by Kimi Flores
Everyone looked around at each other, all shaking their heads, when I remembered something. I dug through my small purse, moving aside my lip gloss, wallet and mints until I felt the thin plastic wrapper.
He’s gonna hate me for this.
Ripping open the pink wrapping, I unfolded the pad. Moving his hand, I placed the absorbent side against his bleeding wound. “Here, apply pressure and hold this on your leg.”
Brandy gasped. “Did you just put a panty liner on his leg?”
“Wha—?” Josh looked down, eyes wide like the thing might bite him. But I held it in place.
Squatting in front of him, I looked over my shoulder. “Does anyone else have another option?” Heads shook before I looked him in the eye, with a smirk. “Then suck it up, buttercup. It’s this, or bleed to death.”
Since Josh was no longer in mortal danger, the snickering group started to disperse.
Rolling his eyes, he pulled me forward so only I could hear him. “You owe me for this. The guys are gonna give me shit forever.”
“I know. I figured. Sorry for knocking you down.” When I pursed my lips, I watched his gaze drop to my mouth.
He licked his lips like they’d suddenly gone dry then swallowed hard. “No problem. I have a feeling my reward will be well worth it.”
Gulping, I felt a shiver run down my spine. My mind went crazy. Should I wait? Should I lean in now?
But I didn’t want to wait. That would’ve driven me crazier.
Unsure how he felt about kissing in public, I licked my lips as well then leaned in a few inches, hoping he’d meet me halfway. To my relief, after his hungry stare darted to my mouth then back to my eyes once again, he moved in the rest of the way.
His lips were tender as they caressed mine a few times and pulled away. My heart pounded like we’d just had a hot and heavy make out session. I’d never felt that before, not from a few tiny pecks. How was it that Josh was so different? But then, I remembered how explosive our chemistry had been, just that one night. I’d often wondered if I’d built up those memories in my mind. Nope. The tingling sensation his lips left behind was just as wonderful as I remembered.
And I was in just as much trouble as ever.
Sighing, he leaned back on one arm. “You have very sexy lips, especially when you play with them.”
I reached up and touched my mouth, self-conscious. At first, I didn’t even realize I was doing it.
Turning my attention to his leg, I peeled the pad away, sneaking a peek. “The bleeding has almost stopped. I think you’ll live.” It was meant to be funny, but it came out breathless.
He gave me an intense look that seemed to mimic exactly how I felt.
Yep. Big fat trouble.
⁂
Josh
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” I raised an eyebrow at Bri’s outfit, trying to suppress a laugh. I couldn’t believe she was actually wearing this shit.
When we arrived at the zip line, she was told to change into a different shirt and close-toed shoes, so we made our way to the closest gift shop. In order for us to get back on time, she grabbed the first things she could find.
Now she was sporting fluorescent pink canvas shoes and a huge shirt that read, ‘I love Catalina Island’. The shirt was so long, the bottom of her shorts were barely visible. For good measure, she added a bright pink foam visor that had the Island’s name printed on it as well.
She smacked my arm as we passed Descando Beach and made our way up the inclined path toward the entrance. “Hey, at least I blend in with the tourists.” She winked.
“Blend in?” That was it. I stopped in my tracks, bent in half, and let out a loud laugh. “I bet they can see you from space right now. Those damn shoes and visor are burning holes in my retinas. “I squinted for dramatic effect.
“Hey, I’m rockin’ this outfit. Maybe I’ll even have it laundered at the hotel so I can wear it at dinner tonight.” As she passed me, she attempted to hide her smile.
Fuck, I hope she’s kidding.
I caught up to her as we walked to the outdoor counter where we paid, signed waivers on the iPads we were given, got geared up, and waited for further instructions. Despite her ugly ass outfit, Bri looked beautiful sitting next to me as we listened to the instructors telling us what to expect and all of the dos and don’ts. She smiled up at me when she heard we were actually going to be traveling down five different zip lines during the tour.
