by Jo Leigh
“We’re winning it,” Candy said, leveling her gaze at him. “So no backing out.”
“I wouldn’t think of it,” he said, happy they were the last couple in the line for this particular torture. One after another the pairs tried and failed-tipping over the shot glass, bumping the bar or falling flat.
Then it was their turn.
“We’re going to make it, Matt. Don’t worry,” she said.
“Oh, I’m not,” he said, setting the shot glass on her trembling stomach before hurrying around to wait for her to inch her way under the bar toward him.
Her muscles clenched and released as she moved, glistening in the tiki light. The glass jiggled and a few drops of tequila trickled across her stomach. The audience moaned.
Her toes gripped the sand, her body vibrated from the strain, then she steadied herself.
Somehow, inch by inch, she made it beyond the bar. Now he did his part. He lowered his mouth to the shaking shot glass, picking up the scent of her skin, her light sweat and the tang of tequila. He lifted the edge with his teeth, tipped back the ounce of booze and gulped it down.
A cheer went up. Candy bounced up and he caught her against him. “We won! We won!” she shrieked, dancing and jumping like the tiki flames. The announcer handed Candy the trophy, and she held it up, her eyes shining with joy.
Matt wanted to help her celebrate, so he crouched before her and tapped his shoulders. “Climb up.”
She put her legs around his neck, her thighs tight against his ears. He held her securely and stood tall.
She shrieked in pleasure. The crowd bellowed its approval. Alcohol-induced hilarity, no doubt. They’d hardly won the Olympics, but Candy was a wonder and even the drunken festival revelers had picked up on it.
“This is so great,” she said, talking down to him, the trophy in one hand, her other hand under his jaw, holding on.
“Yeah,” he said, looking up at her.
“Hello!”
He looked down to see Jaycee calling to him.
“Congratulations, you two,” she said, glancing up at Candy, then directly at him.
“Thanks,” Candy called down.
“So, anyway, I’m just going to come right out and ask. I know you two work together, but are you together-together?” She twined two fingers.
They both answered at once.
“Not at all,” Candy said.
“Yes, we are,” he said.
Hands on hips, Jaycee looked from one to the other, waiting for a clarification.
“For this week, we’re together,” he said.
“Oh. Well.” She looked disappointed, then shrugged. “Whatever. I guess I’ll see you around.” She walked away, paused to look back, as if to say something else, then shook her head and moved on.
He understood her confusion. Why had he lied? Because he didn’t want Jaycee and it was a painless way to let her down? That made sense, right?
Except there was more to it, he knew. Way more.
Candy thumped his chest with her heels. “Put me down,” she said. She wanted an explanation and he hoped to God she’d buy the one he gave her.
CANDY HOPED TO HELL Matt could fix this. He had to save her from herself. When he’d told Jaycee they were together, she’d felt pure joy.
Joy! The absolute wrong reaction. She had to force it down, like sitting on the lid of a jam-packed suitcase. She had no business wanting Matt to want her.
Now, her heart banged her ribs as hard as her heels thudded Matt’s chest.
Matt crouched down and helped her off his shoulders. She hated to leave, actually. She’d loved being up there with Matt’s hands warm and tight on her thighs, holding her safe.
“Why did you tell her that?” she asked him, her heart thudding in her ears.
“I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”
“You could beta test Fun Guy with her. Wasn’t she your type?” she asked. How could she not be? Jaycee was every guy’s type.
“Right,” he said, sounding relieved. “She’s not my type.” His eyes darted away.
“Or is it because of Jane? Sure. That makes sense.” Matt was an honorable guy. He wouldn’t two-time his girlfriend. Even if she wasn’t his girlfriend at the moment.
Because if it wasn’t, if Matt had turned down Jaycee because he wanted Candy, then the joy she’d locked away would burst right out of her.
“This trip’s complicated enough already,” Matt said, managing a smile. “Don’t you think?”
