by Kimi Flores
“I’m so sorry. The plumbing went out on the west wing, and we can’t guarantee those rooms’ availability until tomorrow. We will be happy to put you up at another hotel for the night.”
I threw my elbows on the counter, clutching my head. I’m gonna pass out right here in the lobby.
A soothing hand ran down my back. “Hey, what’s going on?”
My eyes were closed tight as I listened to Josh and the clerk’s conversation. There was no way I could possibly contribute.
In a panicked voice, the resort employee clarified, “I was explaining that we don’t have any more rooms right now, but we can get one at another hotel for Ms. Hunter, then she grabbed her head. Is she okay?”
Josh continued to slowly trail his hand up and down my back. “I need you to have someone bring these bags up to room two-sixteen.”
Wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulled me toward his body. The pain was so intense I didn’t put up a fight as he directed us out of the lobby, up the elevator, and into a bright room.
All I saw when we stepped inside was the king-sized bed that beckoned me. Stumbling through the room, I made it to the bed, laying my head on a pillow while my feet hung over the side.
Tears seeped from the corners of my closed eyes. “I’m sorry, Josh. I just need to doze off for a bit.”
Light fingertips caressed my cheek, wiping my tears away. His calming words, nearly lulled me to sleep. “Don’t apologize, Bri. I’ve been there before. A nap is the best thing for you right now.”
I felt light as he carefully lifted my feet, removing my shoes. Gently, my legs were placed on the bed before a soft blanket covered my body.
As I began to fall into a comatose state, I heard Josh talking to someone about dropping luggage at the door, then what I thought was a few minutes later, a cool washcloth was placed on my eyes, the curtains were closed, and Josh said he’d be back in a bit to check on me.
The world around me faded to black as I passed out.
⁂
Josh
Wincing, I cautiously opened the hotel door as quietly as I possibly could. With my printed agenda in hand, I’d just left the welcome dinner the bride and groom arranged for their wedding attendants.
Wish Bri had been there.
I’d already been back to check on her two other times, including bringing her dinner. She was completely knocked out each time I looked in on her.
The bathroom light was on, giving just enough illumination for me to find my way around. Thankfully, she’d eaten half the food on her plate and drank one of the bottles of water I’d brought earlier. Sitting on the same table with her dish was a prescription bottle. I assumed it contained the pain meds she’d taken earlier. There were also a few containers of vitamins and what looked to be herbal pills.
My eyes were immediately drawn to the mess on the floor.
It looked like she dumped everything out of her luggage. Wonder what she was looking for?
Bending down, I picked up her clothes, including the shorts and tank top she’d been wearing earlier, and placed them back in her open suitcase.
Scanning the room, I tried to figure out where I was going to sleep. The resort still didn’t have any other spaces available and all the other guys already had someone else with them. Although, it seemed kind of convenient that nobody had a place for me once I mentioned Bri was asleep in my room.
Paul’s sister, Brandy, had caught up to me as I left the dinner table. She’d offered to share her room, but I knew what that meant. Brandy had been trying to get together with me since we were teens. That was one line I’d never cross.
Guys do not date their friend’s baby sisters.
Making up my mind, I decided to sleep in the bed with Bri. It wasn’t like I was planning on trying anything—at least, not until she was ready, so there shouldn’t be any problem, right?
The bed dipped when I sat on the edge to take my shoes off. Looking over my shoulder, I took in the beautiful woman lightly snoring. The blankets were pulled over her shoulder and tucked under her chin.
I hope I can fall asleep, knowing she’s right there and I can’t touch her.
Shaking my head, I peeled my jeans and shirt off and crawled under the covers, falling asleep without hesitation.
⁂
Bri
The warm body plastered to mine shifted, rousing me from my sleep. Slowly opening one eye, I saw a familiar tattoo imprinted on a chest muscle, opposite from the one my face was glued to.
From where my head lay, I peered up, seeing the overnight scruff on Josh’s jaw and chin. His delicious lips were parted, allowing his low snores to escape.
