“I see,” Sara said. “He’s about to start filming the third movie in the Shades of Discontent trilogy. The Hollywood Investigator says he’s just as kinky off screen as he is on it,” she added.
“When do I get to see this Camp Paramore?” I asked.
“Soon, Kitten. Very soon,” Avery answered.
In anxiousness, I had downed almost the entire bottle of wine that Nate brought us. I turned and whispered to Sara. “Come to the bathroom with me.” Sara nodded then rose out of her chair.
I gave Avery a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll be right back.” Avery smiled softly then glanced at Sara. I could see the unspoken words in his eyes. He wanted her to have my back in case Nate tried something, but I was sure his being here was more of a coincidence than anything else.
“Nate’s such a jerk,” I said, as Sara took my arm and headed to the bathroom.
“He’s only doing this to get a rise out of you. Ignore him,” Sara insisted.
Sara and I finished in the bathroom making small talk about the island and how fantastic this trip had been so far. We were giggling like the two tipsy girls when I washed my hands and stepped out of the bathroom to wait for Sara to finish and stepped right into Nate. Oh, shit.
“Did you enjoy the wine I brought you? It wasn’t the manager who paid for those, it was me,” he said.
“You shouldn’t have,” I answered.
“I wanted to,” he said. “I remembered that you loved the Chilean Cabernet when you came to my party last spring. You couldn’t get enough of it that night, along with a few other things,” he smirked.
“What do you hope is going to happen here, Nate?” I asked.
“That you and I can start over as friends,” Nate replied.
“That’s not going to happen,” I said.
“Aria. Some of us give people a second chance. Like, I forgive you for getting me kicked out of camp,” he said, as I tried to step around him but he cut me off. I rolled my eyes.
“Nate, you tried to sexually assault me,” I interjected.
“Jesus, Aria, don’t be so sanctimonious. I had been doing shots of tequila all day and I get pushy when I drink that much.”
I crossed my arms and glared at him. He’d better not let Avery catch him cornering me. Where was Sara? I thought she was right behind me. Come on girl get out here.
“Nate, I said no, over and over again. You weren’t getting the hint, and by the way, your breath smells like you’ve had quite a few already tonight. Do they let you drink on the job?” I asked sarcastically.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Did you ever think you might drink too much?” he asked.
“It’s the only way I can keep from kicking you in the nuts,” I said.
“Don’t blame me for your drinking problem. I don’t get to see you that much,” he responded.
“But somehow, you’re never that far away, are you?” I accused.
“It’s a wildly weird world we live in, Aria. Anything can happen,” he said.
“You’re unreal, Nate,” I said.
“Aria, what’s more real than a love story with a sad ending,” he continued.
“Eat cock-soup asshole!” Sara exclaimed, when she finally stepped out of the restroom. “Get away from her!”
Nate ignored Sara. “Aria, it ended roughly and I’m sorry for that,” he said, stepping forward and piercing my personal space. “How can I make it up to you?” he begged.
I narrowed my eyes at him and studied him. His jet-black hair was a little longer now. And his dark eyes were pleading. His expression seemed genuine, or else he was a great actor. Normally, I wouldn’t accept the apology of a man who tried to assault me, but his words tugged at my heart.
“Fine, Nate,” I sighed. “Buy us some shots later and we’ll call it even, but after tonight, stay away from me. Avery isn’t as forgiving as I am.”
Nate flashed a grin mixed with excitement and snake oil. Even when he was charming he seemed creepy. He was ominous, like a good-looking Vincent Price, except with longer hair and no pencil thin mustache. How could I ever have liked him...ugh.
Sara and I stepped around him and headed back to the table. “You should have let me twist his nuts,” she said.
“He was nothing I couldn’t handle. Another few seconds and I would have kicked him in the nuts. He would’ve been on the ground, cradling his balls, crying like a child,” I said.
“He’s ridiculous, but at least you got some free shots out of him,” she added. We both giggled then sat down at our seats back at the table.