“Excellent point,” she said, relieved Matt had eased the tension. She noticed carnival rides-their neon trim decorating the sky-in the distance, where the crowd thickened. “Let’s check out the carnival before the scavenger hunt, huh?” That would be a fun distraction.
“Sounds good.”
She put the limbo trophy inside her straw bag, Matt put his shirt back on, and they started off.
“Hey there…” A blond guy spoke invitingly to Candy as he passed. He turned, walking backward to continue looking at her.
She smiled her thanks-but-no-thanks smile.
Matt stopped walking and turned to her. “If you want to hook up with him, feel free. I can amuse myself.”
“Forget it, Matt.” She laughed.
“This is your vacation. You should do your thing.”
His words hit like a slap. “You think that’s my thing-picking up guys?”
“No. I just meant enjoy yourself, do what you want.”
“I always do,” she said, sounding more stiff than she meant to. It hurt that Matt saw her as a party girl.
On the other hand, why wouldn’t he? She’d jumped into bed with him practically at the first chance she got.
“Stop.” He surprised her by cupping her face and looking straight into her eyes. “I was clumsy. I just mean I don’t want to monopolize your time. If you meet someone, I’ll back off. That’s all I’m saying.”
Her anger melted away. “I’m having a great time with you.” The words came out too intimate and too intense.
“Me, too,” he said, matching her tone. “A great time.” He held her gaze. “Too great, probably.”
“Probably.” Her heart throbbed in her chest and some joy leaked out. Why did he have to be so damned sincere?
She loved being with him, the way he looked after her, smiled at every funny remark, found her so delightful. This was not good. Not good at all.
She hurried forward, so Matt had to lope to catch up with her in the crowded midway. People were clumped around booths related to Sin on the Beach. A photo booth had life-size cardboard stand-ups of the stars, faces cut out, so couples could peek through and be photographed as if they were making love. Long lines snaked around tables where the actors autographed publicity photos and tell-alls.
Candy and Matt pushed past all that to a more open section of the carnival.
“Hey there, young lovers!”
Candy turned to locate the source of the amplified voice.
“Yes! You! White bikini, blue palm-tree shirt. I’m talking to you.” A man wearing a lime-green turban and an eye-popping Hawaiian shirt was waving them over. His twinkling eyes and handlebar moustache made him look like a tall Wizard of Oz.
“Please, you two beautiful people, step this way.” Above him, a painted sign said, “Magellan the All Knowing.”
“I don’t know about this,” Matt muttered to her.
“Let’s see what he’s got to say.” She tugged Matt’s arm, pulling him closer to the small stage.
“Folks, help me encourage this lovely couple,” Magellan called to the passing crowd. “Don’t let them escape their future. I must unravel their mystery.”
A dozen people gathered around the platform and watched Matt help Candy up the steps to stand beside the guy.
“Welcome, welcome,” Magellan said. “Give them a hand.”
The crow
d obediently applauded. There was a desultory whistle.
“And your first name?” Magellan held the mic close to Candy.
“Candy,” she said.
“Exactly what I was going to say!” He winked at the crowd, then turned to Matt. “And you, sir? Your name is…hmm. It’s…”
“Matt.”
“Ah. You’re too quick for me.” The crowd laughed at his pretense that he’d been about to guess their names.
“And are you enjoying the festival, Matt and Candy?”
“Until now,” Matt joked.
“Not to worry,” Magellan said with a big laugh. “You’ll be able to live this down…eventually.”
The crowd laughed.
“So, ready to play our game? It’s called Truth or…Bare. A variation of Truth or Dare in honor of this sexy festival we’re part of.”
“That depends on what we have to do,” Candy said.
“Exactly,” Matt added.
“You can trust me,” he said. Something in his tone told her he was more than a carnie clowning for the crowd. And his eyes held a surprising depth.
“We’re listening,” Candy said.