His lashes fanned out just under his closed eyes, convincing me that he was still asleep. Carefully I lifted myself, peeling my bare skin off his.
Wait, bare skin?
My eyes made their way down to my naked breasts then darted to him. “What the hell?” I shrieked, yanking the blankets up to cover myself.
Startled out of his sleep, Josh shot up. He blinked rapidly, moving his head side to side like he was trying to figure out where my voice had come from. “What happened?”
“What happened? I should be asking you that.” My spread open hand held the covers up to my chest as my panicked words shot out of my mouth. “I woke up half naked, plastered to you.”
Holding his hand up, he became immediately defensive. “Now wait a minute. Nothing happened. I came in here after dinner and fell asleep. On my side of the bed.”
Popping my mouth open, I barked, “Your side of the bed? Josh, you don’t have a side in my bed.”
“Bri, this is my bed,” he growled. “You are staying in my room.”
Yesterday’s events came flooding into my mind.
Migraine, no available rooms. Sleep, lots of sleep. Couldn’t find PJs, decided to sleep in panties only. Oh shit.
Humiliated, I closed my eyes. “I’m so sorry. Yesterday was rough for me, and I completely forgot what happened—until now.”
He rubbed his face. “Bri, I didn’t even know you weren’t dressed until now. I swear. I wouldn’t have gotten under the covers had I known. There wasn’t any place else for me to sleep.”
Swallowing hard, I apologized once more, “I know. I’m sorry I accused you.”
He sighed, propping his elbows on bent knees. “I’m not going down that road with you again—until you say you want to.” His voice softened. “I know we haven’t really talked about ‘us’ yet, but I think we both know that’s where we're headed. Right? I would never take advantage of you.”
Sucking in my bottom lip, I realized what he was saying. “Thank you.”
Curious, he narrowed his eye. “Can I ask why you aren’t wearing anything? You did realize I would probably be coming back here, right?”
Nervously running my fingertips back and forth across my lips, I answered, “I couldn’t find anything to put on when I got up to change, and I didn’t really care at the time. I was in too much pain.”
“Ah,” he nodded, “that explains all the clothes on the floor when I came in.” He took a close look at my face. “How are you feeling this morning? Is your migraine gone?”
“Yeah. I feel a lot better.” I rubbed my cheek.
“Okay, good. I was hoping it wouldn’t damper your fun today.” Looking past me, he asked, “What time is it?”
I turned to see what he was looking at and found his phone on the side table. Holding onto the covers for dear life, I leaned over to get it. When I pressed the power button, I noticed a missed call and text from Stefen.
Great, they’re working together now. “It’s seven o’clock,” I huffed.
Throwing the blanket off, Josh stood up. I was about to close my eyes when I noticed he was wearing boxers. Relieved, a loud breath escaped my mouth.
He looked at me through the reflection in the mirror attached to the wall, smirking in a sinfully sexy way. “Did you think I was naked?”
A blush rose from my chest to my f
ace as I faked my best ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ look. “No.” I dragged out the ‘o’ sound.
Keeping his back to me, he placed his open hands on his hips. “Really, Bri. You don’t have a very high opinion of me, do you?”
Suddenly interested in the stitched pattern on the comforter, I watched my finger as it traced the symmetrical design. “I know how guys think, that’s all.” It was the most honest answer I could give him.
Rolling his eyes, he told me, “We have to get ready. There’s a whole itinerary laid out for us and everyone’s meeting for breakfast in an hour and a half. Do you mind if I jump in the shower first?”
“Nah, go ahead.” I waved him away. “I think I’m going for a quick swim. It’ll help loosen my tight muscles.”
He pointed to the dresser on the way to the bathroom. “Don’t forget the keycard.”
My eyes roamed his body from behind, until he closed the bathroom door.
I hope that pool is nice and cool.