I decided not to tell Avery about what just happened. There was no reason to get him riled up for nothing. Nate said his peace, now I just wanted to move on.
Dinner was served and we all fell into a comfortable silence as we ate.
The night moved on with an exciting party vibe and we danced and drank well into the late hours.
Although, Avery got annoyed every time Nate brought us drinks, Nate always took great care to pour them out in front of us and my god they were strong. It was some kind of Hawaiian whiskey, I think.
My head was woozy as we danced. It was unnerving that Nate always seemed to be hovering nearby by watching us. I tried to catch him in the act but he was stealthy like a ghost.
The music kept pumping and Avery’s hard body moved with mine on the dance floor. Jesus, he was hot as hell.
As I danced, I thought about how I couldn’t imagine my life without him and I didn’t want to. I smiled, knowing that we were good for each other. He made me feel sexy. He made me feel cherished, but the question of Avery’s past remained. Who broke his heart and kept him from getting close to anyone for six years? What did she do to him that had him such a mess until I came along?
I snapped out of my internal monologue when he leaned down to my ear.
“I’m going to the restroom. Don’t go into any dark alleys while I’m gone,” he urged protectively. He looked to Colt and Sara. “Keep an eye on her. I’ll be right back.” They both nodded then pulled me in closer to their grinding bodies.
I watched Avery disappear into the crowd as I put my hands up and swayed my hips to the music. The dance floor was spinning and my vision was definitely becoming blurred.
I started feeling disassociated from my body almost like I was floating over myself looking down at the dance floor. I was extremely hot and the humidity made my skin moist from dancing. I started to worry that I might pass out, but I couldn’t stop dancing. The pulse of the music drove me higher and higher.
A scuffle broke out near the bar. I shook my head from its daze and hurried toward the bar with Colt and Sara in tow.
There, I saw Avery wrestling with Nate and gripping his forearm. I stood slack-jawed as Avery took Nate by the throat.
“Drop whatever’s in your hand, Gregor,” Avery commanded. The whole place turned to see what the shouting was about. This wasn’t good.
“You fucking asshole. What were you putting in her drink?” Avery shouted.
Sara and Colt stood beside me, and there in front of Nate was a tray of shots with one shot glass standing slightly separate from the rest.
Nate held up his hand, struggling to breathe while Avery choked him, and then Nate dropped a small plastic tube containing a clear liquid into Avery’s hand.
“What did you put in Aria’s shot?” Avery hissed. What a dick. I can’t believe I gave him another chance.
Avery’s jaw clenched tight as a steel vice and he was breathing rapidly. “What did you give her?” Avery asked tersely.
Nate didn’t even seem to care that Avery caught him. That son of a bitch was pure evil.
Then he whispered to Avery loud enough for me to hear as I stepped close to them.
“Just a little Special K, Bro, to make her a little more agreeable for you later,” Nate laughed hysterically, but his laughter cut off sharply when Avery seized him by the collar and pushed him into the kitchen.
Ailani ran towards us. I followed right
behind Avery with Sara, Colt, and Pierce, who begged Lucy to wait by the bar.
“Stupid move, Gregor. Did you really think I wouldn’t keep my eye on you?” Avery said angrily.
Nate grinned like the serpent he was. “You can’t prove anything. There’s a blind spot there, where the security cameras can’t see,” Nate crowed. “It’s my word against yours. I’ll just say, I confiscated that vial from a customer and hadn’t had a chance to turn it in yet, when you assaulted me. I look forward to suing you, Jameson. Camp Gregor has a nice sound to it, don’t you think?”
Avery glanced up at Ailani who just entered the kitchen and then looked back at Nate.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Jameson. This must all be a misunderstanding. Nate is my best employee since he arrived several weeks ago,” Ailani said.
“It’s okay, Ailani. Nate has a way of hiding his true nature,” Avery said. His vice-like grip never left Nate’s collar as Avery nodded to Colt who trotted out the front door.
We all watched as he tore the for-sale sign off it and ran back to Avery, who then handed it to the manager.