After we got the lowdown, our party of ten jumped on a small bus that took us up a steep windy road where we got out, walked through a small gate and onto the wooden platform connected to the first line.
One of the instructors went first and when Bri offered to let me go before her, I grabbed at the chance. Normally I’d be a gentleman and insist she take the first turn, but I was dying to watch her face as she came in after me.
Helmet in place, harnesses secure, and the trolley handle attached, I was led to the edge of the wooden platform where I stepped off, pulling my knees up and letting gravity take over. The wind whipped in my face while I zoomed above the green canyon, hooting. The fresh smell of nature and eucalyptus filled my lungs.
Suddenly I dipped further, going even faster as I rocketed past a few treetops. Closing my eyes, I took in the sound of the metal wheel rolling along the wire above. What a rush.
I saw another platform connected to the green hill ahead. Lifting my knees higher, I prepared to stop, hoping not to run into the planks of wood at the end of the landing. Once I came to a stop, the attendant helped unhook me, then I made my way over the lookout platform. The moment I heard over the instructor’s radio, “We have Bri coming next,” My heart started to pound.
Are my hands shaking?
I took a look at the scrape on my calf. Maybe I lost more blood than I realized.
Wrapped in anticipation, I listened to the zipping sound in the distance.
What’s wrong with my heart? It’s gonna beat out of my damn chest.
Grabbing onto the wooden railing to steady myself, I saw a tiny bright pink figure zooming toward me. Those god awful shoes and shirt had to go the minute we were done.
My body throbbed even stronger with eagerness. I can’t wait to see her face.
And just as I imagined, there it was—the look. Bri was filled with the same high I’d just felt. Most of the girls I’d been around hated this kind of activity and didn’t understand what was so thrilling about it, but Bri totally got it. She understood my passion, because it was hers too.
The moment she was close enough to make eye contact, I was a goner. I didn’t know much about what my future held, but one thing was sure—there was no way in hell I’d let her slip through my fingers a second time.
⁂
“I’m gonna grab my things and settle in my room before dinner.” I walked alongside Bri as we made our way to the room.
After the zip line tour, lunch, and more sightseeing with the group, I checked into my new room, while Bri chatted with Alison in the lobby. Her stuff had exploded, taking over my first one, so I figured it was easier to move than to pack up her crap and haul her big ass suitcase to the next wing.
“Oh. Okay,” She replied looking down at the ground.
I noticed her fake smile, and frowned. Is she—disappointed?
Had I done something wrong? I’d thought that was the original plan—share, then get a new room when they were available. I had no plans to stay with her. It was too soon, that might scare her off. But now—?
No, I finally decided. As much as I’d love to wake up with her in my arms again, she had to see that I wanted more than a weekend sexcapade.
“I’m dying to shower. I feel all sticky.” She pulled her hair up, fanning her neck with the other hand.
Taking a look down at the cut on my leg, I said, “Yeah, I need to go clean this. Properly,” I chuckled.
Hooking her thumbs in her pockets, she grinned as we walked down the hallway. “Well, you have to admit. You would’
ve lost way more blood if it hadn’t been for my quick thinking.”
With my lips pursed to the side, I agreed, “Yeah, and I’d probably be burned to a crisp if you didn’t bathe me in sunscreen.”
She gave a timid smile. “Yeah, sorry. I guess I should’ve warned you before I shot you in the eye.”
I laughed as we arrived at her room, placed my hand on the doorframe behind her and glanced down at her blushing cheeks. “I have a feeling there are many more injuries in my future—with you.” I grinned at her sudden shyness.
A green light appeared when I slipped the keycard into the lock and she slipped in, headed straight to the bathroom, then yelled through the closed door, “What time is it and how long do I have to get ready?”
I felt my pockets for my phone, remembering that I’d left it charging in the room this morning before we left. Spotting it on the nightstand, I touched the screen, bringing it to life. A bunch of missed calls and texts showed, all from Stefen. I flipped through the messages, feeling more and more irritated and slightly confused.