Chapter Eleven
The Winner’s Circle
Josh
“So what’s on the agenda for the day?” Bri held my hand as we strolled through the hotel’s garden atrium courtyard on our way to breakfast. Boats scattered the harbor as we passed the open archways with views of the ocean.
“You’re gonna love this,” I said excitedly. “The schedule said ‘touristy day’, which basically means we’ll be checking out the Island.” I noticed another guy checking her out and had to fight the urge to pull her to my side.
“So you think my outfit is okay for the day then?” Her manicured toes were peeking out of jeweled flat sandals, while her long tanned legs met up with the hem of her khaki shorts. The first thing that had caught my attention when she opened the bathroom door earlier, however, was the purple strapless ruffled top she was wearing.
You’d look beautiful no matter what you did or didn’t wear. Just taking in her sensual curves made me want to groan. Clearing my throat, I answered, “Yeah. I’m sure you’ll be fine. If not, we can go back to the room so you can change.”
Seemingly satisfied, she smiled and walked silently, ignoring the men staring at her as we made our way through the lobby and into the restaurant.
Assholes. Didn’t they see she was with me? Sighing internally, I wondered if I’d ever get used to that.
⁂
Bri
“So, um. Who’s your girlfriend?” I moved in, just close enough to whisper in Josh’s ear before popping a strawberry in my mouth.
His eyebrows pulled together. “Huh? Who?”
I gave him a teasing grin but was irritated inwardly. “Well, don’t look now, but Miss Thang on the end there has been giving me a death glare since we walked in holding hands.” Catty girls had always irritated the hell out of me.
“Oh, that’s just Paul’s little sister, Brandy. We’ve known each other forever.” Oblivious to my annoyance over Brandy’s stare down, he took a long sip of orange juice.
“She’s not too keen on you being around other girls, is she?” I finished my last bite of French toast, bringing my forearms to the table as I leaned forward.
Snickering, he shook his head. “Uh, no.”
When we’d joined the group at the table earlier, I was introduced to the rest of the wedding party. They all seemed friendly enough, but the moment my eyes met Brandy’s, I knew that girl was going to be trouble.
Alison stood up while Paul placed his hand on her lower back. “Okay, everyone. Grab your things. The golf carts are ready for us outside.”
“Golf carts?” I looked at Josh while everyone headed out.
“Yeah, there’s not a whole lot of room on the roads here so we’re going to caravan in golf carts and stop at a few tourist attractions.” He pointed toward the glass lobby doors where several four-passenger golf carts were parked.
“Oh that sounds like fun.” I did a little bounce. “Can I drive?”
Josh whipped around to face me. “Hell, no. Are you crazy, woman? I’ve seen your driving.”
I threw my fists on my hips. “You’re just jealous because I can kick your ass in a race.”
“I’ll ride with you, Josh.” A sultry voice came from behind us.
Brandy. My hands clenched but the one was still slightly tender so I quickly loosened my fingers.
Stepping closer to me, he asked in a low tone, “What do you think? Should I let her ride with me?”
I gasped irritably. Prick.
With an indifferent shrug, I sneered, “What do I care? I’ll just get my own.” As I sidestepped Josh, I felt a hand around my elbow, causing me to turn and see Josh’s panicked face.
He pulled me away from their crowd. “I was totally kidding, Bri. I want to go with you.”
I pointedly told him, “I hate games. Don’t ever try to make me jealous again. That kind of relationship does not work for me. I have enough drama in my life.”
His grimace reflected his unspoken understanding.
You don’t even know the half of it.
He rested his hands on the back of his head and looked up, blinking hard. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Will you please go with me?”
My eyes narrowed, challenging him. “Can I drive?”
He smiled playfully. “Um—no.”
Pouting, I raised my shoulders, dropping them with a huff. “Fine. Let’s go. But we better be in the winner’s circle when all is said and done.”
“Believe me, I already planned that.” Hands still connected, he pulled me behind him.
We rejoined the group in time to receive a map and hear the route we’d be taking. I spotted something that nobody had mentioned. Excited, I called Alison to the side. It was her day after all, and I didn’t want to be a pain in the butt.
