I just need to do my hair and makeup, and I’ll be good to go,” Eva said with a grin as she turned to see her backside in the mirror. Satisfied, she went into the bathroom to get her hair straightener.

  “I didn’t even know you knew how to use things like that,” Nicole teased her.

  “I chose to be frumpy in school,” Eva countered as she starting running the heated rod through her hair. She rolled it slightly at the end to produce lovely little curls.

  “Elegant suits you better,” Nicole said seriously. She had never seen Eva dress up at all, but she was handling it like a pro. Even though Nicole dressed up all the time, there was something meticulous about the way Eva handled things.

  “I know, but it also attracts more attention. Now, I can afford to have the attention,” Eva said as she continued to use the straightener on her hair. She chewed on her lip as she considered what color lipstick she should wear. Bright red was usually a safe bet with her blonde hair, but she was feeling adventurous. Once she finished her curls, she started her makeup. After her foundation, she applied a coat of deep burgundy to her lips. She popped her face out of the bathroom to show it to Nicole. “Think this works?”

  Nicole nodded in approval and found herself getting turned on by the transformation from simple bookworm-Eva to sexy debutante. “Hey—whoa. It definitely works.”

  “Good, now my eyes. I think I’m feeling blue.” She reentered bathroom with pep in her step. While she hated the work she had to put into looking fantastic, she did appreciate the results. She applied the shimmering eye shadow followed by a dark and bold black eyeliner. “Perfect,” she said in a pleased voice.

  She added a few finishing touches of blush and mascara until she finally exited the bathroom. Her hair hung down around her face and bounced lightly with the makeshift curls. Her eyes shone brightly in the dim light, and the accent from the eye shadow drew attention to their shape. “I look great,” she said confidently as she modeled herself in the mirror.

  Nicole clapped her hands and stood up from the bed. “Stunning, fantastic, gorgeous! Not great,” she corrected with a smile.

  “Aww, thanks,” Eva said with a bright smile. She hadn’t been on an actual date in longer than she cared to admit. Even if it was with a guy she never planned on spending more than a week with, it was still nice to be treated like a woman. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted that until she saw the finished product of her transformation.

  “You’re going to blow him away,” Nicole said as if she could read her friend’s mind.

  “Looking like this? I better,” Eva scoffed. She didn’t care if she sounded like a conceited bitch; she knew her worth. If Andreas didn’t appreciate the effort she put in, she didn’t want anything to do with him anyway. “He should be here soon. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

  “Oh, I wanna come baby girl, but I’m going to hit the beach for that,” Nicole said with a giggle. She walked over to hug Eva. “Seriously, have a good time, baby girl.”

  Eva hugged her back gratefully. Steadying her nerves, and shaking off the bad feeling, Eva broke the hug. “I’ll see you when I see you, then. Have a good night and stay safe, okay?”

  Nicole nodded and smacked Eva’s ass for good measure. “Of course, now shoo and quit worrying.”

  Eva yelped at the smack and rubbed her butt tenderly. “Alright, I’m going,” she grumbled as she moved to put her shoes on. She wasn’t sure where the subconscious reluctance was coming from. She did her best to shrug it off and made her way down to the lobby. Which each step she took the feeling grew worse. What made it worse for her was the fact that she couldn’t identify what in the world was the problem.

  She stepped i
nto the elevator and hit the lobby button. The slow descent caused her stomach to turn over. Get over it, Eva. You’re here to have fun, not worry about stupid crap. She was being hard on herself. It was the only way she knew how to deal with things going wrong.

  The elevator opened and she stepped out into the bright lights of the lobby. The building really was breathtaking, and she felt a curious sense of pride. She knew the man that made this place what it was, and she had to admit he did a good job of it. Smiling to herself, she walked into the center and waited for her date.

  “Good evening, madam,” spoke a man with a British accent as he approached her

  She turned to the sound of the voice. “Hello Giles,” she said softly.

  “You look absolutely radiant, madam,” he said with a solemn nod.

  She felt her cheeks flush a little at the compliment and she inclined her head politely. “Thank you so much.”

  “Going out for an evening with Master Torres?” he asked bluntly.

  Her face twisted in confusion for only a moment before it dawned on her. “You mean Andreas?”

  He nodded. “My apologies, I wasn’t aware you weren’t privy to his last name.”

  “We never really got around to giving last names,” she said softly. It made her a bit ashamed, but it might have been for the best. Knowing too much and getting too close could make it very unpleasant when they finally needed to say goodbye.

  “Young love. It moves quickly,” Giles commented with a small smile.

  Her face turned red as a beet as her eyes looked away. “It’s nothing like that, I assure you.”

  “As you say, madam.” There was a look of mirth in his sharp grey eyes. “It’s just nice to see him with someone. He hasn’t been at all the same since that day years ago...”

  She titled her head to the side curiously. She had never asked Andreas about his past and she wanted to keep it that way. Now, however, she had an opportunity to do some research on him without him finding out. The serious gentleman had a way of making the story sound exciting to hear. “What happened?” she asked, caving in though she knew she was in dangerous territory.