What the hell?
“Josh?” Bri called.
Snapping out of my bewilderment, I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the door. “It’s three-forty-five, and we’re meeting for rehearsal at five. I’ll be back to pick you up in an hour.”
“Are you sure? I can just meet you there.”
Shaking my head with a half-hearted smile, I yelled, “Yeah, I’m sure. I’ll be back.”
Like I’m gonna let any other bastard in this place think you’re alone. Negative.
“Okay, see you in a while.”
Phone and suitcase in hand, I left, not bothering to read anymore of the messages before dialing Stefen’s number.
“Hey, Bri isn’t around, is she?” He sounded strained.
“No, she’s showering.” I smacked my forehead as I made my way out of the elevator.
Shit. Wrong thing to say to her brother.
“Listen, just because I don’t mind that you took her away for a few days doesn’t mean I want you all over her.”
Stopping in my tracks, I looked around to see if anyone was listening, then moved over to a more secluded spot in the lobby. “Let’s get something straight, that part of her life isn’t any of your business. But you should also know I’m not making any moves until she’s ready. She’s in her room, taking a shower, and I’m heading to my room.”
I couldn’t imagine how I would’ve felt if I had a little sister.
Huffing, he breathed out, “Fine. Just know that I’m trying to get things under control over here. My mother is acting psychotic right now. Something set her off and she’s on a rampage. Not sure how much will be settled before you guys get back, so keep in touch.”
“Will do.” Pushing the door open, I ended the call and walked into my new room.
God, Bri’s mother must’ve been a total psycho, to do what she did to Bri. Whatever that was. She still hadn’t told me the whole story. It didn’t matter. When she was ready to share, I’d be here. Right now, my only goal was to make her forget. The problem was that I only had a few days to make that happen before she was thrust back into reality.
⁂
Bri
Alison stood at the long table in the restaurant section of the arcade. “So I know some of you think this is lame.” Her eyes intentionally narrowed at her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Brandy. “But we figured, since we have to dress up and use our manners tomorrow at the wedding, tonight we could have fun hanging out, eating pizza, drinking some beer, and playing arcade games.” My college roommate’s infectious smile warmed my heart.
I’m so glad she found her ‘happy’.
When we’d first sat down, I spotted the air hockey tables off to the side. That’s where I was planning to spend the rest of my evening. I was all for dressing up in fancy, girly clothes when the time called for it, but this was also my kind of night. And I ruled at air hockey.
“I see you eyeing those tables. Wanna play?” Josh’s arm draped over the back of my chair. He’d seemed to be hovering a little bit since he picked me up, but I didn’t mind.
“You any good?” Confidently, I leaned my elbows on the table, resting my chin on my shoulder.
Leaning back further in his chair, he lifted a cocky eyebrow. “State champion.”
In my smoothest tone, I said, “Oh really? I didn’t realize there was such a thing. I might have to enter.”
He chewed on the end of a small straw. “You could always play me now and see if you qualify.”
Playing along, I tapped my index finger on my lips. “What do I get if I win?”
“What do you want?” The chair scratched the floor as he moved forward, hope and playfulness in his eyes.
I smirked, feeling the heat between us. “When I win, I’ll tell you.”
“Okay, but I want a congratulatory kiss,” a smug look crossed his face, “when I win.”
I gently touched my bottom lip with my thumb, hoping he was imagining how they would feel on his. “We’ll see.” His darkened eyes said he was definitely thinking about kissing me.
The pizza arrived as a woman at the next table yelled, "Hey, aren’t you guys those actor brothers? My friend says you aren't and I say you are."
I saw the irritation on Josh's face, but he turned toward the table, putting on his best Hollywood smile. As hot as he looked with that smile, I was so glad he saved the real one for me.
Bradley sat beside Josh, eating this up. "Yeah, we are." They’d been stopped by fans quite a few times since we’d arrived on Catalina. Josh told me he didn’t normally get recognized anymore, unless he was with Brad.
