by A. C. Wilds
Heat suddenly rushes through me, but it’s not really for the man in front of me. It’s for the escape he’ll provide. I’ve been playing this game for a long time, and with every tryst in the sack, a little of the pain goes away.
“Well, maybe you can show me a good time tonight. I’ll be ready to go after a nap and a quick shower.” A little jump from the elevator alerts me that we’ve reached my floor. The doors open, and I continue in the direction of the hallway. I don’t remember my room number.
I stumble back into Ashton, causing him to grip my forearms so I don’t faceplant onto the carpet. Smiling up at him in thanks, I swing my bag around and rifle through it, looking for the little envelope with the plastic card inside of it.
“Found it!” I yell in triumph as I hold the card out for him to see.
He takes it from me and reads the number. “Cormorant suite, very fancy.” His eyebrows raise as he looks me over, like he just noticed my designer clothes and bag.
“I have no idea. My parents booked most of the hotel out for the guests. Did I tell you my brother is getting married? To a lovely girl, or so I think. She’s not someone my parents would pick for him, no money, but she’s quite beautiful.”
“It sounds like you don’t know her well. That’s a little strange.” He ushers me down the carpeted hall toward my room. Muffled voices can be heard through the doors, but the hall is shockingly still. Drunk me can’t comprehend it.
“I don’t go home much. Too many bad memories. I like to travel. You should come with me. We could go to Paris or Milan. Oh, I know! Maybe Tahiti. I’d love to see you in a speedo.”
Chuckling, he gently urges me to lean against the doorway as he slips the keycard into the reader. The double doors open up to a beautiful living area equipped with a couch and a television. I can see my luggage tucked in the corner by the door. Ignoring it, I rush over to the bedroom and plop down on the bed.
“I’m going to leave the keycard on the hall table. I’ll leave my number next to it. There’s a bonfire on the beach tonight, a few of my friends are going. It’d be cool if you come.” He sounds unsure.
Through my haze, I want nothing more than to make plans for later. I can’t be alone tonight.
A large smile stretches on my lips as I lift my head. “I’d love to. Now go before I make you stay with me.”
He chuckles and walks toward the door. “Have a good nap, Bliss. See you later.”
I crawl farther up the bed and grab a pillow. I don’t even have the energy to take off my sandals. Sleep pulls at me, but not before I see her face. My beautiful sister’s face.
CHAPTER THREE
CARSON
“You coming with me? Or driving on your own?” Ashton asks from the doorway. He’s dressed to impress tonight. I wonder who he’s taking with him.
“I’ll take my car. Seems like you’re meeting someone, anyway.” I gesture to his outfit—a crisp button-down with khaki cargo shorts. His long hair is pulled up into a bun on the top of his head.
“She’s hot. You’ll like her.” He winks before he closes the door behind him. Ashton is always picking up a new woman. It’s not unlike him to have a new friend—as he calls them—every couple of days.
I don’t really want to go out, but staying at home is not an option. Ashton noticed my depression early on, and he’s pushed me to be present, to not dwell on my pain. Whether I hate or love him for it, I haven’t decided.
My car—a beautiful silver Mercedes C Class convertible with black leather interior—is the only thing I’ve kept from my old life. My brother bought it for me when I turned eighteen. It might be an older model now, but I’ll never get rid of it.
Eli’s picture still rests on the dash, that smiling face staring at me and giving me the strength to carry on. We were close, practically inseparable. With only an eleven-month age difference, we were basically twins. There wasn’t much that could hold us apart . . . except death.
The drive to the cove where everyone is meeting is smooth. The cool night air brushes my face as I drive with the top down. Stars shine above me as I twist and turn down the road. It’s a gorgeous night.
Ten minutes later, I’m pulling up to the beach. A bunch of cars are parked already, some headlights on to illuminate the partygoers on the sand. Other have the tailgates open and coolers of beer set out.
The huge blaze of the bonfire almost touches the sky. The smell of burned firewood permeates the air, and I inhale deeply. One of the benefits of not living in the city anymore is the little things like the warmth of a fire on a crisp evening.