“Ailani, I just bought this place, and as the new owner, I want this asshole fired and removed from the premises immediately,” Avery said authoritatively.
“Yes, Mr. Jameson, right away, sir,” Ailani acknowledged.
Avery’s clasp tightened around Nate’s collar, forcing him to wince in pain as Avery moved him towards the back door.
“Get the fuck off my property, loser!” Avery said, thrusting Nate through the door past the wide-eyed Ailani.
“I want him arrested,” Avery insisted.
Ailani agreed, taking the tube and quickly pulling out his phone to call the police.
The entire restaurant was in complete silence as we made our way back through the door to the bar.
The heavy-set ukulele player over on the side stage cut the silence and announced through the PA, “Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce the new owner of Peak. Mr. Avery Jameson.”
The crowd erupted in applause, except for one table over on the side, which was wondering what happened to their server. They had been trying to get their drinks refilled the entire time Avery was manhandling Nate.
Avery signaled for a new server. “Drinks are on me,” he announced to the crowd. Everyone applauded.
Avery made his way back to our table and settled back into his chair when the hostess Jenna came over and announced that she would be our new waitress for the evening. Avery thanked Jenna, and she quickly left and returned with new bottles and removed the lids in front of us. Smart girl. She then set down a plate of lime wedges and was gone.
I swallowed dryly, trying to make sense of what happened. My vision was still blurred and I was lightheaded. I had a nice buzz. Nate, that idiot, what the hell did he to do to me?
Avery took a long pull from his bottle, trying hard not to look phased by the huge scene he just made.
“Let’s do more shots,” I said, feeling energetic and reaching for another beer but Avery’s hand stopped me.
“Uh-uh, Kitten. You can have water until we get your head clear. You should be fine in about an hour. He didn’t give you that much. And I don’t want you passing out on the dance floor.” Sara, Colt and Pierce nodded in agreement.
Avery waved Jenna back over and ordered a double round of Jameson shots for all of them but I got a large ice water. At least it had a lemon wedge, I thought, trying to conceal my frown.
“I apologize for the trouble earlier,” Jenna said to Avery. “I never did trust that guy.”
“Thank you,” Avery said, and then she was off to get their shots.
After about an hour when my head finally started to clear, the manager Ailani stepped beside Avery and leaned to his ear.
“The police chief would like to take your statement. I could have him come back later.”
“No. Now is fine.” Avery stood and kissed my forehead. “I’ll be right back,” he winked. I smiled up at him. He could always make me smile.
When Avery returned to the table, his hand found my inner thigh and he squeezed gently. It was his way of saying everything would be fine. But actually, I felt great. Nate had given me just enough Special K to make me feel really good. Nate was just an asshole who couldn’t stand to see me happy and went out of his way to cause mischief, but he was gone and I felt safe again.
“Do you want to go back to the yacht?” Avery asked.
“Hell no, I wanna dance,” I said.
Soon we were all back on the dance floor putting all our worries behind us.
Avery’s hips dug into mine and I was lost in him, once again. Avery had a way of hypnotizing me. It was seductive.
Another song played, then another. Our bodies were dancing so close as if we were the ingredients of tonight’s dinner cooked together in gourmet succulence.
I followed Avery’s gaze to Colt who was standing next to us looking at Avery questionably. Avery nodded once again, then he stepped away, and Colt took his place on the dance floor. That was strange.
Avery walked back to the table and sat next to Sara. A naughty smile spread across her face. She leaned in and whispered something to Avery and they both turned to watch Colt and I dancing together. Both of them had fiery looks in their eyes. What were they planning?
I narrowed my eyes back at Colt. He chuckled and lowered his head to my ear.
“We’re just dancing. But I can assure you we’re leaving soon. I want to finish what we started at camp, Aria. I’ve waited long enough and Avery’s in the mood to share tonight.”
I swallowed nervously as Colt kissed the spot below my ear and suddenly I didn’t care if he felt the tremble throughout my body. He grinned against my ear.