“Good. Excellent.” He rubbed his hands together. “Here’s how it goes. I’m going to call on my spirit guides to reveal a secret about each of you. If I’m wrong, you earn fifty festival points and free tickets for the carnival rides.” He pulled a strip of tickets from a pocket and waved it for the crowd’s benefit.
“And if you’re right?” Matt asked.
“Then it gets interesting. If I’m correct, you remove an item of clothing. A major item. No jewelry or shoes. That’s why we call it Truth or Bare.”
The crowd roared its appreciation.
“So, are you in?” he asked, looking from Matt to Candy.
No way would Candy drop her bikini for a crowd, but she was curious about what Magellan might guess. Matt looked as though he wanted to bolt from the stage. That made her smile. She liked seeing him off-guard. “Why not?” she said.
“Candy,” he said under his breath.
“Relax, Fun Guy. It’ll be fine.” She turned to Magellan. “We’re in,” she said, holding out her hand.
“You’re very brave.” Somberly, Magellan shook her hand.
“Hang on,” Matt said. He whipped off his shirt and put it around Candy’s shoulders. “Now we’re in.”
The crowd booed.
“That’s all well and good, my man. Quite heroic of you. However, if I guess correctly about you, you’ll be in the altogether.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Matt said, crossing his arms over his bare chest. Oooh, he looked good. Candy sighed.
“Suit yourself,” Magellan said. “Or un-suit yourself, as the case may be. What do we think about that, ladies?” He directed the microphone at the crowd, where women shrieked their approval of the possibility of Matt losing his swimsuit.
“You okay with this?” Matt asked her.
“If you are,” she said, impressed by his boldness. Should Magellan stumble onto a real secret, he could deny it, of course. She was sure that not even a double Tsunami for Two could convince Matt to strip in public.
“Now, if I could have a moment of silence while I contact my spirit guides,” Magellan said. The crowd dutifully quieted and the fortune teller made a big show of closing his eyes, placing his fingers to his temples, then putting his palms together at his heart level. Instantly, mystical music swelled around them. He’d tapped a remote, no doubt, or had an assistant backstage.
After a few seconds, Magellan opened his eyes, gave them each a Buddha-worthy smile, put a hand on each of their shoulders and lowered his head again. The music swelled and Candy felt a curious warmth pass through her body, head to toe. Had to be the power of suggestion.
After a bit, Magellan’s head jerked up and the music stopped dead. He leveled his gaze at each of them in turn.
“First, I am prompted to point out that nothing at this festival can compete with what you two have in mind for each other.” He grinned, then turned to the audience, which had grown substantially. “Am I right?”
The crowd hooted its pleasure.
Matt went red under his tan. Candy managed a smile. The guy knew how to work a crowd.
“Now, for my official reading.” Magellan turned to her, meeting her gaze full on. “Here’s what my guides tell me.” He paused. “You, Candy, want something from Matt that you’re afraid to ask for.”
She thought immediately about the promotion, but it could be a million things. The secret to fortune telling was making ambiguous guesses.
“You don’t really want that, by the way,” Magellan added quietly, an odd light in his eye. She felt caught short. “So, am I right?” he said more loudly so the crowd could hear. “Will it be Truth?” Long pause. “Or Bare?”
The crowd roared.
No way could she admit the truth. Matt would want to know what it was. She had no choice but to lie. “Sorry. You are incorrect,” she said.
“Really?” Magellan seemed to read her fib. “Sometimes I’m wrong,” he said, making a big show of giving her a strip of tickets and, from another pocket, a voucher for points. He slanted Candy a last glance, inviting her to confess, then shrugged and turned to Matt. “Let’s see now, Matt.” He paused. “You, Matt, have let Candy believe a falsehood for her own good.” He leaned closer to Matt and whispered, “The truth will set you free, my friend.”
He spoke into the microphone. “So…am I correct? Will you trade in your swimsuit for your birthday suit, Matt?”
There was a moment of silence. Matt swallowed, looking painfully uncomfortable. “Sorry, but you’re wrong,” Matt said in a way that made Candy think he was lying, too. Come on, she scolded herself. No way was Magellan psychic. He was working the crowd, making likely guesses.