I see a few people I know as I make my way down the sand. I wave but don’t stop. They know not to make conversation with me. I’m a bore to talk to. If it weren’t for Ashton and Mather, I’d talk to no one.
“Carson!” Ashton’s voice has people turning and looking at me as he stops what he’s doing and makes his way over to me, beer in hand.
“Hey,” I say, accepting the second bottle stashed in the pocket of his cargo shorts.
“You ready to party? I’m really feeling it tonight. I think it’s gonna be amazing,” he says, glancing around the fire like he’s looking for someone.
“I’m going to have a couple of beers, sit by the fire, and head home. My job as outgoing citizen will be recorded for the week and everyone will be happy.” I smirk as I tip the bottle to my lips and take a swig of the hoppy notes.
“Stop being such a bore, you’re in the prime of your life! It’s the summer, man. You need to let loose.”
“Who needs to let loose?” a small female voice says from behind him. I can’t quite make her out until she ducks under Ashton’s arm. With an ease that’s second nature to him, he puts his arm around her shoulders.
Instantly, I recognize her. Bliss Meyer, Royce’s sister. Royce went to boarding school with Eli. They weren’t the best of friends, but they traveled in the same social circle. All the rich kids from L.A. stuck together.
I freeze for a moment. What if she recognizes me? My chest tightens, and panic runs through me. I don’t need or want my parents to know where I am.
She’s changed so much since I last saw her all those years ago, but there is no mistaking that she’s gorgeous. For the first time in a long time, my body responds. All of a sudden, the heat is way too hot. I take a step back, hoping they won’t notice.
“This is Bliss. She’s here for her brother’s wedding. We’ll be hanging out till she goes home. I promised to be her tour guide.” Ashton smiles down at her.
She raises her eyes to his, but quickly turns her attention back to me. Her beautiful blue eyes bore into me, and I can’t deny the electricity that’s in the air. When her eyes go wide, I can sense she feels it as well. But I’m more concerned that she’ll realize who I am.
“Hi,” she says, holding out her small hand.
“I’m Carson,” I say as I take her hand. A shock radiates through me. I instantly pull away. What am I thinking? This is Ashton’s date, someone who could destroy everything I’ve built here.
“Carson’s a lifeguard, too. He’s an amazing swimmer.” Ashton likes to brag about my skills. I may have raced the team during try-outs. It’s not my fault they couldn’t keep up.
“That’s cool,” she replies, trying to look anywhere but at me. “I need another beer. Ashton, want to come?”
“Sure, sweetheart.” He pulls her closer, and they walk off into the fray. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding and walk over to the logs rimming the fire.
A few people are sitting around the fire. As usual, Nelson has his guitar and begins to play. His throaty voice calms me as I stare into the flames. Digging my feet into the sand, I let his voice take me away for a while.
BLISS
Holy shit! Carson is hot. Hotter than Ashton, for sure. And his touch. That handshake threw me off my game. His entire presence makes me second-guess asking Ashton to stick around. He seems familiar somehow, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.
“Bud or Coors?” Ashton asks, holding open the cooler that’s hidden under the boardwalk. I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to drink on the beach.
“Bud’s good. I’m not picky.” It’s the truth. I don’t care what I drink as long as it makes me numb.
“What are the plans for tomorrow? Anything you want to see? I have work until noon, then I’m all yours.”
I gaze into his eyes and see his genuine nature. He really is a good guy.
“Beach? I know it’s where you work, but I haven’t gotten to relax on the sand in a long time. I’d like to chill.”
“That sounds perfect. We can get lunch from Manny’s and walk down to my special spot. The waves are perfect for boarding. Do you board? Surf?”
“I don’t know how to do either, but I’m willing to learn. I’ve always wanted to be a badass on the water.” I give him a sassy smirk.
He throws his head back and laughs. “I don’t imagine you being anything else.”
“You’re going to have to go easy on me. I can barely swim.” My voice drops as I lean into him a bit. If I’m going to stick to this commitment we made, I might as well go all in. Friends forgotten.