“What’s up?” Alison asked.
I ignored Josh’s questioning look. “I noticed there’s a zip line on the map and wondered if that could be worked in. If not, don’t worry. I’m not trying to throw a wrench in your plans.”
Cackling, Alison yelled over to her fiancé, “You owe me twenty bucks, hon.”
Paul laughed, giving Alison two thumbs up and throwing her a kiss.
I frowned. “What was that about?”
Alison’s face lit up. “When we were mapping all this out, I told Paul you were going to be the one to ask about the zip line, and he swore it would be Josh, Brad, or Tanner. So thank you for the extra twenty bucks.”
I giggled, “Are you serious?”
Grinning, she gave an easy nod. “You haven’t changed that much, my girly tomboy friend, and yes we did consider it. We’re having lunch where the zip line ends so anyone who wants to do it, can and then you can join us for lunch.”
Lifting my arm, I flicked my wrist. “Well, Paul should’ve known better. He’s the one who took us on our first zip run, not to mention all the other dude places he dragged us to.”
Pleased with myself, I strolled back to Josh just in time to see Brandy and her friend asking if they could ride with us.
Josh pulled me toward him, kissing my hand and directing me to the front passenger seat, then pointed to the bench behind it. “Yeah, sure. Just fasten your seat belts because we’re taking the lead.”
He rounded the front, jumped in, and started up the not so impressive engine, taking off after Bradley and Tanner.
“Shit, wait Josh! We’re still getting our seatbelts on,” Brandy complained.
Josh gave me a sideways smirk. “It’s not like we’re going a hundred miles an hour in this lawnmower. Buckle up.” He leaned his forearms on the steering wheel, tapping his thumbs as we stopped at an intersection.
Bradley barked out a laugh, flipping us off as he sped away. “Hold on to your panties girls, we’re gonna smoke my brother’s ass.”
Laughing, Josh took the challenge. We zipped through the small windy road, up the hill, finally catching up to Bradley and crew, all while the girls in the back screamed like, well, girls.
So irritating, yet I felt
a twisted pleasure with the other girls’ discontent.
The first stop for the day was Wrigley’s Botanical Garden, which was basically a large cactus garden. A huge monument sat at the top. According to the sign at the entrance, the memorial paid tribute to a man who loved Catalina Island, William Wrigley, founder of Juicy Fruit Gum.
I held my hand up to shade my eyes from the sun as I looked at the white clay structure with red roof tiles, when those irritating girls screamed again.
Don’t they ever shut up?
As their squealing got louder, the group started to head toward us.
What the hell is their problem now?
“Loo—loo—loo—look down,” Brandy stuttered as she pointed to my shirt.
Glancing down to my chest, I saw an alien-looking spider parked on top of my boob. Its semi-translucent body blended into my shirt, similar to the way a chameleon would, but it sure as hell was there.
Holy mother of—!
I screeched at the top of my lungs, swiping frantically at my top. I wasn’t actually touching the spider, because who in the hell would touch that thing? Jumping back, I smacked into Josh, knocking him on his ass as I fell on top. The damn spider was still clinging on for dear life.
“Fuuuck,” He groaned behind me. Paul came to my rescue, flicking the insect off with a stick. The little bastard was now crawling sideways on the ground toward me. Yelping, I jumped off Josh and darted behind Paul, my hero with the stick. I heard Josh grunting in the background but couldn’t focus on anything else, until Paul flicked the crab spider away into the bushes.
More groaning caught my attention. Josh still sat on the ground, holding his calf as blood trickled between his fingers.
“Ohmigod.” I, as well as the other eight people in our party, turned our attention to him. “What happened?”
“Some spaz knocked me on my ass, and I cut my leg on this cactus.” He pointed to the very angry-looking, spiny plant beside him. With one eye closed to block the sun, he smirked as our group crowded around him. “Anyone got a bandage?”