"See, I told you." The boisterous fan pointed to another girl wearing a veiled tiara. "My friend over here is getting married next week. How about a farewell kiss before she’s off the market?"
I could hear the friend protesting. I looked up at Josh, wondering what he was going to do.
He took a deep breath and leaned over. "Do you mind if I go take a picture with them?"
Brandy snipped, “Bri’s not your keeper, Josh. Why are you asking her? You’re a celebrity. This comes with the territory.” She crossed her arms over her chest, giving him an ‘I dare you to say otherwise’ look.
Man, this bitch is annoying.
Josh and Brad got up from their seats, but before Josh headed over to the table, he approached Brandy and whispered something in her ear. Her smug look turned sour, and I had to bite down a satisfying smile.
Spinning around, Josh was just about to pass me, when he winked and leaned down to kiss my forehead.
Brad was already cheesing it up, taking pictures with the girls by the time Josh joined them. Each girl took their turn smacking their lips against Bradley’s like he was the main attraction at a kissing booth.
Gross.
Josh only smiled politely, signed napkins, and took a handful of pictures with them. One girl managed to sneak a kiss on his cheek right before the camera flashed. It would’ve been easy to miss, but I caught his mini eye roll before he shook the girl’s hand and headed back over.
Brandy had tried to force Josh into a situation that would make me jealous, but it had the opposite effect. I was proud of him.
He’d unknowingly held my heart for years. Maybe now I held his? I wasn’t a spiteful by any means, but I couldn’t help the smirk that spread across my mouth when I looked over at Brandy’s sneer.
A hand touched my shoulder, sweeping my hair to the side. “I think I’m ready for that game now. What do you say?” Josh whispered in my ear, sending a million chills down my back.
“Definitely ready.” I grabbed my beer, allowing him to pull me by the hand to the air hockey tables. Putting my drink down on a table beside us, I grabbed a paddle, ready to kick some ass.
With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he slipped a few coins in the slot. When the puck fell on my side of the table, I did the first thing that came to mind—I picked it up and slammed it into his goal before he was ready.
“So you’re a dirty player.” He smirked, pursing his lips like he was picturing something entirely different. “Good to know.”
Distracted by his comment, I missed him returning the puck to my goal.
Dammit, he plays dirty too.
I was far too competitive to let that happen again. Flipping my hair off my shoulder, I was geared up and ready. By the look on his face, he wasn’t about to let me win either.
I did a little side to side, eyes narrowed in a challenge.
Now these are the kinda games I like to play. It’s on.
⁂
Josh
“I won fair and square, y’know.” I laid on my side in the sand, next to Bri, holding her delicate hand as we stared at the moonlit ocean. It was a toss-up, which was more beautiful—Bri or the quiet, frothy waves.
We tied four games of air hockey before I finally beat her in the fifth one. After the mock tournament, we went back to the table, ate dinner with our friends, and said our goodbyes. Now on the hotel’s private beach, we were enjoying the romantic setting.
Sighing playfully, she wrinkled her nose. “Did you stop to think that I may have let you win that last game?” She rested her head in the palm of her hand.
Sounds like she wants that kiss as much as I do.
Something flashed across her face as she sat up and brought her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around. Looking out across the ocean, she had a lost look on her face.
I could tell by her expression that her brain was working backward. “What’s wrong, Bri?” I asked, pulling her hand into mine and kissing the marks that had begun to heal on her palm.
With her cheek resting on her knees, she opened up. “I don’t know, I guess I‘ve always felt like a disappointment. I know you told me to enjoy this trip, and I really have. It’s been heaven, to feel free to be myself. I just can’t stop thinking about what I’m going to face once we leave. Home is supposed to be a safe and happy place, but for me it’s always been a prison.” She turned and gazed out at the horizon, adding, “I’ve often wondered if there’s even a place where I actually belong.” Her voice was barely louder than a whisper. I could see the haunted look on her face and the loneliness screaming from her words.