He slips his hand around my back, pulling me closer. The rest of the crowd gets louder as a group of guys come over and reaches behind us to get a beer from the coolers, breaking the connection between us.
I step back and wait for the intruders to leave.
“Maybe we should go back to the fire. It’s toasty there, and I’m sure Nelson brought his guitar. He’s pretty good. His voice is really soothing,” Ashton says.
It’s like he knows exactly what I need. Being around all these new people, especially while sober, is putting me on edge. As much as people see me as the party girl, it’s not who I’ve always been.
He grabs my hand and leads me back to the bonfire. Carson is there, and of course Ashton makes his way over to him. I conceal the groan with a cough as he settles next to him. It’s going to be hard keeping all these hot-guy emotions in check.
“Here, sit between my legs so you can lean back. The log is pretty harsh.” Ashton pats the sand in between his legs. It’s a sweet gesture and I comply, making myself comfortable.
A huff sounds next to me, and I peek at Carson under my lashes. It’s like he doesn’t approve. I snuggle in closer and lay my head back onto Ashton’s shoulder. I can’t concern myself with Carson’s judgement.
Nelson’s voice takes over my thoughts, and I fall into the music. It’s hypnotic and oddly satisfying. I haven’t felt this good in a long time.
Ashton begins to play with my hair, rolling a strand between his fingers. I sigh, letting the attention console me. I’m so lonely all the time I could choke on it.
“Do you need another beer?” Carson’s voice has me jerking out of my solace. I stare down at my empty bottle.
“Sure. If there’s something harder, I’ll take that, too.” I’m not nearly as drunk as I need to be. If I continue down this path, the emotions will pop up, and I don’t need that right now.
“Ashton, you want another?”
“No, man. I’m driving tonight.” He begins to stroke my hair again, and I can’t help but sigh.
Carson walks away, but I don’t miss the scowl on his face as he watches me relax into Ashton.
“Don’t mind him. He’s not used to fun. For Carson, the world is oppressive and gloomy. It took me a long time to get him even to socialize. He’s a bit of a loner.”
“Why is that?” Carson doesn’t appear to be the type to not party and live it up. I know a lot of guys like him back in L.A.
“Not my story to tell, sweetheart.” Ashton turns his attention back to the flames, and I sink into his comfort.
CARSON
SHE’S TOO beautiful for her own good. With her Gucci slides and Cartier watch glinting in the firelight, I can see the princess oozing off her. If I didn’t know that Ashton never does serious, I’d warn him away. The Meyers are as stuck-up and nasty as my parents.
Her type is so typical. The rich party girl wanting to mix with the locals for a good time. Ashton doesn’t know how dangerous they can be. As soon as she gets bored, she’ll throw him away for something better.
The chill of the beer bottle soaks into my skin as my feet sink into the sand. I welcome the way it weighs me down and makes my steps slow.
“Thanks,” she says as I hold out the beer to her. I give her a tight smile and return to my seat next to her.
I peek out of the corner of my eye to see what she’s doing. Still clinging to Ashton like he’s her lifeline. Ready to take advantage of him.
My scowl doesn’t go unnoticed. “You okay, bro?” Ashton asks, eyebrows furrowed as he shifts, disrupting her lounging.
“Yeah, fine. Just tense from today. I lost someone.”
“Oh my god, that’s horrible. What happened?” Her gasp stuns me. Why would this princess be interested? Doesn’t she have a clothing sale to worry about?
“Dude, I’m sorry. That sucks.” He reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder as I stare down at my beer.
Pulling the paper from the wrapper, I think about the woman I couldn’t save.
“Tide was rough at my post this morning. She didn’t listen to the flag. It was fucking devastating. Her family was there. Not something anyone should see.”
“Wow, some people just can’t follow the rules. If she would have just listened, her life could have been saved. I’m sure you did all you could, though.”
I don’t know what bothers me more—the flippant way she accuses the victim of her death or the way she condescendingly tells me I’m not good enough.