“Looks like the spirits are failing me today,” Magellan said. He shook his fist heavenward in mock anger, then hung his head in pretend sorrow.
The audience clapped and shouted while he handed over Matt’s winnings.
Magellan shook their hands, then spoke into the microphone. “I predict a private game of Truth or Bare in your future.” He winked. “Your very near future. Good luck to you both.”
The crowd roared at the sexual implication of his words, but Candy had the feeling that Magellan wished them luck with more than the sex he was assuming they’d have.
Matt helped her off the platform and they walked into the crowd, which moved onward. “That was mortifying,” he said.
“I know,” she said. “You want your shirt?” She started to shrug it off.
“Keep it,” he said, eyeing her body. “It’s safer that way.”
“For you maybe.” She looked at his bare chest, wanting it against her, electricity zinging through her. Matt’s eyes crackled with a matching reaction. Neither of them was safe and they both knew it. Magellan was right. Nothing out here could compare with the pleasure they’d enjoy together.
She watched him, holding her breath.
“Maybe we should call it a night,” he said, as if he’d sensed the danger, too. “Just forget the festival for now.”
“We can’t. I promised Ellie and Sara we’d do the scavenger hunt. We’re strong enough to handle this, aren’t we?”
“I guess we’re going to find out,” he said with a sigh, taking her by the arm and moving forward.
10
CANDY SPOTTED THE Hot Shot Scavenger Hunt right away. The stage held three movie screens and was flanked by two huge inflated cell phones marked with the brand name of the sponsoring mobile-phone company.
The emcee announced that the list of Hot Shot photos would appear on the screen and also be available via text message in five minutes. All entry shots had to be sent to the contest’s cell number before midnight. From the teams whose entries met the requirements, the winner would be selected based on th
e quality of the photos, their originality and how fast they were turned in.
Candy and Matt located Ellie and Sara standing with two men-Bill and Drew, she assumed. Just as they’d finished introducing themselves to each other, a shout rose from the crowd. They looked up to see a list of bulleted items on all three screens.
Candy scanned the list: a guy in pink boxer briefs, a woman in a plain white bra, three women in descending cup sizes-double points if they were topless-naked female backsides with and without tan lines, a male butt cheek with a beauty or birth mark, innie and outie navels, a sexy tattoo, a woman’s thong with something provocative written on it, a Day-Glo condom and more. Twenty items in all. It was dizzying.
“This is worse than I thought,” Matt said, looking at her. “Pink briefs?”
“Okay, quick. Innie or outie?” Ellie asked the group, undaunted by the challenge. In seconds, Drew’s and Sara’s navels had been photographed-he was innie, she was outie-and Candy and her friends had divvied up the rest of the shots.
Matt waited, nervous as hell, Candy could see.
“We got the easy stuff, don’t sweat it,” she told him. The scavenger hunt crowd had dissipated in search of photographic victims, so Candy dragged Matt over to a group of easygoing-looking guys she hoped to convince to be their Three Moons Over Malibu shot.
The guys were happy to oblige. Matt looked stunned while she captured the picture.
Next, she led him to five women drinking from novelty glasses-a clue they were in get-drunk-go-crazy mode. In no time at all, Candy had three of them lined up in cup order-D, C, A.
“Now, when I say flash, lift your tops,” she said.
Matt looked away politely when the girls did as she’d asked, and Candy took their picture.
Afterward, they gave her a cell number so she could send them the photo.
“I can’t believe how easily you talk people out of their clothes,” Matt said, sounding honestly awed.
“What can I say? It’s a gift.”
She sent the shots to Ellie’s and Sara’s phones, saw what they’d snapped, then grinned at Matt. “We’re on target. The rest of our shots are easy. We’ll grab glow-in-the-dark condoms at Walgreens, you’ve got the ass with a beauty mark and I’ve got the sexy thong. Come on.” She took his arm.