“That’s my girl, close your eyes. It’s time for your final lesson.” I closed my eyes as he moved behind me.
“Block out everything except my voice and the music. Let it move you. Remember in class when you wanted to touch me so badly? Well now’s your chance, sweet girl, let it all go. Just feel me move with you.”
Colt gripped my hips and ground his erection against me. My eyes snapped open and I could feel the lust on his hot breath.
Colt widened his legs and brought me closer. Our hips were gyrating to the seductive song now playing through the sound system that seemed to put everyone in an erotic trance.
A few couples were lost in their own bliss as I refocused on Colt and his dirty dancing. He skimmed my body with his generous hands and before I knew it, I was almost panting with need.
I didn’t care about anything else but what Colt was doing to my merciless body. I pressed in towards him and heard his groan against my ear.
“Let’s go, before I combust in my pants like a fucking teenager.” Colt laced his fingers with mine and beckoned to Avery and Sara who were intently watching our erotic exchange.
We made our way back to the dock towards Avery’s yacht when I realized Pierce wasn’t with us.
“Where’s Pierce?” I asked.
“He’ll meet us here tomorrow,” Avery smirked. Lucy.
We boarded the yacht. Avery informed the Captain that we’d be staying moored here at this marina tonight and gave the entire crew the night off. It only took a few minutes before we were all alone on this magnificent vessel.
Darkness surrounded us and bathed us in a starlit sky with the quieted lights of a now dim oceanside marina. The full moon was casting its soft light on the ocean with the occasional sailing yacht passing by several hundred yards away on a midnight cruise.
Sara handed me a whiskey straight up and clinked her glass against mine.
I eyed her curiously but I felt great. She was trying to read my reaction to all of this.
“Are you okay with me sleeping with Avery tonight? If it makes you uncomfortable, we can just soft swap.” I didn’t know how I would feel having her sleep with Avery but at the moment, I was feeling generous.
“I think it’s okay.” Hell, I had fantasized about Colt s
ince chemistry class. All those nights I’d listened to Sara and Colt going at it, now I was about to see for myself what all the screaming was about.
“If you get uncomfortable about anything, just say the word and we’ll stop,” she added.
I consented. Geez, I was nervous and there was no reason to be. These were my best friends and everyone was here to have a good time.
I took in a shaky breath as warm hands wrapped around me from behind. Avery spun me around, his mouth fell to mine, and he pulled me near.
Another set of hands caressed my back and I felt Colt press against me. His hands went to my hips and rubbed over my behind.
Avery pulled away and trailed hot kisses down my neck. I glanced to Sara. She was behind the on-deck bar turning up the music that now echoed throughout the deck. She rocked her hips to the sexy jazz mix and sipped on her newly poured wine. The mood was intoxicating.
Her lustful eyes looked back at us as she leaned against the bar to watch. She was giving me a minute to get into this.
I could smell the ocean all around us, the water below us. The mix of Avery and Colt’s cologne filled my senses and I inhaled deeply, wondering where this night would lead. Nervousness and excitement quivered inside me.
Avery turned me toward Colt and I suddenly couldn’t wait to kiss him. I rose up on my tiptoes and leaned in to kiss him. He put his hand on the nape of my neck and opened his mouth to deepen our kiss. He moaned as I threaded my fingers in his hair and pulled him closer.
Avery unzipped my red sundress and I stepped away for a minute to let it fall from my body. My bra quickly followed.
Colt’s eyes darkened when Avery cupped my breasts. Avery kissed my neck once more then stepped away. Colt’s hands replaced Avery’s and I arched my back into his touch.
Colt lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me toward the oversized bed in Avery’s stateroom with Sara and Avery in tow.
Once on the bed, Colt began his seduction. But as soon as we got started we were interrupted by the Chasing Seven ringtone blaring from Avery’s cellphone.
“This is Avery,” Avery said. His words didn’t strike me from my desire until I heard the hitch in his voice.
Camp Paramore Page 4