Standing up, I brush the sand from my shorts. “I’m out, man. See you later.”
I don’t wait around to answer Ashton’s calls. I can’t stand to be around the rich princess any longer. People like her always blame others for their actions. They never feel an ounce of empathy.
CHAPTER FOUR
BLISS
MY BLADDER WAKES me up from my passed-out state. Blinking blearily, I notice two things. It’s way too bright in here, and I’m not in my hotel room.
Soft snores come from beside me as I roll over and look at the gorgeous man in bed with me. Sandy hair covers his strong jaw. I peek under the sheets and see I’m in a t-shirt that’s clearly not mine, but my panties are still on. Good sign.
I slide from the bed, placing my bare feet on the floor, then slip out of the room in search of the bathroom. The door creaks as I open it, but Ashton doesn’t stir from his slumber.
I don’t remember how I got here or who changed my clothing. My last memory is of sitting by the fire, listening to Nelson’s hypnotic melodies. The beers kept coming, but I’m not sure if I got drunk and passed out or if I fell asleep after something happened.
The hallway is quiet as I check the first door I come to—a closet. Closing it, I try the second door only to smack into a wall of muscle. Hard ripples stare back at me. Tanned skin, ridges and valleys waiting to be caressed and licked.
I slowly take it in, my gaze traveling up to look into the face of the owner. I smile when I see his eyes alight with morning sleepiness. God, Carson’s even hotter when he first wakes up.
“What the fuck are you doing?” His growl pulls me from my very inappropriate daydream.
“Sorry, looking for the bathroom,” I say, watching his eyes roam over me and pause at my naked legs.
“Someone had fun last night.” His voice doesn’t sound teasing. In fact, it sounds disapproving and judge-y.
I pop my hip, resting my hand on the crest as I narrow my eyes. “Jealous?”
He scoffs and pushes me aside before heading down the hall. “The bathroom is through there. Hurry up. I have to leave for work in twenty minutes.”
Staring at that fantastic ass, I shake my head in annoyance. If he wasn’t such a jackass, I’d be asking him back into that room. As gorgeous as Ashton is, Carson causes my skin to burn. I haven’t felt that in a long ti
me.
When I’ve finished my necessities, I follow the scent of coffee into the kitchen. I’m not a morning person and thrive on coffee to make it through. Carson’s delectable ass grabs my attention as I slip into the kitchen unnoticed. He’s at the stove, towel slung over one shoulder, cooking what smells like bacon—my second favorite thing about mornings.
“Did you need something?” His back is still to me as he asks the question. I wonder if he knows what he’s doing to my body.
“Coffee cup?” I reply, sliding farther into the room and letting the island sperate us. He’s much too distracting.
“Cabinet beside the fridge,” he says, pointing with the spatula.
I pad over and pull out a chipped white mug with a picture of a baby shark on it. Instantly, the song pops into my head, and my stomach sinks. A flash of Tilly’s face lights up my brain, bringing with it that searing pain in my chest.
“Morning!” Ashton’s voice pulses through the room. There’s too much cheer in that voice for this early in the morning.
“Bro, too early for all your happiness,” Carson says, sliding his bacon on a plate and cracking two eggs into a pan.
“You making breakfast for us all? I could use a good scramble.” Ashton saunters over to me, taking the mug from my hand and pouring coffee into it before returning it to my waiting grasp.
“No time. We’re going to be late. It’s seven-thirty.”
“Shit! I gotta shower. Can you be ready in ten?” He turns to me with an apology in his eyes.
“Sure, no worries. I don’t even remember how we got here.” I take a seat at the kitchen table, pulling the milk over from the center of the table.
“I drove. You were pretty wasted . . . again.” The way he says it tells me he doesn’t disapprove, but I hear the hurt laced in his voice.
“Then I imagine we had a good time.” I waggle my eyebrows as I bring the steaming mug up to my lips.
“Told you, darling. I don’t take advantage of drunk chicks.” He kisses the top of my head before rushing out of the room.
